CNA shoes - what kind to get?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

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!!

Specializes in LTC.

I like the clogs better for some reason. They're less confining, which is probably why they don't get smelly like sneakers do (although my stinky shoes were different brands so it could have been the material or something- I have been through a couple pairs of Easy Spirits and they were both clogs and they smell just fine). Sometimes my feet slip out of them, like if I'm walking backwards with a big meal truck or trying to get out of my own way when using a lift, but they make some with a strap around the heel to prevent that.

Your feet are probably going to get a little damp in the shower just from the water hitting the floor and throwing up a mist, no matter what. But you do learn to keep your feet out of the way pretty quick. The first time I ever gave a shower in my clinical I managed to soak my entire body!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Fuzzywuzzy - the idea of clogs appeals to me more than tennis shoes, I've never really been a tennis shoe kinda girl. I had to laugh at you getting you're entire body soaked, I'm sure thats what I'll do my first time too! And that would NOT be a good idea, because our uniform is white scrubs. I don't know if you were wearing white or not, but white clothes + soaked in shower = not good. Maybe I should bring a change of scrubs with me...?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i hear sketchers!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Liles - Awesome, thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

it helps great body mechanics! and your welcome anytime!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Many wear clogs, I don't like them so i don't.

You want something that WILL NOT FALL OFF EASY.

not sure where you are working, but bring extra pair of socks and shoes if you are going to get wet.

Crocs are ok if no holes in them, but I found in a Hospital setting that the floors reach out and Grab your crocks and make you trip :lol2: I was not the only one.

Maybe that is why they don't let people wear them ?

Get a shoe you can slip on and off WITH OUT TIES.

I love these http://www.landsend.com/pp/StylePage-53592_AL.html?CM_MERCH=REC-_-FPPP-_-GGT-_-1-_-53592-_-386301 Although mine were a bit different. I bought them about 8 years ago and got another pair like them at Walmart for $10 but they are just like them

I know these are mens, but if you can get a pair like this you will be able to slid them off without touching them, wipe off gross stuff and nonskid.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Men-s-Skidbuster-S5072/13834151

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lin - Thank you so much for you're comment! I really appreciate the links to actually see the shoes you're talking about, too. I like the styles of the ones you've shown me, I think I'll look for something similar. Thanks again!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CNA.

Don't skimp on your shoes!! Your feet make your living, treat them with tender loving care. My mom was a CNA who always wore inexpensive shoes. She is now disabled due to back and leg problems.

I am 5 ft 3 and weigh 280 pounds. I wear Nike Shox or Nike Air Max, and my feet NEVER hurt. Sometimes they do get soggy though. I am going to start changing socks after I finish my showers. If only my Nikes were non skid they would be perfect. I have slipped on wet floors several times. I think the Shox grip better than the Air Max. However, the Shox are hard to clean up when....well, you know.

I ALWAYS keep an extra set of scrubs in my car. You never know. Last week I was giving a shower and dropped the soap. I bent over to pick it up and I heard RIP :uhoh3:. I told my hall nurse that I had a wardrobe malfunction and ran out the door.:p

She was glad that I did not have to go home to change. I just went out to the car and grabbed another set. You had better believe that I put another "emergency set" in my car as soon as I got home that night.

I am saving up for another pair of Nikes. I need some emergency shoes also!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion.

Spira's are all I wear now...they are amazing! No knee or hip pain at ALL!!

http://spirafootwearstore.c5.ixwebhosting.com/catalog/product_info_lightbox.php?cPath=32&products_id=121&osCsid=beb4a545543a2b57b9dc2279a544a045

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Justme - Thanks for you're advice! I'll definitely try both of those styles of Nikes on and see how well they work for me. And after reading about you're "wardrobe malfunction" I will definitely keep an extra pair of scrubs in my car! I'm so glad you had an extra pair, that would have been really terrible for you! Oh man! Thanks for the advice :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics, dementia, ortho.

If I'm going to be doing lots of showers (homecare) I wear the kind of Crocs without holes in them - your feet do get sweaty, but they are pretty good for traction, and you don't get your socks wet that way. I also really like the Koi cargo-pant type scrubs for that, since they have little bungee cords along the bottom hem so you can shorten them up during the showers so you don't get your hems wet. If I'm not doing many showers or am at the AL facility, I usually wear either my running shoes (New Balance) or regular Crocs with the holes in them so I can get some air to my feet. A lot of girls at my work have been wearing the Shape Ups lately, so I'm really tempted to try those out too; have heard good things about them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Crocs or a good pair of Nike shoes with gel inserts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment