I started my nursing program yesterday! It is so overwhelming but all the teachers were very nice and I am very excited (and nervous).
My question is regarding shoes/sneakers. What is the difference between a good ol' fashion pair of athlethic sneakers vs. a "nursing shoe" such as Rockers by Cherokee?
I don't have a plain white pair of sneakers so I have to buy one or the other and am not sure if there are any benefits to having an actual nursing shoe.
Otherwise, I'll probably just buy a white pair of sketchers!
NURSING SHOES, NURSING SHOES, NURSING SHOES!!!!!! I HAVE NURSE MATES AND THEY ARE THE BEST!!! I was told that if I wanted to walk or jog around the hospital to wear sneakers but if I am going to work in a hospital I needed to buy nursing shoes. At first I bought New Balance..great tennis shoe but awful nursing shoe. Take my advice..get the nursing shoes...you will pay the same amt anyway!! Good luck!
I've usually always worn the Reebok DMX, but I've found I just don't like them as much lately. So I just bought a pair of Avia's and I like them alot. They're usually comfortable for about a year for me (I only work 2 days per week and I don't wear them for anything else), but I usually end up getting a new pair sooner just because I like a new looking pair of shoes!
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
I swear by New Balance, and if I can't find those, I go for Nike Airs. Both are lightweight---essential for me since I'm already dragging around a lot of extra pounds---and they provide good cushioning & support. I've bought so-called nursing shoes that were twice as expensive, and my feet were singing "Ave Maria" halfway through the shift. I've had to replace them every 6 months when I was doing floor nursing, but they're only $40-60 a pair, and I can find them anywhere---don't have to drive 50 miles to the uniform shop or risk buying an ill-fitting shoe online, which makes it hard to return.
I alternate Avia with New Balance.It helps to not wear the same shoe for two shifts in a row. With Nursemates,I was crawling at the end of a 12 hour shift.
I think what it boils down to is that we all have different shaped feet and different arches, and what is comfortable on my feet might hurt like hell on yours. :)
Here's a few ideas:
*Doc Martens does make some nursing-type shoes, in solid white. They're pricey, but they last forever and some folks swear by the comfort.
*When you go shoe shopping, go when you've been on your feet all day and they're swollen and they hurt. On that note, don't forget to break your shoes in!
*I often use a 'scotchguard' and a waterproofing type spray on my shoes to make them more stain/dirt resistant, so they look cleaner & last longer.
*"Shoes for Crews", is a company that makes shoes for chefs, nurses, and waitresses/waitors. I tried a pair of them and hated them, thought they were the most uncomfortable thing I'd ever put on my feet.. but I know folks who love them.
*If you have an uncommon shoe size/width, I recommend Nordstroms. They will order in the strange sizes and they have one of the best stocks of atypical shoe sizes. (My mom wears a 9AAAA and they are the only place that keeps that size in stock). You can browse/order online at nordstrom.com
* If your budget permits, have a few different styles of shoes for work, and rotate which you wear. Your feet will appreciate you for it.
DITTO DITTO DITTO!!!!! I can't say enough about these shoes! They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn!! I actually bought a pair to wear just in my house while I'm cooking and cleaning and such. They make a huge difference!
I was recently diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis. It hurts. Got a Cortisone shot a week back, which has helped.
My Podiatrist said the worst shoes are Nike's. He said if you can bend the shoe backward in the middle, it is not offering the support needed to "pound the ward" all day.
Next worst was Easy Spirit (They are EXTREMEMLY comfortable, but you can twist them in a knot...NO SUPPORT in the long run!)
The best was Sauconney's and clogs (preferably wooden). Now, I ain't into ugly shoes, but if pain is involved? I would wear those little old lady white moccasin shoes if need be.
my opinion...but I know plenty of people that hate them...they make my feet soooooooooo happy though....and they are very lightweight...the ones I got can actually be steralized...
I found mine on ebay...you can usually use the buy it now feature...think I paid around 45 bucks! not too shabby!!!
We all use the closed back clogs at my hospital. fashion statement or not, they are extremely comfortable...easy to clean...can run thru a 12 hr shift without any problems AND they force you to do this pelvic-tilt thingy that really has saved back injuries. Pricy..but worth every penny. I have had mine for 5 years.
MelH
161 Posts
NURSING SHOES, NURSING SHOES, NURSING SHOES!!!!!! I HAVE NURSE MATES AND THEY ARE THE BEST!!! I was told that if I wanted to walk or jog around the hospital to wear sneakers but if I am going to work in a hospital I needed to buy nursing shoes. At first I bought New Balance..great tennis shoe but awful nursing shoe. Take my advice..get the nursing shoes...you will pay the same amt anyway!! Good luck!