Wouldn’t it be nice to have lightweight and flexible nursing shoes? Have you ever wondered if minimalist shoes are for nurses? Can you work a 12-hour shift in a flat shoe and still feel comfortable? Will they protect your feet?
Most nursing shoes are heavy and made of thick, non-breathable material like leather, vinyl, or some man-made material. Those types of shoes have their place on the floor, but I think that looking at other types of nursing shoes does a nurse’s feet good.
Lightweight and Flexible Nursing Shoes
There are baby types of lightweight and flexible shoes that could be worn on a nursing unit. I’ve tried Merrils and Lems.
Lems offers several different lightweight shoe styles available. I found the Women’s Primal 2 Frost comfortable and functional.
Something to consider about wearing a super lightweight and flexible shoe is the level of support, which is not the same as in other nursing shoes. The first few weeks you wear them, you’ll find that your feet and calves might be a little sore.
However, your feet will begin to develop muscle strength that you didn’t have before. You’ll find that your feet will hurt less after that. I think they have their place on the nursing floor alongside your Danskos, Alegria, Timberland, and Sketchers. Whether or not they are the best nursing shoes is highly subjective, but I can say that minimalists are not for everyone but are perfect for some.
Minimalist Shoes are Great for Flat Feet
Minimalist shoes are an excellent choice for individuals with flat feet, especially those in the nursing profession who spend long hours on their feet. These shoes are designed to mimic the foot’s natural shape, providing a barefoot-like experience that can help strengthen the foot muscles. Unlike traditional footwear, minimalist shoes offer minimal cushioning and support, encouraging a more natural foot movement. This design can be particularly beneficial for flat-footed individuals, as it allows the feet to adapt and strengthen over time, reducing discomfort. Nurses with flat feet often find that minimalist shoes offer a comfortable, supportive option for their demanding work environment. If you’re a flat-footed nurse, I’ve written an article outlining the best nursing shoes for flat feet to help you find the perfect pair of nursing shoes.
Myths about Minimalist Shoes
In recent years, there has been much debate about wearing minimalist shoes. The misconceptions about minimalist shoes may deter you from considering them a viable option for everyday wear, outdoor running, or nursing shoes.
However, they are a good option for someone looking for a shoe that gives you more of a barefoot feel but more protection for your feet than something like Vibrams.
Are Minimalist Shoes Right for You?
You should know that minimalist shoes aren’t for everyone. You should check out these facts about minimalist shoes to understand whether they are right for you.
I’ve tried several minimalist shoes, including Vibrams, Merrells, and Lems. I didn’t love all of them and don’t wear them 100% of the time. There are, however, those who swear by minimalist shoes.
I suggest trying them out and not giving up after a day or two. You need to wear these shoes for a few weeks before your feet and legs will be used to them. I would not wear Vibrams on the unit floor (my feet would feel too naked), but I would wear Lems as they have a microfiber covering that provides more protection for your feet than other minimalist shoes.
Minimalist Shoes Test Run
Both my husband and I tried the Lems Primal 2. Our favorite feature of the shoes includes a wide area for your toes. It feels like your feet can spread out and take on their natural shape. I’ve worn Nikes that made my feet feel like they are in a vice grip. So it was a relief to wear a pair of shoes where my feet felt free to wiggle around and expand as I stepped.
My husband also routinely wears the Lems shoes for trail running and reports excellent results. He has had no complaints with them.
I do have some things about them that I don’t love. Because of the microfiber on the shoes, they are a bit hotter than I would prefer. The tongue of the shoe was also thicker than I would have liked. Other than that, I enjoyed them and routinely wear minimalist shoes as part of my wardrobe. They’d also be a great option for lightweight and flexible shoes for nurses.
Pick Up Some Minimalist Nursing Shoes Today
Maybe minimalist shoes are not for you. Check out Alegria Nursing Shoes for more traditional options.
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As an ICU RN and minimalist, I have to say that much of the concern with minimalist footwear is the drop or height difference between the forefoot and heel. True minimalist shoes have a zero drop, i.e. no difference between the heel and forefoot heights. Barefoot shoes attempt to have the thinnest possible sole and those that have both zero drop and thin soles will use both monickers. It all comes down to personal preference. The Crocs Specialist Vent is my personal favorite. The ventilation holes in the forefoot combined with the easy to clean closed cell foam, wide toe box, and zero drop make them the perfect shoe for Nursing.