by Sarah Jividen | Apr 30, 2020 | Nurse Life, Nurse Scrubs & Accessories
Nurses are working than ever to give the best patient care they can – especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That is why it is more important than ever that nurses wear shoes that support their challenging and often arduous nursing shifts, and protect them from slipping as well.
Feeling good after a busy nursing shift has a lot to do with the nursing shoes that you wear. Foot pain, achy joints, and back pain are just a few of the side effects that many nurses deal with regularly—especially those working back-to-back shifts to help during the coronavirus pandemic.
Having the proper footwear can make all the difference in how you feel each day. It is so important to take care of yourself first as a nurse!
What Makes A Great Nursing Shoe?
This is what your nursing shoes need to do for you as a nurse:
- Give good support
- Be slip resistant
- Be comfortable
- Protect your back
- Reduce stress on joints
- Look professional
Nurses must wear non-slip-resistant nursing shoes.
The hospital setting has hard and often wet surfaces. Especially since the floors are regularly being cleaned in between patients. Occasional spills can result in unintended nurse falls. Nursing shoes must be slip-resistant – it is a non-negotiable.
Some facilities in the US even pay for nurses to receive a new pair of nursing shoes every six months! This can help protect nurses from injuries that could have resulted in disability from work.
Here are the top ten best white nursing shoes for durability, style, comfort, and safety. Our jobs are highly physical, and we need all the help we can get.
Here are the ten best white nursing shoes in 2021 (in no particular order):
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Features:
- Fabric and synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Printed leather upper
- Cushioned, removable comfort footbed
- Slip-resistant rubber traction outsole
- Soft toe; no safety toe cap
This Skechers work clog keeps you comfortably supported and stable during long shifts and on wet surfaces. They have a smooth upper layer and have a slip-on style for easy on and off. Lightly padded, with a roomy, rounded toe. Also, they have a removable textile insole that supplies underfoot comfort and support.
Fully-molded material treated to minimize the growth of bacteria that cause odor, designed for custom fit slip-resistant, lightweight outsole for better wear and cushioning.
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Features:
- Synthetic sole
- Durable and lightweight material: These classic sneakers feature a leather upper for soft support with stitched overlays.
- Great food support with lightweight cushioning which lasts many nursing shifts
- Comfortable and study – these shoes have a low-cut design that provides mobility at the ankles
- High performance: Ideal for long days of work, running and hiking
Reebok Women’s Classic Renaissance shoes have a soft leather upper and premier-quality liner on the inside of the shoe. These sneakers have a padded tongue and collar, and the memory tech footbed provides support.
Here is a little Reebok history: The company was founded for one of the best reasons possible: athletes wanted to run faster. So in the 1890s, Joseph William Foster made some of the first known running shoes with spikes in them. By 1895, he was in business making shoes by hand for top runners and before long developed an international clientele of distinguished athletes.
One nurse’s review on Amazon said:
“I have been working in Dialysis for 22 years and was so happy to find the only shoe that was comfortable to work for 8 to 12 hours on my feet. They are lightweight with great arch support. I switched to these because I was having pain from other shoes. So I have found these shoes on Amazon, and I will continue to purchase them until they run out of them. I hope this was helpful to whoever needs to know about the Reebok Classic Renaissance.”
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Great for nurses who need a waterproof, non-stick shoe.
Features:
- Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Platform measures approximately 1.00″
- Super comfortable and lightweight shoes! Typically run true to size. If you usually wear half-size, the company recommends you to order these a half-size smaller. The letter M on the size means medium width for women.
- Made with a powerful non-slip outsole. The upper and outsole are waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your feet getting wet.
- The footbed is made with an absorbent material to keep your feet dry all day long
- The sole has a shock absorber and anti-torsion system. Your entire body will feel the difference
- Made with great support for your arch and full foot.
These shoes are great for busy nurses. They are waterproof with non-slip outsoles so you can work in different environments without getting wet. The outsole will keep you protected even on extra slippery floors. Sometimes, for waterproof shoes, your feet can’t breathe properly, that’s why these shoes are made with an absorbent footbed to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Also, they are made with a shock absorber and anti-torsion system.
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Features:
- Rubber sole
- Vegan upper
- Stain-resistant upper
- Double elastic gore for easy on-and-off
- Padded collar
- Dual-density polyurethane outsole
These Alegria Footwear nursing shoes have an elastic core for easy on-and-off wear. They have a removable and replaceable Alegria footbed. Enhanced shock absorption and excellent rebound. They also have a slip-resistant outsole.
One nurse reviewed on Amazon and said:
“These shoes are awesome…I have worn Alegria shoes for years and thought I would try these…they are so comfortable…I normally wear a 10 or 10W depending on the shoe so was a bit nervous about size, but they fit perfectly. I also have a high instep, and these felt a little tight at first, but then were great. I will be buying more of this style. I am a nurse who routinely walks 12000 steps or more in a day and I weigh 275lbs. These are sturdy shoes.”
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Features:
- 100% Synthetic
- Great work clogs for nurses who need comfort for all-day and night shifts.
- Extremely easy to clean by just using soap and water and allowing for a quick dry
- These Crocs slip-resistant shoes offer a generous, roomy fit with heels that meet workplace standards.
- These Crocs nursing shoes have thicker toe regions to protect feet from spills.
Nurses will be ready to make patient rounds with protection and comfort every step of the way. These nursing shoes are designed for a relaxed fit, and this updated style includes removable, washable footbed liners Perfect for healthcare workers in an “on your feet” industry.
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Features:
- Textile and Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Durable and lightweight material: These sneakers feature soft leather and synthetic upper with a mesh lining for supportive comfort, protection, and breathability.
- Efficient foot support
- Comfortable and sturdy: features low-cut design for freedom of motion and beveled heel enhances walking stride efficiency
- High-performance nursing shoes: High abrasion rubber outsole adds durable traction and resists oil
Reebok Women’s Work N Cushion 3.0 Walking Shoes have a leather and synthetic upper for durability. Mesh material around the collar allows airflow, and a beveled heel enhances walking stride. A memory tech sock liner and the EVA foam midsole provide excellent cushioning. A rubber outsole adds grip to these slip- and oil-resistant shoes.
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Features:
- 100% Leather
- Synthetic sole
- Heel measures approximately 2″
- Platform measures approximately 0.75″
- Leather and or fabric uppers
- Padded instep collar for comfort when walking
- Roomy reinforced toe box for protection with plenty of “wiggle room” for your toes
- Rocker bottom to propel foot forward and provide shock absorption
- Wide heel strike for greater stability
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Features:
- Leather
- Synthetic sole
- Heel measures approximately 1.75 inches”
- Accommodates most standard and custom orthotics.
- Biodewix linings and Microbe Shield odor control.
- Durable, easy-to-clean leather uppers.
- Removable PU foam footbed for shock absorption and energy return.
- Lightweight EVA midsole for shock absorption and support.
The coral slip-on features moisture-wicking linings with odor control, easy-to-clean uppers, flexible twin-goring for easy on/off, and a slip-resistant rubber outsole. Many users on Amazon suggest ordering a half size down.
One nurse review on Amazon said:
“So I read reviews first about ordering half a size down and it was spot on! These shoes are soooo comfortable! I am on my feet all day on hard floors and my knees would constantly ache. The first day after wearing these, I instantly could feel a difference. Now my knees don’t even bother me after a week of wearing these shoes! I get compliments on them all the time as well. You won’t regret it if you get them!”
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Features:
- 100% Leather
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
- Shock-absorbing heel
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate footbed
- Non-marking outsole
- Leather Upper
Product description: These shoes can give nurses all-day comfort in a durable athletic silhouette. They have a larger absorbing heel capsule, with reinforced collar foam.
From the company: New Balance, is dedicated to helping athletes achieve their goals. It’s been their mission for more than a century. It’s why they don’t spend money on celebrity endorsements. They spend it on research and development. It’s why they don’t design products to fit an image. They design them to fit. New Balance is driven to make the finest shoes for the same reason athletes lace them up: to achieve the very best.
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Features:
- 100% Leather
- Synthetic sole
- Slip-on work clog featuring concealed goring insets and Scotchgard protector for stain resistance
- Anti-fatigue technology
- Anatomically shaped toe box
- Heel-to-toe rocker sole
Per the manufacturer: Thanks to Timberland Pro’s Anti-Fatigue Technology, heel-to-toe rocker soles, anatomical toe boxes, and slip-resistant outsoles, these women’s nursing shoes are healthcare industry favorites. Designed to provide maximum comfort during long days on your feet, these slip-on shoes take some pressure off so you can focus on the tasks at hand.
In Conclusion
I hope we helped you find the perfect white nursing shoe for work. Remember to take care of yourself first, and that includes wearing quality shoes when you will be on your feet all day long.
Additional recommended reading:
by Sarah Jividen | Aug 30, 2018 | Body, Nurse Fitness Goals, Nurse Health Tips, Nurse Life
Are you a nurse who works long 12-hour shifts?
If the answer is yes, that’s awesome! You are working in an honorable and philanthropically rewarding field. But unfortunately, if you are like a lot of hardworking shift workers, you may at times feel overworked, exhausted, and even burned out.
Everyone knows that 12-hour shift schedules can be extremely demanding. What are you doing for yourself to ensure that you stay healthy and thrive?
With a little preparation and focus on your well-being, you can be both a healthy nurse and give great care to your patients. Its time to focus on nurse self-care!
11 tips to THRIVE as a nurse during 12-hour shifts:
#1. Sleep
Nurse self-care should be a priority. That includes getting a good night’s sleep!
Nursing schedules revolve around a need for 24/7 patient care. Sleep deprivation is a real concern, especially for those working night shifts. Nurse self-care starts with a good night (or in some cases day) of sleep. Here are a few tips to encourage healthier sleep habits after you complete a 12-hour shift:
- Turn off the tv (an hour of sleep is always more important than another episode)
- Calm your mind and body with a few easy yoga stretches (hint: yoga props such as a mat, yoga blocks, and a strap can be helpful with restorative stretches).
- Take a hot shower
- Try meditation (Headspace is a great meditation app for busy people)
- Use good earplugs and a sleep mask
- Get into bed an hour earlier than you usually do (& see how much better you feel after one week!)
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#2. Exercise
Nurse, get your heart rate up!
Get your heart rate up on your days off! The benefits of exercise have been well documented is essential for nurse self-care. It is no secret that regular exercise helps control weight, boosts overall energy, improves your mood, and helps decrease stress levels. Not only does exercise benefit the nurse personally, but it also allows nurses to have the stamina to give better care to patients as well.
Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A yoga session or brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Which, in turn, will help manage caregiver burden and help you feel your best.
#3. Grocery shop
A well-balanced diet is essential for nurse health and wellness.
Grocery shopping is so important for nurses and other hospital workers to ensure proper nutrition. It is no secret that healthy food choices are crucial for overall good health and well-being. Make sure you are filling your plate with high-density vitamins and minerals. You simply can’t maintain good energy and stamina over a 12-hour shift on sugary snacks and fast food!
Plan ahead by creating a grocery list of the foods you want to eat while you are at work. That way, you won’t be tempted to reach for something unhealthy when you have a few moments to eat in-between caring for patients.
Tips for nurses to make healthy meals fast: Try making a big batch of quinoa, brown rice, or black bean pasta to have handy in the fridge. These are a few great staples that you can build a nourishing meal around. When you get hungry, you can mix in a protein, veggies, nuts or seeds, dried fruits, or even just enjoy them with a little olive oil and sea salt. The key is to have healthy food that is easy to prepare BEFORE you get super hungry.
#4. Eat a healthy breakfast
Oats: a nutritious yet straightforward way to start a 12-hour shift (nurse self-care can be tasty!)
Studies show that eating a nutritious breakfast (as opposed to the doughnuts and other goodies often found in the breakroom) can help give you:
- More strength and endurance to engage in physical activity and maintaining stamina to survive through a 12-hour shift.
- Improved concentration, which can help you give better patient care.
- A diet higher in complete nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Tips for nurses to ensure that you have a nutritious meal ready before each 12-hour shift: Make several mason jars of overnight oats with a variation of these flavors: blueberry/strawberry/raspberry, peanut butter, and maple, banana and walnut, or almond and raisin. You can add ground flaxseed or chia seeds for extra protein and antioxidant benefits. Then top it off with a dash of cinnamon for a delicious ready-to-eat breakfast.
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#5. Pack your lunch
Healthy nurse habit: pack your lunch!
Packing a lunch will help ensure that you make wise food choices when you are in the middle of a shift and starting to feel tired. And it will save you a little money to boot!
Here are a few items I use for packing my lunch that help me through every 12-hour shift:
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#6. Incorporate healthy snacks into your shift
Almonds: a healthy nurse snack!
Nurse break rooms are notorious for having sugary snacks like donuts, cookies, or other unhealthy junk food all within an arms reach. Sweets are so tempting to nibble on when you are tired and need a little extra energy. But then a few moments later you crash and are even more tired. On another note, eating nutritious and easy snacks will keep you energized during a 12-hour shift.
Pack snacks like these in your lunch bag to help keep your blood sugar levels balanced during your shift:
- Baby carrots, broccoli or other veggies & hummus
- Celery and almond butter
- Strawberries, blueberries
- Granola and yogurt
- Almonds or cashews
- Avocado toast
- Sliced apples and peanut butter
- Cottage cheese with pineapple or banana
- Trail mix
#7. Don’t overdo caffeine
Green tea: a healthy drink for 12-hour shift workers!
Many studies suggest that coffee and tea have incredible health benefits while also giving you an extra boost of energy. Unfortunately, caffeine can also have the opposite effect by leading to rebound fatigue after it leaves your system. Therefore, it’s a good idea to aim for moderate caffeine intake to help minimize rebound fatigue.
Additionally, one of the drawbacks of too much caffeine late in a 12-hour shift is that it can also cause insomnia. And nurses need their sleep to help recover from the hard work we do taking care of patients each day!
Extra tip: Green teas (like this one) can give you an energy boost with additional antioxidant benefits and without the caffeine jitters!
#8. Get good shoes
Nurses must invest in good shoes to maintain foot health.
It is not uncommon for nurses to be on their feet for 8 to 12 hours or longer during a shift. That is why it is essential that you wear comfortable and durable shoes during your shift.
I have been alternating between my Dansko clogs and New Balance tennis shoes as a nurse for over six years. My feet thank me for it. Invest in quality footwear that is built to protect the feet of busy hospital workers who are on their feet all day.
“I wish I didn’t invest in comfortable, sturdy shoes,” said no nurse ever.
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#9. Remember to drink water
Drink water throughout your 12-hour shift and stay hydrated!
Have you ever worked an entire shift and realized at the end that you forgot to drink water for the whole day. It is so easy to do when you are extremely busy with back to back patients and heavy work assignments.
Invest in a good water bottle with a seal-able lid (to prevent accidental spillage). Keep it where you do most of your charting in the nurse’s station. And try to make it a priority to drink your water every hour during your shift to stay hydrated.
Here are a few favorites:
Make your own chia seed water: Add 3 tbsp of organic chia seeds to your water bottle and mix well (you can add more or less to your liking). Within a few hours, the seeds will blow up in size and into a gelatinous consistency.
(Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants, fiber, iron, and calcium. Just another easy way to add nutrients into your busy day!)
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#10. Wear compression socks
Nurse health & your venous system: wear compression socks!
Compression socks or stockings are non-negotiable for healthcare workers who are on their feet for 12-hour shifts! Here are three fundamental reasons why compression socks are a must-have for every shift worker:
- Prevention of varicose veins: Standing for extended periods causes valves in the veins to become weakened, causing blood to collect in the veins. This causes the veins to enlarge, increase in pressure and stretch, causing unsightly varicose veins.
- Improved blood flow and decreased risk of blood clots: A study by The Society of Occupational Medicine found that wearing compression stockings significantly decreased lower limb venous pressure in nurses who stood for very long hours.
- Decreased swelling of ankles and feet: Swollen ankles and feet are a common side effect of being on one’s feet for a 12-hour shift.
Many nurses who wear compression socks say that their legs “feel more energized” after a 12-hour shift. Pregnant shift workers are especially at risk of leg swelling (due to increased blood volumes during pregnancy) and should consider wearing them to prevent venous issues.
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#11. Do yoga
Nurses need to practice yoga for self-care.
Nurses need yoga, period. Not only does yoga replenishes depleted reserves after a 12-hour shift, but a relaxed and more focused nurse can give better patient care.
Yoga’s amazing benefits on physical and mental health are well documented in the literature. The Mayo Clinic has stated that “yoga may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate,” among many other benefits.
Nurse self-care in the form of yoga is scientifically proven to be beneficial:
- Stress management. A study published in the National Institute of Biotechnology Information investigated the effects of yoga on stress coping strategies of ICU nurses. After only eight weeks of yoga, the results showed that the participating ICU nurses had significantly better focus coping strategies and a major reduction in perceived mental pressure. (If that is what can happen after only eight weeks, imagine the impact a regular, permanent yoga practice could have on stress management levels!).
- Prevent or eliminate chronic low back pain. Chronic back pain in the nursing population is a common ailment. An evidenced-based review at the Texas Women’s University reported that estimates of chronic low back pain among nurses range from 50%-80%. Yoga not only increases flexibly but increases muscle strength and prevents injuries such as chronic lower back pain.
- Prevent burnout and compassion fatigue: A study published in Workplace Health & Safety on yoga for self-care and burnout prevention of nurses found that yoga participants “reported significantly higher self-care as well as less emotional exhaustion upon completion of an 8-week yoga intervention.”
Are you a nurse who is experiencing burnout and want to live a healthier life? Nurse self-care should not be an afterthought. Do you have any other self-care tips for nurses that you would like to add? Leave a comment!
Additional recommended reading:
