Being on your feet all day can pretty much suck. However many, like nurses, get used to it and it also helps if you have the right footwear, especially comfortable footwear.
When it comes to nursing shoes, there are tons of options available, from varying styles, colors and level of comfort.
It is a good thing you decided to visit this page, as I have taken the time to categorize and highlight some of the best shoes for nurses 2014. So your search will end here, as you will definitely be able to find what you are looking for.
What to Look for When Buying Nursing Shoes
The great thing about shoes for nurses is the fact that they are designed specifically for people who will be standing on their feet all day. Even though it can be a bit challenging trying to find that perfect pair, you can make more informed decisions if you know what you are looking for.
Nursing clogs and shoes have a variety of features, some of which are extremely important. When choosing a shoe for work, you are going to have to get one that is very comfortable, is durable and has great support.
Comfort – I cannot stress this enough and I know this is #1 on the top of your list, but any nursing shoe that you buy must be comfortable. You are going to be on your feet all day, running around and as such, you need footwear that not only will be comfy on the feet, but one that will be able to lessen the pressure. Comfortable footwear will make your job easier and you will not have to worry about coming home from a hard day at work and having to soak your feet because of pain.
Durable – You definitely do not want to buy some something that will fall apart or wear our quickly after a couple of weeks. Everything we listed above are extremely durable and should last a long time. I should state that durability really depends on how long you wear your shoes. Remember, as a nurse, many of you will be pulling some serious hours and the majority of the time you will be on your feet. Your footwear will wear out a lot quicker and this is why I often recommend that you have shoes your rotate, or invest in multiple pairs just in case you realize that the one pair you own isn’t holding up to the demanding schedule.
Support – If you take a look at your feet, the majority of you will notice that it has a little arch (not if you have flat feet), you should really try to get footwear for nurses that has great arch support. If you find that what you are wearing is lacking foot support, this can cause some serious pain and be a really uncomfortable experience. You will probably throw those away very quickly and curse yourself for not getting the right ones with the right support the first time.
Types of Shoes Nurses Can Wear
Even though nurse shoes are designed for people who are standing on their feet all day; you can go with different types of footwear, once they are comfortable to wear. You will generally find nurses opting for clogs or sneakers.
Clogs – Clogs are by far the most popular option for nurses. They have the look, are stylish and best of all extremely comfortable. You will generally find nurses with them on and you can see them wearing popular clog brands such as Dansko, Birkenstock, Alegria and Klogs to name a few. You will be able to get clogs in a variety of colors from the traditional white to different funky styles that seems to be the rage right now..
Sneakers – Sneakers, especially those designed for running are a pretty popular option and you can see tons of nurses dashing around in hospitals with them on. One of the reasons they opt to wear sneakers designed for runners is because of the cushioning and support that they are able to deliver. They can lessen the pressure on the feet and provide a comfortable fit; great to have when on your feet the whole day.
Some of the popular sneaker brands that nurses wear are Nike, New Balance, Asics and Sketchers.
Important Tip When Buying Shoes
Nurses can work up to 12 hour shifts and you can be sure that a lot of that time they are going to be on their feet. Regardless of what type of shoe you buy, they are going to get worn out and worn out very quickly.
A good tip (but not a must), for those of you who are looking to buy nursing footwear, you should consider more than one pair. Some people have 2 different pairs that they rotate every other day, while others will have a different one for everyday of the week. The reason for have multiple footwear options is that it limits the amount of wear and tear and this will allow them to last much longer.
Don’t Forget the Gel Inserts
Even though all listed are all extremely comfortable and great for standing all day, if you want to get a bit more comfort in your footwear, then you should consider getting yourself some gel inserts.
Gel inserts are a good investment, as they give you another level of comfort for what you are wearing. These inserts will be able to absorb the impact absorb impact when you walk, as well as giving you some really good cushioning.
You can find gel inserts in any shoes store of drug store. They won’t be that expensive, but they will definitely give you that added level of support.
If you find that the store bought ones are not up to standard, you could have some custom insoles made by a podiatrist. This will cost you a pretty penny, but if you are serious about comfort for your feet, especially if you have pain, then you can consider it.