Most comfortable sneakers/shoes for wards

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Yung Kelso

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2016
Messages
12
Reaction score
22
Hello everyone, Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for sneakers that are very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and are great for lots of walking/running. In the past my feet have been sore after walking around the wards in dress shoes all day. Now I am on a rotation where I will be on my feet even more, but I get to wear sneakers. looking for something that is not super tacky, in subdued colors; predominantly, black, white or gray. Something with great cushioning and arch support, and something that won't break the bank. <$100 would be great.

Members don't see this ad.
 
I just started using Merrell Jungle Moc and they are awesome- can definitely wear with dress clothes and scrubs.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Air Max + compression socks + gel inserts
 
  • Like
Reactions: DBV
I would just invest in some really comfortable insoles. You can get the Dr. Scholls ones that are personalized for your arch for around $60. Kind of expensive, but I've been using the same set for over a year now and they still work great. Plus you can switch them between different pairs of shoes which is nice.
 
I found some decent sneakers at TJ Maxx for like $50. They were nice Skechers with a simple design/color (fairly "professional" as sneakers go), very lightweight, and with memory foam soles. They have been perfect. I have (mild) plantar fasciitis that acts up a bit if I'm on my feet all day or walking a lot, and it has not bothered me once with these shoes.

i second this...as a chunky person, standing for days puts more pressure on my dawgs than i like there to be. i think we're talking about the same ones here, but these lasted me a solid 6 weeks of daily wear...on IM and halfway into the ICU. theyre the only shoes ive replaced with an exact replica.

UGLY AS SIN but my feet weren't cryin after 12-16h.

double edit: i too have plantar fasciitis PLUS flat feet. danskos and crocs dont work. merrells were okay, but not for long so if youve struck out with those same brands, these might work.

Womens Skechers Work Slip Resistant Memory Foam Black
 
How has no one made comfortable shoes for doctors that aren't hideous? Dankos are crocs are not professional, they are a fashion crime.

If you're going down this route, I would go with rockport if not give up completely and wear monotone new balance before crocs.
I swear I'd rather cut my feet off than wear danskos wtf who designed that crap
 
What works for me if I'm working 16+ hrs shift is to switch shoes after 8 hrs to off load certain point on my foot. I can't wear the same shoe past 8 hours cause then it starts to really hurt. I found switching between calzuro and merrell to be a great combo for my tired, achy feet. Calzuro is easy to clean and they last literally forever. Had my pair for 5 years now. Love Merrell but they get dirty very easily. I have to spray water proof silicon on them to prevent bodily fluid to seep into them.
 
I’ve worked on my feet in the OR for over a decade, and Danskos are definitely the most comfortable shoes I own, particularly when I have to scrub on a long case and can’t walk around much. I always have a pair of running shoes handy for days that I’m walking more than I’m standing. But the reality is that until your feet get used to standing for 8-16 hours a day, it almost doesn’t matter what you wear- you’ll probably be at least mildly uncomfortable until your body adjusts.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
danskos hurt my feet so much and my back...i got blisters and i never get them! lol i bought sanita they are more comfortable and cheaper on amazon.

I like them too. They're the originally maker of Dansko before Dansko broke off and employed China.
 
when will Nike start making Jordans for doctors???!!
 
I have found that paying more for shoes in general is worth it. I buy previous years' models of Asics Nimbus. They're about $150 for the latest model and usually <$100 for the model behind it. Very comfortable, very much worth it.

Also, compression socks can make a huge difference. I'm not above stealing TEDs from the wards if needed.
 
Can definitely vouch for compression socks, made a big difference for me. Also ones that look like dress socks can be had on amazon which has been great for wards and clinics. As for shoes, I’ve liked my Johnston and Murphy’s, Clark’s (dressier wingtip one’s) and cole haans for clinic/wards (ecco’s were not nearly as comfy for me and ugly imo). While these can be spendy I️ found some killer deals on them at Nordstrom’s rack/Zappos and they definitely feel better than my cheaper ventures. I️ have sanitas for clogs and agree that for my feet they’re great (dansko’s felt awful to me). I️ rotate them with some light Nike’s for days when chances for exposure to fluids are lower.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
danskos hurt my feet so much and my back...i got blisters and i never get them! lol i bought sanita they are more comfortable and cheaper on amazon.

Oh thats interesting I'd never heard anybody say anything bad about danskos before.
 
Clogs should be burned
 
Last edited:
I like them too. They're the originally maker of Dansko before Dansko broke off and employed China.

Yes that’s what i was told about Sanita...my cousin recommended them to me and I’m not buying danskos again. I have no back issues and I do not get blisters anymore. They are very nice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Yes that’s what i was told about Sanita...my cousin recommended them to me and I’m not buying danskos again. I have no back issues and I do not get blisters anymore. They are very nice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm one of the lucky few who can handle both shoes. But I go for Sanita because they're cheaper than Dansko.
 
These are the ugliest things I've ever seen. No idea how any male can wear these.

Yeah I mean my goal isn't really fashion when I'm getting blood/piss/**** on myself lol.

Yes that’s what i was told about Sanita...my cousin recommended them to me and I’m not buying danskos again. I have no back issues and I do not get blisters anymore. They are very nice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah apparantly Sanita used to manufactur Danskos but now they're separate brands. Sanita's supposed to be higher quality.
 
IMO, being someone who tended to get sore feet/calves- ASICS + Dr. Scholl's insoles worked wonders. ASICS can be found for well under $100 on good discount shoe websites (6pm.com, etc) and Dr. Scholl's usually has rebate coupons. Easy to break in, and I get new ones every 6-8 months when they start to wear.
 
Top