Oct
Hi, im going to be working in a hospital in a couple of weeks and will be constantly on my feet for about 9 hours a day, what shoes would you recommend for comfort more than anything? i need shoes that wont ache my feet - so nothing too flat but nothing with a heel and shoes which are soft - so they don't give me blisters! (i get blisters very easily!) thank you for your help!
Answer:
G'day Lucylu,
What are you doing at the hospital? Does style have any influence on your decision?
Here’s a shopping list to help you get started. Not all features are necessary but they will benefit you at the end of your 9 hour shift.
- Securely fastened/supportive upper (ideally lace up)
- Protective covering (ei: not exposing the top of your feet - a requirement for certain areas in the hospital. This can be mesh, leather, neoprene etc)
- Breathable (ie:not crocs) and it helps if you can wear them with socks
- Firm heel counter (can not be bent past 45degs)
- Firm rearfoot and midfoot (shoe can not be bent in half or wrung out)
- Flexible at the toes (look for flex grooves)
- Midsole cushioning no less than 1cm (ideally EVA, stay away from honeycomb or compartmented rubber midsoles eg, skate shoes or chucks. They’re absolute rubbish)
- Comfortable, supportive arch (not high or intrusive though!)
- Heel to forefoot ratio of about 2 (shoes with the heel at the same height as the toe put excess stretch on the achilles and plantar ligament, high heels can lead to soft tissue contracture and shortening of the calf muscle)
- Most importantly get the right FIT! just under a thumbs width to the end, snug but not tight across the width and not slipping at the back. Help from a knowledgeable assistant is often the best way.
- and buy shoes in the arvo as the soft tissue structures of the foot rest and can cause the foot to lengthen
Surgeons often wear joggers in the OR all day. If you dont mind joggers I would put them at the top of the list, then soft, comfy leather lace ups.
All the ideal with your new job!
[EDIT:] Blisters!…they are the result of two forces: pressure and friction. Some people are more prone than others but here's a few things to try…
- Stay away from cotton socks. They tend to shift around in your shoes and become abrasive when moist.
- Try using polyester, microfibre, anatomical (marked L & R), moisture wicking socks. They’re ergonomic and hug the shape of your foot to reduce friction.
- Wrightsocks are double layered and blister “proof”(?!) with a 100% moneyback gaurantee
- Toe socks may help interdigital blistering and are usually a good snug fit (thumbs up)
- If your are within 1 size of the recommended range, get the next one down (eg: if u r sz 7 and medium socks are size 7-10, go for smalls)
- If prone to blistering, stay away from shoes in which you can feel the arch. Shoes with built in arches are designed to fit a majority but not necassarily the individual arch (like dodgy off the shelf arch supports).
- If you get blisters with new shoes try grabbing the insole out of your old shoes and put them in the new ones for a few weeks. The old insert already has the imprint of your foot and helps to cease excess movement in the shoe.
- Shoe lube like Bodyglide is effective, but annoying to have to apply all the time
- If all else fails see a podiatrist. Biomechanics is a large determinant of blisters and minimising in shoe movement with supportive custom orthotic devices is one of the most effective treatments.
Ps. more than happy to be of service to one of Charlie's Angels =P
Answer:
Ideal shoes would be something with good arch support and a small (about 2-3cm) heel. Clarkes are a bit pricey compared to other highstreet shoe shops,but very good quality and probably have something there that would suit. Apparently totally flat shoes like Crocs are terrible for walking around in all day
Answer:
You can get steel toe caps with comfortable insoles from various medical suppliers.
I got mine for £12.99, black lace ups, but I don't want to sound like an advert for one particular company. Anyway, getting accidentally run over by a wheelchair is not funny, trust me on this one, buy toe cap ones.
p.s. Crocs are banned in some hospitals, so ask first (you can get them without the holes at the front).
Answer:
Something made from soft and durable material, like plimsols. Or those canvas lace up shoes which are everywhere at the moment.
Are you granted to wear crocs? I know they look a bit weird, but they’re supposed to be super comfy.
Answer:
i've worked in a hospital for 28 years. My foot physician recommends New Balance shoes. Lately I've been wearing Crocs …. but I don't feel they’re good for your feet. Also when they get worn they’re very dangerous on wet floors.
Answer:
Everybody seems to be wearing Crocs now at the hospitals.
Answer:
Crocs as they the ideal shoes for comfort. Some hospital granted them.
Answer:
I see lots of medical professionals wearing Crocs. Comfy and you can wipe them over with anti bac stuff
Answer:
my mother is a nurse and i know like everyone at her hospital wears crocs. they are soo comfortable!
Answer:
I wear crocks, they’re very comfortable, check with your hospital though, some hospitals in the UK did ban them, there was a concern that the shoes may build up static electricity and this might interfere with electronic equipment.
I can't wear crocks on CCU. I purchase Clarks shoes; just wear something leather, without a heel really, long shift work will make your feet sore! And is also dangerous. Also wear shoes that cover your toes.
Check out Clarks on the internet, http://www.clarks.co.uk/home.aspx
Their shoes also last for ages and they’re very comfortable.
If your in the US you can wear crocks no problem.