By Kelsey DeYoung, Platinum Educational Group
At Platinum Educational Group, we engage in numerous discussions about what shoes are worn across many professions. Are there such things as the best shoes for the job? We are lucky enough to hear from experts in nursing, EMS/EMT, and several professions within the allied health fields. First, identifying the specific needs of your field is key! Will you be standing all day? Could you be running at times? Could any bodily fluid get on your shoes and more?
Many factors contribute to the shoe you will end up choosing. For example, if you are in the EMT/EMS/Fire Science field and work in inclement weather, you may want something that will provide comfort and protection, such as waterproof and slip-resistant. Also, an important reinforced or steel toe shoe. OSHA even recommends chemical-resistant steel toe boots when needed for safety in certain fields.
Top tips to consider below:
Safety: Closed-toed shoes provide protection against sharp objects, hazardous materials, heavy equipment, and other potential dangers encountered in emergency situations.
Support & Comfort: Shoes that support your demanding roles provide comfort and safety throughout long shifts. Good cushioning is also essential to prevent fatigue and ensure employees can perform their duties effectively.
Water Resistance: Depending on your job, many paramedic boots are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof. This keeps feet dry in wet conditions, which is important when working outdoors or in adverse weather.
Durability: Durable materials that can withstand wear and tear.
Traction: Good traction can help prevent slips and falls in potentially hazardous situations and accelerate, decelerate, and change direction quickly.
Real-life recommendations from real people on our team
Emily Runions, our Business Manager and Surgical Technologist, loves her Danskos; they have lasted her almost seven years!
John Spencer, our COO, is currently obtaining his MBA, MSL, and Paramedic IC, loves a lightweight Skechers slip-on walking shoe. Skechers offer a wide range of options that are perfect for healthcare workers. John likes them because they are easy to slip on, are lightweight, offer great arch support, and are easy to clean. Having comfortable footwear is essential when you are on your feet for busy 12-hour shifts. His current schedule includes being a Paramedic in the Trauma and Emergency Department. Added BONUS: Skechers offers a 20% discount for healthcare workers!
Michael Nemeth, our Medical Educator and former Level II Paramedic / Field Training Officer, recommends either leather boots from Bates or Rocky. EMS and FD consider themselves paramilitary organizations, so boots were the standard, and they had to be black. "My obsession was that they always had to be polished with no dirt on them and no scuff marks. If I could no longer get a shine on them or get scuff marks out, I would buy new boots, whether I needed them or not."
The New York Times suggests that if a shoe is good enough for nurses saving lives, it’s definitely good enough for civilians. Some nurses even recommend compression socks during their shifts.
Our final take on the best footwear is to not compromise on quality. Investing in high-quality shoes will help support you throughout workdays. Taking care of your feet will surely pay off!