Finding the best shoes for nurses isn’t as easy as it sounds. Even though there are so many choices, you may still find it hard to find a pair that has the right style, comfort, and protection you need for your job.
So, how do you pick the right pair for you?
Here are our ten top tips in choosing the best nursing shoes in the market.
1. Check with your employer if there is a strict dress code in your area
This is the first important thing to check when buying a pair of nursing shoes. Some hospitals implement a strict one-color rule in nursing shoes and the usually required color is white.
However, nurses in scrub suits are commonly not required to follow such rule but it is always best to ask first.
2. Determine the size of your feet
In finding the perfect fit, your feet’s size and width should always be considered. When fitting a shoe, wear the socks that you commonly use in your duties. There are socks that affect the fit of the shoes worn, especially if they are too thick. Some people are also born with a slight difference in the size of their two feet. If that’s your case, always go for the size of the larger foot.
3. Always prioritize your comfort
Your feet’s comfort should not be forsaken for style. The insole should be soft and fits your foot perfectly without squeezing inside. Extra padding in pressure points is also helpful. You can even find shoes with gel cushions for more comfortable walking.
4. Look for features that will keep you safe
With spills and slippery flooring, your nursing shoes should not let you slip or fall. Out-soles made from high-quality and durable rubber will let your shoes have a good grip even when the floor is slippery. Most nursing shoes are made to be non-skid but it is still best to check when buying one.
5. Go lightweight
Your shoes should always be lightweight so walking or running quickly will not be a big problem for your legs. Walking around in heavy footwear will strain your legs and keep you from moving around quickly. Opting for lightweight shoes will give you more speed in doing your everyday tasks in the ward.
6. Consider arch support
If you will check your feet, you will notice that there is a natural arch or curve in the inner part of your soles. There are few people born without the arch in their soles and this condition is known as flat feet. A great nursing shoe should provide arch support to relieve pressure points in the feet. For those suffering from flat feet, a customized shoe which includes orthotic inserts is recommended.
7. Check the shoes’ durability
To withstand the extreme conditions nurses experience every day in the hospital, their shoes should be heavy-duty. High-quality nursing shoes are usually made from premium materials like leather and rubber. The outsoles should be thick enough and well-stitched to the body of the shoes. Shoes made from suede, canvas, and synthetic leather are not recommended as they are hard to clean and wear out easily.
8. Choosing an appropriate style
In choosing an appropriate style, you should first determine the style you are most comfortable with. Then, consider several factors like attire policy and the area you are working with. For fast-paced working environments where you will walk and run a lot like ER and ICU, sneakers will be best. For closed environments, like OR and NICU, where maintaining a sterile field is important, slip-on shoes are great. And for ward areas, clogs are recommended.
9. Go for an easy to clean shoe design
Nurses are always busy and they are exposed to many external hazards like blood and body fluid spills. For this reason, going for an easy to clean design is important. Choose shoes that can be easily cleaned with just a wipe of the damp cloth. Some shoes also come with their own line of cleaning agents so the appearance and durability of the shoes will not be affected by repeated cleaning over time.
10. Consider industry-specific brands
There are shoe brands made especially for nurses. NurseMates and ScrubZone are popular ones nowadays and they produce a wide line-up of different nursing shoes in the market. Going for shoes specially made for nurses is recommended since they are made for hospital usage.
Moving a lot at work and having to be on duty for long hours, you know how important it is to have the right kind of shoes. They can prevent future health problems, like slipped discs, and minimize back and leg pain.
Comments