What are the Most Comfortable Shoes for CNAs?

Anyone in the medical field will tell you that the job consists of long hours on your feet. Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, need shoes that will support their feet for 12 hours or more at a time. This is not a job for cute pumps or other unsupportive, painful shoes. A more practical decision is necessary to keep you from hating your shoes by the end of your shift. 

It can be hard to tell what shoes are the best for the job. Fortunately, many nurses have come before and have experience with many different types of shoes. Let’s take a look at the factors to consider when choosing your shoes and what types most nurses prefer. 

Certified Nursing Assistant: The Shoe Facts for CNAs

The wrong shoes can lead to more than just painful feet. Your feet are connected to the rest of your body. Unsupported feet cause problems with your ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Poorly supported feet can actually cause headaches because of how your body is connected. While looking at shoes as a certified nursing assistant, here are a few helpful factors to consider. 

Cushioning is Important for CNAs on the Go

A supportive sole that is thick enough is crucial to comfort on the job. Due to constant standing and loading weight on their feet, nurses are susceptible to many different foot health issues. Proper cushioning will also have good arch support to help stabilize the foot and ankle. 

Shoe Shape and Fit

Get fitted with the right shape and fit for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit your foot type or are the wrong size will become painful throughout the day. Many people actually wear shoes that are one or two sizes too small for their feet. This can cause painful deformities and other issues. 

Find a shoe with a wide toe box that allows for wiggle room. Also, make sure your shoes don’t rub the tops and sides of the toes. There should be about half an inch between your longest toe and the end of your shoe. 

Breathability

Long shifts with no time to sit mean your toes are enclosed for an extended period of time in your shoes. Finding shoes with ventilation so that sweat and odor don’t accumulate is important. This helps prevent fungal and bacterial infections. Sneakers with mesh above the toes are a very helpful feature. 

Non-Slip

You never know what’s going to be on the floor as you work. Non-slip soles are an added security against whatever fluids and liquids you encounter. They also add stability and balance even if the floor is dry. 

The Best Shoes Recommended by Nurses

With thousands of nurses in the US, there have been all sorts of shoes tested in real-life working situations. Here are a few of the ones nurses recommend.

Sneakers

• Hoka Arahi6
  • These sneakers have molded footbeds to uniquely fit your feet. They come in both men’s and women’s sizes. 

• Asics Gel-Challenger 13
  • These breathable shoes come with a foam footbed and extra foam under the heel. This helps with the pressure of long days on your feet. These shoes come in both men’s and women’s sizes. 

• Bondi SR
  • Available in men’s and women’s sizing, these shoes are water-resistant and have super grip soles. They have good width and memory foam in the heel for stability and shock absorption. 

Clogs

• Unisex OOCloog 
  • These are low-maintenance shoes that are easy to slip into. They have the bonus of having foam soles and being machine washable. 

• Dansko Professional Patent Clog
  • These clogs have a footbed designed with stability and comfort in mind. They also have an antimicrobial lining perfect for the medical profession. 

• Crocs
  • These shoes are light and easy to clean. 

Find Jobs for CNAs Near Me With CynaMed

CynaMed is a healthcare staffing solution in the greater Pittsburgh area. Whether you are looking for a full or part-time position, a temporary or permanent job, we are here to help you find what you need. Contact us to learn more and check out our Ultimate Guide to Nurse Self Care.