Shoes

WSU_Ally_RN, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2006

I wear dansko's and love them! They are well worth the amount of money I spent on them! My advice would be to go to the store and try different shoes on... just because I say one type is the best doesn't mean they are the best for you.

garfieldrn · Oct 19, 2006

You're right about that! Someone recommended Dansko shoes to me and so I bought a pair, they are comfortable but I prefer Born shoes they are a little less pricey and more comfortable.

KLeigh · Oct 19, 2006

I'm having some trouble finding a good pair of shoes, too, especially since my right foot is almost an entire size bigger than my left! That makes it so hard, and I almost always come home with one foot in pain! Anyway, here's what Ive learned or experienced, as far as shoes go:

Just last night I ordered a pair of Crocs Professionals online for $34.00--I'll let you know how those are, as soon as I try em. I've heard great things about them. From what I've heard, though, make sure to get the "Professionals" kind, because they have ridges along the sides, to catch any body fluids that might drip onto your feet, so you don't get anything gross falling through the foot vents! They are slip-resistant, although I have heard some nurses say that their hospitals have banned "Crocs" and similar shoes, because people have been slipping in fluids (someone mentioned in another post that this could be due to some less well-crafted knock-offs, which might not actually be slip resistant, giving a bad name for the real shoes).

Here are the other shoes I've tried, though: Dansko--I have had pretty good luck with these. I bought 2 different types, both cost around $100, and one pair has been great (I've had them for over 4 years, and they are still in good shape, except for the fact that the inside of them seems to have become really super smooth, so my feet have started to slide out of them--but that was after 4 years of wear). My other pair of Danskos is not quite as "cushy" inside, but are still very durable and reliable, and are also still in great shape after several years.

Recently, I started having quite a bit of pain at the top of my "bigger" foot, from my big toe up to the front of my ankle, and at first I thought maybe the shoe was too tight, but when I paid more attention, I think it was caused by the inside of my shoe wearing down. I think what was happening was that the new slickness of the inside of the shoe was causing my foot to slide out, so I was "gripping" the inside of my shoe with my big toe, to keep my foot from sliding out. This resulted in the "extensor tendon" (looked it up, cause my foot was hurting so much!!) being stretched an awful lot during my 12-hour shift. That's just my theory, though--I haven't gone to a doctor about it or anything. Has anyone else had this problem, with dorsal foot pain after a long shift, when your shoes are obviously not too tight? This only happens with one of my feet.

I've also worn Nursemate shoes, and those are pretty comfortable, too, and cheaper than Dansko. I've only had one pair, though, and I ended up getting rid of them because the pair I had was just so darn ugly! They do have a huge selection of styles, though. I might try another pair of those if my crocs aren't as great as I've heard they are.

Also, I just ordered a pair of clogs from allheart.com, basically because they were on clearance for $8.99! The sizing system is horrible, though, because I wear a 7.5 (my right foot tends to be an 8, actually, while my left can fit into a 7), and their size small is 6-7 and medium is 8-9--seems like it would be hard to get a good fit with such a wide range. If they hadn't been less than $10, I wouldn't have tried them, but I couldn't pass up the deal. I ordered a medium, and honestly I can't tell if they are too big or not. They are, though, the most lightweight shoe I have ever seen. I am going to wear them for the first time tonight at 1900, so I'll let you know how they are, after my shift tonight!

So, I'll update you when I try the allheart clogs and the crocs! Good luck in your search for the perfect shoe--I know it's a tough one-I'm right there with ya!

ghost · Oct 20, 2006

Hey thanks! I'd appreciate the review on the new shoes. Especially since you're a 7.5 like me.

I know what you mean about picking shoe sizes...why can't they make them in half sizes? Would make life so much simpler :)

I'm having some trouble finding a good pair of shoes, too, especially since my right foot is almost an entire size bigger than my left! That makes it so hard, and I almost always come home with one foot in pain! Anyway, here's what Ive learned or experienced, as far as shoes go:
Just last night I ordered a pair of Crocs Professionals online for $34.00--I'll let you know how those are, as soon as I try em. I've heard great things about them. From what I've heard, though, make sure to get the "Professionals" kind, because they have ridges along the sides, to catch any body fluids that might drip onto your feet, so you don't get anything gross falling through the foot vents! They are slip-resistant, although I have heard some nurses say that their hospitals have banned "Crocs" and similar shoes, because people have been slipping in fluids (someone mentioned in another post that this could be due to some less well-crafted knock-offs, which might not actually be slip resistant, giving a bad name for the real shoes).
Here are the other shoes I've tried, though: Dansko--I have had pretty good luck with these. I bought 2 different types, both cost around $100, and one pair has been great (I've had them for over 4 years, and they are still in good shape, except for the fact that the inside of them seems to have become really super smooth, so my feet have started to slide out of them--but that was after 4 years of wear). My other pair of Danskos is not quite as "cushy" inside, but are still very durable and reliable, and are also still in great shape after several years.
Recently, I started having quite a bit of pain at the top of my "bigger" foot, from my big toe up to the front of my ankle, and at first I thought maybe the shoe was too tight, but when I paid more attention, I think it was caused by the inside of my shoe wearing down. I think what was happening was that the new slickness of the inside of the shoe was causing my foot to slide out, so I was "gripping" the inside of my shoe with my big toe, to keep my foot from sliding out. This resulted in the "extensor tendon" (looked it up, cause my foot was hurting so much!!) being stretched an awful lot during my 12-hour shift. That's just my theory, though--I haven't gone to a doctor about it or anything. Has anyone else had this problem, with dorsal foot pain after a long shift, when your shoes are obviously not too tight? This only happens with one of my feet.
I've also worn Nursemate shoes, and those are pretty comfortable, too, and cheaper than Dansko. I've only had one pair, though, and I ended up getting rid of them because the pair I had was just so darn ugly! They do have a huge selection of styles, though. I might try another pair of those if my crocs aren't as great as I've heard they are.
Also, I just ordered a pair of clogs from allheart.com, basically because they were on clearance for $8.99! The sizing system is horrible, though, because I wear a 7.5 (my right foot tends to be an 8, actually, while my left can fit into a 7), and their size small is 6-7 and medium is 8-9--seems like it would be hard to get a good fit with such a wide range. If they hadn't been less than $10, I wouldn't have tried them, but I couldn't pass up the deal. I ordered a medium, and honestly I can't tell if they are too big or not. They are, though, the most lightweight shoe I have ever seen. I am going to wear them for the first time tonight at 1900, so I'll let you know how they are, after my shift tonight!
So, I'll update you when I try the allheart clogs and the crocs! Good luck in your search for the perfect shoe--I know it's a tough one-I'm right there with ya!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Oct 20, 2006

Crocs. I tried danskos and they were not for me at all, and I love clogs

ghost · Oct 20, 2006

What shoe size are you. Did you have to size up or down if you are a half size?

Thanks!

Crocs. I tried danskos and they were not for me at all, and I love clogs

adrienurse, LPN · Oct 20, 2006

I've been wearing Merrells for the last 5 years. My feet love them. They're antislip and have a lot of support. You can even get them in perforated leather (which I'm wearing now).

I RN A · Oct 20, 2006

I looove my Nurse Mates!!!! These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. And look good too. I got them at www.Uniformdiscount.com

ms_orion · Oct 20, 2006

They might not be the "coolest" look but shoes by SAS are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.

HyperRNRachel · Oct 20, 2006

Danskos.....three pairs.

Bethy-lynn · Oct 20, 2006

I LOVE my Birki Professionals. I tried Danskos, nursemates, sneakers in every variety, but my Birki's are the best. The Professionals are wider that the superbirki, so when my feet have swollen by the end of my shift, they are still loose. They are a little big on me, but it makes them more comfortable. As long as the footbed fits, which conforms to your foot after a little while, they are the best shoes aver. I've dropped needles straight down on them and not gottn stuck. Nothing seeps through them, they are autoclavable, and they have a lip on the back so you don't walk out of them. Oh, yes, I LOVE MY SHOES!!!!!