GOOD nursing shoe suggestions other than Danskos??

nursenatalie, ADN, RN · Sep 30, 2004

Hi everyone. I'm new to the nursing world, and am preparing for my first round of clinicals. I have a lot of back problems (problem since birth), so I'm in the market for a GOOD pair of shoes that will get me through those long shifts. I'm willing to spend a decent amount of money on them since I know it will make all of the difference in the world, but I can't seem to find anything too comfortable. I've tried on Danskos, but they're just way too heavy for my back. I really need something light. (or maybe they do have lighter lines other than their Professionals?) I've also tried the sneaker route: New Balances, and Reeboks, but I haven't been blown away buy anything there either. Does anyone have any other suggestions of good shoes to try on? I'm getting desperate!
They have to be white, and have to have a back (ie no open back clogs), but those are my only restrictions. Thanks for your help!!

I am not sure if these shoes come in a solid back form but I think so. I wear the Cherokee Rockers lites, they weigh next to nothing and I now cant wear any other kind or they feel so heavy

bowkerj · Sep 30, 2004

All I can say is DANSKO Professional Clogs are the BEST! Check out the website. www.dansko.com. Also, their outlet where you can find a bargin, www.danskooutlet.com. I just got my first pair of "professional clogs" from the outlet, $70, and well worth it! Good luck!

Jenna, pre-nursing student.

Hi everyone. I'm new to the nursing world, and am preparing for my first round of clinicals. I have a lot of back problems (problem since birth), so I'm in the market for a GOOD pair of shoes that will get me through those long shifts. I'm willing to spend a decent amount of money on them since I know it will make all of the difference in the world, but I can't seem to find anything too comfortable. I've tried on Danskos, but they're just way too heavy for my back. I really need something light. (or maybe they do have lighter lines other than their Professionals?) I've also tried the sneaker route: New Balances, and Reeboks, but I haven't been blown away buy anything there either. Does anyone have any other suggestions of good shoes to try on? I'm getting desperate!
They have to be white, and have to have a back (ie no open back clogs), but those are my only restrictions. Thanks for your help!!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 30, 2004

EasySpirits are very light and very comfortable. Try on a few pairs of those (the "walkers" seem to be the softest to me).

LilRedRN1973 · Sep 30, 2004

It must depend on the individual's foot because I have the Cherokee Rockers and although while weighing next to nothing, they are horribly uncomfortable. By the 8th or so hour at work, my feet are absolutely killing me and I would do anything to get them off. In contrast, my Dansko's are unbelievably comfortable. I remember trying them on and thinking they felt like bricks on my feet. But after my first 12 shift in them, I was so happy!! Very comfortable and my knees and back don't hurt anymore. I have back problems as well (although not from birth) and have to be really careful or I will put myself out of commission for a week or two. The Dansko's seem to help put me in proper alignment when I walk, thereby alleviating any back pain I had before, as well as my knees.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2004

A friend of mine swears by these. Claims she can walk all day and her feet and back don't bother her at all. Find them at

www.zcoil.com

LilRedRN1973 · Sep 30, 2004

There are a couple of respiratory therapists and RN's who wear those Z-coils (mostly men) and I've seen a few problems with them. We will have patients who are on 6,7,8 IV pumps and a ton of tubing coming from the machines. The tubing has gotten caught up in those coils and it's not a pretty sight if the wearer does not realize this. That being said, I have heard they are really comfortable.

LydiaGreen · Sep 30, 2004

I went through several pairs of shoes in my three years of clinicals - it wasn't until my preceptorship in my final semester that someone purchased a type of sock for me that I had never seen before. They are supposed to be for long distance runners. It is two layers of a t-shirt type material. The two layers rub on each other instead of on your foot. I now have four pairs and LOVE THEM! I wouldn't work a shift without them. They are about $15/pair in Canada - no idea what they would be in the States. If you are interested I am sure that any large sports retailer would have them. There was never anything wrong with any of the shoes that I had, it was the socks I was wearing under them. These socks are certainly a lot cheaper than the 4-500 I was spending on shoes each year and still having aching feet!

border rn · Oct 1, 2004

Could tell us the name of the socks and where in Canada you purchased them? I am in Ontario too! Heading back out on assignment soon though.

Thanks:)

I went through several pairs of shoes in my three years of clinicals - it wasn't until my preceptorship in my final semester that someone purchased a type of sock for me that I had never seen before. They are supposed to be for long distance runners. It is two layers of a t-shirt type material. The two layers rub on each other instead of on your foot. I now have four pairs and LOVE THEM! I wouldn't work a shift without them. They are about $15/pair in Canada - no idea what they would be in the States. If you are interested I am sure that any large sports retailer would have them. There was never anything wrong with any of the shoes that I had, it was the socks I was wearing under them. These socks are certainly a lot cheaper than the 4-500 I was spending on shoes each year and still having aching feet!

LydiaGreen · Oct 1, 2004

Sorry BorderRN - I don't recall the brand name and they aren't on the socks. I'll call the store that my mother got them from (special order) and see if they remember. Get back to you as soon as I can. The store is in Fort Frances/International Falls (Ontario/Minnesota border) - are you anywhere near there?

PennyLane, RN · Oct 1, 2004

Perhaps your solution would be custom-made insoles because you have such a bad back?

I wear nurse mates shoes with Dr. Sholls inserts (I have a very high arch and a narrow foot) and they are super comfortable. I also love my Danskos (sorry, not what you wanted to hear).

Maggie in NC · Oct 1, 2004

I got skidproof "Shoe Crews"...LOVE THEM $50 too!! BTW, there is another thread on this subject with more suggestions. May want to do a search.