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I wear these: Amazon.com: ECCO Men's 571004 Classic Moccasin, Black, 45 EU/11-11.5 M US: Loafers Shoes: Shoes
I went from danskos to these because I kept almost braking my ankles in the danskos and they are too heavy to wear around all day. I don't do running shoes cause blood and fluids drain through the mesh and onto my feet.
I rock assorted Nike Air Maxes. They are sturdy, comfy, and most of them have completely enclosed leather uppers. You can find them all over the place. I get a new pair every 4-6 months or so, spend $100-$120 a pop. They are easily cleaned and have plenty of room if you want to add some insoles. Being stylish (at least in my eyes) is a welcome bonus.
I'm a big guy and fairly young, so I put a lot of emphasis on investing in quality shoes in order to protect my feet and legs. You might look into wearing compression hose as well. You'll feel a world of difference just by wearing compression stockings.
New Balance stores offer free foot mapping, but these stores are pretty few and far between. It might be worth a drive to go get your feet mapped and grab a pair of NB's they recommend just to see if that works for you.
All that being said, in my own personal world, my lower back pain is more directly related to my core strength and my hamstring flexibility than my shoe choices. When I start skipping workouts and my abs get weak, my lower back starts getting sore. Also, if I miss some yoga sessions, the same result applies. Also, taking a few minutes here and there to stretch and touch my toes a few times a shift does wonders for my back.
Most likely, your back and feet issues are caused by more than just your shoe choice. You should look into new shoes for sure, but also consider compression stockings, core work, and stretching/yoga. Remember, your foot bone is connected to your leg bone, your leg bone is connected to your thigh bone, etc.
I like the to use new balance shoes because I am tall and heavy, and they make them wide. I used to always buy a certain brand of new balance trail running shoes and swap out the insoles for some sport greyish dr.scholls insoles. If you feet and back hurt, you might want to try to lose weight or perform core muscle exercises. I've gone through all kinds of nike, reebok, addidas, skater shoes, vans, and I always go back to my new balances. Now I have a sit down job so my feet aren't achy any more.
BumbleBuddy
39 Posts
I have been trying to find a decent pair of shoes to wear on the floor. My search is showing me plenty of options for women, but nothing for the male nurse. The shoes I have now are not agreeing with my back and feet!
What at kind of shoes do you guys recommend wearing for those long 12 hour shifts?