[maythen]

I've been on Z coils for little less than a year. Really hard shifts leave me sore, but I'm not waking up screaming in pain anymore. (scared my husband half to death).

They're expensive, and in my case didn't last too long. I've already had to get them reglued to the foot base twice and resoled once (which I had to pay for, despite that upon purchase I was assured EVERYTHING was guaranteed for 3 years).

I've had the springs changed out once and the positioning altered twice (free). According to the lady I was using the springs to propel myself down the halls faster and needed a heavier spring than normal for my weight and shoe size to compensate.

They look odd and I've had several co workers make fun of me. They were IMHO awfully expensive. You've got to learn to walk in them and to do this weird twitchy shuffle when cords get caught in your springs (they sell spring covers if you want them). The springs also can get caught on chair rungs (a co worker on springs nearly broke his nose when he did a face plant attempting to run to a code and his coil caught on a chair rung).

But at the end of those 13 hour shifts... my feet are tired but they don't hurt. My legs might be a little sore but I'm not achy or cramping. My posture is better. It even gives me an extra inch or so in height (which isn't a big deal for most people but I'm only 5 foot and need all the help I can get.)

Z coils can be a hassel. But they were worth it for me.

(please excuse all the grammar and punctuation weirdness, I'm getting ready to flop into bed after my 4th in a row and my brain is a little numb)

[davescatch]

I love my J. Rubio clogs with their funky spring in the heel. They are really comfortable and much cheaper than z coils. Used to get from Europe now they can be ordered from USA at: www.jrubio.us
Really awesome shoes!

I've tried Dansko, Birkenstock, Crocs and even the z coils. Not even looking for another brand to try anymore.

[RN and Mommy]

Originally Posted by Banana River

This may seem silly...but what kind of shoes have you found do your feet some justice after working 12 hour shifts?
My shoes seem to break down after a month or so. I have tried Easy Spirit..NIKE...Avia..Brooks...New Balance...
Has anyone tried Z Coil?
Ive found that if you dont have the right shoes..your back..legs..everything HURTS!
Do any of you wear support hose as well? Im not use to these longggg hours...<sigh> Thanks!

I also LOVE crocs. I also have birkenstocks, and they are ok. They aren't any more comfortable than tennis shoes (for me anyways. I know a lot of people swear by them). The crocs are also wayyyyy cheaper than the birkenstocks.

[MamaTheNurse]

I wore Birkenstocks for years - used to work 5 12's in a row, pregnant and never missed a beat

I didn't do staff nursing for a few years and lost track of where my old Birks got to so I tried a pair of Crocs - felt ok at the end of the shift, but boy, did I pay for it the next morning - the crazier the shift, the worse I felt (I work in ICU)

so.........bit the bullet and went on e-bay and got a pair of Birkenstocks - black ones from the "Alpro" line - $55 out the door with s/h and everything - they usually retail for $120 - I've worn them for a few shifts and I will never look back - threw my Crocs in the washing machine to get all the ICU gunk off and now they are just to kick around the house in...........

unfortunately, sometimes you have to try a few things to find out what's best for you - gets costly but if you find what works for you, it will mean you aren't hobbling in your retirement years!

[military spouse]

Klogs, New Balance, Easy Spirit and SAS.

[MadisonsMomRN]

Originally Posted by PennyLane

Dansko clogs. It's all I wear at work and no foot pain. I have a high arch so need firm support. Nothing squishy for me.

I LOVE Dansko. I have a high arch too and they are WONDERFUL My first nursing shoe was Rockers and I did not get too much support. I like a firm shoe.

Are Birkenstock's firm??

[ladylynx]

Originally Posted by Banana River

This may seem silly...but what kind of shoes have you found do your feet some justice after working 12 hour shifts?
My shoes seem to break down after a month or so. I have tried Easy Spirit..NIKE...Avia..Brooks...New Balance...
Has anyone tried Z Coil?
Ive found that if you dont have the right shoes..your back..legs..everything HURTS!
Do any of you wear support hose as well? Im not use to these longggg hours...<sigh> Thanks!

I thought someone would mention K-Swiss (the thicker soles). A few years ago, a nurse that had many problems with her feet mentioned that her Orthopeodic (sorry if it's spelled wrong) Doctor referred her to an expensive orthopeodic shoe (I can't remember what kind) or K-Swiss ($50-60) and she chose K-Swiss. So I decided to try it and now 4 years later that is still all I will buy...NO PAIN! I always work 12 hour shifts 4-6 per week...NO PAIN :hatparty: Also my fiance has neuropathy and that is all he will wear...NO PAIN!

[Ruby Vee]

Another vote for Danskos. I work 12 hour shifts, and the arch supports are wonderful. (I got fallen arches after 20 years in nursing -- go figure!) One thing I've found that helps is to have two pairs and alternate every day. It takes more than 24 hours for your shoe's innards to bounce back after a wearing, so they last longer if I alternate.

[scrubnurse]

Originally Posted by akemi

Hey Banana
I use "Crocs" They're the new craze the the hospital where I work. Docs, nurses and aides have em. They come in different colors. I've seen them sold at small boutiques. I got mine as a gift, so not sure if any major department stores carry them.
They are sooooo comfortable, even after three twelves in a row. Kinda feels like walking on air.
oh, and they don't stink!!!

For all of the croc lovers out there:
I know there are various generics out there, payless and wal-mart both have a cheaper version. Has anyone tried these? Any comparison? I have been debating getting some crocs and even though they aren't very expensive ($30 at Dillards) Walmart has generics for $9.
Any thoughts of comments?
Thanks!

[ljnvb]

Originally Posted by Banana River

This may seem silly...but what kind of shoes have you found do your feet some justice after working 12 hour shifts?
My shoes seem to break down after a month or so. I have tried Easy Spirit..NIKE...Avia..Brooks...New Balance...
Has anyone tried Z Coil?
Ive found that if you dont have the right shoes..your back..legs..everything HURTS!
Do any of you wear support hose as well? Im not use to these longggg hours...<sigh> Thanks!

Birkenstock shoes are the best. I have been in nursing for 31 years and they are the best.