shoes for aching backs

[Lori RN_09_2b]

I've found lots of threads with info about good shoes for aching feet, but my problem is my lower back. A couple hours in the mall with bad shoes leaves me hardly able to bend over, so I know I need really good shoes for when I start clinicals in the fall. Does anyone have this problem and have suggestions? I obviously want something that's great for my feet, too, but also great for the back. My nursing school just requires white--any style is fine, including clogs and athletic shoes, so I'm open to any suggestions. I got a pair of Crocs for my birthday, and while they feel great on my feet, my back will start aching with those, too.

Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated! :bowingpur

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

Z-Coils.

Nothing more ever needs to be worn!

[07302003, ASN, RN]

Another vote for Danskos!

I started wearing them in the restaurant industry - they have the added advantage of a non-skid sole for wet and greasy floors. My last pair (Professional line) lasted for 8 years of heavy use. So even if they cost $120 they're a great investment!

In my experience the trendy Danskos with the soft soles do not last as long and aren't as comfortable as the "Professional" line - Dansko loafers I bought lasted one year before the stitching unraveled (and yes they were $100 at the time!).

I never have back or leg pain with Danskos. You will want to try them on, because for a minority of people the soles are too hard and hurt their feet.

Good luck!

[Angela2006]

New Balance really helped my lower back during clinicals from 0630-1500. I was wearing Nike Shocks, but my back wouldn't even last until lunch. With New Balance and wearing the Ted Hoes (for circulation), I haven't had any problems this whole semester. Good Luck, Ang

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

I bought a pair of these recently. So far, so good!

http://www.spirafootwear.com/

[Toby's mum]

Another fan of Dansko--however, mine seem to squeak when I walk. Not sure why-may be an issue if working night shift.

[Indy, LPN, LVN]

Oh yeah, mine squeak too. Usually I'm too busy to care. But when it combines with the tic tacs and the keys in my pocket, it can make a racket. *jingle rattle squeak!*

[Lori RN_09_2b]

I think I'd be able to tolerate the squeaking. The noise would certainly be better than the noise of me whining after my back starts hurting. Not to mention the moans, groans, and occasional four-letter words.

[VinoLover2030]

I bought some z coils and they didnt help one bit.I will try some dansko shoes though.I have been wearing croc and love them but now I cant wear sling backs or clogs to work or clinical

[DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP]

Another vote for Danskos. Funny thing is, when you first put them on, they don't feel super comfy...it's not until the end of the shift that you realize that nothing is hurting. When I put on Crocs or New Balance, they feel soft and comfortable, after 8-12 hrs, I am aching in my feet, legs, back, etc...

Are Danskos good for people with wide feet? I usually wear New Balance in wide width, but I'm looking for something that might be more comfortable...

[nursing 101]

I have tried sneakers (new balance) and I even brought Birkensctocks. I will never ever buy Birk's again. I have a low arch and I thought they would be good for me. Big mistake, they hurt like hell. I thought I had to break them in but after 4 hours into my shift (2nd day of wearing them) I shipped them back(brought them online). My feet were hurting from the heel all the way to my toes. Sneakers swell up my foot big time. I still haven't tried the nike shocs yet, I heard they are good.

So I decided to try the famous Dansko's :w00t: I think I found heaven. Alot of people had to break theirs in, mine never hurt from the minute I put them on. I was shocked to see how they feel good. I went to a store because I wanted them fitted properly. Mine squeak but I rarely hear them on a busy floor.

So give it a try but shoes are very personal you have to try them on first to see if it works for you. I will never try to "break in shoes" again. For over $100 they should not hurt even if your foot has be to remolded from years of unproper fitting.

[NBHD]

Hooray for Danskos! Not only do I wear them working, but I also have pairs in black, blue, and brown for when I'm not working. I love them in the winter! When everything has been shoveled and there's sand and salt all over the place, I can slip my shoes off quickly and put them on easily when it's time to leave. I couldn't recommend them higher.

[kat911]

Are Danskos good for people with wide feet? I usually wear New Balance in wide width, but I'm looking for something that might be more comfortable...

Try a pair of Crocs, I recomended them to a friend with hip and back pain she loves hers. She had been wearing Birks. I've tried Birks, New Balance, Reeboks. Will never go back to them, I love my Crocs. My feet never felt so good.