How to find out your foot type?

Today, I will talk about things that you should consider when buying shoes and review some of the best shoes for nurses with high arches.

Nursing is not an easy job. Being on your feet most of the time can be exhausting, especially when you’re working long shifts. That is why you should have a good pair of comfortable shoes that will ease your work as much as possible.

Finding comfortable shoes is not an easy job, especially when you have some type of foot deformity like high arched foot. Many people, nurses included, don’t even know what is their foot type and therefore end up with inadequate shoes.

How to find out your foot type?

There are couple of simple ways to find out your foot type. One of the most common ways to identify your foot type is by doing the wet test.

• Fill the shallow pan with a thin layer of water.
• Wet the sole of your foot.
• After you’ve soaked your sole of the foot with water, step onto a shopping bag or a blank heavy paper and stand on that leg.
• Step off and look at the shape of your footprint.

If your footprint shows just the heel and the ball of your foot, you probably have a high-arched foot.

The other way of identifying your foot type is by looking at the bottom of your shoes. If most of the wear of your shoes is on the outside of soles, you probably have a high arched, underpronated foot type.

What are high arched feet?

High arched feet, in medical terminology referred as pes cavus, is a condition characterized by an unusually high arch. The foot arch goes from the ball of the foot to the heel. Cavus foot can be caused by neurologicaldisorder, but it is usually a inherited structural deformity.

The arch of the foot is crucial for shock absorption during weight-bearing activities such as standing, walking, running or jumping. When the arch is too high, there is less shock absorption on impact and therefore an increased stress placed on the ball and the heel of the foot. Moreover, higher amount of stress is also transferred to the other joints and muscles of the lower limb and lower back.

Most patients with cavus foot have pain in the ball and the heel of the foot. This pain can radiate to the other parts of the lower limb, especially in the ankle, knee and lower back.

People who have high arched feet are also underpronators, meaning that during the heel strike of the gate cycle, there is not enough pronation that will absorb shock and distribute stress evenly.

High arched, oversupinated feet also raise the risk for lateral ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

What to consider when buying shoes?

Finding the right nursing shoes is not an easy job. It is even harder if you have abnormal type of arch or some other foot deformity. These are some of the features that you should look for when buying shoes for high-arched, oversupinated feet.

Size

You should carefully choose size when buying any type of shoes. It is important to find the size that is right for you. Having shoes that are too small or too big will cause additional discomfort and instability. Moreover, many people think that shoes that are smaller or tight will ‘’break in’’ or get wider and softer after a couple of wearings. Unfortunately, that is usually not the case.

Because nursing is a job that requires to be active and on your foot most of the time, there is chance that your feet might swell. That is why you should buy shoes that are little bit bigger than your usual size, in case you end up with the swell during your shift.

Weight

Weight is another important thing to consider when buying nursing shoes. Because you are going to wear them at your work for longer periods of time, they should be as light as possible. Heavier shoes will give you additional strain and discomfort, especially when you are moving around a lot.

Arch support

Another thing you should consider when buying nursing shoes for high arches and underpronation is a good arch support. Shoes with good arch support will offload the stress from the ball and the heel of the foot and distribute the stress evenly.

Cushioning

Shoe cushioning is crucial for shock absorption and therefore it is important thing to consider when buying shoes for this type of foot deformity. Having an adequate cushioning will absorb the shock and reduce the stress on the foot.

Shoe shape

Shoes that are designed with a curved last are much better choice for high arched foot. The curved last will allow the foot to slightly pronate, which is important because of the underpronation that people with this type of deformity have.

Flexibility

People with high arches have more rigid, stiffer feet. That is why you should look for shoes that are more flexible. Their flexibility will balance the rigid foot and allow an even distribution of impact for every step that you take.

It is important to know that when you are determining the flexibility of the shoes you should check out both the upper part of the shoes as well as the sole of the shoes. You can test their flexibility manually by bending the shoes in different directions.

Materials

Given how nurses are usually on their feet most of their work time, it is important to find shoes that are made of materials that are breathable and doesn’t make your feet sweat.

Slip resistance

Nurses move a lot and usually they need to move fast, especially if there is an emergency situation. In addition to that, most hospital floors are tiled floors and it is usual for liquids to be accidentally spilled on them. That is why nurses need shoes that are slip resistant, allowing them to move efficiently without the risk of hurting themselves.

Stability

Stability is an important feature, especially when you are buying shoes for work that requires a lot of movement like nursing. This feature is even more important for people with high arches, as they are more prone to ankle sprains. Shoes that give you stability will lower the risk of hurting yourself during intensive physical work. Stability in shoes for high arches is achieved with proper midsole cushioning and adequate arch support.

Quality and durability

Many people think that any shoes that you are wearing for many hours every day will break after a short period of time. That is why they tend to buy shoes that are cheaper so they can replace them more often. However, that is not true.

High quality shoes are usually pricier, but they can suffer constant wear and tear longer than low quality shoes. If you buy shoes that are made of high quality material, you’re probably not going to replace them for a couple of years. Maybe even longer.

Moreover, low quality shoes will just make fatigue worse and you’re going to regret that you didn’t consider the quality when you’ve bought them.

Top 5 Best Shoes for Nurses with High Arches

Now that I’ve told you what to consider when buying shoes for high arched, underpronated foot, let’s take a look at some of the best shoes for this type of foot deformity currently available on the market in my opinion.

Dansko Women’s Professional Clogs

Dansko is one of the most popular clogs brand. They are known for footwear that provides all-day comfort and support. These Women’s Professional Clogs are just one of various models that are currently available at the market. I’ve decided to try these out because they are one of the most popular clogs and many nurses recommend them.

The upper is are made of leather, while the outsole is made of polyurethane with rocker bottom for great shock absorption. The outer sole is also slip resistant, so you can safely move on any type of surface.

There is a padded instep collar which will prevent pressure and irritation on the instep of the foot while standing or moving. The polyurethane foamfootbed offers breathability and temperature control, so you won’t end up with your feet sweating or overheating.

These clogs have really good arch support, which is nice for undepronators who have a lot of stress on the ball and the heel of the foot. With good arch support, the distribution of stress on impact will be even.

One more thing that is really important is that they are APMA approved. APMA stands for American Podiatric Medical Association. Being APMA approved means that these clogs promote good foot health.

All Dansko clogs are quite heavy so you’ll probably need some time to get used to them. There are also more rigid and stiff, especially in the beginning. However, they shouldn’t be tight. Dansko clogs and any other clogs are made to have more relaxed, loose fit.

As with any other clogs, there is a problem with getting the right size. I usually recommend getting one size smaller than your usual size.

Pros

• Slip resistant polyurethane outsole with rocker bottom for great shock absorption
• Padded instep collar to prevent pressure and irritation on the top of the foot
• Polyurethane foam footbed for breathability and temperature regulation will prevent sweating and overheating
• APMA approved for promoting good foot health

Cons

• They are on the heavier side so you will need some time to get used to them
• They are quite stiff so they might not be comfortable for those used to softer shoes
• The size chart is not correct — you should buy at least one size smaller than your usual size.

Score: 90/100

Skechers for Work Women’s Sure Track Slip Resistant Shoe

Skechers is a brand that is known for different types of sneakers. They have high quality, diverse and affordable products that meet consumers’ various needs.

The first thing that you will notice is that they are not the most visually pleasing product. Maybe they don’t have the looks, but they sure have a couple of different features that should provide comfort for people with high arches who are on their feet for longer periods of time.

The upper of these sneakers is made of leather, while the outsole is made of rubber. The outsole is slip resistant, so you don’t need to worry about slippery floors in hospitals. You can move fast without the fear of getting injured.

The cushioned insoles are topped with memory foam and can be removed. These insoles along with FlexSole midsoles will give you an adequate arch support and exceptional shock absorption. By cradling your foot, they will increase your stability and prevent foot rolls. You will feel less pressure on the ball and the heel of the foot during weight-bearing activities like standing, walking or running.

I recommend getting at least half size bigger than your ordinary shoe size, especially if you have wider foot. These shoes have relaxed, loose fit and should not be tight.

One thing that worries me is their questionable quality and durability. After wearing them for a couple of months, I’ve noticed that they started to come apart and began to lose their shape. However, in comparison to Dansko’s, they are much cheaper.

Pros

• Slip resistant rubber outsole
• Memory foam cushioned insoles with FlexSole midsole offer great arch support and shock absorption
• Easy to get in and get out of them

Cons

• Visually not pleasing
• Questionable quality and durability

Score: 80/100

Sanita Women’s Professional Patent Clog

Sanita is another brand that is famous for their clogs and other comfortable footwear.

These stylish closed-back clogs have outsole made of polyurethane which is slip resistant, so you can safely move on slippery floors without getting injured. The outsole is reinforced with hard plastic frame to provide additional stability and durability.

The upper of these clogs is made of patent leather which gives them glossy, varnished surface. Be sure to remove the plastic cover that the upper has. This plastic cover will start to break after a couple of uses and you might think that they’ve started to break apart. Don’t worry, it is just a protective plastic.

There is a slight heel lift that aids in good posture. The heel measures approximately 1.75 inches, while the platform measures around 1 inch. The material on the of the heel is a little harder. That way it supports the back of the foot without irritation and rubbing.

The footbed is anatomically shaped for arch support. The arch support is noticeable, but not overwhelming.

In comparison to Dansko’s clogs, they are lighter and more tight. This particular style sits high up on your instep so they can be snug in that area, especially if you don’t get the appropriate size. That is why I recommend getting at least half size bigger since they should be roomier.

Pros

• Slip resistant polyurethane outsole
• Outsole is reinforced with hard plastic frame for additional stability and durability
• Slight heel lift aids in good posture
• Anatomically shaped foot bed for arch support
• Lightweight
• APMA approved for promoting foot health

Cons

• They are tight, so I recommend getting at least half size bigger
• Because they sit high on the instep, they can be snug in that area and put pressure on it.

Score: 75/100

Timberland PRO Women’s Renova PROfessional Slip-On Clog

Will all the features that The Timberland Renova has, you can clearly see that they are designed to address the needs of workers in the healthcare industry.

The upper is made of premium full grain leather that offers style and durability. The shoe features a heel to toe polyurethane SafeGrip outsole that is slip resistant and allows you to move efficiently and safely on any type of floor. This heel-to-toe rocker sole along with footbed provide good arch support and shock absorption.

Nurses get in contact with different body fluids through the day. Thankfully, these shoes are protected with 3M Scotchguard™ stain resistance.

When you are on your feet most of the day, your feet can get sweaty and cause odor. These slip-ons feature anti-microbial technology that control odors and provide fresher foot environment.

However, not everything is perfect. They make a lot of noise when walking. If you work in a quiet environment, maybe you should skip these shoes. They are also a little bit tight, especially the part of the upper that goes onto the instep, and can cause pressure and irritation. However, you can order a half size bigger or allow to break in.

Pros

• SafeGrip outsole that is slip resistant and allows traction on any type of surface
• Scotchgard protection for stain resistance
• Anti-microbial technology for odor reduction and healthy foot environment
• Outsoles along with footbed provide good arch support and shock absorption

Cons

• Pretty noisy. Not recommended for quiet working environments
• They are tight on the top of the foot and can cause pressure and irritation on the instep.

Score: 85/100

Klogs USA Women’s Naples Mule

Klogs Women’s Naples clogs are really flexible and lightweight, giving you all-day comfort. Because of their flexibility, you don’t need to break them in. There are also elastic bands at the sides, which allows you to get in and out of them fast and easy.

The upper is made of leather, while the outsole is made of flexible polyurethane. Heel is approximately 2 inches tall, so they give you a moderate heel lift.

Insoles have adequate cushioning, giving you proper arch support and shock absorption. Moreover, the insoles are removable. If you’re not satisfied with the insoles, you can switch them with the ones that are more adequate for your foot type.

These clogs come in various colors and different patterns so I’m sure you’re going to find the ones that will accommodate your style.

As with any other clogs, they are slightly larger. However, clogs are designed to have more relaxed and loose fit. They should be no more than one size smaller than your regular shoes size. Clogs need to be a little wider, especially in the heel area, to provide natural motion.

In comparison to Dansko’s clogs, they are lighter and more flexible. The inside of these Klogs is also softer. However, they are less supportive in the arch.

The main issues with these clogs are questionable quality and durability. When you pay this much for the clogs, you expect them to be as durable as Dansko’s, which have similar price. It seems that these shoes aren’t as durable as they appear. If you abuse them too much, they will wear out quickly. Moreover, there are customer reports that say that the clogs started to tear after only a few months of use.

Pros

• Outsoles are made of slip resistant polyurethane
• Lightweight and flexibility give you all-day comfort
• Insoles with adequate cushioning along with the outsole provide good arch support and shock absorption
• They come in various colors and patterns that can accommodate your style

Cons

• For the price, I’ve expected better quality and durability
• They are on the larger side, so I recommend getting half to one size smaller
• In comparison to other shoes on this list, they have less arch support.

Score: 70/100

Conclusion

Getting a comfortable working shoes is not an easy job, especially when you have some type of foot deformity. As you’ve probably noticed, the biggest problem with clogs and other working shoes is getting the right size. Most of the clogs are hand-made so even if you’ve bought the same product more than once, there is a high chance that there is going to be a small difference in their size.

In my opinion, these are the best shoes for nurses with high arches. There are probably some readers that won’t agree with me and that’s perfectly fine. Even if you have high arches, there can be additional factors that will make shoes recommended for this condition uncomfortable for you. That is why sometimes it is better to get custom molded shoes. They are pricier, but will provide maximum comfort and minimal fatigue for your foot type.

After reading this article, I hope you’ve found this article at least little bit helpful and that I’ve made your search for the right pair of working shoes easier.

Source: https://medium.com/@thingsnurseslike/the-5-best-shoes-for-nurses-with-high-arches-in-2018-6864f849d734