How to find the best shoes -- & other ways to prevent aching feet and blisters?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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I'm a new urse that just started at a LTC/rehab facility. By 12pm of my first shift, my feet were absolutely covered in blisters, and I was limping the rest of the day. Day two was slightly better (because I elevated my feet and put hydrocortisone cream on the blisters), but still aching and limping by the end.

Of course, it's gonna take time for my body to adjust. I'm also losing weight, which will undoubtedly help. But in the meantime, what are some ways to reduce feet trouble? And what shoes would your recommend for wide/sensitive feet? (Ideally tennishoes, because I have trouble with clogs)

Thanks!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

I've suggested that staff have 2 pairs of shoes with which to rotate. Allows for 'airing out' for moisture and pressure relief/redistribution of the shoe body.

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Tennis shoes. I have yet to find a pair that allows me to go 8 or 12 hrs pain free, but tennis shoes come close to enough. Still a little achy but nowhere near limp mode.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

A good pair of running shoes with a good pair of insoles. You can go to one of those shoe shops if you want and have your feet matched to their footwear but probably expensive.

In all honesty, you may just need to get used to running your tail off but blisters may mean that you shoes aren't tight or are rubbing somehow? God supportive and "airy" socks may help too.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Socks are almost as important as shoes.

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That's a good point. What type of socks would you recommend?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
That's a good point. What type of socks would you recommend?

I like all cotton and a little cushiony.

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Specializes in Critical care.
That's a good point. What type of socks would you recommend?

Compression socks. My favorite brand is Danish Endurance from Amazon. They don't rub and cause blisters on my toes like some others I've tried because of seams.

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Specializes in ICU.

I wear Sketchers; I have many pair and just drop them in the washer every week or so. Then I just air dry them (they dry really fast). I also learned to buy a half-size larger shoe than I normally wear. I prefer thin socks, and wear the gold-toe brand, in a crew style, because I don't like my ankles showing at work. Oh, my Sketchers are all the slip-on style, that way I don't have shoe-strings that dangle and come un-tied.

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Are you wearing the right shoe size? I have more and less comfortable shoes, but nothing that creates blisters all over my feet. Maybe you need wide? Double wide? Look on Zappos.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

I just last night purchased a two Pair of Nike RNs ( I didn't even know they made shoes for nurses but I do like the Nike brand. If you feet are blistering it suggest you have an incorrect fit. I replace my shoes every 6 months, do warm Epsom salt soaks when my feet ache and I also have a portable home TENS unit with recovery socks that send gentle electrical massage to my poor feet.

Hppy

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

I found clog-style shoes (think a really popular brand that many nurses love) to be a bad fit for me. I went to a specialty shoe store to have shoes and insoles custom fit. Made a world of difference. I currently like UnderArmour brand shoes; they feel great all day. And I wear a pair of Vionic slippers at home; they have arch supports that have much alleviated the chronic aching feet.

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