6 Best Shoes for CNAs Who Work on Their Feet All Day
Working as a CNA you are on your feet for most of the day, bending, lifting, rushing around trying to get everything done. You need shoes that can keep up with your busy day! We have all done it – bought those bargain shoes – only to regret it a week later when your legs and feet are aching, and those bargain shoes seem like much less of a bargain when you are limping around your house on your days off.
Why should you invest in good quality work shoes? Quality shoes will not only feel good while you are wearing them, but they will also reduce the amount of pain you have at the end of a busy day in your legs and feet. They can also help to improve your posture and provide excellent arch support, keeping your feet, legs and back healthy for all your working years.
However, your shoes need to look good too! Nobody wants to work with those ugly, clunky, matronly nursing shoes! You need a shoe that matches your style and personality!
There are a few factors to consider when looking for a good pair of working shoes. First is stability. You do not want to twist your ankle or trip on a loose shoe when you are working. Next is slip resistance, an essential factor for CNAs as you are often working in wet environments such as tub rooms or showers. The weight of the shoe is also important, as lugging around a heavy shoe will quickly wear you out. Shock absorption is another crucial factor – at an average of 10,000 steps per day for a CNA you want each step to be as soft and cushioned as possible.
Here are 6 of the best shoes for an active CNA – shoes that not only keep up with your dizzying pace but make you look fantastic while you are doing it!
Dansko
Dansko shoes are some of the highest rated shoes for people who spend a lot of time on their feet – nurses, waitresses, or chefs. They are perfect for a busy CNA! They offer a comfortable padded instep, and a roomy toe so your toes do not feel squished. One of the best features of this shoe is the rocker bottom that helps propel the foot forward and provides excellent shock absorption – making each step easier and more efficient. They come in an endless variety of patterns and styles, so you can be sure to find the perfect shoe for you! People who wear Dansko shoes are often converted for life – they never want to wear another shoe at work!
The most significant drawback about Dansko shoes is the price – at around $100 US a pair you can go through a few tennis shoes for that price!
Sketchers
Sketchers are another favorite shoe for CNAs as they come in a wide variety of colors and styles, are excellent quality and are generally very affordable. They generally sell for under $60 US but you can often find them on sale. They are light, breathable, and have excellent rubber soles providing you with superior grip in those wet tub rooms and showers.
The biggest drawback for Sketchers is they do not last as long as some of the other shoes, but at such low prices you may come out ahead!
Crocs Work Clog
Another affordable option is the Croc Work Clog. A word of caution first – many a CNA has slipped and fallen on wet floors wearing regular crocs, the flat soles and squishy foam are a recipe for disaster if the ground is at all wet. The work clog does not have this problem. The sole of the work clog is specially designed to resist slips and falls, while still keeping that comfortable soft insole of traditional crocs that we all know and love.
The work crocs are also waterproof – gone are those pesky holes that let in things you would rather not think about – and as usual, they are easy to clean and sanitize. They are also incredibly lightweight, reducing the amount of energy you use to walk around. They also come in a wide variety of styles and patterns and are available for under $50.
Klogs
Klogs are another popular choice for busy CNAs as they are very comfortable shoes that are slip-resistant, shock absorbent and can accommodate orthotics for those that need them. While their styles and patterns are more limited than other brands, they still provide a whole range of shoes explicitly geared towards healthcare workers. They also come in a wide price range from around $50 US to up to $120.
Birkis
Birkis are a subset of the very popular Birkinstock shoes that are widely known for their superior quality, durability, and comfort. While the styles are somewhat plain and limited, they are incredibly comfortable and durable and are made of an easy to clean polyurethane upper. They are in the high range in price at around $120 us.
Alegria
The Alegria professional collection is a popular choice amongst busy CNAs for their comfort, durability, and style. They come in a wide range of patterns and styles. The elastic instep keeps the shoe securely on your foot, and the cork, memory foam, and polyurethane footbed form to the natural contours of your foot creating a perfect fit. The rocker outsole, similar to the Dansky shoe helps to encourage a healthy posture and makes each step more efficient.
They are, however, up there in price ringing in at $120 each, but with the superior materials and quality, they are sure to outlast all the cheaper shoes.
As a CNA you spend a lot of time on your feet, and a good quality pair of shoes is the best way to keep your feet, legs, and back happy after a long, hard day. Try out one of these six shoes and see what kind of difference it makes to your life.