Why Do Nurses Need Special Shoes?

Nurses working in clinical environments need special nursing shoes for a range of reasons. Consider that nurses are on their feet for a huge part of the day, come into contact with all sorts of different liquids, and may be put into hazardous situations that the right pair of shoes can help keep them safe from.

As with many industries, like construction workers, restaurant workers, boaters, or even industrial cleaners, there are specialty shoes designed for each type of environment, and nursing shoes make being a nurse a little easier.

Benefits Of Nursing Shoes

There are a range of different types and styles of nursing shoes, and each will have increased benefits in different areas, so determine the type of environment you’ll be working in and the type of work you’ll be doing to match the best features for your requirements.

Enhanced Comfort

Any type of nursing shoe is going to provide enhanced comfort over a standard pair of shoes for a typical nursing day, which will involve long periods on your feet and walking around to see patients at a minimum.

When you buy athletic shoes, you pick the right type for your activity, you can buy cross-trainers, basketball shoes, runners, walking shoes, and almost anything else. So a good pair of nursing shoes have the comfort features that will not only keep you comfortable throughout the day but will protect you from years of being a nurse.

Incorrect shoes with poor comfort, sub-par heel support, and bad arch support could result in chronic foot pain, leg, and even back pain. This could end in short-term pain until you fix the issue, or it could develop into debilitating pain over your career that forces your to retire early.

This isn’t only a problem for nurses; picking the right type of equipment, including your shoes, in any profession can keep you safe and happy for your entire career.

Slip Resistant

Nursing shoes that provide excellent slip resistance on the shoe’s soles can keep you safe as you navigate spills, slippery floors from constant cleaning, or simply running to the next emergency.

You may wear sneakers in your day-to-day life, but consider what happens when it rains. Do you start avoiding metal grates or slippery surfaces outside? That’s something that you can’t do in the hospital as you’re quickly moving from patient to patient and helping in emergencies.

You need a pair of shoes that aren’t going to slip and cause you injury, and any pair of nursing shoes should offer this by default.

Anti-Microbial

Hospitals and other clinical environments are filled with bacteria, fungus, and other microbes that you don’t want to find a home in your shoe. Any type of activity where you’re walking or running around will cause moisture and heat in a nice dark environment for anything to grow.

Having a good pair of nursing shoes that are anti-microbial will keep your shoes smelling good and help stop anything from growing or becoming problematic in your shoe and on your feet.

Easier To Clean

Working in a clinical environment, there will be a range of liquids that could spill on your shoe, and one of the biggest problems is blood getting onto your shoe during a shift and staining your shoes.

A good pair of nursing shoes should be stain-resistant and extremely easy to clean. The typical methods for this are using leather or rubber so that most things will be easier to ipe or be sprayed off to ensure that you’re not walking around the hospital with blood-splattered shoes and scaring the kids.

A typical pair of athletic shoes will let liquids soak into the shoe or stain the outside, which can cause you issues or make you replace your shoes faster which costs you money.

Harder To Puncture

Running around hospitals, doctors’ offices, or other clinical environments puts you in harm’s way. You may have gurneys roll over your foot, equipment drop on you, or even have needles fall onto your shoe.

Without a good pair of nursing shoes, anything dropped on your foot can cause pain, or in some situations, if you’re stuck with a used needle, then you may be exposed to serious bacteria, virus, or whatever chemical may be in the syringe.

While these types of issues may be rare, throughout your long nursing career, it’s possible to happen at least a few times, so it’s better always to be safe and protected.

Are Nursing Shoes Worth It?

Nursing shoes are specially designed to keep your feet comfortable during long shifts, protect your back from standing for long periods, and make sure that common problems through poor support don’t interfere with your nursing career.

Most nursing shoes should also protect you from heavy objects, needles, liquids, and overall be a great barrier to the dangerous environment that a nurse’s feet are in daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nursing shoes only necessary for hospital settings?

No, nursing shoes are not only necessary for hospital settings. While hospitals are a common workplace for nurses, they can also work in various other healthcare settings such as clinics, nursing homes, schools, and home healthcare. Regardless of the specific setting, nurses are often required to spend long hours on their feet and perform tasks that demand physical endurance. Nursing shoes are designed to provide comfort, support, and protection in any healthcare environment. They are engineered to withstand the demands of the nursing profession, including walking, standing, and potential exposure to hazardous conditions. Therefore, whether you work in a hospital or any other healthcare setting, investing in appropriate nursing shoes is crucial for your overall well-being and performance as a nurse.

What should I look for when choosing nursing shoes?

When choosing nursing shoes, there are several key factors to consider. Look for shoes that offer excellent comfort and cushioning to support your feet throughout long shifts. Adequate arch support is crucial to maintain proper alignment and prevent foot pain. Additionally, opt for shoes with slip-resistant outsoles to ensure safety in potentially hazardous environments. Breathability is another important aspect, as it helps keep your feet cool and dry during extended periods of wear. Consider the weight of the shoes, as lighter options can reduce fatigue. Finally, make sure the shoes fit properly and provide enough room for your toes to move comfortably. By prioritizing these features, you can find nursing shoes that offer both comfort and functionality.

Can I wear any type of shoes for nursing?

While you have some flexibility in choosing your nursing shoes, it’s important to prioritize footwear specifically designed for the demands of the nursing profession. Regular sneakers or casual shoes may lack the necessary features to provide optimal comfort, support, and safety. Specialized nursing shoes are designed with features like slip resistance, cushioning, and arch support, which are essential for nurses who spend extended periods on their feet. These shoes are specifically crafted to withstand the rigors of the healthcare environment while promoting foot health and reducing the risk of injuries. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to wear nursing shoes that are designed and tailored to meet the unique needs of nurses.

How do nursing shoes contribute to overall workplace safety?

Nursing shoes play a vital role in maintaining workplace safety for nurses. The healthcare environment can present various hazards, including slippery surfaces, potential exposure to hazardous substances, and the risk of objects falling or being dropped. Special nursing shoes with slip-resistant outsoles help prevent accidental slips and falls, reducing the risk of injuries. Additionally, these shoes often have closed toes to protect against sharp objects or heavy items. By wearing appropriate nursing shoes, nurses can confidently navigate their work environment with improved stability and reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents. Investing in proper footwear is an important step towards ensuring a safe and secure workplace for nurses.

Remember, investing in the right nursing shoes is essential for your comfort, safety, and overall well-being as a nurse. By choosing shoes specifically designed for the demands of the profession, you can support your feet, reduce fatigue, and enhance your ability to provide quality care to your patients.

You may also like