Category: work shoes

Nursing is one of the most demanding professions in today’s workforce. It is a high stress job, with long hours, and clients who are in pain or sick. Few people go to the hospital or similar health care facilities when they are feeling well and in a great mood. Nurses get to deal with that stress from several people at a time. They also must make sure all their patients are receiving the correct medications in the correct amount and on time, as well as working with doctor’s and medical support staff to ensure appointments, surgeries, and other procedures are all taken care of efficiently. Nurses have usually spent a long time in school learning both the medical and administrative sides of their craft, and are expected to continue this stressful, tiring work year-round. 

High arches are a condition many people suffer from, and usually causes pain, balance issues, and difficulty finding proper shoes. The medical condition known as cavus foot is the usual cause of high arches. This condition basically makes it so a person places above average pressure on the ball and heel during walking, standing, or running. It also causes the calf muscles to be extremely tight, an increased risk or ankle injury, and stiffness in the arch of the foot. All of these can be extremely painful, or at least cause discomfort or irritation during the course of normal work functions.

Many resources recommend orthotic shoes to help alleviate the symptoms of high arches. Others recommend shoe inserts. Still others recommend shoes or wedges with a 1-2-inch heel. However, for people in the nursing profession, not just any shoe is going to work. And heels or wedges are most certainly out of the question! Nurses need something that will stand up to the rigors of their job, shift after shift after shift.

What to Look For in Arch Support Shoes

So what does the proper shoe for a nurse with high arches look like? Well, it is more a question of function over form. It doesn’t have to look good, it just has to enable nurses to move around the hospital and perform their duties without needing to give a thought to pain or discomfort in their feet and legs. A supportive shoe for nurses with high arches needs to provide support to the arch (not all shoes do this), as well as provide stability for side to side movement of the foot. It can also help to have some padding between the foot and the ground. The biggest thing is for the nurse to go try on some shoes that support the arches and see what feels best. Like any shoe selection, there are some that are potentially better for you, but it is highly dependent on the person who needs support for their individual arch problem.

If you currently own a pair of shoes that you love or can’t seem to find a good pair of arch supportive shoes, a quality insole might mitigate some of your pain. Insoles for different conditions, such as over pronation or under pronation, are widely available at athletic stores. I would recommend going to a running shoe store to have them evaluate your stride to recommend a premade orthotic insole. They are relatively inexpensive and provide a good amount of cushion and correction to your foot. Alternatively, you can go to a podiatrist (foot doctor) and have your feet evaluated by a medical professional. They will most likely fit you for custom made orthotics. These might be hard or soft but will generally form to your feet or to the arch pattern the doctor thinks will be best for you. Its more expensive but may give you the result you are looking for.

The Top 5 Shoes for Nurses with High Arches

1. Dansko Women’s Professional Clog

One of the top-rated shoes for any women who work on their feet is the Dansko Professional Clog. It provides enough space in the shoe to prevent pressure, there is enough room for the foot to breathe, has a wide base that supports a natural step, and a slightly elevated heel that helps those with high arches. It comes in a variety of color and material options. The PU options are probably a good choice for nurses, as they are easy to clean. They give you plenty of room for your toes and are designed to provide balance and shock absorption while walking. There’s a reason why most nurses and other medical professionals have these in their closet. They are extremely comfortable, durable, and let you focus on the task at hand without worrying about the pain in your feet.

Pros:

• One of the top-rated shoes for working professional women
• Provides great support for those with high arches
• Leather or suede upper
• Lots of color and pattern options
• Small heel lift and platform help fight fatigue

Cons:

• The roomy nature of the shoes might irritate some people
• Tend to run large
• Most expensive shoes on the list

 

Alegria Women’s Paloma Flats

Another clog style option, these shoes offer a strap over the top of the foot instead of the flat top of some others. It comes with a leather upper and poly urethane soles for durability and ease of cleaning. This one also comes in a variety of color and pattern options. These are specifically made with more aggressive arch support and are perfect for those with high arches. The insole is designed to be replaced, if desired. Custom orthotics can be made by a podiatrist, or many running shoes stores have a variety of options of premade orthotics that can support feet with high arches. Insoles might not be needed though, but that is up to the individual nurse and their feet.

Pros:

• Adjustable top strap for those with high arches
• Cork and memory foam insole for great cushioning
• Poly urethane sole designed with a rocker design for walking comfort
• Slight heel lift for high arch support

Cons:

• Open top may not be a good choice in a hospital
• Velcro closure may wear out quickly
• Some reports of squeaking while walking
• A few quality control concerns

 

Timberland PRO Women’s Slip On Shoe

Yet another clog option, these were designed specifically for health care professionals. With a leather upper, rubber lower, and an insole designed for stability and support for people who are on their feet all day. It claims to have “anti-fatigue technology.” While most descriptions don’t go into exacting detail of what that means, the reviews back up the claim that they help reduce fatigue and pain in the legs, feet, and back. The shoes have a 3M Scotchgard coating on them for easy clean up, which is definitely important in a medical setting. With the leather and rubber construction, these shoes are extremely durable, with some reviewers claiming to be still wearing theirs on a daily basis after 15 years.

Pros:

• Durable leather upper and rubber sole
• Reasonably priced
• Respected shoe and boot manufacturer
• Micro suede lining and Scotchgard protection

Cons:

• Discontinued for a while, quality concerns with new product
• A heavier shoe than others on this list
• New owning company may have reduced quality control
• Some complaints of squeaking when walking

 

Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Waterproof Slip On Shoe

For the male nurses out there, several options exist to keep you on your feet all day. While the above companies might make men’s or unisex clogs that men can be more than happy with, there are plenty of male specific shoes that would be a perfect solution for male nurses with high arches. These Merrell shoes are made of a leather upper and synthetic sole, with a waterproof membrane and air cushion heel to keep the feet comfortable and dry. The materials of the outer shoe are easy to wipe down, which is a great option for those in the medical field. Merrell is a respected shoe manufacturer, focused mostly on outdoors footwear, but this shoe is a great option for those working in hospitals. Unlike the women shoes listed above, the color choices are limited, but in the grand scheme of things that’s not such a huge sacrifice for a great and comfortable shoe. This shoe is a great option for those with high arches, as it has a robust arch support, heel cushion, and quality insole.

Pros:

• Well respected company of outdoors footwear
• Waterproof membrane and external treatment
• Synthetic wrap around sole
• EVA foam molded foot support

Cons:

• Size variability may require a change in size
• Multiple reports of getting the wrong shoe if order online
• Some reviewers have had durability issues
• Expensive shoes

 

Keen Utility PTC Slip On Shoe

Another great option for male nurses out there is this shoe from Keen. Another footwear manufacturer primarily known for outdoorsy products, this poly urethane slip on is a great option for nurses. Easy to clean, easy to put on quickly, and offers great support for those on their feet all day. These have a rubber sole with an aggressive grip, which is great for those who need to move around the hospital quickly. The insole region is built for comfort, with a combination of poly urethane, natural cork, and memory foam. This provides a high level of consistent all-day comfort, day after day. This insole and cushioning provide excellent support for those with high arches. Like the other men’s shoes in this list, color options are limited. However, its still a good choice for those who need to focus on taking care of business in the hospital, and not focus on the pain their feet.

Pros:

• Extremely durable leather and rubber construction
• Aggressive grip profile
• Molded midsole provides support for high arches
• Sole extends over the toe box to provide extra protection
• Well respected manufacturer

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires break in period
• Potentially lower quality in newer production of the shoe
• Standard insole may not provide enough room for high arches

 

Croc’s Unisex Bistro Pro Work Clog

The final offering in this list is a unisex option, and one that many people may not expect. Croc’s are not usually a well-respected shoe brand. They are the shoes you throw on to pick up the thing you forgot at Walmart. However, this particular shoe is well recommended by nursing professionals due to its durable materials, slip resistant tread, light weight, and adjustable heel strap. The interior of the shoe is made of the Croslite soft foam and is formed to provide support to the arch of the foot. It is the least expensive option on the list, but its definitely a good option. Once again, it is up to the individual, but for half to a third of the price of some other options it could help alleviate your foot pain without breaking your budget.

Pros:

• Inexpensive, but highly recommended
• Light weight
• Easy to clean
• All synthetic construction
• Adjustable heel strap

Cons:

• Not as highly regarded brand
• Durability concerns
• Plastic sole doesn’t provide as much grip as other options
• Width options aren’t great
• Material is not breathable, so feet might overheat

Final Thoughts

The best thing to do when looking for nursing shoes for those with high arches is to go try them all on. The second-best thing is to get checked to see if insoles would help alleviate your pain and soreness. The combination of the two might just solve your problem. For those dedicated to the care of others who are in pain or suffering, a good pain of shoes can help them focus on the task at hand and not on their own foot pain and soreness. This list provides recommendations for both male and female nurses who suffer from pain from high arched feet. There are a whole variety of other options out there, but these are some of the highest rated, recommended, and reviewed shoes out there. Most of them are extremely durable and will last a long time. So, you will definitely get what you are paying for. This makes the final selection so important, because this pair of shoes might be providing you comfort for the next 10 years!

Carpentry is a tough industry. It involves a lot of strenuous work that could become dangerous under the right circumstances. Any tool or material could cause or play a part in an accident. Having the proper equipment can help you avoid accidents and injuries. This includes the shoes and boots that you wear while working. Here’s what you should look for in a good pair of work shoes, and the four best shoes for carpenters.

What You Should Look For In Shoes for Carpenters

There are three major considerations for shoes for carpenters: protection, comfort, and durability. Your ideal work shoes will protect you from injuries, give you the comfort needed for a full day of work, and last for a long time to come.

Protection is the most important quality you should look for. Carpentry is not a safe profession by any means – there are a lot of safety hazards and risks that come with the job. Most injuries that occur within the carpentry industry are the result of sharp tools or heavy materials or equipment falling onto the carpenter’s foot. This can result in deep wounds or broken bones. A good pair of protective work shoes can help to avoid these types of injuries.

Comfort is important, too. Carpenters are on their feet for most of their day, if not all of it. If your shoes are protective but stiff or uncomfortable, you will end up with very sore feet at the end of the day. Having to rest and ice your feet every night will make you dread doing the same thing tomorrow, not to mention your feet will likely still hurt in the morning. Finding a pair of comfortable work shoes can help you avoid this scenario, allowing you to continue to enjoy your work day after day.

The final consideration is durability. It doesn’t make sense to put in time and effort to find the perfect pair of protective, comfortable work shoes, only to buy a new pair in a few months. That’s a waste of your time and money. If you look for shoes that will last for a long time, you can avoid the constant purchasing of new shoes and having to break them in over and over again. Work shoes that are both protective and durable will stand up to any tasks your job requires, no matter how rough.

 

The Top 4 Work Shoes for Carpenters:

Redback Safety Bobcat Elastic-Sided Steel-Toe Leather Work Boot

The Safety Bobcat Elastic Sided Steel Toe Leather Work Boot from Redback is strong and designed for comfort. It is made from thick leather and features a synthetic sole. The leather is 2.5 to 2.7 millimeters thick, making the boot stronger than most work boots. The boot is tall enough to protect your ankle and the steel toe will protect your toes and foot from impacts. The boot features a full chrome and oiled tannage, which makes it resistant to hardening and cracking. The design of the boot reduces arch flexion, which can lead to foot fatigue, leg aches, and lower back aches. The boot also has a slight slip-resistance and will hold up well on surfaces such as concrete.

Pros:

• Thick leather makes the boot strong, warm, protective, and durable.
• The boot protects your toes, ankle, and entire foot.
• The steel toe is protective and lightweight at the same time.
• The boot is resistant to hardening and cracking, allowing it to last longer.
• It reduces arch flexion, which in turn eliminates aches and pains in the foot, legs, and lower back.
• It is slip-resistant on some surfaces, including concrete.
• The boot is very breathable. Hot and sweaty feet will not be a problem as you feel the wind against the elastic sides cooling you down.
• The boot is easy to maintain. Dirt and dust can be easily removed with a damp cloth.
• The boot will not stretch with time.

Cons:

• The boot may not eliminate slippage on all surfaces. It would still slip on slick surfaces, especially in the presence of oil.
• It is not waterproof. Water seeps through the elastic on the sides. This allows your socks and foot to become wet and cold, making your day pretty miserable until you can dry them out.
• The boot can be a little loose at the ankle.
• The boot can be a bit wide for some individuals. It does not slip in the heel, but there is more space than usual in the toe.

 

Irish Setter Six-Inch Aluminum Toe Work Boot

The Six-Inch Aluminum Toe Work Boot from Irish Setter is sturdy, durable, and resistant to a variety of work conditions, including water, heat, and electrical hazards. It is made of 100 percent leather and includes a durable rubber sole. The aluminum toe will protect your foot from any impact or rough condition, meeting all safety standards for impact and compression. The exclusive Trout Brook Leather is full-grain and waterproof. The footbed is made of sturdy polyurethane and can be removed. The sole and heel are designed to minimize damage from contact with electrical parts and meet all safety standards for electrical hazards. The outsole can resist melting that results from high heat conditions. It resists melting at a minimum of 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Durability is increased by a Goodyear welt. The boot offers a slight degree of slip-resistance on surfaces like concrete.

Pros:

• The leather construction, rubber sole, and Goodyear welt lend durability to the boot.
• The aluminum toe provides protection from impacts and compression.
• The leather is waterproof.
• The sole and heel help to protect you from injuries and damage related to electrical hazards.
• The outsole protects the boot from melting and other damage in high heat conditions.
• The boot is slip-resistant on certain surfaces, including concrete floors.

Cons:

• The boot may not be slip-resistant on all surfaces. Some slippage may occur on mud or wet grass.
• The boot is not insulated, but the leather construction makes it very comfortable.
• Though the leather is intended to be waterproof, it is actually only water-resistant. This resistance only applies to the boot below the toe – anything above the toe is not water-resistant. If the boot is soaked, the water will seep into it.
• The boot can feel a little narrow in the toe.
• The boot is durable, but can feel heavy and clunky. This can cause some wearer’s feet to hurt after extended use.
• Sometimes, extended use can cause the boot to break down quickly.
• There is no padding inside the boot to provide comfort while the boot is being broken in. The leather against the aluminum toe creates a harsh experience.
• The boot is not recommended for cold weather. The soles turn hard and stiff, and the boot often slips on ice and wet surfaces.
• The bottom of the boot feels very hard. Some individuals may need to purchase insoles to wear with this boot.

 

Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Six-Inch Boot

The Heritage Iron Ranger Six-Inch Boot from Red Wing is durable, roomy, and easy to clean. It’s made of 100 percent natural leather and features a nitrile cork sole, a Goodyear welt, a double-layer leather toe cap, and a leather heel pocket. All of these features, together with triple-stitching, make the boot very durable. A bump toe gives you more room in the front of the boot. Because it is made of natural leather, the boot can scuff easily. But these can be removed by buffing the spot with a dry cloth. Dirt can be cleaned with warm water and a soft bristle brush. The nitrile cork sole is non-marking, oil-resistant, and features contrast stitching.

Pros:

• Durability is provided by several features, including the natural leather construction, nitrile cork sole, Goodyear welt, and triple-stitching.
• The bump toe provides plenty of breathing room in the front of the boot.
• Scuffs and dirt are easy to clean out of the leather.
• The sole won’t mark floors and is resistant to oil.
• Thanks to the Goodyear welt technique used, the sole is easy to repair.
• The leather is water-resistant to some extent. It will stand up to moderate rain and snow.
• The boot will mold to your foot and provide comfort, but only after a lengthy break-in period.

Cons:

• The leather scuffs easily, but the scuffs are easy to buff out.
• The boot takes at least a month to break in and can be very uncomfortable until then.
• The leather is water-resistant, but not waterproof. The boot may still become soaked in wetter conditions.
• The sole is flat without any texture or grip, so it may not be ideal for those who spend all day on their feet, at least until the boot is broken in.
• The boot is not very well insulated, so you should wear thick socks and a liner.
• Oil should not be applied too often, as it will absorb into the leather and darken it. Once every few months should be enough.

 

Timberland Pro Pitboss Six-Inch Steel Toe Boot

The Pro Pitboss Six-Inch Steel Toe Boot from Timberland is safe, comfortable, and durable. It is made of 100 percent leather and includes a rubber sole. It meets all safety standards. The steel toe protects you from impacts, compression, and injuries. A traction grip allows you to safely work on wet and slippery surfaces. The outsole is resistant to slippage, oil, and abrasions. The boot also provides electrical hazard protection. There is plenty of space in the toe, so you won’t feel cramped and you won’t be sore at the end of the day. A removable sock liner and padded top collar provide extra comfort. Timberland’s exclusive Comfort Suspension technology reduces foot fatigue, supports the arches, and cushions your feet, even under the harshest working conditions. The boot is very tough and durable. The boot is slightly water-resistant and could handle rainy conditions with no problem.

Pros:

• The boot is rated for safety and meets all safety standards.
• The toe is very roomy and features a steel toe. Both of these features protect you from injuries and soreness.
• The boot performs very well under rainy conditions. The special traction grip allows you to work on wet surfaces and the leather is water-resistant.
• The outsole is slip-, oil-, and abrasion-resistant.
• The boot protects you from electrical hazards.
• The Comfort Suspension system, removable sock liner, and padded top collar provide an extra level of comfort on long work days.
• The boot is oil tanned and can be conditioned with any oil or saddle soap.

Cons:

• Though the boot can resist water from normal rain, it may not stand up to extreme conditions such as flooding.
• The boot can run a bit narrow, so buyers are encouraged to purchase the wide version of their size.
• The break-in period takes a while.
• If not broken in, the boot can leave bruises and blisters around the ankle.

 

Which Work Boot is Best for You?

Each of these work boots would serve carpenters well, though they feature different levels of protection, comfort, and durability. The Safety Bobcat Elastic Sided Steel Toe Leather Work Boot from Redback offers the most protection during a typical work day for any carpenter. The Pro Pitboss Six-Inch Steel Toe Boot from Timberland is the most comfortable work boot on our list and will keep you looking forward to the next day, rather than dreading it. The Heritage Iron Ranger Six-Inch Boot from Red Wing is the most durable work boot, eliminating the need to buy another pair right away. Redback’s Safety Bobcat Elastic Sided Steel Toe Leather Work Boot and Red Wing’s Heritage Iron Ranger Six-Inch Boot both provide the three qualities of protection, comfort, and durability, though to varying degrees. Any of these work boots will keep you safe and comfortable while on the job. Make sure to choose the one with the best fit and features for your specific needs so you don’t need to look for another option when it doesn’t work out. Do your homework before you buy and you can’t go wrong.