Perfect shoes for the "flat footed" male nurse

esrun00 · Dec 20, 2012

Brooks Ariel for women, there's a Brook's equalivent for men, but don't know the name. It's the best Brooks style, but you could try others. I also like Merrell shoes.

shermrn · Dec 24, 2012

I suggest you go someplace such as REI or a store that has staff who are trained to properly fit you for the right shoe. Someone with proper training will measure your foot, watch you walk and have a variety of shoes for you to try on as well as suggestions for the proper socks to wear or shoe inserts. I used to work part time at REI and we tried to make sure that the customer had the right shoe for the activity and that it fit properly. This was important to people who were running marathons or going to be out on the trail miles from nowhere, the same holds true for someone who is on their feet all day. Get fit properly and your feet will thank you for it.

As a side note, stay away from cotton socks as well.

docomo · Dec 25, 2012

I've got the same problem, little or no arch in my feet at all. I spent months talking to people about their shoes and even bought a few of the ones most commonly recommended. Here's the results of my research:

1. Arch supports are better than anything. I bought the ones from Walmart. You step on a machine and it scans your feet, then tells you which arch support to buy.

2. I was working 12 hour shifts x 7. The only real solution I found was to alternate shoes every shift. I also wore arch supports two days and worked without them on the 3rd day.

The idea was that every distributes weight and pressure across the top and bottom of your feet differently. After a couple days to get used to wearing arch supports, my feet were still feeling OK by the end of the 7th day. Without the arch supports, my feet would be hurting like heck by the end of every shift. Alternating shoes as well as the arch supports just made things even better :)

marqzee · Dec 26, 2012

I highly recommend Birkenstocks.

Very expensive, but worth it.

The soles are replaceable, as is the top part of the shoe as well.

Professional, Nursing and Culinary Shoes and Clogs from Birkenstock Express

judybsn · Dec 26, 2012

Custom orthotics in Reebok runners have saved my feet. Nursing is hard on feet!

wellbeing12 · Dec 26, 2012

Dansko shoes have good arch support

luv2canoe · Dec 26, 2012

I wear Cowboy boots, you need to get them fitted by someone who knows how to fit boots.

Ashera, LPN · Dec 27, 2012

No matter what the shoe - I swear by THORLO socks - I choose the 'walking' crew, but they have a low profile one as well - they 'hug' your arch/instep and offer the best cushion on the heel and ball of your foot. They last forever. For flat feet - or 12 hr shifts on any type foot - they can't be beat. Promise! Do a google search - Ebay has sellers as well as a few of the sport stores. I've tried other brands - but nothing compares.

bradleau · Dec 27, 2012

Go to a shoe store that will fit you with arch supports, and fit you with a properly fitting shoe. It works wonders for those nurses who are flat footed, as well as those who aren't. It is worth the extra cost. Usually you will get 3 or 4 pairs of arch supports that you change out every three months. Not the old fashioned plastic ones. Remember your feet will make or break you day.

luv2canoe · Dec 27, 2012

Hello everyone!
I'm a new graduate nurse and I've accepted a position in a Step down unit. Woohoo!!!
Anywho's, I need some advice regarding foot wear for the flat footed people! I've worn New balance & Nike Ms 78 as a student in clinical and the comfort level was not there at all. I've heard of Clark's being an awesome pair of kicks but of course, I wanna be sure. Appreciate the help folks! Happy Holidays!!

yeh support Jobst calf high are cooler than the thorlos. both good boot socks. don't forget non-slip soles

SENSUALBLISSINFL, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2012

Alegria now has shoes for men. This is actually new for them as they only sold for women. Nurse rave about these shoes. Go to their website.