OMG! My feet are killing me!

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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.

Specializes in Cardiac, ED.

get some asics with athetic gel liners that you can get @ shoe store, it's like walking on clouds...:)

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Specializes in CICU.

I feel your pain. I ended up transferring to a different type of nursing altogether where I don't have to be on my feet all the time. Foot problems can be so particular, they could be linked to back or hip misalignment or all number of things. A trip to the podiatrist might help.

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One of the best nursing investments I have made is to buy a pair of Danskos. This may sound weird but my feet actually crave my Danskos. I look forward to putting them on when I go to work. They provide a lot of support for my feet. My feet feel soo much better in Danskos vs. running shoes.

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Oh, another tip. I normally wear a size 6 yet I bought the Danskos in a size 8. The roominess is a bonus. My toes can really spread out and nothing is constricted (I have bunionettes on both feet)

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Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

i too had problems with swelling hurting feet at the end of a twelve hour shift. almost 3 years ago i started a running program and i know this may sound crazy but i do not suffer hardly any pain at work with my feet. i am thinking possibly this has to do with poor circulation. so, knowing you're also in your mid fourties you might benefit from this strategy. they're is plenty of info on various running techniques that lessen stress on the legs....such as chi running or pose running on the web. knowing you're a nurse you know it is wise to see a physician prior to engaging in an exercise program. good luck and hope you find a supportive proper pair of shoes. spend the big bucks if you can;;;check out echo brand shoes. my wife swears by them!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

Can't run... too fat... and I DO have plantar fascitis.. podiatrist diagnosed it 10 years ago. Have worn nothing but Reeboks cross trainers since, with no foot troubles.. until I came on the floor and I walk a lot at work. I thought it was just a temporary thing, and it would go away, but it isn't. I'm frustrated cause I've just bought 3 new pairs of sneakers hoping to get rid of this....

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Specializes in med/surg.

My feet swear by Birkenstocks (leather ones with straps on back of heel). They aren't the most stylish, but my pants hang over them. I used to wonder why so many people wore these shoes a few years ago...now I know. My feet are tired at the end of the day, but they don't ache like they did with tennis shoes. I originally bought dansko's but returned them before wearing them out; just didn't feel like they would be a good fit for my feet/lots of walking.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Can't run... too fat... and I DO have plantar fascitis.. podiatrist diagnosed it 10 years ago. Have worn nothing but Reeboks cross trainers since, with no foot troubles.. until I came on the floor and I walk a lot at work. I thought it was just a temporary thing, and it would go away, but it isn't. I'm frustrated cause I've just bought 3 new pairs of sneakers hoping to get rid of this....

This may have to do with the increased activity involved with being a nurse. I don't know what sort of job you had before, but, now, compare your activity between before and now that you got your license. What did the podiatrist tell you to do when he diagnosed you? Did he give you foot exercises?

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One of the best nursing investments I have made is to buy a pair of Danskos. This may sound weird but my feet actually crave my Danskos. I look forward to putting them on when I go to work. They provide a lot of support for my feet. My feet feel soo much better in Danskos vs. running shoes.

Same here. I look forward to putting on my Danskos. I rarely have any foot pain when I wear them. I'm wearing my new balance running shoes now and wishing I was wearing the Danskos. The clog style that so many folks wear didn't work for me, so I bought a mary jane style. They're expensive, but they are so totally worth it. I'd pay double if I had to. Make sure you are fitted properly for them--you should be able to place a finger behind your heel when wearing them.

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Specializes in Open Heart/ Trauma/ Sx Stepdown/ Tele.

Have you tried sneakers by Nike...the walking sneaker Nike Air is pretty nice.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.
This may have to do with the increased activity involved with being a nurse. I don't know what sort of job you had before, but, now, compare your activity between before and now that you got your license. What did the podiatrist tell you to do when he diagnosed you? Did he give you foot exercises?

He did give me exercises for when my heel pain came back, but it hasn't for the past 10 years. I do walk a lot more with this job than I have in the past other jobs. I don't have my license yet.. still in school.. but work as a nursing assistant. On my feet all day and I don't even get time to sit down and chart. Some days I'm lucky if I get 5 minutes to pee.. not that I'm complaining... I really am loving my job.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Z-Coil shoes are extremely pricey, but they are designed for workers with chronic foot pain. They are also the ugliest shoes in existence, but the most comfortable and responsive to your body.

http://www.zcoil.com

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