Finding the Perfect Fit: A Guide to the Best Nursing Shoes
Updated on December 26, 2024
Shop the best shoes for nurses and healthcare
Working 12+ hours on your feet often comes with foot pain—KURU is here to change that. We believe you deserve to be cared for in the same way you care for your patients.
If you’re a nurse struggling with plantar fasciitis—desperately seeking relief from the constant pain and discomfort—look no further.
In this ultimate guide, we walk you through the process of choosing the best nurse shoes designed to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. We understand how crucial it is for nurses to be on their feet for long hours, and we believe that no nurse should have to compromise on comfort and health.
With our expert tips and recommendations, you will be able to find the perfect pair of shoes that not only provide the necessary support and cushioning but also keep you stylish and professional.
Whether you're a seasoned nurse or just starting your healthcare journey, join us as we dive into the world of nurse shoes for plantar fasciitis and discover the ultimate solution to your foot woes. Get ready to step into a future with less pain!
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Its Impact on Nurses
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed or injured, it can cause intense pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods. For nurses, who spend most of their shifts on their feet, this can be particularly debilitating.
The impact of plantar fasciitis on nurses goes beyond physical discomfort. It can affect their ability to perform their duties effectively and may even lead to prolonged absences from work.
As a nurse, it is crucial to address this condition promptly and take steps to prevent further damage. One of the most effective ways to manage plantar fasciitis is by wearing the right shoes that provide proper support and cushioning. Let's explore the key considerations when choosing nurse shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Workplace Foot Injuries
Find out what types of safety or ergonomic hazards nurses face that can lead to pain or injuries.
Healthcare Industry Facts & Stats
- Nurses and healthcare workers walk about 4–5 miles in a single 12-hour shift.
- To help reduce pain during a long shift, one podiatrist recommends bringing two pairs of shoes, since the support in shoes can diminish after six hours.
- Nursing has a higher risk for injury than construction or law enforcement.
- About 35,000 back injuries occur among nurses each year.
- Nurses report between 94–98% job satisfaction, according to a 2018 report.
Foot Injury Prevention
Imagine a work day ending with happy feet. It’s possible with the right steps to help prevent injury during extra grueling shifts. Let’s dig into ways to help prevent foot injury on the job.
How To Properly Care for and Maintain Your Nurse Shoes
To ensure the longevity and performance of your nurse shoes for plantar fasciitis, it's essential to take proper care of them. Here are some tips for caring for and maintaining your shoes:
FAQs
-
What are the key factors to consider when selecting shoes for nurses?
When choosing shoes for nurses, key factors to consider include comfort, support, durability, slip resistance, breathability, and easy maintenance. Additionally, factors like proper fit, arch support, cushioning, and weight of the shoes should be taken into account.
-
What shoes do nurses wear?
Nurses typically wear footwear that can help them stand all day with less pain, such as athletic shoes, tennis shoes, or comfortable clogs. A pair of shoes that features quality arch support, cushion, shock absorption, and stability can help them get through a long shift as comfortably as possible.
-
How do nursing shoes differ from regular shoes?
Nursing shoes are specifically designed to meet the demands of healthcare professionals. They typically have features like slip-resistant outsoles, supportive insoles, enhanced cushioning, and durable construction to withstand long hours on feet and provide comfort during demanding shifts. They prioritize functionality, support, and ease of cleaning.
-
Are slip-resistant shoes necessary for nurses?
Yes, slip-resistant shoes are highly recommended for nurses. In the healthcare setting, spills and wet surfaces are common, making slip-resistant shoes essential to minimize the risk of accidents and falls. They provide traction and stability, ensuring the safety of both nurses and patients.
-
What shoes do I wear in the operating room?
The best shoes to wear in the operating room should feature slip-resistant outsoles, comfortable, supportive insoles to stand for long periods, sturdy upper material to protect from fluids and sharp objects, and a wide toe box to allow your toes to move freely.
-
What color shoes do nurses wear?
This one is often up to you! In the past, many nurses and healthcare clinicians have often worn white nursing shoes from long-standing traditions and dress codes. Today, nurses and healthcare workers often wear a wide variety of colors and styles based on their preferences.
KURU’s KINETIC for women or men can be worn as black or white leather nursing shoes. It has a leather upper and anti-slip outsole, making it an excellent choice for healthcare workers. The ATOM for women or men or FLUX for men and women are also fantastic options to bring support, comfort, and a bit more color to your ensemble.
-
What types of support are important in nursing shoes?
Nursing shoes should offer adequate arch support to reduce foot fatigue and maintain proper alignment. Additionally, cushioning and shock absorption in the midsole can help alleviate pressure on the feet and joints. Some shoes also feature heel support and ergonomic designs for enhanced stability and comfort.
According to our 2024 Foot Pain Trends Report, healthcare and social assistance occupations rank among the top 10 professions frequently affected by foot pain, emphasizing the crucial importance of prioritizing appropriate footwear and foot care within the industry.
Resources
-
Appropriate Work Shoes -
On-Your-Feet-All-Day Jobs
-
How To Make Your KURU Shoes Work for You
Choosing the Right Shoes for Nurses With Plantar Fasciitis
Picture this: a supportive work shoe you can trust to catch you—through every speed walk, workplace spill, and screeching halt.
To help manage plantar fasciitis and other foot pain, the right shoes can make or break your shift. The right pair of nurse shoes can provide the necessary support to the arches and heels, reducing the strain on the plantar fascia. They can also offer additional cushioning to absorb shock and reduce impact while walking or standing.
Wearing shoes that are not specifically designed for plantar fasciitis can exacerbate the condition and prolong the healing process. Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can put excessive pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to increased pain and discomfort.
As a nurse, it is essential to prioritize your foot health and invest in high-quality nurse shoes that are specifically designed to address the needs of individuals with plantar fasciitis.
Key Features To Look For in Nurse Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
When shopping for nurse shoes for plantar fasciitis, here are a few key features we recommend you look out for. A few simple things can make a significant difference in the comfort you feel on your shift, ensuring that you can stay on your feet for extended periods with less pain.
Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
- 1
KURUSOLE
...Show LessOur patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This premium support helps protect and contain the heel’s fat pad, leading to long-term foot health.
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This premium support helps protect and contain the heel’s fat pad, leading to long-term foot health.
- 2
KURUCLOUD
...Show LessWhen you’re walking from patient to patient, you need cloud-like cushion to get you there. Our KURUCLOUD base layer of lightweight EVA foam helps absorb impact to protect your joints, ligaments, and bones, especially for long hours on your feet.
When you’re walking from patient to patient, you need cloud-like cushion to get you there. Our KURUCLOUD base layer of lightweight EVA foam helps absorb impact to protect your joints, ligaments, and bones, especially for long hours on your feet.
- 3
ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessThe top layer of our tech trio, ULTIMATE INSOLES feature advanced, dual-density foam. Longer lasting than traditional inserts, these 5mm insoles provide bounce back and lasting comfort even with lots of daily mileage and standing for 12-hour shifts.
The top layer of our tech trio, ULTIMATE INSOLES feature advanced, dual-density foam. Longer lasting than traditional inserts, these 5mm insoles provide bounce back and lasting comfort even with lots of daily mileage and standing for 12-hour shifts.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This premium support helps protect and contain the heel’s fat pad, leading to long-term foot health.
Our Secret
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
KURU Shoes for Nurses
For long-lasting, on-your-feet comfort, there’s no better place to look than KURU. From anti-slip outsoles to waterproof or wipeable uppers, KURU’s Work Collection offers a wide selection of ultra-supportive shoes built to bring relief for even the longest shifts.
All KURU shoes provide superior comfort due to our patented heel-hugging technology that dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect the heel.
End your work days with happy feet by choosing a pair of some of the best nursing shoes on the market.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Stay informed on the latest in foot health and wellness. Gain access to advanced foot care knowledge and receive tips for healthy feet from our team of experts.
