The Best Shoes And Insoles For Nurses

Nurses know better than anyone else that wearing the right shoes to work is a must. Being on your feet all day, whether it's standing for hours or running beside a gurney, puts so much stress on your feet, and your body, which can cause all sorts of aches, pains, and conditions. Taking care of your feet with the right pair of shoes and arch support insoles can keep you moving throughout your shift, and keep you feeling good after.

THE BASICS ---

• As a nurse, you rack up the miles during each shift. Taking care of your feet with the right pair of shoes and the best arch support insoles is a priority.
• Whether you choose clogs or running shoes, you want to make sure they fit properly, are lightweight, absorb shock well, and have slip-resistant soles.
• Adding insoles to your shoes will help prevent foot fatigue and correct pronation and biomechanical issues that can lead to plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions.
• For firm support that will hold up to the miles you put on them, we recommend Tread Labs Pace Insoles. They're designed to limit pronation and promote proper biomechanics.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ---

The Best Shoes For Nurses

Running shoes or clogs? For a long time, clogs were the go to for nurses. But, as running shoes have upped their game, offering more durability and technology, they've become more popular than ever among nurses.

"You now see all kinds of medical professionals on hospital floors wearing running shoes that are designed to stand up to a lot of stress and strain," says podiatrist Karen Langone. What's important to remember about running shoes is that their cushioning compresses after about six hours and no longer offers support. So, having a second pair to switch into halfway through shift will keep you comfortable throughout.

Podiatrist Howard Friedman says clogs are a good choice for nurses. Their wide toe box accommodates feet as they naturally expand during the day.

Whether you go for running shoes or clogs (or both), there are certain features you'll want your shoes to have:

• Fit - Shoes that are too big or too small make life difficult. There should be about ½ inch between the end of your toe and the front of your shoe. No more, no less.
• Lightweight (but durable) – This can be the downfall of some clogs. They tend to be heavy, especially when you're putting on the miles, whereas some running shoes feel lighter than air.
• Shock Absorption – Buy shoes that have spring in their step. The best shoes for nurses have a firm crepe or rubber outsole that absorbs shock without feeling squishy.
• Slip-resistant sole – As Brittney Wilson, a registered nurse and founder of The Nerdy Nurse recommends, "a rubber sole that is non-slip is best when you work in nursing."

How Arch Support Insoles Help Nurses

While the right pair of shoes is important, what you put in them also matters. If your shoes have minimal arch support, adding a pair of insoles will make them much more comfortable during your shifts. You just have to make sure you're adding the right insole.

Constant activity on hard surfaces often causes over pronation, sore feet and a number of misalignment issues. Preventing overpronation and poor biomechanics is what will keep your feet healthy and comfortable.

Thin gel or foam insoles provide little relief and wear out quickly. They're just not designed for support. Firm insoles with a strong structure will hold up to the miles you put on them each shift. Find ones that:

• Match the contours of your feet. One size fits all insoles just won't cut it. Your insoles should make comfortable contact with the arch of your foot, all the way from front to back.
• Have firm support. Pillow-like insoles of soft foam may feel good initially, but they won't help with pronation control or improve your biomechanics. While your insoles should have some give, they shouldn't buckle under your arch.
• Are durable. You're going to put your insoles through a lot, and with all that mileage comes wear and tear. Having to buy a new pair of insoles every time the top covers wear out gets very expensive. Tread Labs insoles are made in two parts. The top covers can be replaced inexpensively whenever you need. The molded arch supports are guaranteed for life.

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Questions? Drop us a line at hello@treadlabs.com. We're here to help.