Published Dec 5, 2016
Cherry7496
8 Posts
PLEASE HELP!! I've recently started a new job that is frequently three 12 hour shifts in a row.. I'm looking for comfortable shoes that will be supportive enough that my feet won't be killing me by the time I get home. I have completely flat feet and have heard that danskos probably wouldn't be helpful. Money isn't really an issue as I know most shoes would be high in the price range but well worth it!! Thank you for your help!!!
meanmaryjean, DNP, RN
7,899 Posts
My daughter bought custom orthotics from the Good Feet store- and can place them in every pair of shoes she owns. She RAVES about them.
CelticGoddess, BSN, RN
896 Posts
I would go to a store the specializes in custom running shoes. A couple of my co-workers have had to do this and they are very happy. The shoes aren't cheap but they no longer have knee, foot or back pain. Not sure if you have a Fleet Feet near you but they are really good.
KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN
1 Article; 2,675 Posts
Mine thing is The Walking Company (shoes, insoles and sleeves). But wherever you go, make sure to mention that you are going to WALK and STAND a lot, not run, and take at least a good hour to test products. Do not buy things like this online - good quality stuff is not cheap, and you do not want to lose your money.
If you know you are going to work three shifts in a row, you may want to buy two pairs of everything. Switching shoes mid-shift is very helpful sometimes, and insoles/sleeves/ supporters are small enough to get lost.
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
If you ask 10 different nurses about good shoes, you will receive 10 varied answers.
When working 12 hour shifts, I had good luck with Nike Reax running shoes as well as New Balance running shoes. I have tried nursing shoes in the past with poor results. Athletic shoes work out better for my feet.
oceanblue52
462 Posts
I retired my clogs after school because I rolled my ankles too much. Went to REI and bought a pair of Salomon trail running shoes. They are the same brand that makes ski equipment. Best comfy pair of shoes I've ever owned!
Thank you all for your help!!
emmy27
454 Posts
Every Woman's Guide to Foot Pain Relief: The New Science of Healthy Feet: Katy Bowman: 9781936661
NurseHeart&Soul, MSN
2 Articles; 156 Posts
I second the Solomon trail shoes and orthodics. VERY comfortable!
I would also consider changing out shoes half way through the shift. Your feet get a chance to start over!
Consider bringing a tennis ball or foot roller to stretch out your foot muscles, tendons, and ligaments on a break (if you're so lucky).
Wear compression hose. A little compression on your feet and legs can do a body good!
Be good to those feet. They sure put on the miles!
37changes, ASN, RN
383 Posts
I'm not a nurse yet -- not even close. But I AM on my feet all day. Minimalist shoes literally changed my life and turned all of my aches & pains around.
I bought these in May 2014 and I have been wearing them ever since:
Amazon.com | New Balance Women's WT10 Minimus Trail Shoe, Black/Pink, 8 B US | Trail Running
I also have these Vibram five fingers, which I wear in the summertime for lifting and walking:
Amazon.com | Vibram Women's Bikila Evo Road Running Shoe, Black/Yellow/Magenta, 36 EU/6.5 M US | Road Running
(I've been told that the five fingers are not acceptable for nursing -- need a closed toe? But they would still be GREAT for at home!)
I am glad to hear you are able to wear a minimalist shoe at work. The idea of putting my feet in "casts" for 12-hour shifts was really bringing me down. I am not comfortable in regular shoes anymore.
NotYourMamasRN
317 Posts
I love Danskos. I have had the same two pairs for years and they look brand new and feel brand new.
beccap
59 Posts
I bought a pair of Brooks shoes (ghost 9's) and they are super comfy.....would recommend
I work in a busy ER and don't really sit