Any nurses around with the answer to a boring footwear in the wards question ??

[Lauriefairycake]

I have a bit of a dodgy back (slight scoliosis/naturally fractured pelvis) and I've just started a nursing course. I want to know if I will be permitted to wear MBT shoes (not trainers) - they are a plain black lace up leather style but the MBT soles are curved.

I asked one of the tutors if they thought it would be ok and she just said she'd need to see all footwear but I don't want to splash out £100 and then be told no, we meant doc martin shoes.

I really think they might make a difference to 10 hours on my feet but its one hell of a lot of money

Any ideas or advice?

[3andnomore]

Birkenstock are fabulous footwork for that line of work. They maybe not the most exciting bit of shoewear, but very good for your feet and therefore for the rest of your body...

[avenanap]

I brought some from clarks, black lace ups. I don't think they mind as long as they are not slip ons' or open toe. Try and find ones with good grip aswell, stops you sliding across the floor when you're trying to move the patients around.

[mosschops30]

I bought hush puppies which have seen me through my 3 years of nurse education.
However when I qualify I am going to have some crocs as am hoping to work in ITU or theatre so more apprpropriate.
I think what you suggest will be fine as long as they are sturdy, comfy and enclosed

[smurfgirl]

Should be fine and if anyone does say anything just go to occy health and they should back you up.

Good luck on the wards!

[dosydot]

Just to let you know some hospitals do not allow crocs due to H&S as they have a sharps risk due to the holes in the top.
I always wore hush puppies or clarks including ITU

[tiredemma]

I think that they should be ok- they sound 'sensible' enough. A student on one of my placements had black trainers on and nobody batted an eyelid

[NutterlyUts]

You can get crocs without holes on top ;)

[NaughtyNigel]

we've just been banned from wearing crocs! all crocs - even the 'professional' ones with no holes - either in the top or the sides. can see their point if you're likely to be paddling in pools of wee or blood. it's a bit unfortunate as having got used to my beloved crocs i find all shoes almost impossible to wear now. Saying that I do see lots of nurseys around the hospital still wearing them. think it depends how strict your manager is.
I have a pair of Earth shoes though - negitive heel something or other - lower at the heel than the front - they're pretty comfy.
should imagine that you'd be o.k with a pair of plain black lace ups even if the sole is curvey. check with your uniform policy for ammunition.

[Blandmum]

Joseph Seibel shoes.

Sort of doc martin lite.

About £60 a pair, but my last ones have lasted 2 years!

I teach and I'm on my feet all day, and work in a lab and have to have my feet covered for H and S

[Blandmum]

I have the top pair on thos page in black, naff but so nice to my feet

[3Ddonut]

you'll be fine with any black shoes, I wear crocs and even if they ban them, I work nights so will put them back on again, they're heavenly after years of horrible other ones!!!

[Snaf]

I have a pair of Rocket Dog trainer-style shoes with a thick sole, which have been a lifesaver for my poor feet through the last three years of training. They're a suede-y material though so looking a bit knackered now - need a new pair for qualification! (plus they stink )

I am sure those MBT ones would be absolutely fine. They are pretty sturdy, aren't they?! A couple of friends have them and swear by them (but they are not wearing them on wards). As long as they are comfortable and covered, people wear all sorts, tbh...

[Snaf]

These are mine - page 5 okazaki

Sexy, huh? I simply can't imagine why I haven't pulled a fit anaesthetist yet, stomping around in these.

But soooooo comfortable.

[NaughtyNigel]

So why do we choose a profession where the shoes look like old lady ones and the uniforms are fitted on aliens and just don't fit anyone remotely human shaped? i could have been something glamerous! why why why.................?

[3andnomore]

lol naughtynigel....when I was still nursing I have only been once so lucky to work in a Hospital that would give you a clothing allowance and where you then could buy your own Uniform items, obviously certain rules had to be obeyed and stuff...but it was nice that not all the nurses looked exactly the same, etc...and you could actually find items that suited the individuals bodyshape etc...

[tissy]

a fit anaesthetist?

surely not

ours are all knackered

[Unfitmother]

Laurie, they sound as if they would fit in our uniform policy. We could wear trainers as long as they are black leather.

Will you be doing your placements in one paticular trust? Ask the uni for a copy of their uniform policy or failing that contact HR at the trust yourself if you want to check before you buy.

Good luck!

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

Our trust have blanket ban on crocs. So people said if they were been so prescriptive on what you can't wear then they need to supply work shoes along with tunics, etc. People are still wearing crocs and its gone a bit quiet as I believe that legally they have a point.

[NaughtyNigel]

oh - might try that one - can't wait to see bossy managers face. he he