Nurses spend many long hours on their feet working long 8 - 12 hour shifts on hard hospital or doctors' office floors.
The many miles traveled each day down the hallways has a stressful effect on feet, legs and back.
In a setting where time is of the essence in some cases, this fatigue factor has a negative effect on the ability of nurses to move as quickly and freely as they would if their feet, legs and back were not aching.
While it is impossible to eliminate the long work shifts or change flooring materials, it is possible to assuage body fatigue by wearing properly fitting nursing shoes that are constructed with a comfortable, supportive foot bed.
These shoes should fit the foot properly to provide the necessary support and prevent foot problems such as blisters and corns.
Wearing full support pantyhose is also helpful to prevent leg fatigue.
Nursing shoes should fit properly.
Most women buy shoes with their eyes and not by the feel of the shoe on the foot.
In reality, medical shoes should be tried on with the eyes closed in order to heighten the senses to "feel" the nurses shoes.
As this is a very untraditional way of buying shoes it is important to remember some very basic guidelines when purchasing comfortable shoes.
• Don't assume you know the size of shoe you wear.
Every medical shoe brand is made from a different last and therefore fit and feel very differently.
Select a shoes size by how it feels on your foot.
Leave at least a " of space between the end of your toes and the front of the shoe.
• Most people have one foot that is larger than the other.
Remember it is important to fit the larger foot, not the smaller foot.
• Choose a shoe that has a shape that conforms with the shape of your foot.
If your toes are chunky, choose a shoe with a high toe box.
• Always stand while trying on shoes because the foot gets longer and wider with weight on it.
• Do your shoe shopping in the evening or after a shift at work when your feet are more swollen.
• Walk around with both shoes on for a while in the shoe store to determine if there are any pressure points on your foot.
After purchasing a new pair of shoes wear them at home (inside and on carpet to keep the soles clean) for a day to further check their comfort.
• If the nurses shoes do not feel comfortable in the store or are too tight do not buy them.
They will not improve with wear.
As a final tip, remember that nursing shoes or nursing clogs do not last forever.
To prolong the life of medical shoes buy two pair and alternate their use, giving the worn shoe time to dry out inside from all the perspiration that the foot sends into the innersole and lining.
Letting the shoe air dry keeps bacteria from gradually destroying the inner shoe and helps prolong the life of the shoe.
A worn out shoe, even though they may still be comfortable, will not provide adequate support or shock absorption for the foot.
Improperly fitting nurses shoes are a source of many problems that only make doing one's job more difficult.