Performing surgery can take up a lot of time, sometimes as little as 5 hours or as much as 15 hours. Either way, a doctor will want to be as comfortable as possible while operating.
Physicians typically deal with terrible foot pain and suffer from back issues because of their long and grueling shifts. They are also expected to keep up with the hospital’s fast pace, forcing them to run and be in constant movement throughout the day.
Wearing great footwear can fix this. The best shoes to wear in the operating room should include three essential qualities:
- Should be easy to clean
- Must be very comfortable ( arch support)
- Be easy to wear, including getting in and out of them.
Top Picks
Alegria Women’s Classic Clog
Key features of this shoe include a slip-resistant mild rocker outsole, a great footbed, and an in-step collar.
Pros
- Good arch support
- Stable levels
- Nice-looking design with different colors
- Adjustable side buckle
Cons
- Not suitable for wide feet
- Certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association as a recommended footwear
- Handstitched leather upper, lining and insole
- Removable footbed with podiatrist certified arch support
- Slip-resistant
- Mild rocker outsole for improved pressure distribution
Asics Gt-2000 7
This is the best option for people who stand and walk around all day. Key features of this shoe include:
- FlyteFoam Lyte technology
- Forefoot GEL technology
- SpevaFoam (45 degrees) lasting
- Organic nanofibers in the cushion
- DUOMAX support system technology
Pros
- High-quality structural support
- Comfortable
- Breathable material
- Beautiful model with many colors
- Lightweight
Cons
- Tight in the toe (not a great option for people with wide feet)
- FlyteFoam Lyte Technology - ASICS lightest weight midsole formulation that provides continuous cushion thanks to organic nano...
- SpevaFoam 45 Lasting - Employs 45 degree full length SpevaFoam 45 lasting material for a soft platform feel and improved comfort.
- Ortholite Sockliner - Moisture management (Ortholite is a registered trademark of ATP Manufacturing LLC).
- SpevaFoam Midsole Material - Improves bounce back characteristics and decreases midsole breakdown.
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System - Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in...
Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Clog
The best footwear option for female doctors, this shoe features superior-gripping soles, Croslite materials, closed-cell resin, and a contoured footbed.
Pros
- Maximum support
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Good-looking
Cons
- Some customers have reported having trouble with the straps
New Balance 608v5 Cross Trainer Shoes
This shoe has ABZORB technology, a slip-resistant outsole, outsole flex grooves, and an internal shank. It is a great option for male physicians who are on their feet all day.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable cushioning
- Breathable fabric lining
- Easily coordinated with outfits
Cons
- They are not durable shoes.
- Lack of room in the toe area
Best For Surgeons: Calzuro Autoclavable Clog
This shoe is the best option for surgeons. It is easily cleaned with simple sanitation (wipe away dirt), has well-ventilated material, and is anti-static.
Pros
- Italian style with many color options
- Lightweight and durable
- Ideal shoes for those who have plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis
- Easy cleaning
- Shock absorption included
- Can style with socks
- Eco-friendly materials
Cons
- A little tight in the toe area
- Italian made: * The bottom of the sole lists UK sizing. US sizing is not marked anywhere on the Calzuro shoes. Please refer to the...
- Anti-static, eco-friendly, latex free, cruelty free & metal free
- 1.5" heel to reduce fatigue
- Slip resistant sole, medium width
- Sterilize in the autoclave, machine wash, disinfect with bleach, or wash in commercial dishwasher.
Skechers Women’s Work Relaxed Fit
Key features:
- Relaxed Fit® design
- FlexSole midsole
- Stretchy top panel
- Slip-resistant rubber in outsoles
Pros
- True to size
- Solid and flexible soles
- Nice-looking model
- Easy cleaning
Cons
- A little bulky
- Customers report they are uncomfortable to wear at first. They need to be “broken in.”
- Classic monochromatic walking shoe featuring puffed logo at side
- Relaxed Fit
- Memory foam insole
Hawkwell Women’s Nursing Shoes
This type of shoe has neutral arch support, is made from slip-resistant materials, and has an insole foam.
Pros
- Simple to slip on
- Slip-resistant because of the rubber soles
- Has a good grip
- Safe fit
- Removable foam insoles
Cons
- Lack of room in the toe area
- Not suitable for wide feet
- Heel Height: 1.5", Platform Measures: 0.75" (approx). It has a sleek lightweight EVA bottom that's designed with a slip-resistant...
- The outside has a sleek look, built using durable, stain-resistant, full-grain synthetic leather uppers that are super easy to...
- Neutral arch design, removable memory foam foot bed provides the important comfort and support your hardworking feet need.
- Padded collar surrounds your foot, making this shoe irresistibly comfortable, and they have an adjustable lace-up system to assure...
- When you rely on your feet to get you through your day, wear a shoe that can do the job day or night. Designed in clean cut lines,...
Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoes
Key features:
- Balanced cushioning system (BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT)
- Foot support
- Segmented crash pad
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Exact bounce
- Solid heel strikers
- Comfortable
- Good arch support
Cons
- Little bit bulky
- Short in length
- They are not durable in the mesh upper part
- SHOE SIZE: "D" = Medium width, "EE" = Wide width
- FOOT SUPPORT: Ideal for runners with a medium to high arch looking for neutral support.
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without...
- SMOOTH, STABLE RIDE: The Segmented Crash Pad is designed to adapt to each foot fall, so no matter how your foot lands, you’ll...
- SOFT, SECURE FIT: The newly engineered mesh upper practically disappears on foot with strategically placed stretch and structure...
Crocs Crocband Clog
These clogs have great ventilation ports and synthetic soles.
Pros
- Many colors to choose from
- Lightweight and solid
- Super comfy
- Lovely clogs for various occasions
- SPORTY, STYLISH AND COMFORTABLE: The Crocs Crocband Clogs feature reliable cushioned comfort, a sporty design, and a variety of...
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These Crocs for men and women are incredibly lightweight, water-friendly and buoyant. The Croslite foam offers an...
- WHAT SIZE SHOULD I BUY?: These Crocs for women and men offer a relaxed fit and we recommend ordering a size up to the next largest...
- VENTILATION AND DURABILITY: These innovative Crocs clogs for women and men offer a durable build with advanced ventilation and...
- MAKE THEM YOUR OWN: These women's and men's Crocs offer a roomy and generous fit that is sure to match your foot. The Crocs clogs...
Rockport Waterproof Wingtip Oxford Shoes
Key features:
- Sponge EVA footbed
- Slip-resistant outsoles
- HydroShield waterproofing
Pros
- Waterproof
- Glossy slip-on model
- Elegant in design
- Limitless comfort
Cons
- Lack of arch support
- truTech
- Hydro-Shield waterproof
- slip resistant
Merrell Women’s Encore Breeze 2
This style of shoe is best for nurses or physicians with plantar fasciitis. It has air cushions in the soles and an aegis antimicrobial lining.
Pros
- Fashionable sneaker
- Good material
- Comfy and lightweight
- Arch support
Cons
- Relatively small in the heel area
La Milano Double Monk
Key features:
- Two monk straps in the cap-toe areas
- Argentine leather
- Concealable elastics
- Stacked heel design
Pros
- Fashionable loafers with classical style
- Top-notch material (Argentine leather)
- Comfortable and easy to slip on
Cons
- Can create a food odor similar to the smell of a new tire
- Cow Leather Upper, Synthetic Lining
- Comfort Insole
- Stacked Heel, 1.2 inches, 3CM
- The Argentinen leather and high quality cow suede used on this contemporary cap toe monk strap have been hand burnished to achieve...
Dansko Women’s Professional Clog
Key features:
- Wiggle room in the toe box
- PU outsoles
- Rocker bottom because of the polyurethane outsole
- Antimicrobial lining
Pros
- Comfy slip-on
- Good material
- Several patterns to choose from
Cons
- Little expensive
- Lack of removable insoles
- Leather and or fabric uppers
- Padded instep collar for comfort when walking
- Roomy reinforced toe box for protection with plenty of "wiggle room" for your toes
- PU outsole with rocker bottom to propel foot forward and provide shock absorption
- Wide heel strike for greater stability
Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain Shoes
This style of shoe features weather protection, including waterproofing components, and also has soft medical-grade materials.
Pros
- Tremendous traction
- Affordable price
- Fun patterns
- Easy to take on and off
- Deep tread
- No complicated washing requirements
Cons
- A little tight in the upper area
- Pretty heavy
- Includes Sloggers' exclusive "All-Day-Comfort" insole for maximum comfort.
- Heavy duty lug tread for excellent traction.
- Fit info: Whole sizes only. Fits true to size. Half sizes order up. For a perfect fit, search for the Sloggers Half Sizer insole...
- Hose off or wipe with wet cloth. Removable insole, soak and air dry to clean.For replacement insoles order direct from Sloggers.
- Made in USA from 100% recyclable material. Non latex. Vegan friendly
Birkenstock Unisex Boston
This style of Birkenstock includes a contoured cork footbed with layered foam on top. It is also made from 100% leather.
Pros
- Excellent materials
- Simple design
- Several colors
- Extremely durable
- Cushions in the footbed
- Adjustable buckle straps
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Contoured cork footbed supports all arches of the foot
- Soft footbed adds a layer of foam on top of the cork footbed for added cushioning
- Adjustable buckles for a custom fit
- Oiled leather upper gives the leather a bright, shiny look
- Birkenstock since 1774
When out shopping for the right footwear, remember that some shoes require you to take some time and adjust to them.
However, if you continue to feel like something is wrong, try sizing up or down in order to find the proper fit. Shoes should not continue to feel painful after constant use.