Heel slipping in nursing clogs

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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Total newbie here. I'm starting my nursing program next month and just got a pair of sanitas clogs recommended to me by a midwife friend. they fit nicely but the heel slips off with every step. I looked up reviews and it seems that's SUPPOSED to happen. My question is, will I ever get used to walking in them and look like a professional or am I destined to always look like a drunk, stumbling along in them?

I don't want to wear them in the hopes of getting used to them only to find that I never do and should have returned them for something else. Thanks!

I don't think t they're too big. Only my heel slips up and down. The rest of my foot stays in place and I really don't think I could go smaller.

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Specializes in LTC, Med Surg, Renal Care.

I just bought some cobbie cuddlers from Kmart, my heel does the same thing. Tried running down the hall with them on and they didn't come off. So I think it's normal.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.
I don't think t they're too big. Only my heel slips up and down. The rest of my foot stays in place and I really don't think I could go smaller.

The reason I ask is that there is a bit of misinformation out there that when fitting clogs like Danskos and Sanitas you're supposed to be able to fit two fingers between your heel and the back of the shoe (including sales people at their stores). This leads to people buying shoes that are too big and loose which is actually dangerous. This is also the reason so many people clomp around in them. I actually called the companies when I was looking for new shoes and asked them how to fit them properly. They both said the shoes should only be loose enough to allow your heel to lift when walking. You shouldn't be able to get a finger in the back of them. I can safely run in mine (although I never recommend running in the hospital if it can be avoided) and I definitely don't clomp.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

It sounds like they fit right then. I love my Danskos, my heel certainly slips, but I don't "clunk" when I walk. Maybe a bit of a learning curve?

I don't think t they're too big. Only my heel slips up and down. The rest of my foot stays in place and I really don't think I could go smaller.
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It takes some practice if you aren't used to thick soled shoes. When I first started in healthcare, I had only worn typical shoes with little to no thickness on the sole. I stumbled a lot until I got used to lifting my feet higher.

I love my Sanitas, but I can't wear them for a 12 hour shift. My arch is too low and my feet start screaming after about 8 hours. My back and knees love them, though.

What you can do is wear them around the house or to run errands in until you get used to them. I wear mine all the time around the house and when I go grocery shopping at the big stores with concrete floors.

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See now mine (danskos) fit just right where I've got the slip but they don't feel loose....but I'm LOUD walking in them. My foot hits the ground from heel to toe and it's like once my heel hits the soles slap the floor.

Haha, do I need to train myself to walk differently to avoid that?

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Another element you might consider is stretching. I've found that my leather Danskos tend to relax with time; awesome if they're too tight, not awesome if they're too loose.

Definitely think about the socks you plan to wear. Many nurses wear compression stockings, which are generally thin. My Danskos are a bit too large and so I have to wear thick hiking socks under them to keep them from slipping off. In addition, if you are on a busy unit and on your feet all day, your feet may swell a bit (especially if you aren't wearing compression stockings).

Do you live near a retailer that sells Danskos? The Walking Company has knowledgeable sales reps who can watch you walk in them and give you advice specific to your needs. Sorry there isn't a more straightforward answer! Just have to do the best you can. Good luck!

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If you're not used to Dansko-type clogs you might also consider that if you're a little clumsy to begin with they're really easy to roll your ankle in (inversion). I wear Danskos as street shoes and semi-regularly invert myself into a stumble. Although I'm not a nurse yet, my current job has days where I'm on my feet for 10-12 hours. I tried to wear my Danskos a few times and the height/rolling issue, plus the fact that they have rigid soles (uncomfortable to crouch in) made them a no-go for me. As I shop for my first pair of nursing shoes I'm looking for close to the ground & a flexible sole.

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Thank you for all the feedback! I put them on to check and there's definitely not enough room for 2 fingers. And it is only the heel lifting rather than my whole foot coming out. I think I'm just not used to them yet. I'll keep wearing them around the house. I don't start school until next month so perhaps I can work on my grace heheh

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Yup, they're the style BloomNurseRN posted. I know they're supposed to slip in the heel, I'm more or less wondering if it takes some time to get used to. I put them on and I'm walking very awkwardly in them - clomping a bit.

Qteapi - these are closed back. I checked beforehand to make sure they're approved for my program.

If they fit properly -- and they do fit properly, don't they? -- you'll get used to the slippage. I loved my Danskos and for years couldn't wear anything else. They were so good for my back! Now, alas, I have old lady feet with bunions and hammer toes and I can't wear them anymore!

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

I wear Algeria they are comfy

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