OMG! My feet are killing me!

[dansamy]

I need practical, real-world nursing shoes suggestions. My current pair is a pair of EasySpirit walking shoes. By the end of the day, my feet hurt so bad. I think maybe the toebox is too narrow since my "pinky" toe gets squished up under my 4th toe, which has now caused a blister? corn? bunion? whatever you call that thing. Does anyone have any suggestions for not just "good" shoes, but "great" ones? I really don't care if they cost $50 or $500 at this point.

[nursenpnk, RN]

Im a fan of the danskos for their back support, but they can kill the arches of your feet if you have flat feet! I even find my feet occasionally get sore so I will wear new balance occasionally. Crocs are a no go for me! They offered me no back support and I was in tears after a 12 hour shift! Kudos to those of you who can wear them, they are banned at my hospital as they found that they are unsafe because they are so soft and some have the holes ect.

[ChristyMNOP]

I think since you are having toe crowding that you should try the Crocs RX. They have some new ones coming out soon according to their website that have more arch support, I would look into those too. But I have wide feet, and can't stand to have my toes crowded, and this really helps. If I could just find some good support hose that don't crowd toes, I'll be all set.

[meandragonbrett]

I wear crocs, asics, shox, and birkenstocks.....just depending on my mood.

[Hoozdo, ADN]

I wear Birkenstocks. I tried some cherokee nursing shoes and my feet were killing me after a 6 hour clinical, even at the 4th hour my feet were barking at me.

I then invested in a $125 pair of birkenstocks. I have a wider foot, and they are amazing. I've never tried the crocs cause i just don't think i need to. I love my birkenstocks. They mold to your feet. When you first try them on they are uncomfortable, and they recommend that you wear then a few hours a day for 2 or 3 weeks to break them in. I however wore then for a couple of 12 hour shifts and boom broken in....lol!! I never have to worry about my feet hurting, i work in an ER as a tech and sometimes work a 16 hour shift and not once through any shift do i have to think about my feet. They are amazing!!

Birkenstocks are also my favorites. For me, they require no breaking in at all. I also like the brand Think!......also zero breaking in required. I wore them for the first time for a 13.5 hour shift - my feet felt sad when I got home and took them off!

Crocs I wear at home. They don't have enough arch support for me. I could do a 12 hour shift in them without discomfort, but the above shoes are much more comfortable.

I can do at 12 hour shift with Danskos, but they make me clumsy. They are too heavy for my tastes, and that big heel in the front makes me trip! I fell one day when wearing them.........and that was the last time I wore them

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Magnetic Insoles for you shoes are absolutely wonderfull. I will fight before I give up my magnets.

[MsLady06]

Every shoe is not for everybody....you will probably spend spend spend until u find that great pair. Sneakers are not for me at all..lol they make my feet burn. The clogs do pretty good though. I wish there was a company offering custom made sneakers or nursing shoes to fit your foot with nice cushion to your liking.

[justme1972]

New Balance - have your feet sized in a shoe store. I was surprised that I don't really take an 8 or 8 1/2, but rather a 7 1/2 wide - perfect fit with no "breaking in" period, no blisters. LOVE 'em!

I totally agree...I buy 8's b/c wides are hard to find...but 7 1/2 W? Fits PERFECT.

[adrienurse, LPN]

lets start with the basics. Know your feet. Examine the wear patterns on your old shoes to determine whether your foot tends to pronate or supinate during your steps (turn in or outward), do you have "fallen arches" etc? Take this information to a quality shoe store that will properly take these things into account, measure your foot properly and take into consideration the amount of ankle support you need. Choose your shoes based on their recommendation. Within athletic brands these days some such as newbalance make specialized types of shoes made for sfific types of feet. I have a tendancy to sprain my ankle and have high arches -- therefore I went for a Brooks variety that has more ankle and arch support and is specially designed with a wider sole to prevent my ankle from turning outwards.

Don't forget to ask for additional cusioning if needed.

Using this system, you should find something close to heaven.

[casperbjs]

I wear Crocs and love them, they are better than my New Balance shoes......

[truern]

I found that if I change shoes daily I don't have foot/leg/back problems at all....but let me wear the same pair for a couple days and OUCH!

I happen to love my Danskos, but I also wear some great walking shoes as well.

[Ms Kylee]

I've gone through two pairs of cross trainers and a pair of Reebok walking shoes to help me get through my work and clinical days. Suffice to say, by the end of the day, my feet are killing me, and I'm having trouble walking. Can anyone advise a good pair of shoes/sneakers that can help? I really don't like walking this way....

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I've gone through two pairs of cross trainers and a pair of Reebok walking shoes to help me get through my work and clinical days. Suffice to say, by the end of the day, my feet are killing me, and I'm having trouble walking. Can anyone advise a good pair of shoes/sneakers that can help? I really don't like walking this way....

I just had to see a podiatrist a few weeks ago and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. I am a new nurse (since last July) and had foot pain. Had to get cortisone shots and orthotics for my shoes as well as do foot exercises each day. If you have coverage, go see one ASAP. Meantime, get the gel-soles.