As a nurse, you’re on your feet for hours upon hours. Without comfortable, durable footwear, you’ll find yourself spending large amounts of money on new shoes while also suffering from aching feet.
Clogs are the preferred choice of shoes for many nurses, but why do so many healthcare professionals prefer these shoes over trainers? We’ve laid out all of the reasons nurses prefer clogs and picked out some of the best clogs for nurses.
- Support
- Comfort
- Helps Reduce Back Pain
- Breathable
- Durable
- Easy to Clean
- No Laces
- Easy To Slip-on and Off
- The Best Clogs for Nurses
Support
Nurses are required to carry and support patients during their stay. This means appropriate clothing and footwear that’s supportive and suited to the role should be worn.
As the inner of a clog shoe is sturdier in comparison to trainers, it helps support your feet and ankles. This support helps defend your back from any additional strain because wearing unsupportive shoes can create extra stress on the back. Plus, if you already suffer from lower back pain, it’s advised to change your footwear to something more supportive.
Comfort
Along with support, clogs are preferred by nurses because they're comfortable. When working a 12-hour shift, it's vital your shoes are comfortable.
Initially, most shoes feel comfortable when you try them on, causing you to buy them. However, many people find that after wearing them for half of their shift, they can quickly become uncomfortable. This may be because they don’t offer the support your feet need.
What's great about clogs is they combine comfort and support. So you appreciate the comfort whilst the arch of your feet appreciates the support.
Helps Reduce Back Pain
Many nurses suffer from musculoskeletal injuries from carrying heavy equipment or handling patients. One of the best things about clogs for nurses is they help reduce back pain due to the way they’re designed.
Breathable
Clogs are open compared to trainers or boots. Without having a closed back, clogs offer breathability so your feet don't overheat and become uncomfortable.
Durable
As clogs are usually made from high-quality rubber, they last longer compared to cheaper alternatives. You can often find that some trainers lose their smart appearance and look overworn after wearing them for a couple of months. Rubber clogs are more durable and retain their shape and appearance for longer.
Easy to Clean
Contaminants on the floor can cause slips and falls, along with damaging the appearance of your shoes.
As they're made from rubber, clogs are easier to clean. When working in a hospital, it's easy for water or medical liquids to splash onto your shoes. Fabrics can easily stain and can be stubborn to clean. Cleaning rubber only requires a wet cloth to clean them — plus, they don't take long to dry.
No Laces
One of the main reasons nurses prefer clogs is the fact they have no laces. If you're assisting in surgery or carrying sharp instruments, it's difficult to see if your shoes are untied and this could cause an accident.
Easy to Slip-on and Off
Another favourite feature is they can be easily slipped on and off. When you're working in a hospital, you have to be extra careful with what you touch with your hands, to avoid spreading germs and infections. Wearing shoes that you don't have to use your hands to remove is handy. Also, when it's time to go home, they can be easily kicked into your locker.
The Best Clogs for Nurses
At Shoes For Crews, our slip-resistant work shoes are suitable for a wide range of industries. We've picked out some of our personal favourite slip-resistant clogs for nurses.
Zinc: slip-resistant clogs with self-massaging insoles
Zinc is a favourite for healthcare staff. What makes this style one of the best clogs for nurses is the self-massaging insoles which help to release tension in your feet when you've been working a long shift. Made from a high-quality EVA/rubber blend you can trust them to last longer than a cheaper alternative.
Plus, it’s fitted with our SFC slip-resistant outsole which provides an effective grip on slippery surfaces.
Available in black too:
Radium: slip-resistant professional clogs
If you prefer your clogs without straps then Radium is the best choice. This style is popular with nurses who find themselves on their feet for long periods. With removable cushioned insoles you can rely on extra comfort and support when you're working.
Just like all our healthcare styles, Radium has an effective grip to help you significantly reduce the chance of slipping or falling at work.
Want To See More of Our Healthcare Styles?
Slips, trips and falls are some of the biggest concerns for hospital workers. Hard and slippery floor surfaces can easily cause a nurse to slip or fall at work. That’s why it's important to invest in slip-resistant footwear when working in a hospital.
Visit our shop to see all our work shoes. What makes our healthcare shoes stand out from other brands is our slip-resistant grip, it exceeds industry standards.
FAQs
As they're made from rubber, clogs are easier to clean. When working in a hospital, it's easy for water or medical liquids to splash onto your shoes. Fabrics can easily stain and can be stubborn to clean. Cleaning rubber only requires a wet cloth to clean them — plus, they don't take long to dry.
Why do doctors and nurses wear clogs? ›
These lightweight nursing clogs are always some of our nurses' favorite shoes because they feature comfortable, cushioned insteps and coring holes to reduce weight.
What is so special about clogs? ›
Clogs were incredibly strong and hard wearing, and relatively cheap. These made them an attractive option for working people, who needed reliable footwear at a price they could afford.
Why do so many healthcare workers wear Crocs? ›
Overall, clogs are considered a good choice for nurses and other healthcare professionals because they offer a combination of comfort, durability, safety, and easy maintenance in one shoe. This is essential for the demanding nature of the job as a medical professional.
Why do doctors recommend Crocs? ›
Crocs in the Clinic
“These shoes are especially light,” says Harold Glickman, DPM, former president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “They have huge room in the toe that affords the front part of the foot lots of room, especially for people with bone deformities like bunions and hammer toe.
Are Dansko clogs bad for your feet? ›
Clogs and other conventional footwear can cause both immediate and long-term discomfort and foot problems. Some research also indicates that the loads on hip and knee joints are significantly higher in people who wear conventional footwear than in those who go barefoot.
Are nursing clogs good for your feet? ›
In addition, high-quality clogs are designed with proper arch support and a firm midsole, which helps align the spine and promote good posture. This is a huge benefit for nurses who spend extended periods on their feet, as it reduces the strain on backs, hips, and legs.
Does anyone wear clogs anymore? ›
Even today they remain popular with farmers and agricultural workers in some rural areas of Holland, although you're unlikely to see city folk wearing them except for gardening. Historically, clogs were primarily worn by working people and the poor who couldn't afford leather footwear.
Which is best Crocs or clogs? ›
Today, clogs are still worn by workers in some industries, but they also enjoy popularity as a fashion statement. They can be closed or open-toed, and often have decorative elements like flowers or beads. Clogs are also generally heavier and pricier than Crocs. So, there you have it!
What were Crocs originally for? ›
While sailing in the Caribbean, they stumbled upon a distinctive kind of boat shoe created by Foam Creations, a Canadian company. These shoes were made from a material called Croslite, which was lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for boating.
They are a tripping hazard. They do not have nonslip soles; they are quite dangerous on wet floors. Very few had completely enclosed uppers and posed a problem in the case of spills. Some hospitals even restricted the use of CROCS branded work shoes that have non slip soles.
Why don t gyms allow Crocs? ›
According to Dr. Michaels, Crocs do not offer adequate midfoot and ankle support for strenuous workouts like walking on a treadmill, running long distances, or lifting weights. In addition, its loose fit does not make it the ideal shoe for foot protection or stability at the gym.
Can healthcare workers still get free Crocs? ›
BROOMFIELD, Colo., May 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crocs, Inc. (NADSAQ: CROX), a world leader in innovative casual footwear, today announced the return of the Crocs brand's Free Pair for Healthcare program for the fourth consecutive year.
Are Crocs still in style in 2024? ›
But, as the NY Times said, Crocs continues to grow. They had their best ever year at schuh in 2023, and we expect even bigger things from their astronomical journey in 2024.
Can you wear Crocs as a nurse? ›
A spokesperson for the organisation said staff must wear fully-enclosed shoes with a non-slip sole in all patient care areas. “It is most important for nurses to wear appropriate closed in shoes to protect them from sharps, trips, slips, fatigue, falling objects and for effective manual handling,” he said.
Why do Crocs have bumps inside? ›
Well, considering one of the major perks for both clogs is that they're amazing water shoes, having those bumps in the Crocs kept my feet from sliding around when walking and running in them.
Why do nurses and doctors have to wear scrubs? ›
Scrubs help protect against cross contamination.
Medical scrubs that are processed in a specialized facility (and not in employee homes) prevent the spread of possibly contagious infections and viruses. Scrubs must be cleaned with as much precision and with the same focus on hygiene as any other medical care linen.
Why are clogs good for feet? ›
Arch support
Give your feet a pep talk in the form of an anatomically correct footbed with arch support and kiss foot fatigue goodbye! So comfy! A soft footbed adds cushioning, wicks sweat, and provides arch-support. That helps protect from foot and back fatigue.
Why do restaurant workers wear clogs? ›
One of the reasons why many chefs wear clogs is their non-slip resistance. They are specifically designed to minimize the chance of tripping or slipping in the kitchen. They may have a tapered outsole to reduce travel or different traction modes, allowing you to stand firm on any surface.
Why do dentists wear clogs? ›
Due to the high probability of accidental spillage of water or other liquids, the risk of falling and injuring oneself increases significantly if non-slip footwear is not worn.
