Shoes for Wide, Flat feet?

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro (2yrs); Mom/Baby (6yrs); LDRPN (4+yr).

I've tried looking through the threads but couldn't find an answer to my specific question regarding shoes.

I'm hoping to be in nursing school next fall (have 1.5 months before they start sending out acceptance letters), but until then, I'm working in a Dr's office part-time where I'm on my feet pretty much all day, in addition to being in school full time for the nursing school pre-reqs. After just 1.5 days in my current tennis shoes (Nikes), my feet are killing me. :madface: So I thought I'd come here for help. Of course, it'll work out great if the shoes I buy for work can be used next fall for clinicals, too. :up:

In most shoes, my heels and the outsides of my feet will start to hurt (I also have mild club feet). Sometimes, to help relieve the pain while standing, I'll actually 'stand' on the outside of my feet. :icon_roll

So... what shoes are recommended for someone with wide, flat feet? I wear a 10W and I'm not a lightweight (currently 245 and 5'7).

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Specializes in ER.
I've tried looking through the threads but couldn't find an answer to my specific question regarding shoes.

So... what shoes are recommended for someone with wide, flat feet? I wear a 10W and I'm not a lightweight (currently 245 and 5'7).

I think Birkenstocks would be 'perfect' for you. You would wear a size 41 in a Birkenstock. I've had good luck buying them from www.zappos.com

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I have wide feet and the best shoes I have found so far are Ryka's. I also like to put Dr. Scholl's arch supports in them. If you need help with your specific problems, you could always try one of the speicality stores that help people with special needs like diabetes. I think around here we have one called "The Good Feet Store" You may pay a small fortune, though.

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Specializes in CTICU.

I second that thought - these are AWESOME:

http://zeta.zappos.com/product/105113/color/3

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I love Birkenstocks. Or else New Balance.

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Specializes in NICU.

Keen makes lace up shoes that are supportive and wide--with a wide toe tox.

If your feet hurt, you might want to consider looking into orthotics. They can make a world of difference. I've worn mine for a while and I'd never go back :).

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I'm not in nursing (yet) but I have bought a LOT of different running shoes over the years for my wide semi-flat feet.

Saucony, Asics, Brooks, and New Balance are my favorites for my duck feet. Most other sneakers will work for you, but the best thing to do is to get your gait looked at. Try a running shoe store, and they may be able to help you determine what kind of shoe you need (neutral, stability, motion control).

A good safe bet for most anyone: superfeet insoles. Try the "berry" pink type, they have the most cusioning. Put them in a pair of shoes that fits you well, with the right amount of cushioning and motion control.

My two cents on your gait: If you are standing on the outsides of your feet, you likely need LESS stability or motion control than you have in your current pair of Nikes. Try on a neutral shoe with a decent arch. If your current shoe is "motion control" then you may feel good in a stability shoe. You can get an idea of how much stability is built into the shoe by looking at the arch. If there is a hard piece of plastic there, or the foam is another color/hardness than the rest of the shoe, then you know there is stability build in. That stability is meant to prevent or control overpronation, or the tendency some people have to lean too far "inward" on their foot with each step. It's good if you overpronate, but if you don't overpronate you need regular neutral/cushioned shoes.

Also, make sure you are getting a walking shoe and not a running shoe. There is a difference.

Good luck!

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