Gymshoes vs. Clogs - how to spare your knees/back?

Published

Hello!!

I'm about to start my first RN job and I'm having flashbacks to the pain I felt in my knees and lower back after every clinical...

What type of shoes works best for you?!? My nursing school buddy and I were thinking of getting each other a pair of danskos (sp?)... but heard they're not cheap and don't want to spend the money if it isn't worth it...

Any advice??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

You will have to try what works for you. I know people who swear by Danskos, but they hurt my feet. I have found New Balance running shoes work best for me. I buy 2 of the same pair and alternate them. Don't scrimp when it comes to good footwear! But if you want to try the Danskos, I would walk around the store in them for an hour first! It mostly depends on the shape of your foot, but the New Balance give a good support and are not too heavy.

Good footwear is essential to your career!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ..

Depends on the shape of your foot, whether you pronate, what your stride is, etc., etc. As Dixielee said, shoes are critical for your comfort and you shouldn't scrimp on shoes. (If you have her suggested two pairs of shoes and alternate them for two years and paid $100 for each pair, that breaks down to 5 cents an hour!) Try all kinds of shoes on and decide what is most comfortable. Another factor is how heavy the shoes are. It makes a HUGE difference if you're wearing heavy shoes rather than lightweight (but supportive) shoes.

You might be able to shop around and choose a pair of shoes, then go online and see if you can get them cheaper at one of the big online shoe stores.

Dixielee is also right about rotating them. When I used to run, I'd switch each day so the shoes had time to 'breathe' and really dry out between wearings. It's surprising that by doing this you extend the life of the shoe considerably longer than if you wore just one pair every day (In other words, if a pair of shoes lasts nine months with constant, daily wear and you wore it half the time it might last two years rather than just 18 months).

And, congrats on your new job!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

You have to see what works for you. I always wear Dansko's and love them but not everyone does

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

I used to swear by Danskos. I wore them for 4 years without issues. For whatever reason, my second pair started to hurt the ball of my right foot. After a while, the pain spread to my toes and I had decreased sensation. I'm diabetic so that was enough for me! I'm in New Balance now. I called my podiatrist about it and he says he hates Danskos. He's always recommended New Balance to all his patients.

And honestly....even when my Danskos worked for me, it took weeks of discomfort before they were broken in correctly. NB are good straight from the box.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

I swear by New Balance as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

first of all, congratulations are in order for landing a job. in regards to your post i'm afraid this is a trial & error situation, it has taken me years to find a pair of shoes that were comfortable during the time i was a staff nurse. at this level, i began with the danskos however, you have to make sure if you go this route when you buy a pair of danskos that they fit correctly since they seem to stretch over time. consequently, i found out the hard way when at one time i was rushing to a code and as i stepped out of the elevator my right shoe stayed behind. needless to say, my experimenting with work shoes began, finally i found a pair prior going into management which were the most comfortable nursing shoes i have ever worn the "new balance"...wishing you happy feet....aloha~

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you everyone!! I am definitely taking your advice.. Investing in a good pair of shoes (or two) would be smart (and keep my feet healthy!)

I know of a couple of shoe stores in Chicago where the employees take their time to find you shoes with the proper fit/support for any given activity (as opposed to just getting you to buy a pair of pretty shoes for their commission)... I'll stop by and check out their New Balance section...

I think I'll try a pair of Danskos too before I completely write them off...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

I've been wearing danskos from the get go. I bought a ugly white pair for clinicals. I've never had any knee problems in them even though I'm a BIG girl

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try Alegria before you make a decision! They are super soft and very supportive. Love them!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I am the opposite of others here. New Balance gave me both knee and hip pain. Danskos are a religion to me. Love them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion