Why Do Nurses Need Comfortable Shoes?
- The Importance of Comfortable Nursing Shoes
- Fight the Fatigue
- Feel Condident in You Step
- Be Comfortable Within Yourself
- The Solution
The Importance of Comfortable Nursing Shoes
Life as a nurse or health care worker has become synonymous with long shifts, and long hours on your feet. Hospital ward floors are notoriously cold and hard surfaces, further taking its toll on the legs. However, the role that a health care worker plays in society is truly a vital one, without their hard work and expertise the world would be a different place. Therefore, it is important that these professionals are somehow offered some respite. This can come simply in the form of a comfortable shoe. Comfortable nursing footwear can be a large contributing factor in the well-being of such health care workers. It is important that nurses grasp the full importance of a good nursing shoe. We would like to present to you some crucial factors to consider regarding comfortable footwear.
Fight The Fatigue!
So it has been established that comfortable footwear is imperative in fighting the fatigue of the health care workplace. But what makes a comfortable shoe? What should I be looking for in a good shoe? The following are aspects of a nursing shoe that should be reflected on when making a decision regarding which shoe to wear:
1. Footbed
One of the biggest factors that will make and break the comfort level of any nursing shoe is the footbed design. Think of the footbed as a cushioning system for your foot. If the right materials are used, the footbed can greatly effect the pressure placed on your feet. The right design will spread any pressure of your step over the total surface area of your foot, relieving any potential “pressure point” build up.
2. Lining
The lining is the inside material of the shoe, making up the walls around your feet. If this material is too stiff or made from sub-par materials it could create quite an amount of discomfort. However, there are measures that can create enhanced comfort for the wearer. For instance, some manufacturers will use a plush lining that offers comfort and is made from materials that will some-what wick away moisture.
3. Shock Absorption
Obviously, with the walking mileage a nurse will put in on hard surfaces, a shoes’ ability to absorb the impact of each step will be a testament to its level of comfort. A good nursing shoe will use footwear technology that takes the edge off your step, which minimizes the fatigue of your feet. For instance, some companies will incorporate a rubber foam called “Ethylene Vinyl Acetate”, this material acts as a padding for your step. You can imagine the benefits of a product like this over an 8 hour shift on concrete floors.
Feel Confident In Your Step
Tripping and slip hazards are a unfortunate part of the health care workplace. Bathrooms, kitchens, sinks and patient related accidents can create hazardous conditions for the unwary. What does this have to do with comfort? A good nursing shoe can leave you confident and comfortable when these potentially dangerous situations arise. Innovations like rubber inserts and slip-resistant rubber bottoms mean that, whilst it’s good to always be cautious, you have extra protection from slipping or tripping. It’s vital that a nurse feels comfortable with her level of safety as she moves about her workplace.
Be Comfortable Within Yourself
One aspect of being comfortable at work is how you look and feel within yourself. The right nurse shoes can make you look the part, match in with your uniform or scrubs and increase your confidence as a professional. Although a more superficial aspect of comfort, feeling comfortable in ones appearance can put that extra little skip in your step.
The Solution
As a nurse it is important to be aware of your comfort. The old saying, “you can only help others, if you are ok yourself”, applies in this industry. When dealing with people with special needs the last thing you need is to be distracted by the discomfort and pain resulting from bad footwear. The solution? Find a shoe that is right for you. Make an investment in your health and wellbeing by selecting the appropriate footwear for yourself and your job.
Check out other articles our team has written for comprehensive product and brand reviews. You can also find testimony for popular products so as to see what other people think about particular shoes. Also, don’t feel as though your comfort has to come at a great cost. Explore our up-to-date information on where to find discount prices on quality nursing shoes.