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!!

Thanks, LaterAlligator and KB24!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The sketchers i have are called shake ups! There great!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wear Nike shoxs they are extremely comfortable & supportive! Please don't go cheap & make sure to change your shoes every 3 months.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As a CNA you want a shoe that is comfortable and does not make your feet hurt, second, you want a shoe that does not have mesh or holes in it. You don't want an athletic shoe with mesh, or crocs with holes because when doing patient care; emptying a foley, showering a patient, holding an emesis basin, or cleaning up stool - you don't want that on your shoe.

I recommend a closed leather shoe, if it has laces, I would wash the laces or buy replacement ones as the laces will ultimately get patients "germs" on them. I personally have Danskos which are expensive but have had the same pair for the past 3 years so they pay for themselves. There are cheaper all leather shoes out there.

Think of your dirtiest most foul patient, and what comes out of their body, then tell yourself do I want that on the mesh of my shoe, or even on my sock, or on my foot? If you do want that then buy athletic shoes, if not please save yourself and get an all leather shoe or a closed type croc without the holes.

Happy shoe hunting!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lovelife2 - After reading everyone's messages, I'm definitely not going to go cheap. I'm so glad I asked, and really appreciative of everyone who has left a comment. I didn't realize I'd need to change my shoes every 3 months though. Thanks for the tip!

Coupb8222 - You're absolutely right, I wouldn't want any of those disgusting germs getting into my shoes, on my socks or feet. I'm going to go to my local Life Uniform store and look at all the shoes and try them on to see which is the best. Thank you for your comment!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Z-coils are the only shoe I can do a 12 hour shift in and not be completely aching everywhere. They are the 4th pair of shoes I tried. First I did some regular nursing shoe, Nike with the shocks, MBT's. Another shoe I see a lot of people wear are the Dansko's. The heal is really big and soft.

You have to go to a certified z-coil disributor to get them. I recommend getting them without the coil cover b/c it adds weight and cost! They run in whole sizes only and I'm a 6 1/2. They tried putting me in a 7 which was an inch too big. It was heavy and cumbersome. I traded it for a 6 which has been wonderful. I've worked several 12 hours shifts at the hospital now and i'm surprised how well it works, bc normally i am a wimp when it comes to standing for very long!!!!

You'll want to get all leather (for spills) white is what a lot of places like or black is probably even more popular!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi,

Good question. You MUST have comfortable supportive shoes for good body mechanics and your own health & comfort.

Your back and legs will get a great work out and you need to protect both for a variety of good reasons.

I have 3 pair of "Therashoes" in white that I rotate. An orthopedic I know said they are great for you and a fraction of the Skeetcher price. They are sold at K-Mart and average 20. a pair. They take an hour to get used to but man I can go all day with these. They occasionally sell on a buy one get one 1/2 off. I also have several of the flip flops for the off work times :>

kmart therashoe - Google Product Search

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nightingale - I've never heard of Z-coils before. I'll have to investigate them! Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For over 20 years, I use nothing but SAS brand shoes. Not the cheapest(approx $70) but the Gold Standard of Nursing footwear in my area. I have yet to find anything as comfortable over all the years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Worldtraveler - $70 isn't the cheapest, but it sure isn't the most expensive. That sounds pretty reasonable for a great shoe that won't make me ache horribly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

After 8-12 hours on a hard floor, you'll swear they were the best investment you ever made. A lot of waitresses in our area wear the SAS brand as well and nothing else.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a CNA...and have found that something SLIP RESISTANT is a good way to go. Being that you are going to be bathing, etc. I wear the Sketchers Slip Resistant shoes - and have Sketchers DeLites for non skids. Both are comfy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment