SHOES: Are Dansko comfortable?

Indy, LPN, LVN · Jul 9, 2006

I have 3 pair of danskos. One, white backless clog that I wore until I caught the buckle in an IV line, tripped and nearly yanked an IV out of a patient's arm. Two, brown oiled leather professional style that I wear when shopping and they're comfortable and cute. Three, white professional style with the back on that I bought after the backless kind were catching on things.

All three of them prevent back and leg pain as a general rule. I shuffle in the backless clogs so now I have a new callous on the bottom of my left foot, despite the fact that I haven't worn backless in 6 months. In the last month the foot pain has come back, though. Usually it's after my 3rd night or a really difficult night where I do more walking than normal. The bottom of my feet sort of feel like someone took a big ole wooden paddle and beat the crap out of them; they tingle and have a throbbing sensation.

That pain is actually 10 times better than my feet felt before buying the danskos brand but it's starting to get on my nerves. I also can't figure out why in the heck they put such a narrow little sole on those things. It really hurts when I turn my ankle, I'm not 20 any more and I don't want to break or pull something! So what I did was buy a pair of Klogs and plan on maybe wearing them one day a week to see what happens. I like the insole and I know I'm gonna shuffle but... will keep my fingers crossed.

birthmamaew · Jul 9, 2006

I had Danskos and also twisted my ankle repeatedly. A friend did the same thing and fell down a flight of stairs doing so. I have found that the Quark Pro-Air are very comfortable with good arch support. I love Danskos (other models) for everyday, but I dspise the professional line. My feet really killed me after a 12 hour shift.

RaElrA · Jul 9, 2006

I am not working as a nurse yet, but have worn them for years as a massage therapist. They are absolutely the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn, except for one thing--the ankle turning--I thought it was just me, since I have weak ankles, and I have been wondering how they will work in a hospital environment. I would say, standing, great, running, iksnay. I guess I'll keep shopping myself, and may go back to Birkies (really good platform, no ankle turning). I tried Crocs, as did my brother, and we both gave ours away. There seemed to be too much sponginess and not enough arch support, causing my feet to feel fatigued, and that was just going to classes. I can't even imaging standing for long periods. When I work doing massage, I work barefoot because I do some shiatsu and am on and off the table with the client, so just wearing any shoe for an extended period will be my own personal hell, lol. Good luck.

LilRedRN1973 · Jul 9, 2006

I started wearing Dansko's while still in nursing school. I had gotten a job in the ICU as an Apprentice Nurse where I was working 12 hour shifts. I don't remember what I was wearing at that time, but they were horrible. My knees ached, my back hurt, and I came home feeling like someone took a hammer to the bottoms of my feet. I bought the Dansko's after noticing that 65-75% of the nurses in my ICU wore them. After less than one shift, I felt better, less fatigued, and I came home without ANY back or knee pain. I wore them for 2 years, 3 days a week for 12 hours at a time. A great investment.

I still have that first pair, but recently bought some new ones. I have noticed the new ones bother my right foot on the top right where the part that goes over your foot is. It's almost too tight. It's my only complaint. I have had back and knee problems all my life and with my Dankso's, I can work shift after shift without any problems. I just finished with a run of eight 12-hour night shifts in 9 days and felt great (well, at least my back, knees, and feet did....I was exhausted!!).

I had flat feet as a child and have always felt comfortable in shoes such as Birkenstocks. It did take some time getting used to the "forward propelling" motion I find my Dankso's give me. And yes, I have turned my ankle on occasion. But that's nothing new for me. I turn my darn ankle anytime I wear shoes with any kind of heel on them, short or tall!

Melanie = )

PhoenixGirl · Jul 9, 2006

hello, i'm new to the forum.
what is your favorite shoe and why?
i was wondering what shoes are the most comfortable.
i have heard that dansko's are well made and very comfortable.
i would like to purchase a quality shoe.
:typing
if you don't like dansko, what shoes do you wear at work?

i have some that i don't wear much. i don't have wide feet, and i only wear a size 7, but still they felt too tight in the toes for me. i got some crocs they are so nice and roomy and comfortable. i prefer those and hardly wear anything else.

rebecca

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jul 9, 2006

I have noticed the new ones bother my right foot on the top right where the part that goes over your foot is.

You can take them to the local Dansko retailer and they might be able to make adjustments at no charge. A pair that i have rubbed my big toe, i took them to the store, then "punched out" the toe by rubbing the leather on a peg designed to do that, and they fit perfect afterwards. I think they can stretch the top as well.

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 9, 2006

Danskos were fine for me if I was standing more than walking - but they are too heavy if you are walking a lot. I prefer a lighter shoe. I could see how Dansko would be a good shoe for OR or something where you had to stand in one place a lot. They are terrible for trying to push beds, lift patients, walk quickly etc though.

kithzeez · Dec 21, 2007

hello, i'm new to the forum.

what is your favorite shoe and why?

i was wondering what shoes are the most comfortable.

i have heard that dansko's are well made and very comfortable.

i would like to purchase a quality shoe.

:typing

if you don't like dansko, what shoes do you wear at work?

i love dansko. it is a good quality. i got my first pair 5 years ago yet still wearing them. at first it feels funny and yes i twisted my ankle once or twice but after that i havent feel like i am tired all the time. the alignment of my back supported me well and my feet don't spread out or should i say flatter unlike crocs or birkens. it is also fashionable. even guy nurses and doctors wear them. in my hospital all our surgeons wear dansko because they said it doesn't make them feel tired after standing too long.

RaElrA · Dec 21, 2007

I love Dansko. The rest of my body may feel like I got run over by a truck, but my feet feel fine. There is one brand I want to check out, though...MBT. They are ugly, ugly, ugly, but if they work... Has anyone tried them?

polish nurse · Dec 22, 2007

I love Dansko

love-d-OR · Dec 22, 2007

Tried dansko for a week but they hurt. The shoe sales man said I needed a shoe one size bigger that mine, but I wasnt conviced. I returned them and got a noce pair of crocs. Love my crocs, sometimes they feel a little flat, but I love them.

kiszi, RN · Dec 22, 2007

I wear the Dansko professional clogs (with the back) and I really like them. The arch support is the best EVER, and my feet rarely hurt after a long shift. I agree with the ppl who said they're not great for a lot of walking (particularly FAST walking) b/c they're made so that your heel fits loosely and kind of flops up and down a little when you walk. But in my job in LTC, I do a lot of standing at the med cart and short walks, so they're perfect. The ankle turning thing did happen for a while till I got used to walking in them. They're also incredibly well made. I've had mine over a year and they're holding together beautifully.

They're sized a little weird, meaning they're meant to fit a little big. When in doubt, go a size up. Mine felt HUGE at first (I ordered from Ebay therefore didn't try them on-NOT recommended! ) but now they feel lovely.

I wore tennis shoes to work today (casual friday) and ended up missing my Dansko's! :lol2: