It goes without saying that it can be quite difficult to find a comfortable pair of shoes when you have flat feet. This is especially true when you’re a nurse who spends their entire day standing or running around on their feet. Now, before we talk about some of the best shoes for flat feet, let’s take some time to go over what you should be looking for in a shoe for flat feet.
Nurses are constantly on their feet and it is important that they are using footwear that can give comfort for long hours of shifts. There are many pairs of shoes in the market that you can choose from as there are many nursing shoes available for flat feet. However, some shoes may be inexpensive but not supportive and not even attractive.
Editor’s Recommendation: Top 5 Best Nursing Shoes for Flat Feet
10 Best Nursing Shoes for Flat Feet List
1. Dansko Women’s Professional Mule
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As a nurse, finding a pair of comfortable, yet visually appealing shoes, can be a little difficult. Of course, you want to find a pair of shoes that don’t leave you in pain at the end of your shift,
but you also don’t want a pair of shoes that would have you embarrassed because of how ugly they are. With that being said, this pair of Women’s Professional Mules by Dansko certainly fits the bill.
These 100% leather shoes have a polyurethane sole, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or falling during a busy night on the floor. With their reinforced toe box, polyurethane outsole, and rocker bottom, you can be rest assured knowing that your feet are provided with plenty of shock-absorption.
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes to wear during your long night shift, then these Professional Mules with their two-inch heel will provide you with stylish comfort for the long haul.
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Pros
- Great for flat feet or wide feet
- Comes in a variety of colors and patterns
- Great for people with plantar fasciitis
Cons
- A bit tight at first, but stretches with use
- May need to buy one size up
2. Skechers Sport Women’s Premium-Premix Slip-On Sneaker
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It goes without saying that nurses have an extremely difficult job. Not only are they having to deal with the constant demands of patients and doctors, but they also have to stand on their feet for hours upon hours running from one side of the hospital to the other.
Of course, they understood this when they entered the profession, but that doesn’t mean that their feet need to suffer.
Skechers understands how important nurses are, which is why they came out with this Women’s Premium-Premix Slip-On Sneaker.
With the casual slip-on style of this sneaker, nurses can be free from pain while they’re looking stylish on the floor.With the padded collar and tongue, man-made cushion insole, and the tractioned outsole.
You can rest easy knowing that these sneakers will provide all of the comforts you need during those long night shifts. If you’re a nurse who’s looking for a comfortable pair of shoes, then you should certainly check these sneakers out because Skechers knows what they’re doing when it comes to comfort!
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Pros
- Stretch front panel
- Smooth leather
- The toe box is the perfect size
Cons
- Measurements may vary by size
- Runs small
- The heel may separate from the shoe
3. Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Slip-On Loafer
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Being a nurse is certainly a noble profession, but as you can clearly see, it comes with its own set of downfalls. When it comes to being on your feet for 12 hours at a time, you want to make sure that you’re as comfortable as you can possibly be. This means that it’s important to find a comfortable, lightweight shoe that can get you through your shift without having to take your shoes off to drive home.
Luckily, these Women’s Dove Slip-On Loafers by Nurse Mates will ensure that your feet will feel like they’re walking on air throughout the entirety of your shift. The EVA outsoles on these shoes are absolutely feather-light and have rubber inserts to improve wear and slip resistance.
The removable inserts also provide another layer of cushioning and arch support, which is great for those of you that suffer from having flat feet. Also, the full-grain leather uppers have a stain-resistant finish, which is obviously extremely important when you’re a nurse.
If you’re looking for a lightweight pair of shoes to wear during your nursing shift, then these Slip-One Nursing shoes from Nurse Mates would be absolutely perfect for you!
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Pros
- Come in different colors
- Stain-resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Bottom of the shoe may split
- The heel may wear away quickly
- The leather may crack
4. Timberland PRO Women’s Renova Slip-On
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Nurses have one of the most important professions on the planet, but while they’re helping to save lives, they’re also silently suffering from severe feet pain. With that being said, Timberland completely switched up the game when they made these PRO Women’s Renova Slip-On shoes. A favorite of nurses from all over the world, these shoes have Anti-fatigue technology, heel-to-toe rocker soles (which reduce the forefoot pressure), anatomical toe boxes, and slip-resistant outsoles.
The premium, full-grain leather that these shoes are made from has a 3M Scotchgard protector, making them stain resistant against some of the messier things that come with the nursing profession.
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that you can comfortably wear during your long shift, then these PRO Women’s Renova Slip-Ons from Timberland might just be the perfect shoes for you. But don’t take our word for it, try the shoes out to see for yourself!
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Pros
- Anti-fatigue technology
- SafeGrip slip-resistant outsoles
- Microsuede upper linings
Cons
- Bubbling may occur on the leather
- Leather may peel
- May be too heavy for some
5. Skechers Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker
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It goes without saying that Skechers certainly knows what they’re doing when it comes to making comfortable shoes. Whether they’re for the basketball court, jogging, or wearing them while you’re saving lives, Skechers’ shoes can get the job done with absolutely no problems at all!
These Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneakers are not only attractive and stylish, but they’re also capable of getting through your shift pain-free!
With the memory foam insole and flex groove outsole included with these sneakers, you won’t have to worry about your shoes not fitting the right way or being too uncomfortable.
The mesh design of this shoe will also ensure that your feet will be able to breathe throughout the entirety of your shift. If you’re looking for a lightweight shoe capable of supporting your flat feet during your 12-hour shift in the emergency room, then these Sport Women’s Loving Life Memory Foam Fashion Sneaker from Skechers would be the perfect shoe for you.
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Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Flexible rubber sole
- Mesh fabric upper with synthetic overlays
Cons
- The sole may separate from the shoe
- Toe box may be too tight for some
- A little amount of arch support
6. New Balance Women’s WX608v4 Comfort Pack Training Shoe
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For over 100 years, New Balance has been providing high-quality products to its customers. While they have created an innumerable number of comfortable shoes, these Women’s Comfort Pack Training Shoes certainly take the cake when it comes to comfort and reliability. These 100% leather shoes have a rubber sole, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or hurting yourself while you’re on the job.
Thanks to the dual-density collar, which uses a softer density foam against the foot for cushioning and a firmer density foam for support, you can rest easy knowing that this shoe is everything that you need for long hours on your feet.
Being a nurse certainly isn’t easy, so why make your job even harder with a pair of shoes that do nothing but hurt your feet? If you’re a nurse that has flat feet, then these Women’s Comfort Pack Training Shoes from New Balance might just be the perfect shoes for you!
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Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Provides good lateral support
- Lightweight
Cons
- The leather may begin to peel
- The Achilles tendon may get sore
- The heel may be too wide for some
7. Skechers Performance Women’s Go Walk 4 – Pursuit Walking Shoe
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There’s plenty of reasons why someone chooses to become a nurse. Whether it’s because they enjoy helping people, or because medicine has been something that they’ve always wanted to be a part of, it goes without saying that people who become nurses are performing a selfless service. Obviously, this means that they should be provided with comfortable shoes to help them through their tiring, busy shifts.
When Skechers created this shoe, they had to of done so with nurses in mind. Thanks to the tapering midfoot design of this shoe, and the highly responsive 5GEN midsole cushioning, nurses can get through their shift without the pain associated with other “comparable” products.
Not to mention, the New Goga Max high rebound footbed, which energizes every single step that you take. If you’re a nurse looking for a new pair of shoes, then these lightweight shoes that are extremely easy to put on might be the best fit for you!
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Pros
- Bamboo lined footbed for anti-bacterial odor control
- Virtually seamless construction for a comfortable fit
- Rubber sole
Cons
- May fall apart easily
- May not provide enough arch support
- May run a bit on the large side
8. Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On
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Just because you’re a nurse, doesn’t mean that you have to stick with the standard white shoe that nurses are typically associated with in order to be comfortable during your shift.
Alegria understands how important nurses are, and they understand that nurses want stylish shoes, too, which is why they created this Women’s Debra Slip-On shoe! This 100% leather shoe has a heel that measures 1.5” and a platform that measures 1”, allowing you to have the desired height that you’re after.
Considering that the footbed is created from foam, you certainly don’t have to be concerned with foot pain in the middle of your 12-hour shift. If you’re looking for a stylish yet comfortable shoe, then look no further. Alegria knows what they’re talking about when it comes to stylish comfort, so if you’re a nurse looking for a new pair of shoes, then you should most certainly check out Alegria’s Women’s Debra Slip-Ons!
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Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Great arch support
- Foam inserts help with comfort
Cons
- Printed designs may crack
- May stretch out too much
- The material on the inside of the heel may rip
9. Champion Women’s Gusto Cross Trainer
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Being on your feet all day long can be a bit unbearable, but this is especially true for those of you who suffer from the effects of having flat feet. With that being said, it’s imperative that you find a pair of shoes that can get you through the day without tears.
Champion has been around for 100 years, and during that time, they have satisfied plenty of customers who are in need of comfortable, reliable shoes.
These Women’s Gusto Cross Trainers are certainly no exception to that unbelievably impressive record. These shoes, which are made out of fabric and have a memory foam insole, are extremely lightweight, allowing you to walk as if you’re on air for the entirety of your 12-hour shift.
If you’re looking for a new pair of shoes to get you through your shift without wishing that you could tear your feet off, then these Women’s Custo Cross Trainers from Champion would be the perfect match for you!
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Extremely flexible
- Come in a variety of colors
Cons
- May run big
- May not provide enough support to the arch
- The tongue may too flimsy for some
10. KLOGS Footwear Women’s Naples Leather Closed-Back Nursing Clog
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No one wants to suffer from consistent pain while they’re at work, which is why it’s unbelievably important to find a pair of shoes that can get you through the day without even a trace of pain.
KLOGS has worked with shoes for quite some time, and it seems as if they’ve perfected how to make the ideal pair of shoes for nurses.
With that being said, take a look at these Women’s Naples Leather Closed-Back Nursing Clogs from KLOGS. Made out of 100% leather, these shoes are capable of getting you through those tough night shifts with comfort and ease.
There’s certainly no reason why anyone needs to suffer while they’re doing their job, which is exactly why KLOGS created these anti-slip, non-marking shoes for nurses.
If you’re looking for a reliable pair of shoes, then do yourself a favor and check out these Women’s Naples Leather Closed-Back Nursing Clogs by KLOGS.
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Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Comes with a removable insert
- Great for plantar fasciitis and flat feet
Cons
- May run big
- The exterior of the shoe may peel away
- The heel may crack
Shoes for Flat Feet Buying Guide
People have flat feet when the long arch of the foot remains flat regardless of whether the foot is weight-bearing or not. Flat feet can cause pain, swelling, and impaired movements, which is why it’s so important to find the right pair of shoes, especially when you’re a nurse.
Proper Arch Support
One of the most important things to look for in a shoe is proper arch support, so avoid wearing sandals, high heels, and clogs. You can also buy arch support inserts to provide your feet with a bit more support.
Orthopedic Shoes
If you’re suffering from pain related to having flat feet, then you could look into getting a pair of orthopedic shoes. While these can be extremely helpful, they can also be unbearably uncomfortable because of their stiffness. It can also be difficult to find an attractive pair of orthopedic shoes, which is why many people avoid going down this route.
The Right Fit
When you suffer from having flat feet it’s essential to find a pair of shoes that fit you properly in every way. If you’re unsure of what you should be looking for or what kind of shoe fits your foot properly, then head to a shoe store rather than buying them online. It’s hard to get an idea of how your feet will feel in a shoe unless you try it on, and a sales associate could provide a lot of insight, as well.
Safety
As a nurse, you understand the importance of being safe on the job. This is why it’s important to find a pair of shoes with a rubber or synthetic sole. Not only do they provide support for standing on your feet for many hours at a time, but they’ll also ensure that you won’t slip or fall during your shift.
How to Clean Nursing Shoes After Using
Obviously, nursing shoes tend to get a bit dirty from use. Whether it’s from bodily fluids or you stepped into a mud puddle on your way into the hospital, there will be a time when you need to clean your shoes. If you’ve never had to clean your shoes or you’d like to find a more efficient way to do so, keep reading to get an idea of how to clean your shoes when they are in need of some sprucing up.
What Material Are You Working With?
Nursing shoes come in a variety of different materials, so it’s important that you know what material you’re working with before you attempt to clean them. While cloth shoes can typically just go into the washing machine, shoes with an EVA coating can be cleaned with a swipe of a disinfectant wipe, so make sure that you take the material of the shoes into consideration before you clean them.
Taking Care of Your Leather Nursing Shoes
1. Using a soft, dry cloth, remove all of the dirt and grime from the shoes.
2. Using a soft brush comb and shoe cleaner, scrub the remaining dirt from the shoes. You should use a circular motion to effectively scrub the shoe without damaging the leather.
3. Allow your shoes to thoroughly dry in a room temperature environment.
Tips
– If you can’t wash them, wipe them down with a disinfectant.
– Never put them into the dryer. This will cause them to shrink, which will make them uncomfortable.
– Keep a pair of clean shoes in your washer if possible.
If you’re a nurse, then you understand how messy things can get at times. With that being said, use your best judgment when it comes to cleaning your shoes. Always remember to keep the material of your shoes in mind, and you should have no problem cleaning your shoes when they get a bit nasty.
What’s the Difference Between Nursing Shoes and Regular Shoes?
There are a few types of shoes that nurses typically where while they’re on duty. And while you can wear nursing shoes during regular activities, it’s not advised to wear your regular shoes while you’re at work. We’ll talk about what constitutes a pair of shoes as appropriate for nurses, but first, let’s take a look at the shoes most frequently worn by nurses.
Athletic Shoes
Athletic shoes like cross-trainers, walking shoes, and running shoes are undoubtedly designed with comfort in mind. Since these types of shoes typically have great shock-absorption, a lot of nurses tend to go with this option. Just make sure to avoid athletic shoes that have mesh on them if you know they might get dirty during work.
Clogs
This type of shoe has a great arch and heel support. They’re also relatively easy to clean, which is important when you’re dealing with bodily fluids.
Now that you have an idea of what types of shoes are typically worn by nurses, let’s take a look at the most important features that make a shoe good for nursing.
– Good arch support
– Lightweight
– Easy to clean
– Solid structure with no open areas
– Natural materials will make it easier for your feet to breath
– Keep in mind the type of nursing you do. This will make it easier to choose the right material.
As we said before, nursing shoes can be worn for regular activities, but not necessarily the other way around. So before you choose a pair of shoes, make sure to take all of these points into consideration. One more thing, if you know that you’re going to come into contact with bodily fluid you should avoid any kind of material that can’t be wiped cleaned and disinfected.
What are the Most Comfortable Shoes for Standing All Day?
It goes without saying that “standing all day” should certainly be in the job description for nursing. Checking on patients, running from room to room, getting supplies, these are all things that nurses have to do from the time they check in to their shift, to the second that they check out.
This is why it’s blatantly clear that the shoes you’re wearing during your shift are essential to the comfort of your feet. This is especially true when you just so happen to have flat feet.
There are certainly some pretty great-looking shoes out there that are made out of leather, but they leather shoes take a while to break in, and they tend to be a bit stiff for quite some time. And while clogs may be comfortable, most of them don’t provide as much support as someone with flat feed needs.
With that being said, it’s clear that some of the most comfortable shoes for standing all day are made by New Balance. New Balance Cross-Trainers are not only comfortable, but they provide the support that someone with flat feet needs while they’re standing all day long.
Another great thing about New Balance is the fact that there is a wide variety of different shoes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a pink shoe with green laces, or a plain white shoe free of mesh, there’s a good chance that New Balance has something to offer you!
You’re a nurse. You’re putting others first and saving lives, so why should your feet have to suffer? Don’t put yourself through pain while you’re at work and make sure that you find a supportive, comfortable pair of shoes, especially if you have flat feet.
After all, people are depending on you to be there, so stop worrying about blisters and sore arches and get yourself a new pair of reliable shoes today!
Why Do Nurses Wear Flat-Foot Shoes?
It goes without saying that comfort is the first thing on the mind of a nurse. Well, after checking vitals, giving out medications, following doctor’s orders, getting an IV started…well, maybe comfort isn’t up there with the things that a nurse is thinking about.
Actually, comfort is one of the farthest things from a nurse’s mind, but it’s definitely one of the most important things. A nurse can’t be on her A-game if her feet are causing her pain and discomfort, which is why it’s imperative that a nurse finds the most comfortable pair of shoes that she can.
This is why more often than not you’ll find a nurse wearing flat-foot shoes. Of course, we all want to look stylish, and we all want to feel confident in the shoes that we wear, but what do those things matter if you can’t wear a pair of shoes for more than an hour without feeling nothing but pain and regret?
A nurse needs to find a pair of shoes that she can wear for 12 hours at a time without a second thought. This is why you’ll often see a nurse wearing flat-foot shoes.
Nurses may find themselves running from one room to another in the time of an emergency or a busy shift. How can a nurse accomplish running across a slippery floor if they’re wearing high heels, shiny clogs, or a pair of slippery sneakers?
A nurse needs to be on her toes at all times, literally, and the only way she can accomplish that is by having the right pair of shoes on her feet. Of course, they’d like to have those pretty high heels on, but bodily fluids don’t really look good on designer shoes.
What to Look for when Choosing the Best Nursing Shoes for Flat Feet
Flat feet need more support and before you choose the perfect pair for you, it is important to determine the correct support that you need. Here are some things that you will have to consider:
- If the shoes bend where the toes are, it means that the shoes are supportive enough. However, if it bends in the middle, then it is not the right support that you need. The middle part of flat feet people needs more support so it should not bed in that area.
- Are you able to curl and toque the shoes? Select the pair of shoes that are hard to move. These shoes will give you more support for your feet which can also benefit your joints, knees and back.
- Is the heel area firm? It is important for flat feet people to have excellent heel support. Of course, you do not want your ankles to hurt, right?
The firmer and stiffer the shoes are, the more support it can give to your feet. This will also help you prevent injury in the long run because it is more stable for the feet and legs. You may be thinking, “Why should I buy stiff shoes? Won’t it be very uncomfortable?”
Today, shoes are always designed with more paddings and comfy materials so your feet would not really feel like they are being prisoned in a steel box. It is a usual misconception that more support is equivalent to less comfort. But for people with flat feet, it can actually make you feel more comfortable especially when your feet get the arch support they need.
Comfortable Nursing Shoes for Flat Feet
Nurses have one of the toughest jobs. Together with their hectic shifts, they have long hours and constant pressure on their feet. They spend full day on feet which can affect their posture and most are experiencing lower back pain.
It is important for all nurses to use well-fitting shoes. Nurses who have low arches or also called flat feet can benefit a lot from well-fitting nursing shoes. Getting the right nursing shoes for your flat feet may require you to shop around. It may take you a bit longer but it can be easier if you know exactly what to look for.
According to podiatrists, people with flat feet should talk to shoe salesperson and have their feet measured accurately. This is better than randomly getting shoes from your favorite department store. Be cautious also of sales talk and try different types of shoes from other brands.
- Support –People who have flat feet need more support than others. You should not wear shoes that do not offer any support such as high heels, sandals and flip-flops as these do not provide your arches any lift. Make sure that when you wear the shoes, it’s only bending a little bit in the toe area and not in the middle. Otherwise, it is not the right nursing shoes for you. When checking for shoes, look for “added support” which means they are designed to do what normal arches do.
- Firm Outer Sole – It is very important for people with flat feet to have stiff outer soles. This can prevent your feet to roll inward. Strong outer soles are excellent to withstand long hours of shifts every day and do not easily break down.
- Stability – Flat feet people tend to pronate or turn their ankle inward when running or walking. This leads to stress on your ankles, knees and feet and may cause different injuries. Normal arches are able to keep straight landing on foot. However, without proper arch, stability shoes are able to help greatly Most people with flat feet can find comfort with stability footwear. These shoes include extra material in the midsole to support your arch and prevent possible injuries. More cushioning are also included to make it easy to wear. Aside from those benefits, the heel area of the shoes can resist pressure whenever you push on it.
- Motion Control Shoes – To be able to move rapidly and smoothly, motion control shoes are important for nurses. These shoes are step above stability and have additional support to keep ankles straight when running or walking. The major technology in motion control shoes is a medial post of dual density foam. There is a firmer compound of foam included below the medial side of arch which may also extend to the heel.
FAQ
Q: Do Nurses Wear Expensive Shoes?
Ans: As you can clearly see, a nurse needs to be extremely specific about the shoes that they decide to wear while they’re at work. Unfortunately, this can mean that a nurse might have to spend a little bit more money if they want a pair of high-quality shoes, especially if they have flat feet. Nurses don’t go out of their way looking for expensive shoes, but sometimes, it’s a part of the territory.
Q: What are Premium Quality Shoes?
Ans: Have you ever had a pair of shoes that just wouldn’t fall apart no matter how rough you were on them? What about a pair of shoes that lasted for seven years and you were just waiting for the moment that a seam busted so you could get a new pair? Those are premium quality shoes; a pair of shoes that will last the long run, no matter what they’re put through. They cost a bit more, but premium quality shoes are certainly worth the investment.
Q: Are Nursing Shoes the Same as Running Shoes?
Ans: Depending on the type of running shoes they are, nurses can definitely wear this type of shoe to work. As we mentioned before, though, you have to be cautious of the material that you wear to work. If you know that there’s a good chance that you could come into contact with bodily fluids, then you definitely wouldn’t want to get a cloth pair of shoes. As long as the shoes are comfortable and provide good support, then you can certainly wear running shoes on the job.
Q: Why Are Nursing Shoes So Expensive?
Ans: As we said before, you have to pay a bit more when it comes to quality. Nurses want a pair of shoes that will be comfortable and durable enough to last for quite some time, which is why many of them choose to pay a bit more money for a quality pair of shoes.
Q: How Healthy are Nursing Shoes?
Ans: This is entirely dependent on the type of shoes that the nurse is wearing while she is at work. If she’s wearing a pair of shoes that has horrible arch support, or a pair of shoes that give her blisters, then she certainly isn’t going to be feeling too good after her shift.
Q: How Long are Nursing Shoes Good For?
Ans: The life of a pair of shoes is typically dependent on the brand of shoes, quality of materials, and how rough a person is on the shoes. If you’re paying the least amount of money possible, then they’re probably not going to last for too long. Also, if you’re extremely rough on your shoes, then they won’t last too long, either. You should expect to buy a new pair of shoes every one to two years when you’re using them every day.
Q: What Shoes Do Nurses Recommend?
Most of the time you’ll find nurses wearing clogs or cross-trainers. This is because these shoes provide the most comfort, and they’re able to be worn for hours on end without causing pain. Of course, the brand and quality of the shoe matters, which is why, once again, nurses tend to spend more money on their shoes than other people.
Conclusion:
Nurses spend a lot of time on their feet every day so it is important for nurses to use excellent footwear. It does not have to be expensive. What’s important is that the shoes that you will choose provide all the features that your feet need.
Nurses who are struggling from flat feet or low arches can be benefited a lot by wearing the right pair of shoes. The best nursing shoes for flat feet can help in alleviating health concerns associated with flat feet.The right shoes can also make your feel more cushioned as it gives additional stability.
The right pair must be able to improve your motion control for you to be able to work efficiently without any pressure and pain.
It should provide excellent grip on smooth or wet surfaces and has to be sturdy enough to protect your feet. Before you make a purchase, do not forget to do a little bit of research and check reviews from previous customers.