Every nurse needs a quality pair of scrubs, but what about nursing shoes? The shoes on your feet are easily the most important part of your nursing uniform. They help prevent accidents and falls and give your feet the support they need to get through those long day. In the nursing field, both women and men share many of the same goals when it comes to finding the right work shoe.
Long-term comfort is, of course, a number one priority when you’re walking and standing on your feet all day! All those tile floors can leave your feet feeling numb at the end of a 12-hour shift. You can even find a pair with padded anatomical footbeds, so you don’t have to stand flat on your feet. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, chronic pain, and other health issues, you can find shoes with additional comfort and support, including those with better arch support. Consider wearing compression stocks with your shoes to improve blood flow and reduce numbing in your feet.
Then, there’s the need to comply with hospital dress codes for shoe type and color. Every facility has its own rules and regulations regarding staff uniforms. The good news is that many brands offer nursing shoes in a variety of different colors. Some organizations don’t care what type of shoe you are wearing as long as they keep you safe on the job and are up to professional standards. This gives you a lot of say over the type of shoes you wear.
However, you need to make sure your work shoes are slip resistant and easy to clean, so you can remove bacteria and bodily fluids that can lead to infection. That’s why lots of nurses prefer to wear clogs and work shoes with protective coatings. You wipe off your shoes in just a few seconds. Some pairs also come with impermeable seals to keep fluids at bay.
If you rarely come in contact with these kinds of hazards, you might prefer to wear regular tennis shoes for instead. They are designed to keep your feet as comfortable as possible on the job. You can also use them as running shoes or at the gym. They will support your feet in any situation, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
The shoe also needs to stay securely attached to your foot as you walk from room to room, lift items, and reach for equipment. Slip-on shoes are great for getting in and out of your scrubs as quickly as possible, but you may prefer the extra security of being able to tie your shoes. It will take a few extra seconds to change, but it’s usually just a matter of preference. If you decide to wear slip-on shoes, make sure they come with a secure backing.
Finally, nurses do think about fashion when it comes to footwear (don’t we all?). Nursing can be messy, but that doesn’t mean your shoes can’t be chic. You can use your shoes to show off your unique personality or spice up your daily routine. Brands are always coming out with new styles to help providers look their best.
These nursing shoes fit all of the above criteria:
AnyWear Unisex Zone Convertible Clog
The AnyWear Unisex Zone Convertible Clog is an injection-molded, slip-resistant clog that offers you firm support… perfect for those 12-hour shifts! It has a unique airflow system to keep your feet cool and fresh and, in addition to traditional colors, now comes in fun, vibrant hues that will complement any outfit.
Unisex Guardian Angel Plastic Step In Clog
Perfect for getting ready in the morning, the Guardian Angel Step-in Clog is here to help you save time. It comes with a protective coating that will keep medical hazards at bay. It is also stain-resistant to keep your outfit in mint condition. They come in several standard colors, including blue, white, black, and gray for all your scrub essentials.
This model looks like a runner’s shoe, but it can do so much more. It’s available in black (shown below) and a variety of fun colors. The AnyWear Athletic is definitely one of the more stylish unisex nursing shoes, and it has a good entry-level price. It is slip resistant and comes with a shock absorbent heel that will take the pain out of work.
AnyWear offers a wide range of nursing shoes that use a unisex sizing chart to simplify distribution. Many other unisex shoe brands still have separate designations for men and women, although the styling is the same.
AllHeart Unisex Dusty Nursing Clog
Made of flexible, easy to clean antimicrobial polyethylene, this dusty nursing clog has it all. It comes in a range of standard colors and sizes, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right pair. Both the sole and footbed are made of a special proprietary polyurethane formula that provides exceptional shock absorption and superior energy return. The footbeds immediately mold to the shape of your foot for the perfect fit every time.
It doesn’t get more stylish than this. If you’re looking to add some flavor to your nursing outfit, the XP 2.0 has all the patterns and color combinations you could ever want, including vibrant stripes, neon swirls, specked dots, and even camo. It comes with memory foam cushioning for added support during your shift and features a slip-on style for getting out the door in the morning.
All of these shoes are specially designed for medical professionals. They comply with many of the industry’s leading standards for healthcare apparel. Click on the product description for more information.
What are your favorite nursing shoes?
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