Comb through different online communities and blogs and you'll find a lot of different opinions on the most comfortable nursing shoe.  With most all nurses feeling the pain of a 12 hour shift on their feet at some point in their career, there is plenty of chatter on the subject across the internet.  As many RNs mention, Crocs, Dansko and others are all good choices, but the truth is, there's no one best shoe.  What's important is what fits your foot the best.  Forget for a moment about looks - you first need to understand how you walk.

Learn about your gait.  Pronation and supination are words you usually see in running magazines, but it's important you understand what they mean about your walking style, as it dictates the type of shoe you will be most comfortable in - and that will ensure correct postural alignment.  There are two ways to figure this out.  Grab a sneaker or shoe you've worn for awhile and do a quick analysis for yourself.  What you see in your shoe's wear pattern is a good clue as to how you walk, and what type of shoe will fit you best.  Or, even better, visit a local specialty walking or running shoe store and talk to a specialized sales rep.  He or she will analyze your gait, measure your foot, and tell you what shoe type is perfect for you.  You're not obligated to buy anything - at least just get the information. 

A specialized sales rep - from a store like The Walking Company or The Running Company (NOT a general shoe/sneaker store like DSW or even Foot Locker)- will show you the shoe type to fit you best:  motion control, stability or cushioned.  Each shoe type fits walking styles differently.  Many times, RNs whose feet hurt after a few hours into the shift simply have the wrong type of shoe on for their gait, leading to soreness and, if continued, long term postural problems .

Once you know your gait style, and your size, then go for style.  Make sure you look for the right type - motion control, stability or cushioned.  Companies like New Balance print the shoe type in every piece of literature for the item, so it's not hard to find.  The shoe type language is always consistent, regardless of the brand.  New Balance is a great choice, as they come in all sizes, and all widths - wide, narrow, standard, etc.  You can almost always find the perfect fit.

Doing a bit of homework before you buy is your best bet - remember, gait mechanics, then shoe type, then style.   Happy shopping.

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