As a healthcare professional, you spend your shifts caring for others. But it’s important to also prioritize yourself, so you can give your best to your patients. With that in mind, one key aspect of workplace comfort is foot health.
Healthcare is a demanding profession, and you need a durable shoe that keeps up with your busy day. Shoes for doctors and nurses should provide support, stability, and breathability, helping to avoid painful foot issues down the line. An uncomfortable shoe can also cause knee, back, and neck pain.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the importance of footwear in healthcare, highlighting essential details, tips on foot health, and our top recommendations for the best shoes for healthcare workers.
Essential Features for Healthcare Footwear To Optimize Comfort and Performance
Medical professionals spend all day (or night!) on their feet. In fact, research shows that a nurse could walk between 8 and 10 kilometers (5 to 6 miles) during a 12-hour shift. Factor in several shifts, and they’re walking dozens of kilometers a week.
Long hours of standing and walking can lead to issues that hinder performance at work and impact overall comfort. Up to 90% of nurses deal with foot pain, ankle conditions, fractures, joint pain, lower back pain, poor posture, neuropathic injuries, and skin conditions. Wearing improper shoes could be a major culprit.
The best shoes for healthcare professionals strike the crucial balance between support, performance, and durability. When picking a new pair of shoes for work, look for features like:
- Arch support – Protect your arches with ample shoe cushioning and support on the sole. Proper arch support allows your feet to move naturally, which is not only more comfortable but provides stability, helps avoid injury, and minimizes pain.
- Shock absorption – The impact of long hours on your feet can be mitigated with cushioning that absorbs shock and alleviates pressure on the joints. One of our favorite tips for standing all day is finding shoes with thick midsoles made from cushioned foam like EVA is a supportive choice.
- Removable insoles – Removable insoles provide the flexibility to insert your own orthotic insoles, offering a simple way to customize your footwear and make your shoes more comfortable. This customization not only enhances comfort and support during long shifts but also promotes better posture and reduces the risk of foot fatigue and discomfort.
- Slip resistance – Slip resistance is crucial for healthcare workers navigating smooth linoleum floors, where outsoles crafted from durable materials like rubber offer reliable traction and stability. This feature in a work shoe not only enhances safety but also supports confident movement in fast-paced healthcare environments, ensuring you maintain balance and focus on patient care without the worry of slipping.
- Breathability – Your feet can sweat or swell during long shifts. Opt for lightweight shoes that promote airflow to combat moisture, keep feet dry, and minimize swelling.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shoes for Healthcare Settings
In addition to convenient features for a healthcare setting, there are other factors to keep in mind when selecting the best shoes for working in a hospital.
Before purchasing, reflect on the specific demands of your job, prioritize foot health, and align your choice with your lifestyle needs. This thoughtful approach ensures you select a comfortable shoe that not only supports your daily duties but also enhances your overall comfort and well-being on the job. Plus, when choosing shoes for standing all day in the hospital, you want to find a pair that offers unparalleled support while still being stylish.
Here are a few considerations to start with:
Your Foot Type
Everyone’s feet are different, so your coworker’s go-to shoes might not work with your foot type. Aside from proper shoe sizing, there are many variables to consider.
For instance, if you have flat feet, you’ll benefit from superior arch support and a deep heel cup. You may also consider wide sizing so your feet don’t feel too cramped during your shift.
Another prevalent issue is edema, also known as swelling. Fluid buildup often occurs in the legs, ankles, and feet due to gravity. Prolonged standing is a common cause of swollen feet, making healthcare staff particularly susceptible. If you struggle with this, you may want to go a half size up with your work shoe for some extra wiggle room throughout the day.
To Lace or Not To Lace?
Part of the shoe-buying process is deciding between lace-up or slip-on shoes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, job requirements, and personal comfort preferences, ensuring you can perform your duties efficiently and comfortably throughout your workday.
Styles with shoe laces offer the advantage of customizable fit—you can adjust them precisely to your foot and readjust tightness or looseness as needed throughout your shift. This ensures optimal comfort and support, crucial during long hours on your feet.
On the other hand, slip-on designs are convenient for quick on-and-off, saving time when getting ready for work. However, they may gradually lose their shape over the course of the day, which can affect fit and comfort levels.
Clean with Ease
Accidents happen, and you never know what could spill or splash during the course of a workday. Water-resistant materials like nylon and polyester make it easier to wipe down your shoes in a flash.
Also, look for shoes with removable insoles so you can sanitize and air out the inside of your shoe after a long shift.
Finding the Perfect Shoes for Healthcare Professionals: Our Top Picks for Doctors and Nurses
At Vionic, we offer a range of comfortable shoes for healthcare workers. What sets us apart from other footwear? VIO MOTION TechnologyTM, our exclusive proprietary formula that uses bio-mechanical technology to provide all-day comfort. Vio Motion shoes include:
- Arch support
- Shock absorption
- Flexible cushioning
- Deep heel cup
- Heel strike zone
- EVA midsole
Our comfortable walking sneakers are the perfect footwear for long shifts at the hospital. Designed for maximum comfort and support, these athletic shoes make it easier to be on your feet all day long.
So, what exact shoes are good for nurses and doctors? Let’s highlight four standout options.
#1 The 23Walk 2.0 Sneaker
A stylish update to the classic model, the 23Walk 2.0 Sneaker is a lightweight yet durable shoe featuring a moisture-wicking mesh liner, heel-to-toe strike zone, and rubber outsole for traction. This versatile sneaker supports your arches from a morning power walk to an all-nighter shift.
#2 Walk Max
With two pairs to choose from, these shoes are serious about both comfort and style. The Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker, available in eight colors, enhances your movement with every step. For slip-on ease, try the Walk Max Stretch Lace Up Sneaker, with extra flexibility in three classic designs.
Both Walk Max versions feature a water-repellant upper, breathable mesh fabric, Vio Flex insole with a perforated heel, nitrogen-infused rebound midsole, removable EVA footbed, and durable rubber outsole. Plus, like many Vionic shoes, they have both received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
#3 Walk Strider
Designed for high step counts and athletic performance, the Walk Strider Sneaker is a powerhouse of stability and support. The Vio-Beam anti-roll technology helps minimize the risk of injury, while the Renew Foam high-rebound cushioning relieves pressure from every stride. Mesh uppers, lightweight foam insoles, and perforated heels make this a breathable shoe as well, maximizing air flow and regulating moisture.
#4 Uptown Loafer
The Uptown Loafer is an elevated, lightweight style that still provides plenty of support with shock-absorbing cushioning, pressure-relieving arch support, and deep-heel stability. Plus, it comes in 15 unique colors to match any scrub style.
#5 Winny Sneaker
For a classic, no-frills option, choose the Winny Sneaker. This classic lace-up design is perfect for all-day wear and crafted with durable rubber that can withstand hours on your feet.
#6 Kimmie Court Sneaker
For a more elevated look, there is the Kimmie Court Sneaker. This stylish option still touts all the comfort of a workday shoe, however, with flexible materials, stable arch support, and comfortable cushioning.
#7 Uptown Knit Skimmer Flat
For those who prefer slip-on shoes for their long-winded shifts, there is the Uptown Knit Skimmer Flat. It comes in two neutral tones—gray and black— and features a flexible outsole and a supportive insole that contours perfectly to your feet for all-day comfort.
#8 Kearny Platform Slip On Sneaker
Another slip-on option, the Kearny Platform Slip On Sneaker is a sturdy shoe that can provide the physical support you need to care for your patients effectively. Its leather upper ensures durability and comfort for all-day wear.
#9 Kearny Platform Lace Up Sneaker
Designed with healthcare professionals in mind, the Kearny Platform Lace Up Sneaker offers a lightweight yet durable option ideal for extended shifts in hospital settings. Its construction not only ensures durability but also includes enhanced arch support, crucial for maintaining comfort and foot health throughout long and demanding days.
#10 Cheryl II Loafer
For healthcare workers who spend significant time both in the office and on the floor, the Cheryll II Loafer is an excellent choice. Combining style with functionality, its design ensures comfort throughout varied activities, from administrative tasks to patient care, providing the necessary support and durability needed for a long day’s work.
FAQs About Footwear for Doctors and Nurses Answered
The Vionic footwear experts are here to clear up any doubts you may have about shoes for the medical field. Let’s dive in.
Why Do Healthcare Workers Face Foot Problems?
Anyone who spends long hours standing and walking is at a higher risk for common foot issues. Long shifts at the hospital make doctors and nurses especially prone to a range of conditions, including:
- Bunions
- Hammer toe
- Ingrown toenails
- Blisters
- Plantar fasciitis
- Swelling and inflammation
These issues are why wearing proper active footwear is so important when working in healthcare.
Can I Wear Sandals to Work in a Hospital?
The short answer is that you can, but you really shouldn’t. Open-toed shoes are generally advised against in the medical field, as exposed feet face a greater risk of injury. Plus, you could easily slip out of a sandal while running to help a patient. Opt for a protective closed-toe shoe—you’re better safe than sorry.
Our recovery shoes and sandals are great for your commute and time off from the hospital.
Do I Have To Break In My Shoes?
You should definitely wear new shoes for the first time before clocking into work. If you realize you bought the wrong size or don’t like how they feel, you won’t be stuck walking in them all shift.
With Vionic footwear, we recommend wearing your new pair for a few hours at a time so your feet can adjust to their newfound orthotic support.
Expert Tips for Maintaining Foot Health in Medical Environments
Prioritizing your foot health will allow you to show up more fully both at work and home. In addition to proper footwear, here are some other self-care tips for doctors and nurses.
- Stretch (check out these simple foot health exercises)
- Elevate your feet after work
- Soak feet in warm water
- Massage and moisturize
- Wear compression socks
- Use orthotic insoles
These at-home remedies are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, helping you feel your best from the inside out.
Elevate Your Healthcare Footwear with Vionic
Say goodbye to pain with our range of supportive shoes, designed for all-day comfort and long-term foot health. Our science-backed formulas are engineered for seamless movement and flexibility, so on the days when it feels like you have to be everywhere at once, we can help you get there.
Whether you’re working a double shift or enjoying your day off, our casual sneakers offer the same orthotic comfort you love. With a variety of styles to choose from, you can stay comfortable and stylish both on and off the floor. Check out our range of styles today and take the first step towards happier, healthier feet.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine. Stability of Three Different Sanitary Shoes on Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6616452/.
Mount Sinai. Foot, leg, and ankle swelling. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/foot-leg-and-ankle-swelling.
Cleveland Clinic. Nursing Self-Care: Keep Feet Feeling Their Best Before, During and After Shifts. https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/nursing-self-care-keep-feet-feeling-their-best-before-during-and-after-shifts.
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