Shoes

[wonderdog]

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Something I discovered during my shadowing experience was just how important comfortable shoes are. I'm wondering what your favorite shoes/brands for all day comfort are?

 

[Stellar Clouds]

If wearing scrubs, Danskos can't be beat. They do have a really high arch support which can be annoying to some people. A nice pair of New Balances are also great for standing around in all day.

IMO there is not a pair of Danskos nice enough for slacks, but Cole Hahn makes some super comfortable dress shoes with Nike soles that are great for standing in all day.

Never forget, you get what you pay for.

 

[EmergencyMonkey]

I've had 5 back surgeries so shoes have become that much more important to me. I bought two different colors of New Balance with a rollbar support and I will never look elsewhere. Comfortable and I am on my feet for hours at a time running an emergency room. Yeah that's right, they're tennis shoes, but they're comfortable. As you get older you won't care what they look like but that they are comfortable. Maybe I will pick up some black socks to go with my white shoes.😀

___________
visit the monkey at EmergencyMonkey.com

 

[PikminOC]

Bass Brand shoes, or Clarke.

 

[armybound]

depends if you're walking or standing, scrubs vs dress, etc.

I found Danskos to be very comfortable in the OR for a while, then for some reason they started hurting my feet. I then started buying nice Asics shoes (spending more is sometimes worth it) and usually wear those when I'm in scrubs.

I have Bostonians and Allen Edmonds for dress shoes. I find both of them to be very comfortable. I don't think you need big bulky shoes to be comfortable, just ones that fit properly.

 

[wonderdog]

I should've mentioned that I have reasonably flat feet, which makes things a little bit more interesting.

 

[username456789]

I should've mentioned that I have reasonably flat feet, which makes things a little bit more interesting.

I can't overstate this enough: go to a physical therapist and get a pair of custom-made orthotics. Tell them you're a serious runner and have awful shin splints and you want a pair of soft orthotics (not the hard 3/4 length ones made of fiberglass or whatever). I've had a pair since I was a senior in high school and they've lasted me 12 years so far and still are the most amazing thing ever. Instantly transform the most uncomfortable shoes into pillows. I never even have to consider whether a certain pair of shoes will be comfortable or not; they are by default with the orthotics.

 

[EmergencyMonkey]

Orthotics are extremely important especially with flat feet. My wife, who has been an avid runner for years, just got some and swears by them now. At least you're thinking about it now.

______________
visit the monkey at EmergencyMonkey.com

 

[dudeliness]

For dress shoes I've been a big fan of Ecco.

 

[wonderdog]

I can't overstate this enough: go to a physical therapist and get a pair of custom-made orthotics. Tell them you're a serious runner and have awful shin splints and you want a pair of soft orthotics (not the hard 3/4 length ones made of fiberglass or whatever). I've had a pair since I was a senior in high school and they've lasted me 12 years so far and still are the most amazing thing ever. Instantly transform the most uncomfortable shoes into pillows. I never even have to consider whether a certain pair of shoes will be comfortable or not; they are by default with the orthotics.

Physical therapist? Or podiatrist?

 

[username456789]

Physical therapist? Or podiatrist?

I got mine from a physical therapist who works with athletes and makes orthotics regularly for them. A podiatrist could surely make them too.

 

[theshellyb]

Physical therapist? Or podiatrist?

In order to get insurance to pay for them, my boyfriend (who needed inserts) saw a podiatrist first and got referred to a pedorthist. You might be able to get a referral from a PT though too, not sure.

 

[survivordo]

Depends if you're standing or moving. I have found sneakers are great if I'm running around all day but kill me in the OR. My personal favorites for the OR are Birki's although my feet do get sweaty at times, I could stand in them all day long.

Survivor DO

 

[PikminOC]

For dress shoes I've been a big fan of Ecco.

I had to mail my defective Eccos back as they dissolved.

 

[SirGecko]

I usually wear merrell's running around the hospital. I'd wear my fivefingers but then people look at you funny.

 

[wonderdog]

In order to get insurance to pay for them, my boyfriend (who needed inserts) saw a podiatrist first and got referred to a pedorthist. You might be able to get a referral from a PT though too, not sure.

Thanks. I have an appointment with my PCP next week, and I'll bring that topic up.

 

[dudeliness]

I had to mail my defective Eccos back as they dissolved.

You didn't walk through a puddle of methyl ethyl ketone did you?

 

[wonderdog]

You didn't walk through a puddle of methyl ethyl ketone did you?

Oh...dissolving plastic...those were the days. I've dissolved many a mechanical pencil.

 

[dudeliness]

Oh...dissolving plastic...those were the days. I've dissolved many a mechanical pencil.

Scissors for me. By accidents actually. I worked at a outdoor rental shop and we were putting together whitewater raft repair kits for our rentals. Each kit was a watertight container with patches, glue, scissors, etc. One adhesive container leaked MEK and the plastic scissors handles melted and got all soft. It was awesome.

 

[wonderdog]

Scissors for me. By accidents actually. I worked at a outdoor rental shop and we were putting together whitewater raft repair kits for our rentals. Each kit was a watertight container with patches, glue, scissors, etc. One adhesive container leaked MEK and the plastic scissors handles melted and got all soft. It was awesome.

Yeah, it was chem lab for me.

 

[dyk343]

Dansko shoes often cause arch irritation in flat footed individuals. Some love them, but if you pronate a lot you might have some irritation issues.

I personally like Rockport shoes or the Brooks walking shoes

(For brooks, skip the black. They are just hideous. The brown are passable but still not overly stylish)

When I am wearing scrubs I wear brooks addiction or beast running shoes. I also like Asics GT-1000 running shoes (formally known as GT-2160)

Of course everyone's foot is different and just because I like a shoe doesnt mean your foot will.

One last point, I refer to PT all the time, they do fantastic work, and I am even going to marry a PT as we have been dating x 5 years. With that said, obviously I am biased when it comes to treatment of feet, but most physical therapists do not have the training to write a proper prescription for orthotics or properly cast for orthotics.

Most just check a box at the top that says what your pathology is (i.e. PT tendinitis, Mortons neuroma, flat foot, etc etc) and the lab has a pre-set orthotic they mill in accordance with the cast taken. They are "good enough" orthotics, or essentially really good molded pre-fabs. Checking the box doesnt take into account the different "angles and dangles" as each foot is almost always slightly different. It will work for many, but if you are shelling out the cash, get an orthotic that is truly custom to your foot/pathology.

Maybe a PT can chime in as I am open to a constructive discussion on their training level in orthotics/biomechanics of the lower extremity.


Feel free to PM me.

 

[PikminOC]

The Eccos dissolved in the heat when I was walking across hot blacktop.

The brand was good though, they sent me a new pair of nondissolving shoes.

http://ctwatchdog.com/business/ecco-shoes-warning-almost-new-expensive-shoes-disintegrate

Still, too expensive to deal with this mess.

 

[impact2d]

If wearing scrubs, Danskos can't be beat. They do have a really high arch support which can be annoying to some people. A nice pair of New Balances are also great for standing around in all day.

IMO there is not a pair of Danskos nice enough for slacks, but Cole Hahn makes some super comfortable dress shoes with Nike soles that are great for standing in all day.

Never forget, you get what you pay for.

+1 on the Nike Air branded cole haan. I use those when I am going to be standing 6+ hours in a day and dressed up.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using SDN Mobile

 

[wonderdog]

When I'm back in town, I'm going to look for all of those shoes and see what works for me.

 

[charmedj7]

Just try a bunch out, Comfort One Shoes if they're in your area have a good selection.

I've tried a bunch working as a nurse, Sanita's are the best (similar to Dansko's but I like them better). I walk 5-8 miles a day in the ED and I very rarely have any aches. If you're standing a lot too support hose or socks really do feel nice.

 

[wonderdog]

Just try a bunch out, Comfort One Shoes if they're in your area have a good selection.

I've tried a bunch working as a nurse, Sanita's are the best (similar to Dansko's but I like them better). I walk 5-8 miles a day in the ED and I very rarely have any aches. If you're standing a lot too support hose or socks really do feel nice.

Well, I ended up getting New Balance 989's. I'm going to try them out for awhile at the homestead just in case I need to take them back.

 

[Renaissance Man]

Rockports are super comfortable, and most pair are nice enough to wear with slacks. Not too pricey either. I am on my 3rd pair in a row.

 

[fahimaz7]

Rockports are super comfortable, and most pair are nice enough to wear with slacks. Not too pricey either. I am on my 3rd pair in a row.

I'm with you on this one. I have a pair of slip on Rockports that can't be beat. I'll take them in the OR for 12 hour cases over my Merrell slip ons. Very comfy and very light.

 

[Renaissance Man]

I'm with you on this one. I have a pair of slip on Rockports that can't be beat. I'll take them in the OR for 12 hour cases over my Merrell slip ons. Very comfy and very light.

Yep, the slip-ons. Plus with a little bit of water-proof leather spray they are good for more than a year.

 

[PTPoeny]

Merrell or Dansko's while in scrubs, ecco or hush puppy g soles while dressed up

 

[Stellar Clouds]

Well, I ended up getting New Balance 989's. I'm going to try them out for awhile at the homestead just in case I need to take them back.

Please tell me you only plan on wearing those with scrubs...

 

[wonderdog]

Please tell me you only plan on wearing those with scrubs...

Yes

 

[titleist975j]

thinking of getting some ecco seawalkers. anyone have any experience with them?

and for the shoe aficionados here, would a nubuck leather shoe be too fragile in a hospital setting? cuz they stain easily etc

 

[Fox800]

I have these Clarks and really like them: http://www.zappos.com/clarks-escalade-black-burnished-leather

You can wear them with dress pants or jeans and they look good either way. Very comfy, too.

 

[KnuxNole]

Well, I ended up getting New Balance 989's. I'm going to try them out for awhile at the homestead just in case I need to take them back.

Make sure to wear extra protection too! Getting blood and amniotic fluid on those shoes aren't cool 🙁

 

[username456789]

I have these Clarks and really like them: http://www.zappos.com/clarks-escalade-black-burnished-leather

You can wear them with dress pants or jeans and they look good either way. Very comfy, too.

Nothing about those shoes looks good. Seriously they are awful.

I'm sure they're comfortable though, so that's good at least. But seriously those shoes are hideous.

 

[beatsbydre]

powerstep pinnacle orthotics->30 bucks on amazon...4.5 stars as well

trust me on those=>my feet were sore from walking all the time in clinic. After these, the soreness stopped and made walking fun.

 

[neusu]

Regardless of the shoe, wear TED hoes compression stalkings and you won't have sore feet.

 

[wonderdog]

powerstep pinnacle orthotics->30 bucks on amazon...4.5 stars as well

trust me on those=>my feet were sore from walking all the time in clinic. After these, the soreness stopped and made walking fun.

just picked some of those up at my local mom and pop (supporting local businesses! woot!)

i'm going to wear them tomorrow to see what happens!

 

[NickNaylor]

powerstep pinnacle orthotics->30 bucks on amazon...4.5 stars as well

trust me on those=>my feet were sore from walking all the time in clinic. After these, the soreness stopped and made walking fun.

Thanks for the recommendation - probably gonna pick up a pair.

Sent from my Nexus 7

 

[Fox800]

Nothing about those shoes looks good. Seriously they are awful.

I'm sure they're comfortable though, so that's good at least. But seriously those shoes are hideous.

 

[wonderdog]

Thanks for the recommendation - probably gonna pick up a pair.

Sent from my Nexus 7

I picked up a pair of powerstep pinnacles and a pair of 'super feet'. Apparently the super feet come with a 60 day money back guarantee even if you cut them down to size.

I wore the super feet all day today. They were EXCELLENT!

Tomorrow I intend to wear the powerstep pinnacles and we'll see what happens!

 

[Craig N DayDay]

I picked up a pair of powerstep pinnacles and a pair of 'super feet'. Apparently the super feet come with a 60 day money back guarantee even if you cut them down to size.

I wore the super feet all day today. They were EXCELLENT!

Tomorrow I intend to wear the powerstep pinnacles and we'll see what happens!

How'd the pinnacles work out?

 

[sylvanthus]

I second Rockports, awesome shoe.

 

[VenusinFurs]

Please tell me you only plan on wearing those with scrubs...

I wear my NBs with dress pants all the time and I've even worn them with skirts. If someone tries to ding me for wearing comfy shoes I think that frankly looks worse for them than for me.

 

[wonderdog]

How'd the pinnacles work out?

Really the main difference between the superfeet and the pinnacles is the arch support. The pinnacles have more cushion and more arch support. The superfeet have less arch support, but it really depends on what you need.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I wear my NBs with dress pants all the time and I've even worn them with skirts. If someone tries to ding me for wearing comfy shoes I think that frankly looks worse for them than for me.

Not really.

It shows that you fail to recognize that all jobs have a "uniform", an expected code of dress. In no white collar job are sneakers considered professional and in medicine they are only tolerated when wearing scrubs.

We didn't make the rules and you can choose to abide by them or not, but don't pretend they don't exist and try to blame "the other guy" for your choice.

 

[RenegadeSynapse]

I like Allen Edmonds for dress shoes (bought at deep discounts, and well-taken care of; they're pricey, but they hold up very well if polished occasionally). I find them more comfortable than most other brands I've tried, and I like the way they look. If you don't like the leather sole thing and want to spend a bit less, I think Cole Haan (pending the style, may not be that much less) and Ecco's are very comfortable.

I wear New Balances with scrubs; I've never liked the way Dansko's look or feel. Just personal preference.

 

[zyx981]

A question for all those who wear Dansko shoes. I purchased my first pair online (none available in store around me) and their fit is a little different than what I am used to. Are they meant to be a little loose? That seems to be the general consensus when I read other forum threads elsewhere, so just wanted to confirm. I usually wear 8.5-9 and tried a size 42 and I can easily wiggle around my thumb in the back of my heel if I force my foot all the way forward. They do not slip off of my feet (unless I take long strides and dorsiflex as much as possible). So I was just concerned about these shoes stretching and then just falling off of my feet...

The shoe I bought: Dansko Wayne (figure I can slide by and use these w/ scrubs and dress pants )

Nevertheless, I ordered a size smaller and am waiting for them to arrive so I can compare.

 

[PTPoeny]

Are you male or female? 42 is definitely too big for someone who wears a women's 8.5-9. Danskos do tend to fit differently and should feel a little bit loose, but I don't think your foot should actually slide around, at least mine doesn't.