The past two years have reinforced the vital role healthcare workers play in keeping our families safe and healthy, and keeping society afloat.
Nurses, in particular, work long shifts and are required to be on their feet for the majority of them. If you're a nurse, you may think that tired, sore feet are just part of the job.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
As a nurse, taking care of your feet is an essential part of feeling your best. Painful, sore feet can have a big impact on your ability to perform your job and can even negatively impact patient care.
Job-related foot pain can also have an impact on your life outside of work. We want you to feel your best on and off shift. Here some simple things you can do to keep you and your feet feeling great.
Good Shoes for Nurses
It starts with a good pair of shoes.
The average day shift nurse will walk up to 5 miles in a single, 12-hour shift — that’s often more movement on the clock than off. Choosing well-fitting, durable shoes with the right amount of support and cushioning is key, whether you have flat feet, high arches or are simply looking to prevent fatigue. Learn about the anatomy of footwear so you can easily identify attributes of good, supportive shoes. Traction, durability, breathability and protection are other key elements to consider when shopping for good shoes for nurses or other healthcare workers.
Top recommendations from nurses (via reddit.com/r/nursing) include Hoka, New Balance or Brooks running shoes, Danskos (if you prefer a rigid, clog-style shoe) and even hiking boots. Shoe fit is very subjective — we recommend heading to a local retailer to be properly fit for a good pair of shoes.
Best Insoles for Nurses
The human foot was designed to flex and adapt to natural terrain, but today we spend hours living and walking on hard, unforgiving surfaces (we're talking about you, hard hospital floor). For your feet and your body, that can cause stress, strain and fatigue. Superfeet acts like a premium bucket seat for your feet, protecting your feet and body from the impact of forces from the ground.
No matter which shoes you choose for your workday, by adding an over-the-counter insole like Superfeet, you give your feet the cushion, support and comfort they deserve.
Footcare Tips for Healthcare Workers
Footcare is of the utmost importance for all healthcare workers who need to remain quick and nimble on their feet at all hours of the day and night. In addition to finding a supportive pair of shoes and insoles, there are a few other things you can do to keep your feet feeling good while making your rounds, including:
- Wear compression socks. We like these, from FIGS.
- Take breaks to stretch your feet and calves.
- Soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath nightly, or at least two to three times per week.
- Replace your shoes and insoles often. Running shoes in particular have a lifespan as the materials can compress and wear down over time.
As a healthcare worker, you deliver top-notch care to your patients. Your own two feet deserve the same level of care and support.