CNA shoes - what kind to get?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I will be entering a CNA training program soon, and I have the entire uniform ready except for the shoes. We can wear any kind of white shoes, so I'm wondering what the best type would be. A lot of nurses I've seen wear Crocs, are they awesomely comfortable or something? Is that the ideal healthcare shoe? Or should I opt for a cheap pair of white tennis shoes from Payless? I appreciate any ideas and advice!!

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I would recommend getting some Crocs (or off brand ones) if you are getting them for training. I would recommend getting some name brand shoes for when you are on the floor after your training if the Crocs do not work out. For me, I had an off brand of Crocs that were very comfortable but they had holes on the top of the shoes so I got a lot of wet stuff on me feet that I did not like. Then I bought the ones without the holes on them and my feet sweated really bad and it made it hard for me to work in them.

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Thank you, Rosey! I really appreciate you're advice. I've had my eye on some Crocs that have 4 small holes on each side, rather than on the top, maybe I'll try those out and see how they work for me. Thanks again!

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Whatever you buy, I don't recommend going cheap. Your knees will hate you for buying $5 shoes, and your back won't be a happy camper, either.

Go for something that is well-cushioned as well as supportive.

I have tried 4-5 different pairs of shoes while working and I have found Skechers to be by far the best (for me).

If you do end up purchasing crocs, check with your instructor to see if your clinical site(s) will allow them. Several hospitals as well as nursing homes in my area have banned them as part of the dress code.

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Thanks, Coffeemate! Sketchers - I'll have to remember that and try on some of them. I didn't know crocs are being banned at some institutions, thanks for letting me know. I'll check with my instructor and make sure they're allowed. I don't want to spend the money if I can't wear them.

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Specializes in ICU.

I wear Pumas. They're super cute and reasonably comfy even after 12 hours at work, and they can be pretty affordable!

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

I wouldn't go with Crocs with holes in them at all. Showers will soak your feet with little air circulation to get them dry.

Personally, Im a fan of Nike and they have lasted foreeeever.

Whatever brand you get, you'll want a leather-type solid cover, not canvas or whatever the fabric kind is. Just make sure you have support because the Dr. Scholl's inserts wear out and can get expensive.

I have bought from ShoesForCrews.com. They are known for their slip resistance. I tried to slip on purpose and couldn't!

Dondie

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Thanks to both Juliaann and Dondie - I'll try Pumas and Nike both to see which is the best fit for me. And thanks, Dondie, for the web address! I love online shopping. Thanks for all you're help!! It is much appreciated!

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I have a pair of Puma's and just love these shoes. If seems like they just mold to your feet and are very light weight.

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Hi again, Rosey! Ok, so thats two positive votes for Pumas, I'll definitely check those out. Thank you all for you're input, I appreciate it so much!

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Specializes in LTC.

Go with whatever is comfortable for you. Personally I find that Croc-type shoes have no cushioning and no arch support and they're too wide for my feet or something. I like Easy Spirits, which are a kind of athletic shoe that comes in all different styles, including white clogs. Before I started wearing those I kept trying different things, mostly cute little sneakers from Target, and I'd come home almost crying from the pain in my feet, even with those gel inserts. Then after I found and fell in love with Easy Spirits I started noticing a lot of the residents wear that brand!

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Thanks, Fuzzywuzzy. Just a few minutes ago my mom mentioned that she really likes Easy Spirits, too. So would you guys recommend clogs, or tennis shoes? Do you're feet typically get wet even if you don't have holes on the top of you're crocs/clogs? While I was shopping for scrubs, it seems like the Nursemate brand is popular, the majority of shoes sold at Life Uniform were Nursemate brand.

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