What are the best shoes for nursing?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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I'm a new grad. Most of my previous positions required me to stand for long periods of time and I never really found the shoe that worked for me. The best I found were Crocs, but I'm not a fan of how they look. I'm very interested in people's opinion and what works well for them. I don't want to fight daily back pain and sore feet. I know that is going to happen, but I would like to minimize it as much as I can. I was going to buy the Dansko but wanted to get some feedback first.

Specializes in Cardiac/GI Surgery.

Also just something to note, I had worked as a CNA before but when I graduated ans first started working as an RN that was theworst foot pain I had ever had (nursing home nursing.) Anyway after that my feet would hurt sometimes after work my feet would hurt and still do sometimes a little after a long shift (hospital nursing now). But its not too bad. I have a pair of Danskos and also a pair of Timberland clogs. Both very comfortable although it may be important to note like previous comment said price cannot be an option. These are your feet and your legs and back You only get one set of legs one back!! Also the Dansko shoes do have like a'break in' period where they get formed to your feet as you wear them. Until they are broken in they aren't as great. They also run small. You dont want them tight! Sanitas may be the same way im not sure! Anyway... good luck happy shoe hunting!!

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

Too bad only comes in medium width...no wides.

Everyone's feet are different so it is probably going to be best to try on a lot of different shoes to see how comfy they are. My feet are VERY picky and I can only wear certain shoes and since I have plantar fasciitis in one of my feet, they must have good cushioning.

A lot of people recommend Danskos but I hate them. I tried on a pair and literally had it on for less than 2 minutes and my PF started acting up. They are extremely hard, like standing on concrete for me but lots of other people's feet like that.

I like Alegrias a lot and I just recently bought a pair of Crocs Mercy. I wore them to work this week and they are really good. http://www.zappos.com/crocs-mercy-work-black-silver

I also have a pair of Crocs Neria ordered but I haven't gotten them yet. I've heard good things, though. http://www.zappos.com/crocs-neria-work-black

You said you liked Crocs but not the look. These days, Crocs come in a wide variety of styles so maybe you can find one you like!

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I've had back issues since a car accident a few years ago. I wear Asics to work and absolutely love them. The most comfortable shoes, no back pain, I wear them w/ knee high compression socks and have no leg pain, either.

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Alegria! It's all I wear - every day!

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Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

I'm a runner and wear Asics for that- but Danskos in clinicals. I hated them at first as they broke in, but I was patient

after a few weeks and now love them. I have low arches and find the arch support helpful, but not interfering or rubbing.

The other thing I can totally recommend is getting medical-grade compression socks from a medical supply store. Expensive (>$50)

but I can be on the floor all day, and take those and my shoes off and still have legs fresh enough to go running in the evening.

You can also find athletic grade ones for $20-30 at running stores. Very wise words from my first clinical instructor.

Love love love.

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Specializes in OR.

I'm an Asics fan. Once I bought my first pair, it was hard to select anything different. They've got a lot of cushion and you feel like you're bouncing as you walk. They're very supportive as well. I also find the more expensive ones can last around twice as long as some other brands. My last pair made it over a year before I finally had to replace them.

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I have danskos but dont like them as much. Its easy to roll your ankle in them. It was for me anyway. I bought the sketchers walk fits and oh my gosh, no pain what so ever. 12hr shifts are a breeze with these. I am one that likes the soft comfy feel over the hard wood. Oh and I tried those new asics with the gel insoles and they felt great as well. thinking of getting them too.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I've had good luck with Nike Reax running shoes over the past couple of years - I own three pairs. I also like New Balance althletic shoes.

SAS casual shoes have also worked well for me in the past, although they are very expensive due to being handmade.

Many people with sore feet find that Z-Coil shoes work well. They are ugly and expensive, but have changed peoples' lives: http://www.zcoil.com

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I have danskos but dont like them as much. Its easy to roll your ankle in them. It was for me anyway. I bought the sketchers walk fits and oh my gosh, no pain what so ever. 12hr shifts are a breeze with these. I am one that likes the soft comfy feel over the hard wood. Oh and I tried those new asics with the gel insoles and they felt great as well. thinking of getting them too.

Can you provide a link for the Skechers? I tried Googling them but I keep getting Shape Ups in my results.

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You can buy NEW Danskos on Ebay & save yourself some $. I love them. They are worth the price.

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I have tried many different shoes and I am stuck on the Danskos. The thing to remember about them is that they are clogs even though they have the enclosed heel so you need to fit them like clogs and not running shoes. I have a high arch and plantar fasciitis and I have literally, been on my feet for 18 hour shifts and my feet (and back) may be tired but don't hurt a bit. The new XPs are lighter, more slip resistant, and they have a softer foot bed than the regular Professional series. I am still not sure which I like more yet though. Whatever shoe you buy-and I totally agree, do not let price stand in the way of your foot comfort-wear the shoes around the house and really make sure they fit and will work for you. My daughter wore Danskos for a shift at work, said her feet were killing her. She took off her shoes and her foot at the arch area was so swollen that her foot was practically round. What works for my feet and back may not work for yours. Btw- I think the XPs might run slightly larger than the other Danskos. Zappos, Onlineshoes.com and a couple other places have wonderful return policies so don't make your purchase someplace that has strict or short time return policies. It may take you a couple tries to find the right shoe for you.

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Can anyone recommend a good shoe for someone like me with amazingly large feet? I'm a women's twelve wide, and I'm not sure which shoe to choose. My dean informed me my pumas with the pink and lime green accents are not white enough today, so I need to find something better (and ideally more supportive). Price is not an issue. Thanks!

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