Comfortable shoes? Do they exist?

mmm cdiff · Jul 17, 2011

I just wear New Balance sneakers with some cheap shoe inserts in 'em. Works for me. NurseMates KILL me though!

allnurses Guide · Jul 17, 2011

I am a huge fan of Nike. They are durable, I can throw them in the wash and they come out okay, and they are the only ones that don't make my feet hurt.

Tried New Balance but my feet AND knees hurt too bad in them, so now those are my grass cutting shoes!

cindyloowho · Jul 17, 2011

Regular sneakers make my lower back kill but the Sketchers Shapeups totally took care of that! No more back pain!!! I just bought a pair of Danskos though, cause people rave about them. Haven't tried those yet. I'd say go try a pair of Shapeups, MBTs, or Danskos.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

One absolute truth that I have learned: everyone's perfect she solution is different. And that sucks because it may mean lots of $$ while searching for the perfect shoe. But man - when you find that perfect shoe, it is worth it.

For my plantar fascitis, Birkenstocks made me able to be a nurse again, after cortisone shots, PT and custom orthotics didn't work. Then after one of my arches fell and I could not longer wear Birks. Danskso came to my rescue and they are my current heaven on earth.

GleeGum, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

i've used Dansko Professional or Birki (a type of birkenstock) garden clog. both totally worth the money. there's a new shoe out too, called Allegria. also very comfy.

good shoes for your feet, knees and back are totally worth the money. and if you buy on zappos it's free shipping and so easy to return.

lrobinson5 · Jul 17, 2011

I found these shoes at Kmart that were really cheap, called Therashoe.

They're like a rip-off of shape ups, and are very similar to them. My back problems, and the feeling like I've been walking around disneyland all day stopped after I switched to them.

Only complaint is that they are cheap (I think I paid no more than $15) and I will probably have to get another pair after a semester and a half.

boogalina, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN · Jul 17, 2011

Sorta. . .the answer is highly individual. Many love Dansko clogs.

The only thing that works for me are the Wolverine Aurora Oxford with the Individual Comfort System (they have a circular insert in the heel that can be rotated to fit the shoe to your foot style - i.e.; need more heel comfort, or firmer support, or adjust for pronating, or whatever). I like them because they sort of give the clog look without the high sole. Pretty good toe protection, also.

Even there, I tried Dr. Scholls gels, which were OK, but didn't do anything for the forefoot area. DH found me SofSole (www.sofsole.com) gel heel cups and forefoot cushions at Sports Authority - thank goodness! No more limping through shifts!

ICU, RN, BSN, B.S. · Jul 17, 2011

I'm searching for a new pair of shoes to wear to work. The ones I have now make my lower back hurt after standing for awhile. Any suggestions for a comfortable brand?
Bonus question: Dr. Scholls custom inserts- are they worth it?

Nurse Mates :)

Koolbeans17 · Jul 17, 2011

Since a friend introduced me to :redbeathe Merrell shoes (Jungle Moc Pro) I haven't wore any other shoes. My feet used to kill me especially my heels. Now I don't have that problem. I have tried to talk my coworkers into getting some Merrells when they complain about their feet. They don't want to buy anything online just in case the shoes don't fit, and they would have to return them. :confused: So I tell them to keep buying their cheap shoes, and let their feet hurt then.

teeniebert, LPN · Jul 17, 2011

Regular sneakers make my lower back kill but the Sketchers Shapeups totally took care of that! No more back pain!!! I just bought a pair of Danskos though, cause people rave about them. Haven't tried those yet. I'd say go try a pair of Shapeups, MBTs, or Danskos.

The best shoes I've found for work are MBTs (similar to Shapeups). People ask me all the time, "Hey, do those work?" and I have to answer, "That depends, what do you mean by 'work'?" I have no idea if my butt or thighs are more toned since I started wearing them, but my feet, knees, and back don't hurt as often or as intensely. I've actually had days when I woke up with sore feet, worked a full shift in my MBTs, and came home with less foot pain.

I have 2 pairs of Danskos (one slip-on and one lace-up) that are comfortable, but they both have an elevated heel--if I wear either/both of them too many days in a row, my calves get really tight. I've started wearing the lace-up pair on my days off instead of sneakers since they're so supportive.

Twinmom06, ASN, APN · Jul 17, 2011

I have to agree with the Alegria - I bought a pair of clearance sandals to check them out before committing $$$ to the professional ones and I can walk without a second thought!!