OH, My Aching Feet...

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Apr 8, 2011

Wow, no kidding? Poor lady. I have two pair of shape-up type shoes. One pair are made by Dr. Scholls, which are far more comfortable than my Skechers Shape-ups; regardless, both pair are killing my feet.

They were comfortable as far as the feet go. But after awhile.. at the end of the night my left hip and upper leg would feel like someones taking a knife and jabbing at the bone.

robinzkj · Apr 8, 2011

Alegria shoes. I got the Alegria Seville about a month ago. I work 4- 12 hr shifts in the ED and my feet feel great. They are very comfy and stylish too.

ICUNURSE2BE · Apr 8, 2011

I wore Sketcher's Shape-Up for a while. I "broke them in" as instructed. Within two months my back froze up and I was in bed for 2 weeks. I know it was the shoes because they changed my gait and screwed with my hips and back...I paid $100+ for them and then gladly threw them away!

PAERRN20 · Apr 8, 2011

Ugh Dansko/Sanita are terrible for my wide feet. I have high arches though. I love Brooks running shoes....by far the most comfortable. They are made for marathoners. And I've tried Nike, Reebok, KSwiss, Dansko/Sanita, Saucony, New Balance, Crocs, random no-namers.

rngolfer53 · Apr 8, 2011

I have had plantar fasciitis for about 20 years in my right foot. The only thing that helps bring a measurable amount of relief is wearing high heels; obviously, I can't wear those with my scrubs.
I have tried those shape-up type shoes and they're okay as long as I'm not standing for more than a couple of minutes.
I'm looking for shoes that will accommodate my big, wide feet, and fallen arches. Something that I can stand in for long periods of time, too.
Thanks.

Have you tried custom orthotics?

txredheadnurse, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2011

I have multiple lower extremities issues (feet, 1 knee, both hips + lower back issues) and the only thing that has helped me to be able to continue to work is being fitted for Z coil shoes. There is an adjustment issue & I prefer to not drive in mine. I keep Crocs in the car for driving....and I average 1000+ miles a week.

Overall the best advice is to go to a speciality shoe store and let the folks there analyze your gait, foot structure, issues etc and help you find the best solution for you.

The money and time invested is worth it.....totally worth it.

SweettartRN · Apr 8, 2011

Wow. I always wear my shape-ups. In fact, they are the only shoes I have found that my back/feet don't hurt at the end of a long shift. They are my saving grace, let me tell you!

Despareux · Apr 8, 2011

Alrighty, as soon as school is out for the summer, I will definitely go see my Podiatrist. In the meantime, I will go back to the store where I get fitted for running shoes and see what they can do for me.

Thanks for all of your helpful advice.

tiroka03, LPN · Apr 8, 2011

I had the same problem as you. I went to Happy Feet. They sold me an insole that completely solved the problem. They are a little weird feeling for the first 1/2 hour, but after that, no pain whatsoever. I had been limping around for almost two years. I would suggest them or a ortho doctor.

OrionQuiltsRN · Apr 8, 2011

I can sympathize with your pain. I too have plantar faschiitis and tried every shoe I could. After 5 years of suffering I bought Z-coils. Made all the difference for me. I have a white pair for work and a brown pair for extended walking (like going to the mall). My PF finally cleared up and I'm extremely careful to not develop the problem again.

2011NursingStudent · Apr 8, 2011

For when you are not working....I have completely flat, really wide feet...

http://www.orthoticshop.com/moszkito-fuzzy-sheepskin-arch-support-sandals-women.html

Fuzzy arch support sandals from Moszkito =) So much better than walking around in bare feet or flip flops! These are heaven.

Isabelle49 · Apr 8, 2011

If you wear tennis shoes to work, get rid of them, there is no support and the shoe 'gives' too much. I used to work night shift and when I woke up in the afternoon I could hardly walk - at only 32.

I have been wearing Birkenstocks for years now. I also have plantar fasciitis in my left foot due to flat feet for life. When I wear my Birkenstocks, no pain - any other shoe, ouch! Birkenstocks are very expensive and you have to get used to them, but once you do, you will wear nothing else at any time. I live in mine. Yes, they are kind of ugly but my feet don't hurt, and nor do my legs, hips or back.