Why Cushion & Support Matter
Cushion and support are two of the most important factors when choosing a shoe. We often say "Comfort over color." In a profession such as nursing where you are on your feet all day, it is imperative to take care of your feet as it is the foundation for the rest of your body. Having enough cushion in your shoe extends the amount of time your feet will be pain free! Especially on those hospital floors. More cushion in your shoe equals less of the ground you will feel.
Having the right support is more important than the amount of support. Some need more than others. Those who overpronate or have higher arches will need more support than those who are more neutral. This will help keep your feet in alignment, which keeps the rest of your body in alignment, preventing potential ankle pain, or lower back pain. As they say, "Your body is a temple," it is important to build on the right foundation. You can find your perfect fit at a Fit2Run near you!
Top Categories
It is not easy standing on sore feet all day. Here are some categories to look for when shopping for new nursing shoes.
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- Max cushion is max comfort. The more cushion in a shoe the less of the hard ground you will feel.
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- Stability shoes aren't typically as soft as a neutral shoe but for those who pronate or supinate, they will be as comfortable. Stability shoes ensure your feet stay aligned.
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- For a more natural feel, lightweight shoes feel like you aren't wearing shoes at all but with the comfort of a great pair.
Top Models (Mixed Brands)
Some top models to look at that fall into the categories from before:
- The soft, responsive cushion reminiscent of memory foam provides long lasting comfort with every step. Accompanied by a high arch support, the Nucleo 2 has a great underfoot feel. The upper provides more stability than the average neutral shoe.
- The energy return in this shoe is vital during 12-hour shifts, as it reduces the muscular effort required for every step, keeping your legs feeling fresh until the final clock-out. Its bold rocker shape also encourages a natural gait, alleviating pressure on the forefoot and lower back.
- The soft, DNA Loft V3 provides maximum impact protection and gives a smooth ride from heel to toe with each step. The GTS, or Go-To-Support, keeps the foot stable and prevents any overpronation. This helps aid any potential ankle pain, knee pain, or back pain.
- Coming with maximum cushion, the Bondi 9 provides maximum impact protection and shock absorption, which is excellent for those who work long shifts on their feet. The meta rocker technology in the outsole lead to smoother transitions with every step and the structured knit upper provides a comfortable and accommodating fit.
- soft, cloud-like cushion that stays comfortable through the final hour of a long shift. Its thick sole is designed to soak up the impact of walking on hard hospital floors, which helps prevent your legs and feet from feeling heavy or tired. The shoe offers a stable, grounded feel for natural movement, while the flexible fabric upper stretches to fit comfortably even as your feet swell throughout the day.
Find Your Fit
Find your local Fit2Run store and try our brand new, one of a kind, Fit Experience to find the shoes that work for you! A nurse's day is tough enough, let us help make it easier!
