Footwear should always be well-fitted whether it is sports shoes or flip-flops. Even more so - well-fitting footwear in a job that is done standing is essential. Particular attention should be paid to this by those working in the health service - doctors, nurses, room attendants or pharmacists. They spend several or even several hours on the move without resting. For this reason, they need to equip themselves with the right kind of footwear. Well-fitting medical shoes will certainly improve their working comfort and will not cause any discomfort.
Quality is paramount
Properly fitting shoes are an important part of medical clothing. When choosing footwear for healthcare work, we must focus first and foremost on good quality. This is because in hospitals or clinics, medical footwear can deteriorate quickly. Usually in these places, the floors are surfaces that negatively affect walking comfort, resulting in pain in the heels and also in the whole feet. For this reason, shoes must be chosen to ensure comfort even over many hours of work. Attention should not be paid solely to their appearance, as this does not translate into medical comfort. Medical footwear must be adapted to the shape of our feet. Otherwise, it leads to blood circulation problems, resulting in swelling or numbness. Uncomfortable shoes can also cause knee and back pain. This is because improper foot alignment causes poor posture. Attention should also be paid to the material - it should allow free air circulation. This is important because the lack of it can influence the development of fungal diseases.
Types of medical footwear
There are several types of medical shoes:
clogs/medical clogs - shoes with a wooden sole. They are characterised by good air permeability, a built-up front and a raised sole for comfort;
flip-flops, sandals and medical ballerinas - comfortable shoes that guarantee excellent air circulation;
quiet shoes - comfortable, lightweight shoes with a moulded leather insole and a strap to prevent heel movement;
lace-up shoes - with a sporty character, dedicated for people who have a dynamic work mode, i.e. do not work in one place. Laces and a rubber sole provide greater stability;
slip-on shoes - slip-on medical shoes that guarantee comfortable movement.
What should a comfortable shoe be like?
In the medical profession, a comfortable shoe should primarily be:
comfortable and convenient - reduce the pressure on the feet when walking. Many manufacturers use gel insoles or a foam layer to improve comfort;
cushioning - the thick sole is designed to provide cushioning to the foot when stepping on hard surfaces;
light and breathable - heavy footwear is an additional burden, which negatively affects comfort. Additionally, it should be made of breathable materials;
easy to clean - when working with patients and coming into contact with a variety of medicines and liquids, there is a possibility of soiling, but cleaning the footwear should not be a problem;
durable - made of good quality material to ensure protection, comfort and long life;
well-fitting - must be neither too tight nor too loose;
non-slip - must provide stability on any surface.
Fitting medical shoes is an individual matter. Everyone has different requirements, which is why manufacturers go out of their way to meet expectations - so you can find the perfect footwear to suit your current needs. And nowadays, the range of footwear is so wide that every buyer can find the perfect model for their individual needs. Some companies are proving that medical footwear does not have to be boring. They can be ordered in many colours, designs. They can also be the perfect gift for someone who has started medical studies or their first job in healthcare.