Shoes for a hospital Healthcare Assistant

[fatherfintanstack]

Hello HCAs/ nurses/ hospital doctors/ other ward staff!

I am a mature student and have just got a part time job as a HCA in a hospital.

I've got the uniform (actually love the dresses) but have no idea what shoes to get! The young uns seem to be wearing crocs which have inexplicably come into fashion (we're not really supposed to because of needle stick risk but they seem to be allowed).

I'm looking for black, probably leather but open to other materials, comfy but not fugly. High street price range.

Any and all suggestions welcome please!

I Will only ever wear hotter tone trainers. Leather, great foot support, comfortable and fully enclosed for any bodily fluid disasters.

As an ITU nurse I broke my foot giving CPR 10 years ago, these were recommended by the feet people helping with that. Haven't looked back.

They're pricey but 1 pair lasts 2 years easily with the long shifts.

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Un-Loop/p/20312837 are very popular in ITU. Or trainers. Wipe clean preferable, because there are lots of body fluids in nursing.

ecco
birkenstock croc style (they are closed on top)
the clarks comfort range (forgot the name)
hotter definitely worth a look

Clarks day dreamers (I think that’s what they are called!) or sketchers.
Don’t worry what they look like, comfort is key. It’s probably best to try some on. Go to pavers or Clark’s.

Thank you very much everyone! Some great suggestions to try on. We have a Clark's and I think a Hotter in town so will start there

Leather, and buy off the high street if possible. You need to be able to try them on. They should feel like a pair of good running shoes, as if you could wear them all day for the day you bought them. Good arch support, and deeper, wider toe box… when you’re on your feet all day, you don’t want them cramped and hot by ill-fitting shoes.

My local shoe shop does these type of shoes, washable leather, lasts for about 12 months, and £16.99. Available in wide fitting. I think they’re called Dr Comfort. Cost is no guarantee of them being long lasting, sweat rots the leather, so a new pair at least every year is normal, if not every 6 months. I buy 2 pairs at once, and alternate them, to give each pair time to breathe!

Been a HCA for 5 years and crocs (nurse style) are far and beyond the most comfortable and durable footwear
plus easily cleaned

Just read about needle stick in your op
my crocs have no holes and can’t imagine a needle would penetrate them

You can get special "at work" Crocs without the holes: www.crocs.co.uk/c/work

Skechers. On my ward many HCA's and other staff wear them.. Really comfortable for long days on your feet.

Sketchers do a version of Crocs. They’re cheaper than actual crocs.

Agreed about trying them on rather than buying online. It would be hellish having to do a shift breaking in shoes that didn't fit well. I think we have a Schuh which I believe do sketchers so will.have a look there too, thanks.

Ah right, tbh, I'd only really seen crocs with holes in so might have to try a pair on if they have solid tops! Admittedly they do look incredibly comfortable

Ecco, Clark's or Hotter. There is nothing worse than sore feet when you are in a 12 hour shift.

When I first qualified in 2004 we were allowed to wear sandals! I wish that was still allowed. Though so unsafe I can't believe it ever was!

My dd is a student nurse and she wears sketcher type shoes.
Black and I think they are leather.

I will find out and get back to you. She says they are really comfortable even after a 14 hour shift.

Sandals would be lush in this weather! Until I, with accustomed clumsiness, drop a wee sample all over myself.

Thank you so much everyone. I popped out today and found a pair of Clark's that fit the bill. I think they're built to last anyway and have nice supportive soles! Loving the 20% discount

Sketcher are the comfiest shoes ever

Im a podiatrist, I wear hotter. They are fugly but so bloody comfy. Lace ups are best because Velcro always comes unstitched eventually.

I buy them in the sale half price.

@Fluffycloudland77 can I ask what you would recommend for plantar fasciitis?

@fatherfintanstack sorry for pinching your thread.

Ask sister for the catalogue and she will order whatever you want from the supplier. There may be top up payments above the trust maximum price however in general I have never heard of anyone being asked to pay.

Definitely Clarks unloops. I remember once in a crowded A&E resus glancing at the floor, and the only one not wearing Clarks unloops was the only bloke.

No problem Tabitha ! Hope you find a solution I know how painful PF is. I found Birks helped so much.

I've seen loads of nurses & HCA wearing sketchers go walk.

Student nurse here. I have Clark's un loops which I find amazing.

Another vote for these. I’m on my second pair. They’re ugly AF, but your feet will thank you.