Shoes for clinicals?

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Hi, I'm starting nursing school in the fall, and recently got my huge laundry list of things I'll need to buy for the upcoming year (the tab is reaching $500, I'm not kidding).

Aside from the prospect of being broke before even starting school, I'm uncertain about what kind of shoes to get for clinicals. They have to be white, non-skid, non-porous, no clogs or tennis shoes, etc.

What kind of shoes did you buy?

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Specializes in Certified Nurse-Midwife.

I guess that leaves you with nursing uniform shoes. I bought leather sneakers. We were allowed sneakers as long as they weren't fabric.

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Our instructors told us that the biggest part of our uniform budget should be spent on shoes. Makes sense because we spend a lot of time on our feet. I tried so many ridiculously expensive nursing shoes, but I ended up buying $60 Nurse Mates. They are the best, most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. Everybody's feet are different so I suggest you try on all the styles and see what fits you best.

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Our restrictions were about the same as yours. I bought Cherokee Brand shoes. They are the "Harmony" style. I got them at Supershoe (if you have that where you live). They were $39.99 and when I told them I was a nursing student, they gave me 10% off. They are VERY nice and VERY VERY comfortable.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I got some goos input from my fiends mother that is an ER RN and she had suggested Z-coils. I looked them up and went and tried them on and they are really comfortable! They look a little odd (the heel is a spring coil) and they came with a "ouch" price tag but I knew that for me they were what I needed. I have a lot of trouble with getting a good shoe for my small, high arch wide feet. These ones were great because they are completely absorbing the pressure when you step on you heel. They look like a clog almost but have a back on the heel.

This company makes many other types of shoes as well but they are apparently well known in the Hospitals.

I felt guilty spending $200.00 on them, but knowing my shoe and foot history; I knew I had better not mess around.

I really think it depends on your situation. I have a few pair of Dansko's that are really comfortable and they do make them for hospital staff in what you are looking for. The will be about $100.00 but they are well made and comfortable for most people.

Good luck with the shoe hunt!

Ps. My running total is almost now $1600.00 for my NS. I know how you feel!

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My Dh is a chef and spends 12+ hours on his feet on the days that he works. He also wears Danskos and says they are the best thing he has ever worn. I imagine if I can't wear tennis shoes for my clinicals I will wear them too. But I have at least a year before I know for sure.

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I don't have any yet but I tried on a pair of Danskos and they were very very comfortable. I plan to get a pair after I get out of school. For clinicals I bought a pair of think they are Nurse Mates.

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No tennis shoes?? What if they are completely white?? Our requirements are similar with the exception of the tennis shoes. I went through last year with a pair of Dr. Scholls walking shoes thinking they would be good with that name but they sucked and my feet were dying. I hear you can't beat Danskos when it comes to comfort. My GF got some for her job and says they were the most comfy shoes she has ever owned. We are allowed to have clogs as long as they are close-toed and have a heel strap so I ordered some birkenstock tokyos. I'll let you know how they tunr out. Why white anyway?? So much of nursing school is based on "It's how we've always done it" Time for someone to break the mold. We get to where all navy scrubs this year!!! No more white pants!!! Yeah!

John

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I went in with Reebok white leather sneakers, but I wish I'd gone to a uniform store. I just tried on some Nurse Mates, feather light, cushy, springy and supportive.

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I bought some Red Cross brand white leather shoes on allheart.com on clearance marked to $25 (from $75)! They have been great. I actually bought two pairs of the same brand: one lace up tennis shoe style and one clog. Both are great but I especially love the "courtney" clogs.

the website is

http://www.allheart.com

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I actually just got a pair of $10 walking shoes from Walmart last semester and they were actually really good! Eventually I'll get the Nursemates or something, but for now, that works great!

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Take this advice to heart...I suffer from serious foot issues. I waited tables so long I think my feet are permenantly damaged.

After the last incident with my feet I finally had to go to the Dr.; I couldn't bear weight on my right foot. I was told to go visit a podiatrist for orthotic inserts. Please, I am a nursing student and cannot afford such luxuries.

I went to a place in the mall called "The Walking Company".The had me stand on some mat in which the computer "read" the pressures points of my feet. The sales associates then fit me with the proper insert for my feet.

It was the BEST $60.00 that I spent. I can wear ANY shoe for any length of time and my feet don't hurt. Even my 4 inch heels, which I live in now. You can buy a cheap pair of shoes throw in the inserts and you are all set. These inserts are interchangable, you can move them from one pair to the next. Well worth the money.:yeah:

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