Nurses work long hours on their feet, and know the importance of choosing good sneakers or shoes. The wrong choice of footwear can lead to pain and worsen existing problems. This guide will not only provide tips on selecting the proper shoes and show different types of nursing footwear, but also how to wear and maintain your shoes to get the most out of them.
SIX CRITERIA WHEN CHOOSING NURSE SNEAKERS OR SHOES
Finding the Right Fit
Your shoes should fit snugly; they shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. If they are too tight at the heel or toe, it can result in chaffing and blisters. However, if they are too loose, it can result in reduced traction and slipping.
The Right Shoes Require Minimum Breaking-In
The right shoes do not require a long break-in period. If they don’t feel comfortable after 3-4 days, we suggest either replacing them or following these tips on how to break in shoes without the pain of wearing them for weeks.
The Importance Of No-Slip Soles
Rubber-soled shoes with good treads are a must, since hospital floors often fall victim to bodily fluids, and can get slippery; a fall is dangerous to you, your colleagues, and patients.
Arch Support or Padded Instep
The sole is the most important part of the shoe. If the sole isn’t supported, you won’t last a long shift. A shoe with a padded sole absorbs shocks and decreases ankle, knee, and hip pain.
Arch support or a padded instep is vital if you have problems like plantar fasciitis or just flat feet. Flat feet can benefit from greater arch support, and the degree of arch support depends on the height of your arches. This helps to place the foot in a more neutral position, canceling out the shock of impact. However, people shouldn’t spend a lot of money on custom orthotics.
Look for a Wide Toe Box
Buy a shoes with a wide toe box, and don’t buy a smaller size shoe; a shoe that might feel comfortable at the store might not after a long shift.
People with ankle arthritis should consider purchasing shoes with rocker-bottom soles. Rocker Bottom has a thicker sole where toe and heel areas curve upward. This reduces the pressure o the ball and heel
The advantage of sneakers with mesh is that they are breathable and light. However they are hard to clean. If you work in specialties or situations where you don’t come in contact with messy bodily fluids, they might be OK; however, for most nurses, this might be a good option.
In contrast, canvas sneakers are easy to clean and can be cleaned by wiping down with an antibacterial solution. Depending on the style, you can wear for patient care and for meetings. The downside is that they are heavier than mesh sneakers.
Wearing Hi Tops is really a matter of style and preference. There haven’t been any studies done on Hi-Tops and the medical profession. However, numerous studies have been conducted on athletes wearing high-tops. In a 2001 Australian study, they looked at over 10,000 basketball, and found no difference in the level of injury for low and high top wearers.
They are needed in high-paced areas where people are on their feet, like the Emergency Room (ER), where nurses are always on the move. Sneakers are built for running and have grips so you don’t slip. Canvas sneakers are ideal, since they also protect you from bodily fluids.
Slip-ons are the type of nurse shoes that one can get in and out of quickly. This is critical in operating theaters, where no external footwear is allowed; this means that nurses have to change his/her footwear every time they enter and exit the operating theater. more practical here.
Clogs are also a popular choice. They are comfortable, and the front is enclosed, protecting you from spills. The back of the clog isn’t close, and they can function like slip-ons. The back strap makes them secure. Hence, they are ideal for the operating room.The back of the shoe is open, and hence the clog can function as a slip-on shoe too. This makes it great for use in the operating theaters. They have a strap at the back which makes them even more secure
If you are working in an environment with a lot of bodily fluids, sometimes even canvas sneakers aren’t enough, and you need the protect only boots can provide We offer a selection of normal and ankle boots that are great as a permanent replacement for your nurse sneakers, or to be worn for a particularly messy situation
SIX TIPS ON WEARING AND MAINTAINING MG NURSING SHOES OR SNEAKERS
Don’t Forget About Socks
Just as selecting the right footwear is important for your feet, picking the right socks to go with them are just as vital. Socks that absorb moisture and are breathable cut down on odors and prevent your sweat from becoming too sweaty. Nurses should wear compression socks to increase circulation and lower soreness during the typical 12 hour shift.
Have Different Types and Alternative Footwear
You should have different types of footwear, especially if you work in different environments, You should have set of footwear for formal occasions, one for everyday use where you are walking/running all the time and another set for operating theater or where you are standing in one position for a long time. We suggest plain color canvas shoes for formal occasions, mesh/canvas sneakers / hi-tops for everyday use, and clogs/slips on for operating theater.
Secondly, you should buy two pairs of each footwear. Particularly for canvas sneakers, they need a break so they don’t trap odors over time. When you spend long hours on your feet, your feet can get sweaty and develop odors, and on rare occasions, athlete’s foot. Canvas wears down quickly if it doesn’t have time to dry out. You should alternate pairs of shoes so that they have a chance to dry out on their off-days.
Stretch and ice
There are some measures you can take to stop ailments like Achilles tendonitis from forming. 1) Stretch your calves your before and after a shift, by placing your leg on chair/stool with your heel hanging off 2) Push the heel down while keeping your knee straight and stretch. 2) Night splints can help stretch your calves while you sleep 3) Icing can help reduce swelling. If the pain persists after 4-5 weeks of stretching and icing, consider consulting a doctor.
Give them a Break
If your feet and legs are getting tired and are starting to ache, get someone to cover you for 5-10 minutes, so you can stretch your legs, go to the break room to sit down, take a break, and take off your shoes. Your feet and legs will thank you.
Clean your Shoes
It is important to keep your shoes clean, and that is why we recommend getting nurse sneaker/shoes that are made of canvas, leather, or other materials that are easy to clean with a simple wipe.
