nursing shoes/clogs

vampireslayer · Jun 23, 2006

Well, get ready to spend some money! Not that all the shoes you might try are expensive, the problem is that you may end up trying 3 or 4 different brands before you find one you really like!

I tried New Balance and HATED them! I cannot tell you how my legs ached after a day on my feet wearing them. I've had other women tell me the same thing, and they thought it was natural, because they'd been on their feet all day, but it's NOT natural! Your feet & legs shouldn't ache even after a long day standing & walking for 12 hours. Lots of people LOVE New Balance though, so if you try them, make sure you get them fitted properly, and go back and return them if they hurt your feet. I've been told they'll take them back and refit you (don't know for sure though, cuz mine were given to me, so I never returned them to a NB store).

I loved my Easy Spirit shoes for quite a while, at least a few months. They were comfortable and didn't make my feet or legs hurt. However, very very slowly I developed corns or calluses or something on the outsides of my little toes that became very very painful. They would rub on the inside of my shoes and become even bigger & more callused, which caused more pressure because they were bigger so they were pressing harder against the shoe...causing more and more pain each day. I used corn cushions for quite a while and they did go away, but it now only takes a couple hours for the irritation and rubbing to start up again, if I try to wear them again.

I finally landed in Crocs. I used to SWEAR up, down & sideways I'd never wear those stupid looking nursing shoes or clogs...but the Crocs really are comfortable, I have to admit it. I hate how they look, but other people actually compliment them, they think they're cute! I got the ones with the "vent" holes on the sides, but no holes on top (to avoid grossness splattering on top of them and ending up on my socks!). And Crocs are pretty inexpensive too, maybe $30 a pair I think. They have a website, you can read all about them.

Good luck!

VS

smile123 · Jun 24, 2006

I am starting my career as an RN and all I have are the nursing shoes that I had to wear in nursing school and they are not comfortable. I asked my manager if there were specific shoes that I needed to get and she said that I should wear whatever is comfortable. Help! I'm not sure what is comfortable. Do I wear white sneakers, do I get nursing shoes, clogs? I have done some research and alot of people seem to like the Birkenstock clogs, or New Balance. Any advice for me? Thanks.

I like Dovemates (they have the dove insignia) and Dansko professionals (they have the back heel cover). Danskos cost a lot, but if your feet like them, it's so worth it. I agree with the other poster, you may find you'll have a couple of different pairs you like. When you shop for shoes, try them on in the late afternoon. That's when your feet will swell the most. I would also recommend wearing them for a day in the house (if you have a rug that's best), so in case your feet end up hurting, you can return them with no marks. Good luck.

RN2B07 · Jun 24, 2006

I have a brand called Quarks, made be nursemates. They are slide-ons and very lightweight. There is an insert in the shoe that can be removed when your feet swell at the end of a long day. I love them and they run about $40.

smile123 · Jun 24, 2006

I like Dovemates (they have the dove insignia) and Dansko professionals (they have the back heel cover). Danskos cost a lot, but if your feet like them, it's so worth it. I agree with the other poster, you may find you'll have a couple of different pairs you like. When you shop for shoes, try them on in the late afternoon. That's when your feet will swell the most. I would also recommend wearing them for a day in the house (if you have a rug that's best), so in case your feet end up hurting, you can return them with no marks. Good luck.

Sorry, they are really called Nursemates, not Dovemates. They are quite comfortable!

Hoozdo, ADN · Jun 27, 2006

I have done some research and alot of people seem to like the Birkenstock clogs, or New Balance. Any advice for me? Thanks.

My vote is for Birkenstock clogs. I have Dansko professional, Crocs, Nursemates, and Clarks.

My reviews:

Nursemates - had them for school. Feet hurt after being in them for 13 hours.

Dansko Professional - height of heel is un-natural. The sole is too thick at the base of foot, and the heel is even higher causing me to trip easily on things. On my first day of work I fell down in these walking in the parking lot!

Crocs - Comfortable but not enough support in the sole for a 13 hour day. I wear them around the house and for errands.

Clarks - Very good, wear them, but not my favorites. Feet don't hurt after 13 hour day.

Birkenstock clogs - Heavenly. I hate to take them off after 13 hours! I have three pairs.

A couple of tips for your feet - rotate your shoes. I never wear the same shoes two days in a row. Also, Birkis, Danskos, and Clarks are high dollar shoes. Maybe try them on in a real shoe store, but buy online at Ebay to save some serious bucks!

bekah79il · Jun 27, 2006

Dansko...

are not meant to be walked in. danskos are often the best for an ICU RN but a floor RN mayhave a hard time running all over. they are supposed to be a platform for your foot, rather than a walking shoe. That being said, they will fit more like a wooden shoe from the netherlands, with a large gap behind your heel. If you buy ones that fit your foot tightly you will be DYING at the end of the day, as the platform you stand on doesn't flex like rubber soles. this may take some getting used to, but if you do mroe standing than walking, your legs may thank you for it.

no matter what shoes you get, remember your feet and legs have to last you the rest of your career, so a little extra money, if that is what it takes to make them happy, is worth it.

~rebekah

rninme · Jun 27, 2006

i wear comfort clogs....lightweight, removeable insole, washable....$10.99 a pair....can't beat'em!

cmskjg · Jun 28, 2006

I really appreciate all of your personal advice. I have seen quite a few nurses wearing crocs shoes and wondered if they were really comfortable or not. I have got mixed reviews but mostly good. The biggest issue ones have is that they don't like the ones with the holes up top, for safety reasons. A positive aspect is that they are quite cheap compared to the Birki clogs. But I have heard that people find them quite comfortable. I really like the advice about having a couple different pairs, that way I can switch off. I just met a fellow nurse today who had on Dickies, I think she said and they were comfortable fo her. It looks like it might be a little trial and error for what is comfortable for my feet. I was just a little worried of the clogs staying on my feet. Has anyone had any issues of slipping out of them? I'm a 1/2 size so should I stick with that or go up to a full size?

vampireslayer · Jun 28, 2006

I think the crocs only come in full sizes, and they are meant to be worn rather big. Their theory is that the shoe should not touch your foot on any of the sides except the bottom, your foot shouldn't rub against the toes in front or on either side.

About the holes, there is one style that has no holes at all (but I think my feet would get hot or sweat in those) and one style, that I have, that has holes for "venting" just along the sides, not on top. I didn't want any splashes hitting me!

Also, the crocs have a strap across the back of the foot, they're not a true "clog", so there's no problem with them slipping off.

VS

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 29, 2006

i like dovemates (they have the dove insignia) and dansko professionals (they have the back heel cover). danskos cost a lot, but if your feet like them, it's so worth it.

if your feet like danskos, try danskooutlet.com. the prices are about 1/3 less!

ruby, who lives in her danskos!

Lisky90 · Jun 29, 2006

I have the Dansko with the backs...alot of money and had I not worn them to work before I decided that they were not worth the money I would have returned them. Also, someone commented that they are good for standing but not necessarily for walking hit the nail on the head...they don't bend when you walk!!! I have not been able to pinpoint that but, that is so true. They seem very unnatural to walk in.