Shoes for the ER??

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Specializes in ER newbie, NICU.

Hi all,

I really need some advice here. I am starting a new position in the ER next week and just found out they don't allow Crocs as foot wear. I don't own anything else... I'm considering a pair of Danskos but I've never worn them and I don't want to throw away $120. Running shoes or Clogs?

I think my current obsession with this issue is a front for my underlying anxiety about my start date but that's just how I roll.....

:)

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Specializes in Emergency.

Oh my God, get the Danskos! You will wind up spending the same amt of money on the training shoes, but they are made for exercise aren't they? Almost all hospital floors are concrete covered with a thin, unattractrive layer of decorated concrete. This is not what tennis shoes are for. They don't last and in a few mos you will have leg pain. I have Danskos and they are great. I rarely go home with back pain and never with leg or ankle. My feet get tired, they aren't super cushiony for feet but between my back and legs or feet, the feet lose! Don't get me wrong, they don't cause any foot pain, so they are great. Also, if there is one dept you are gonna want water proof foot gear, it's the ED. There is a whole lotta spillage going on.

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120 seems a bit high..usually nurse types can get them (with their local affiliation's discount) for about 95-105....

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Specializes in M/S, Tele, Peds, ER.

I have 2 rules for nursing shoes

1. comfort

2. leather or whatever non-permeable material you can find... you WILL get body fluid of one kind or another on your shoes, and you WILL want to be able to feel like they're clean again. I get those disinfectant wipes and wipe down my stuff at the end of shift. NOT canvas shoes (running shoes) for that reason

I wear Pumas cuz they're cool, fun, and light.... so i'm speedy in them ;) haha

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Specializes in Med-Surg, ER.

I went home every day from work with horrible back pain. Sometimes it was so bad that I couldn't move on my first day off. Then I bought a pair of New Balance 926's. The first day I wore them I had zero back pain. I've been wearing them for almost two years and they're just now starting to indicate that they're ready for retirement to street duty (back pain's creeping back.) They have a full grain leather upper without any holes for goo to seep into. They're classed as a walking shoe, and that is what we do all day, yes?

They can be had for $90-100. Personally I buy all my shoes from Zappos because they have free shipping both ways. If you buy a pair and they don't fit right, it's free (and easy - preprinted return labels) to send them back and try another pair.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I have a pair of Reebok cross-trainers that I wear to work. I know some people swear by clogs, but I didn't find them practical for myself. I've had feet issues in the past, and need some support. I know several ED's I interviewed at are prohibiting clogs and crocs for those in patient-care areas, mostly due to safety issues. I just don't feel they offer enough support for 13 hours of being on my feet - my arches would be killing me!

That said though, I'd wear them any other time. I love Land's End clogs. I don't own any crocs, but can see how they would make a good beach or gardening shoe - easy to wash!

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hey, if you like Dansko's, and you know your size, they have an online outlet store. It's www.danskooutlet.com. Good luck with your shoe hunt!:)

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

allheart_2021_37822133

Here are the shoes I swear by! R-Clogz Lights from Cherokee. They are LIGHT weight, clean easliy and are extremely comfortable. They may feel a bit snug when you first get them, but do stretch. I am on my 2nd pair, and I have the third waiting in the box....

I had always worn tennis shoes to work, (Med/Surg, and on my feet 7.5 out of 8 hours!) and my legs, back and feet would kill me at the end of the shift. Now, I come home with no pain!!! ( I also know a couple nurses in our ER who wear these as well. The strap is convertable or removable-FYI)

I've included the link below---on sale at allheart.com for $25.99!!!!

http://allheart.com/rclogzlights.html

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Specializes in Med Surg/Ortho.

I have never worn Dansko's either....which do you prefer (if you wear them)? I checked out the link, and many are obviously inappropriate for the hopital...strappy sandals, open toes, etc. But there are a few that look good. Just looking for a recommendation.

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I have never worn Dansko's either....which do you prefer (if you wear them)? I checked out the link, and many are obviously inappropriate for the hopital...strappy sandals, open toes, etc. But there are a few that look good. Just looking for a recommendation.

The Dansko Professional Clogs are comfy--but they do take gettting used to. It's a "love-hate" thing--you will either love them or hate them. I also wear Dansko sandals, and dress shoes and find them quite comfy. I have found that I can stand all day long while wearing any of the Danskos, and have a lot less of a back ache than when I wear my sneakers.

Good luck!:specs:

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

I wear Quarks now and have no foot or back pain after 12 hour shifts. I'm med/surg now but was in ER for 6 months and had to have good shoes because of all the running around. It took some time to find good shoes but now that I've found them I can wear nothing else. :) But I did have to try on three different styles and the first two didn't fit well, only the third.

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Danskos-love them. I can also wear my Muzuno running shoes but only every once in a while.

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