Comfortable Shoes for Healthcare Professionals

Hey medical professionals, I love you ALL. You've treated me kindly and competently over the years as I've sought treatment for my RA. Your compassion may seem to go unnoticed, but that warm blanket you brought during my infusion turned my clinical appointment into an almost-spa day. Taking interest in my family as I tell you about my boys makes me feel like a person, not just a patient. During my up days, you cheer me on and during my painful flares you've let me cry on your shoulder. Thank you. 

I know your shifts are long, tedious and exhausting. How do you do it? Perhaps you've found a shoe that carries you through your hurried days in comfort. Some of you have discovered that Dansko works well for you while others stay true to New Balance. Let me, as your appreciative patient, provide six more "medical grade" options (footwear with good support, non-slip soles and easy-t0-clean uppers). For more helpful suggestions, turn to our Facebook fan page for a recent discussion of comfortable shoes for healthcare professionals. 

The Timberland PRO Renova line may be the gold standard shoe for healthcare professionals. The customer reviews are stellar for fit, feel and non-slip-ability.

Comfort Technologies:

•   Bi-Fit® Tridensity footbed combines cradled heel and arch support with a flexible forefoot.
• Timberland PRO® Anti-Fatigue technology offers all-day standing support, foot and leg support and superior shock absorption.
• Anatomically shaped, oblique toe box allows forefoot to spread, reducing fatigue
• Heel-to-toe rocker sole reduces forefoot pressure and controls proper joint motion.
• Removable footbed to accommodate orthotic.

Available for $120 in sizes 5.5-11, medium and wide widths at Zappos, $112.95 at Shoebuy and $77-124.95 at Amazon. Timberland even makes a more affordable (under $65) Renova clog called the Caregiver.

New for Spring 2013, Dansko adds a lace-up sneaker to its collection. The Elise features a roomy toe box, removable contoured insole, and stain-resistant suede upper. Available for $100 at Zappos, $99.95 at OnlineShoes.com, and The Walking Company. 

The Kayla is the newest member of Alegria's Professional collection. Known for their orthopedic shoes disguised in cuteness, the Alegria Kayla features an anatomic contoured footbed of cork, latex and memory foam that's removable to accommodate an orthotic. The nonslip PU outsole is designed to rock your foot gently through the stride relieving pressure on heel and forefoot. Good fit for medium to slightly wide feet. Available for $109.95 at Zappos, $110 at PlanetShoes.com.  

Rock, rock, rock your soles gently down the hall in Sanita's Xenia Professional clog with brightly-hued rocker bottoms (to match your scrubs or for a fun pop of color). If you like your Danskos from the 90s and early 2000s, you'll love these Sanitas (Sanita used to make the soles for Dansko before 2007). Available for $125 at Zappos, $124.95 at Shoebuy.

There's always Crocs, but these are way more professional than the holey kind. The Crocs Mercy Work features an enclosed heel, slip-resistant outsole and secure-fitting backstrap. The Mercy Work's toebox is slightly narrower than traditional Crocs--which provides a sleeker look. Customers seem to agree that after a few wearings, they stretch a little, conforming to the foot. These Crocs are an affordable alternative to Dansko! $45 at Zappos, $24-49 at Amazon. 

 

Oxypas sounds like something I used on my zitty face when I was 13 or the drug that gave me daytime hallucinations after shoulder surgery. But no. These are different. They're super-duper miracle shoes for medical professionals with problem feet. The flexible, soft lycra upper won't aggravate bunions or hammertoes. The backstrap and instep strap provide a customized fit. The insole is removable so an orthotic can be worn. The shoe is lightweight, yet slip-resistant. $68.95 at Shoebuy.