Male nurses wear various shoes to accommodate their work environment and preferences.
It includes tennis shoes/athletic footwear, walking shoes, orthopedic footwear, work shoes, and clogs.
Each shoe design provides unique benefits depending on the individual’s needs.
In addition, footwear like work shoes and clogs provide functionality specifically for workplace settings.
Most healthcare facilities allow nurses to wear these shoes as long as they meet the institution’s safety requirements.
This article covers male nurses’ various shoes to help you understand why they choose particular footwear.
I also explain the benefits of one type of shoe over another to identify which footwear is best suited for particular settings.
1. Tennis/Athletic Footwear
Many nurses prefer tennis shoes or athletic footwear because they offer a lightweight, breathable construction.
In addition, some designs provide excellent support on hard surfaces with grippy outsoles to minimize slipping and falling.
Tennis shoes/athletic footwear are excellent for non-emergency settings.
In this case, the risk of falling objects, chemical spills, and other hazards is minimal.
However, nurses must wear shoes that fully protect the foot in areas with high exposure risk.
It may include footwear with non-perforated holes, reinforced fronts, or specific hazard ratings.
2. Walking Shoes
Some Nurses prefer walking shoes because they offer supportive midsoles and heels that accommodate long walking sessions.
In addition, these shoes may offer orthopedic footbeds and a contoured base to acclimate to the foot’s shape properly.
Many registered nurses are estimated to walk 2 – 5 miles during a work shift.
As a result, it’s essential to utilize footwear designed for extended standing and walking periods.
Walking shoes offer an incredible balance of midsole density, impact resistance, comfort, and support.
With that said, walking shoes differ from running sneakers and athletic footwear.
They aren’t designed for running and comprise different insoles, heels, and midsoles.
They also offer a different weight due to the amount of material utilized in the footwear.
Accordingly, nurses who run from place to place or operate in high-traffic areas may prefer tennis shoes over walking shoes.
3. Orthopedic Footwear
The design of orthopedic footwear is usually closer to walking shoes than athletic footwear.
Nevertheless, some orthopedic shoes are for perfect recovery allowing individuals to exercise and be more active.
These shoes offer unique features for those with foot problems or who need protective foot health attributes.
For instance, orthopedic shoes may offer insoles and compositions to alleviate foot ailments like plantar fasciitis.
They also comprise contoured footbeds, protective uppers, and supportive heels to protect the foot and align it properly.
The benefits of orthopedic footwear include better posture, reduced pain, enhanced arch support, and foot realignment.
As a result, they’re great for minimizing various foot disorders and improving foot, back, and joint health.
In some cases, a foot health specialist may recommend particular orthopedic footwear to assist with healing a specific foot problem.
4. Work Shoes
Numerous brands like Skechers, Clove, Dansko, Fila, Nike footwear, and Reebok design shoes to accommodate work settings.
It includes footwear made precisely for healthcare workers, restaurants/food service, hospitality, and construction.
Because these shoes are specifically for work environments, they offer unique features.
Some features include hazard protection, reinforced uppers, non-slip outsoles, a lightweight construction, and easy-to-clean materials.
Healthcare-focused work shoes let nurses know that the footwear is perfect for their work setting.
As a result, they don’t have to worry about whether the footwear meets hospital guidelines or their needs.
5. Clogs
Clogs aren’t as popular as tennis shoes and athletic footwear for most healthcare workers.
However, they provide excellent stability and support for people standing all day.
Clogs comprise dense midsoles, heels, and comfortable toe areas to keep the feet adequately positioned while standing.
They also offer highly protective uppers to reduce the risk of injuries from various hazards.
For instance, the airtight design stops chemicals and debris from penetrating the upper and causing harm to the feet.
They also offer protection from falling objects that lighter footwear may not guard sufficiently.
That said, clogs are best for long-standing sessions where individuals are relatively complacent.
They aren’t well suited for those who spend most of their day walking around or running.
The heavier weight and dense sole don’t adequately accommodate highly active movements.
In this case, lightweight athletic footwear with a versatile midsole and grippy outsole is better for busy work settings.
Other Accessories for Male Nurses
Male nurses utilize compression socks and aftermarket insoles for comfort, support, and faster recovery.
As a result, they’re excellent to use with different footwear designed for healthcare settings.
You must consult a foot care specialist if you have medical issues.
They’ll determine which essentials are appropriate to accommodate your situation.
They can also help you understand whether a particular compression level or orthopedic insole is beneficial or harmful.
Compression Socks
Compression socks provide additional support throughout the lower legs.
These socks compress the legs to allow blood to return to the upper body more efficiently.
As a result, they keep the legs from feeling tired and achy by improving circulation.
In addition, compression socks can prevent varicose veins, improve recovery and reduce deep vein thrombosis.
Because compression socks are highly beneficial, many nurses use them as part of their daily routine.
However, they’re also common in certain sports due to their recorded healing and recovery properties.
Aftermarket Insoles
Aftermarket insoles are an excellent option for nurses who love shoes but lack a supportive footbed.
Depending on the design, insoles can accommodate various needs and situations.
For instance, there are insoles for high arches, low arches, plantar fasciitis, athletics, and other conditions.
Orthopedic specialists also have specially designed insoles to minimize, prevent or reverse particular foot disorders.
Notably, orthopedic insoles help realign the foot, support sensitive tendons/areas, and accommodate specific foot shapes.
Male nurses with blood circulation problems, foot/joint discomfort, or specific medical issues should consider investing in compression socks and aftermarket insoles.
These inexpensive items can make a massive difference among those who stand/walk for long periods.