Why do Nurses Wear Clogs?

For nurses and healthcare professionals everywhere, choosing the right shoe for those long shifts can mean the difference between a comfortable day on the job or an evening of tending blisters and sore feet. It’s no secret that nurses spend long periods walking the wards or visiting outpatients, and ensuring long-term comfort and avoiding foot pain are crucial to doing your job to the best of your ability. 

The good news is that since the early days of stiff leather shoes and unforgiving insoles, nursing clogs have come a long way, with a broad range of different types of shoes available that can help you find the right fit for any feet. So, in this article, we look at some of the best shoes for nurses currently available, as well as the reasons that nurses wear clogs and the kinds of benefits you can expect on your never-ending 12-hour shifts. Read on to learn more.

Safety and Stability — The Importance of Clogs in the Nursing Profession

The first nursing shoes were most likely worn by the first nurse — Florence Nightingale. She is widely credited with introducing nursing uniforms in the mid 19th century; however, the black lace-up shoes were something of an afterthought, and by all accounts they were pretty hard on the feet. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1960s that things really began to change for nurses, with the introduction of slip-on clogs revolutionising the profession and bringing focus to functionality and comfort over long periods of time. 

Very quickly, high-quality clogs replaced traditional nursing shoes, and today, the importance of clogs in the nursing profession cannot be understated, with slip-resistant soles, superior foot and arch support, and easy-clean materials providing enhanced safety and stability on wards around the world. Additionally, with increased durability and a broad range of styles available, professional clogs offer nurses options suited to specific foot shapes that still provide excellent durability within the demanding environments that nurses often work.

Combined, these 21st-century features can help to relieve back pain, provide greater foot support over long periods, help to reduce slips, trips, and falls, and provide increased hygiene in areas where it really matters.

How Much do Nursing Clogs Cost?

A pair of clogs designed for nurses can cost anywhere between 30 and 150 Australian dollars, however, this is only loose guide to pricing, and you may find high-end nursing clogs can cost even more in some cases. It’s also important to note that, as with any shoes, the best clogs with the most advanced features are likely to be at the top end of the pricing spectrum—put simply, you get what you pay for.

For example, a pair of Oxypas Classic Clogs cost just a little over $30 AUD and are ideal for nursing students or those on a budget, however, if you’re looking for something of higher quality then these hand-crafted Sanita clogs offer absorbent insoles, padded insteps, and breathable leather outers that you’re unlikely to find in lower-end clogs.

Benefits of High-Quality Clogs for Nurses

Work clogs within the healthcare industry offer a range of benefits over other types of shoes, giving nurses and medical professionals footwear that’s designed specifically for the rigours of the ward. Below, we cover some of the main benefits of choosing nursing clogs over other types of shoes. 

1. Support and Comfort

Nurses spend long hours on their feet, often standing or walking for extended periods, so excellent support for the feet is an important consideration. Thankfully, the ergonomic designs and cushioned insoles of nursing clogs offer superior support and comfort, while the wide and roomy toe boxes allow for natural toe movement, reducing the likelihood of foot-related issues such as bunions or ingrown toenails.

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.

1. Breathability

   Nursing clogs made from breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, allow for air circulation around the feet. This helps prevent excessive sweating and the development of unpleasant odours, contributing to overall foot hygiene and comfort. 
   
   

2. Safety

   Spills and wet surfaces are common in hospital wards where nurses work, so. slip-resistant soles, which greatly reduce the risk of accidents and falls, are a crucial component of any nursing shoe. Grooved patterns on the outsoles of clogs also help provide stability and prevent nurses from losing their footing, even on slippery hospital floors.
   
   

3. Hygiene

   Hygiene and infection control are critical factors to consider when choosing s nursing clog, with materials that are easy to clean, such as rubber or synthetics, providing superior cleanliness throughout the day. Nurses can easily wipe off any spills or debris from their clogs, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
   
   

4. Durability 
   

   Footwear that can withstand constant wear and tear is another important factor to consider. Clogs are known for their durability, as they are typically made from high-quality materials that can withstand the demands of the nursing profession. Sturdy construction ensures that they can endure the rigours of the job and provide long-lasting comfort, even after years of wear and tear. 
   
   

5. Versatility

   High-quality clogs are available in a variety of styles and designs, giving nurses the opportunity to choose a pair that suits their personal preferences and workplace requirements. Some clogs feature adjustable straps or laces, enabling nurses to achieve a customised and secure fit.

Conclusion

For nurses and healthcare workers who want the ultimate in comfort and durability over long shifts, then nursing clogs are certainly the right choice. Today’s clogs offer superior cushioning in the foot bed and heel that can help to increase comfort and mitigate potentially harmful effects on the lower back, as well as improve posture and gait. Slip-resistant soles provide increased safety in wet areas and breathable uppers are designed to allow feet to breathe in any conditions. Finally, high levels of durability mean your clogs can last for years when well cared for, and a huge range of styles on the market mean it’s easy to find a pair of shoes that are the right fit for your feet.

For more information on nursing clogs and scrubs, contact ScrubsIQ today and stay tuned to the blog.