Can anyone recommend a decent pair of work shoes?

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Specializes in Aged Care, General Acute,Theatre,Rehab,.

Can anyone please recommend a really good pair of work shoes that has PLENTY of cushioning and are comfy for the long shift ahead?

My Diana Fiara one's ended up making my big toe nails bruise, so ended up in the bin. Plus I found they didn't cushion enough.

My Orthotic one's are now so worn out they are offering no cushioning at all.

The balls of my feet and toes are the area that kills me. Causing shin pain after walking a million miles, or so it feels like it, up and down the passageways to answer calls and such.

By the end of the shift I can barely walk because of pain after taking my shoes off.

This ONLY happens when wearing my 'good' (Orthotic) shoes to work and ONLY happens after shift, so I know it's my darn shoes.

I am sure there are plenty out there who have tried many shoes to find the right one's for all the walking we do, so I am hoping someone can recommend some to try.

Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Hi there,

I have used orthotic inserts in orthopedic sneakers for work. The drawback to them is that they are ungodly expensive, and the shoes eventually wear out (the inserts, custom made for your feet last about 5 years). Trying to cut down on expenses, I tried Crocs. I gotta tell you, they are great. You need to find the style that has no ventillation holes (JC rule), but the styles called specialist, and endeavor are solid. They are a clog, but have a heel strap. Really comfy, and only about $40.00 online at CROCS.com.

Amy

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Specializes in Oncology/Haematology/Stem Cell Transplant, Med/Sur.

Hi AL7139 & Redrecks,

Wow - you both wear orthotics - me too :). Hey AL7139 are those crocs (assorted colours)....I think you could wear them here in OT & recovery not sure we would get away with wearing them on the floor here in Oz as we aren't even allowed to wear scrubs (damm shame). As we have a uniform - some girls wear a court shoe (like the air hosteses on planes). I have worn doc martins -they are comfortable, kumfs are good and you will be surprised that hush puppies have a good selection and not only for the oldies anymore.

You gotta look after your feet - long time standing and pounding the floor - cement right under the carpet - not good!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Hi guys,

When I was in school we were required to wear "Nursing Shoes" I have to tell you they really sucked! I would come home from clinicals hobbling and feeling like I needed a walker! My feet felt like the bones were coming through the soles!

I am lucky to know a certified pedorthist who hooked me up for a much cheaper price than usual, and they have served me well, but I also tried the CROCS because alot of other nurses use them. They do work really great and are cheaper than orthos, so I have the best of both worlds. It's funny that I never thought that I would have orthopedic shoes at 38 years old, but in our profession, comfort is everything!

Amy

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I wear Hush Puppies shoes only and went to Podiatist ordered custom made insoles which is a great relief for my feet. Also first of all the podiatist cleaned off all my corn and callous which could be her problem killing feet. Hope this will help you.

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Specializes in GERIATRICS, DEMENTIA CARE, MED-SURG.

In my case it's my heels and lower back that kill me after work . I have tried Nike's crocs and dansko's. HELP!!!!

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Specializes in tele, oncology.

I wear airwalks (similar to Crocs), they have saved my back!

I wish that I could wear Doc Martens. I still have a pair that I bought in London when on vacation fifteen years ago...they're pretty scuffed up, and usually only get used in the winter now, but I used to LIVE in them!

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Specializes in CTICU.

Hush puppies walking shoe. They are like strapping pillows onto your feet. Look like granny shoes, but do the job! I have about 4 pairs and have worn this style for about 11 years. They cost around $120, although I recently got some on special for $79.

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Danskos. Hands down!

They are on the pricey side, about $100 USD a pair. But I have have my first pair almost 3 years now, and I am on my feet 60 hours a week. They are very supportive, and very durable. I have a pair of leather "Professional" clogs and I love them. They get better with age.

They take 2-3 weeks to break in. I take mine to the shoe repair place and have them stretch them for a few days. You might want to wear them around the house for a few hours at a time. But once you break them in- you don't even feel them.

You can find them online, and Ebay.

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Specializes in Community, Renal, OR.

Rockport shoes which I get from the Athletes Foot, the most comfortable shoes I have worn in 30 years of nursing. There is a store locater on the website:

http://www.athletesfoot.com.au/

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I have spurs and am too much of a girl to get the shots. I wear crocs all the time, they are the only shoes I can wear all day and still be able to walk after shift. I have crocs thongs, beach shoes, work shoes, wellington boots and some nice heeled ones for wearing out. I tried the birkie proffs but the tops were hard on my toes, i've tried all kinds of shoes but for me crocs are it.

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