Best nursing shoes?

rnmaven · Apr 4, 2004

Hi there! I'm wondering what kind of shoes nurses' consider "the best?" I've had several people tell me birkenstock makes a great line of nursing shoes, but man are they ever expensive! Some nurses I have talked to have tons of praaise for Dr Scholl's gel inserts ("gellin' like a felon") and others say they are just not enough support. What about nursemate's? Are they a good brand? I guess in the long run spending a little more money for a couple of pairs of good shoes are worth it to save the footsies. I know I need to do something soon, at the end of the day, I don't know which part of my body is more sore, my feet or my back! Thanks for your advice! :)

I have personally found that the best shoes for me are walking shoes from either Rockport or Naturalizer. At the outlets for these companies I do pretty well. They are white leather and look professional. They have nice arch supports and generally I can get them for about $29 to $39 a pair. I wrote off Nursemates a long time ago because they just didn't hold up and weren't as comfortable. Rockport and Naturalizers come in a Wide size too which helps when you're on your feel all night.

care bear · Apr 4, 2004

Hi Everyone

I alternate between two pairs of shoes. They are not typically "nurse" shoes or from companies that supply "nursing" type shoes.

The first pair are a pair of Doc Martins shoes. They are expensive to buy but last for a very long time. They are one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I have and have been very durable (Ive had them for about four years). The other pair is a pair of Colorado brand shoes. Stangely enough this is an Australian clothing label !! Their shoes, as people who have them will attest, are expensive but again last a very long time. They are also very comfortable.

care bear RN

unknown99, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2004

Birkenstocks are expensive, but they are the best.

meesa214 · Apr 4, 2004

I'm really disappointed in my Nursemates. I've only had them for 3 months and I'm about ready to throw them out the window. My feet hurt sooooo bad at the end of my shift (and I'm only doing a 5 hour clinical right now) that it actually hurts to touch the soles of my feet at night. And gosh darn it, I spent 50 bucks on those things!

sharann, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2004

I like my white Dansko "proffessional" clogs, with the back to cover the heel. WOuldn't go back to anything else. Cost is about 100 dollars give or take 10 depending on where you are.

kids · Apr 4, 2004

Nothing has ever made my feet hurt like NurseMates do.

I am a huge fan of Danskos. When I was working jobs that required street clothes I ended up buying a couple of colored (not white) pair to wear.

My suggestion is to shop for shoes after work (when your feet are swollen and sore). Try on several pair until you find ones that feel good and write down the brand, style name and # then go home and look for them cheaper on the net.

susswood · Apr 4, 2004

Dansko clogs are by far the best for me. I have had Birkenstocks, but they do not compare to Danskos after 12 hours in the ER. I have wide feet though...I friend of mine whose feet are narrow swear by Sven clogs.

camay1221_RN · Apr 5, 2004

I wear the Propet Stability Walker. My feet are 8.5 WW, so I have to order my shoes, and I find these to be comfortable and reasonably priced, approx $50.00

Cindy_A · Apr 5, 2004

Well, it sounds like I'm in the minority, but I LOVE my Nursemates! They are very light and comfortable. I wear the "Dove" style which is a loafer-type style. I don't like shoes with laces, as it seems the laces come untied too easily, and unless the entire shoe is leather, they are difficult to clean. To each her (or his!) own!

warrior woman · Apr 5, 2004

Love my Nike Airliners!! My feet don't get tired or sore in them.