Guide to Choosing Nursing Shoes

After years of wearing ill-fitting shoes, many people expect their feet to hurt on the job. They think it’s natural. It’s not. You can avoid most foot problems – and pain – by practicing better foot care. Start by wearing properly fitted nursing shoes. The following is a list of guidelines to follow when purchasing nursing shoes:

• Select a nursing shoe with a good toe box so toes can spread out naturally. Toes are vital in maintaining your balance and carrying your weight. In many shoes, the toes are tightly squeezed and not able to perform this natural function.
• Search for a deep heel cup to hold protective tissue in place. Feet were made to walk on the earth, where you have some give to the environment. On hard surfaces, the protective tissue that surrounds your heel bone gets pushed to the side. The reality, of course, is that nurses spend their shifts on concrete, tile, linoleum and commercial-grade carpeting. A deep heel cup cradles and protects the foot's natural cushioning.
• Select a nursing shoe with a neutral or an un-elevated heel. This basically allows all the bones in our feet to bear the weight.
• A lightweight, shock-absorbing sole is a must for nursing shoes. Search for a firm foot-bed with arch support. Contrary to what you may think, a soft cushy foot-bed doesn’t mean the shoe is going to be comfortable all day. Cushioning and shock-absorption come from the sole rather than the foot bed where your foot actually rests.

It’s never too late to begin treating your feet right. Proper fitting nursing shoes are one step toward putting your best foot forward. And if you are age 50 or older, it’s time to schedule a routine “foot check-up.” If you are experiencing foot pain or problems at any age, visit a doctor or podiatrist. Many problems can be resolved easily.

Redding Medical has a growing selection of medical nursing shoes in a variety of colors, styles and prices. You can shop Redding Medical Inc online at www.reddingmedical.com. We carry shoes by Landau, Cherokee and Dickies Medical. For additional comfort, you may want to purchase Landau’s compression hosiery or Cherokee’s Medically Correct panty hose or knee highs with gradient compression to reduce fatigue and improve circulation.

Redding has been serving the medical community since 1975 when it was started by RM Redding.