[NephroBSN]

Originally Posted by Suesquatch

I can't wear clogs - Dansko, Quarks, Crocs, any of 'em - without terrible metatarsal pain.

I have a pair of $20 Wal*Mark white leather sneakers that are great, and a $50 pair of Spring Step that I love. The trick, though, is a good arch support insert AND, as Nephro said, supphose.

Three pair for $20 bucks can't beat that.

[cswain12000]

I just recently purchased a set of custom made orthotics--from a site on ebay!! They were $75.00. They sent me a foam impression kit which I sent back, and with in a week, I had my orthotics. After an initial breaking in period, they are absolutely wonderful!!!!! I was skeptical-purchasing something like that from ebay-but I thought for $75.00-what did I have to lose?? So, I ordered them, and I have noticed a difference in my feet, hips, and my back as well. Now, at this companies website the orthotics are $289.00, but on ebay the very same ones are 69.00 + shipping.
Just to let you all know--I am a nurse in Minneapolis-I do not work for this orthotic company, nor do I have stock in them or anything like that--just wanted to share what I find has really helped me. If anybody is interested you can PM me, and I will send you the info, or if enough are interested-I will post it here in a message.
Also--these orthotics are made to last for 10 - 12 years, so when you do wear out a pair of shoes, you are still putting your feet into the orthotics that they are used to, and still getting the benefit of a custom fit. Cindy

[Hoozdo]

Originally Posted by BethyC123

I have just about worn through my old shoes and am looking to get a new pair. My feet have been killing me ever since I started as a CNA and am on my feet running around for 8 hours at a time! I would love any and all recommendations on the best, most comfortable nursing shoe out there. Thank you!

Well, after investing a tidy sum in a shoe that works for me - here are my reviews:
Dansko - Beware the thicker sole under the forward foot section - you might trip on things at first due to the thicker sole. After about 10 hours they rub the top of my foot where the clog hits when I walk and hurt.

Crocs - OK, for an 8 hour shift, but not enough support for a 12 hour shift. In addition, the most common brand has holes which is nice aeriation, BUT - what if you spill urine, stool, or blood on your foot?

Birkenstock - HEAVENLY. High arches provide wonderful support for my feet. I will never buy another brand of shoe for work.

New Balance - Never tried - I am happy with my Birkis

Z-coil - Never tried, but I am sure in ICU that I would get something wrapped in that coil at an inopportune time and end up pulling out someone's central line or something equally as horrible!

[brewerpaul]

BTW-- another hint is to buy shoes at the END of your shift, when your feet are as sore and swollen as they're going to get. Most shoes feel OK when your feet already feel good.

[sun_chica]

I too have bought Dansko, only to find I CAN'T WEAR THEM!!! EERRR!

But, I've found KEEN brand shoes, they're actually more outdoor/rugged leather shoes.

www.keenfootwear.com/

Go to the women's page, I have the "boston" style in color "bison"

They are so comfortable, they felt worn in from day #1. My feet never hurt.

The pair I bought were $105, so I would find a store that carries the brand and see if they work for you. they don't feel like the most cushiony shoe, but they mold to your feet... can't say enough good things about them.

Good luck in your search!!

[TheCommuter]

Originally Posted by BethyC123

I have just about worn through my old shoes and am looking to get a new pair. My feet have been killing me ever since I started as a CNA and am on my feet running around for 8 hours at a time! I would love any and all recommendations on the best, most comfortable nursing shoe out there. Thank you!

I work 16 hours per day on Saturday and Sunday. My feet do not hurt me or become sore at the end of the day. Read further for my simple tip for avoiding foot pain at work.

I will wear one pair of shoes for the first 8 hours, usually a pair of athletic shoes. I have Adidas, Avia, Nike, and New Balance. At approximately 8 hours I will change shoes. At this point I will slip on a pair of lightweight clogs or wear a pair of casual shoes (Doc Martens, Nurse Mates, etc.). I find that I can avoid any type of foot pain or soreness by changing shoes halfway through my shifts. Good luck, because I know that foot pain can interfere with the job.

[TheCommuter]

Originally Posted by NephroBSN

It isn't always your shoes that are causing problem. You might need good socks. Not ankle socks. But support hose. Get some good new shoes but put on good support stockings to boot.

I, too, have found that much of my calf pain and foot soreness diminishes when I wear TED hose to work. I wear the knee-high support hose to work all the time; in addition, I sometimes sleep with the thigh-high support hose. They really help.

[blkdawn]

Nike AS III Walkers....They were the Consumer Reports best buy for walking shoes and since I've started wearing them, I haven't had a problem with my feet hurting.

[redladybird]

Such good advice guys and gals!

Support hose
Changing shoes
and everyone is different.

I SO wanted danskos to work for me, they were so cute! I had a pair of professionals and a pair of the tie ups. They worked for 6-8 hours in nursing school but Once I started 12 H shifts I wanted to cut my feet off.

I agree that everyone is different. I am in the high arch, narrow foot == plantar fascitis (sp).

I just bought some Merrills per a suggestion. Well see if those work. My old mens doc martins. I would like to hear from others with PF (heal pain).

NOTE! I had problems with PF before and went through a billions things (shots, boots at night). I then figured out I was wearing shoes that were TOO SMALL for me. I always though the more room the better. Not true. But I doubt I could wear my dress doc's to the ER.

[melanie1126]

Once you decide on a shoe to buy, you might want to throw your old pair in a bag and take them in with you until you get the new pair broke in. I learned the hard way when 3 hours into a 12 hour shift I could hardly walk in a new pair of shoes. I had to call my husband, who had to get our 2 yr. old out at 10pm to drive all the way to the hospital with my old pair. I had worn holes in my socks in the skin was missing! Our floor has 3 very long hallways and there was NO way I could make it. That's my 2 cents.