Oh! My feet! What are the best shoes to wear at work??

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Hi!

I'm a first semester nursing student and unlike some of my counterparts, my clinical group is in full swing! I'm finding out fast that the white shoes I purchased for school (dr. Scholl's) are not cutting it on the NH floor. And they are the second pair I've bought so far. I came home today and had to elevate my legs, they are throbbing. Can anyone offer advice on the best shoes for comfort that are also reasonably priced? I've been to some stores specifically for nursing and the shoes were as expensive as Jordan's! I just can't afford that right now and I need better shoes by Friday. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.

I went through a number of shoes when I first started working full time as a nurse. I highly recommend finding a Walking Company location near you and going in for a fitting. They analyse your feet and have you try on a number of shoes and they found me shoes that are like clouds for my feet. Can be spendy, but they also many times have closeout models. My $250 dream shoes were on closeout for $79.

Good luck!

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I love my Timberland Pro Renovas. I also have some plain white sneakers that I like, but not as much as the Timberlands. I bought them for around $90.

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Crocs mercy style... The ones without the holes! They truly are the ONLY shoe that I can wear that doesn't hurt my back and feet!!! Plus they are dirt cheap and if needed can be easily replaced (less than $30). Try them out at a crocs store, you won't be disappointed! I have literally tried three brands of running shoes and danskos and hated them all! Crocs are amazing!

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I have the worlds worst feet after 20 somethings years of dance. I wear nursemates doves, I've been working fulltime as a hospital CNA for a year and have had no problem. Super comfy, only 50-60 dollars if you get them on amazon. I really want a pair of Danskos, I hear they are the best but the price has been scaring me off.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I Intern for a podiatrist, so if i may, ill offer advice. What you need is better shoes AND better socks. CEP compression socks will offer you a huge amount of relief. These socks are often worn by basketball players who worry about swelling in the lower extremities.

As far as shoes, you need a good running shoe with arch support. A shoe with a MESH toe. This will allow for the foot to expand and will minimize rubbing. Also, the arch support of a running shoe is superior.

Also, doing good lower extremity stretching in the morning and at night will help with end of the day foot and leg pain. You also need to make friends with the ice bucket.

good luck

ps. when it comes to foot and leg pain. doing just ONE thing usually doesn't help. You need a complete regimen of treatments. try doing everything I suggested and continue with it for the length of your clinicals!

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I Intern for a podiatrist so if i may, ill offer advice. What you need is better shoes AND better socks. CEP compression socks will offer you a huge amount of relief. These socks are often worn by basketball players who worry about swelling in the lower extremities. As far as shoes, you need a good running shoe with arch support. A shoe with a MESH toe. This will allow for the foot to expand and will minimize rubbing. Also, the arch support of a running shoe is superior. Also, doing good lower extremity stretching in the morning and at night will help with end of the day foot and leg pain. You also need to make friends with the ice bucket. good luck ps. when it comes to foot and leg pain. doing just ONE thing usually doesn't help. You need a complete regimen of treatments. try doing everything I suggested and continue with it for the length of your clinicals![/quote']

We are required I wear leather shoes. No mesh allowed. Mesh over any part of your foot doesn't offer any protection if you were to drop something on your foot.

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I wear Dansko's but be warned, they come with a hefty price tag (mine were $130 and worth every penny).

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I love my Danskos. Alegria shoes are very comfortable, too. It's surprising that both work well for me because they are pretty different - the Danskos are a lot more firm than the Alegria shoes. I will warn you, though, Danskos are not for every body.

Get some compression socks as they will help with the achey leg feeling. I got mine at my local uniform store for about $7/pair. They are knee-high and they do make a world of a difference since I started using them.

I know being able to find a moment to sit can be impossible sometimes but if at all possible, sit down and elevate your legs on another chair, even if it's just for a few moments. Do this during your lunch break, too.

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I love DANSKOS. If your feet are atypical they may not be comfy though, I know high arches have trouble. What I wore before my wonderful aunt bought those for me, were some simple New Balances from Academy, they were pretty comfortable and also fairly cheap. I still wear them sometimes. For work (I'm an aide) I wear Saucony running shoes sometimes too if I feel like the Danskos are too plain for me. I have classmates who really like the Nursemates too.

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New balance gym shoes are excellent, I also wear compression stockings from uniform store

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Great advice! Thanks!

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