Good nursing shoes for high arches

[Jenn003]

Hi there :) I'm hoping someone can recommend a great pair of shoes for nursing students with high arches. I'm going into my second year of nursing school and with added clinicals this fall, I'm really in need of a good pair of nursing shoes. I have really high arches and at the end of the day my feet are KILLING me!! I appreciate all the advise I can get.

Thanks!!

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

Barefoot shoes? Sounds like heaven to me haha, I have a tendency to supinate and I've rolled these ankles out countless times but id be willing to ease myself into it. What are some places that I can find nursing shoes like this? I need white non porous and closed back shoes

[emmy27]

I'd recommend getting a high-end pair of zero-drop shoes with a vibram sole (I like the Merrell Barefoot line, especially the Merrell Pace Glove, for daily wear and running) to transition in to- they've got a nice wide toe box for your feet to spread out and stretch). Then, once you're at a point where going barefoot or wearing your barefoot shoes is comfortable, you can get almost any kind of true flat (converse or keds will work in a pinch, although try to find a style with a wide toe box/order in a wider size than usual) and be comfortable in them all day without padding and arch support.

I'd strongly suggest reading the book, though. She gives exercises for stretching and strengthening your feet and relieving common problems, and can prevent you from getting injuries from switching too fast.

Once you're out of school and don't have to wear white, the Merrell Bare Access Arc are great for work- they have a tiny bit of padding to cushion against standing on concrete, but no heel or arch structure to mess with your anatomy.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I don't have a high arch, but I really like Dansko. I've heard that the arch support hurts others, so perhaps they are made for high arches.

In any case, they are wipable, no laces, and feel pretty darn good!!

I bought 2 pairs of white for nsg school. I loved them so much that after I began working, I bought 3 more colorful pairs. I also liked Allegria.

Now that I'm back in nsg school, I pulled out my trusty old white Danskos.

If you do try Danskos, the bottoms are quite hard, therefore, I recommend wearing good socks with arch support and cushion.

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

I tried a few pairs of danskos out but the top of the shoe is soooo tight against my metatarsals that I can't walk around without bruising the tops of my feet, even if I size up so far that the shoes could be kicked clear off my feet

It's not the arch support I need, it's the top of the shoes that all hurt but I'm not allowed to wear laces

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

Outside of school I wear toms, flats, or am barefoot almost exclusively so this idea sounds great to me. It's just finding "uniform appropriate" shoes that I'm having a hard time with!

I'll have to try to find something labeled as zero drop

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I tried a few pairs of danskos out but the top of the shoe is soooo tight against my metatarsals that I can't walk around without bruising the tops of my feet, even if I size up so far that the shoes could be kicked clear off my feet

It's not the arch support I need, it's the top of the shoes that all hurt but I'm not allowed to wear laces

I promise I'm not trying to make you buy danskos! But they used to leave a bruise over the top of my foot. I think maybe due to a high instep or high metatarsal. But they eventually conform to your foot!

If you don't buy danskos, I encourage you to at least consider investing in quality shoes. You only get 1 back and 1 set of feet to last your lifetime. (As my nsg school director told us) 😀

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

I promise I'm not trying to make you buy danskos! But they used to leave a bruise over the top of my foot. I think maybe due to a high instep or high metatarsal. But they eventually conform to your foot!

If you don't buy danskos, I encourage you to at least consider investing in quality shoes. You only get 1 back and 1 set of feet to last your lifetime. (As my nsg school director told us) ������

words to live by! I'm just so scared to go for the danskos because they're so pricey and they felt soooo rigid! I bought the timberland pro renova shoes and they're uber supportive but the top is just so constricting

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

As long as it works for you, it's all good!

[Koukles]

I have high arches as well and have had good luck with Spring Step skid resistant work shoes in the Manila model. I got the black leather version and am happy with the way they "molded" to my feet. I wore them as a CNA, through nursing school, and now as a nurse.

[Wannabeeinscrubs, ADN, LPN, RN]

I had to buy the ABEO 24/7 shoe. It is great because they come with custom insoles. I also have Altra running shoes, they are zero drop and have a wide toe box so your toes can spread naturally when you walk.