How Often Should You Replace Work Shoes?

Nursing shoes play an important part in the health of a nurse whose major interest is typically the wellbeing of patients. Aside from foot pain, ill-fitting shoes can also result in bunions, calluses, corns, and other foot conditions. As a nurse, you need footwear that is stable, flexible, and comfortable.

Many nurses and other healthcare professionals hold on to their work shoes for as long as possible. Some even go as far as mending their broken shoes with quick fixes. While you can save some money through DIY repairs, you are not doing yourself any good with regard to protection and comfort.

Work shoes do not last forever. The foam inside the shoes gradually compresses beneath your weight while the soles at the base wear down and scuff. In several instances, you will not even perceive the damage but you will certainly feel the effects. Read on to learn some revealing signs that it is time you purchase a brand new pair of nursing shoes.

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7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Workout Shoes

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Uppers Separating From the Midsole

When the midsole of your footwear begins to separate from the upper, it is definitely time to shop for a new pair of work shoes. This kind of damage can cause you serious harm. When walking, you may trip and fall because of the frequent flapping of your shoe’s outsole.

Do not ignore this problem, as the disconnection will certainly get worse. The separation may continue to stretch until it reaches your arch. The flapping sole may one day fold beneath your foot causing you to fall or slump. Instead of purchasing new work shoes, you may think that a quick DIY fix can solve this problem.

You can attach the two parts together again with aid of glue but this option will not solve the problem long term. Gluing the detached surfaces together can also create new issues. For instance, it might alter the manner the soles respond to pressure, which may ultimately harm your feet. Moreover, you are on your feet all day walking around on hard concrete hospital floors. The glue is certainly not capable of withstanding that degree of pressure.

Poor Grip on Surfaces

Nursing shoes should provide a high degree of safety for the wearer. It is time to change your work shoes if you are persistently not getting a reliable grip on floors regardless of the type of surface. Your shoe’s outsoles are constantly in direct contact with rough terrains, thus they take the brunt of the daily beating.

You should examine the soles of your shoes to find out the condition of the treads. If you find it difficult to see the tread pattern, consider getting a new pair. Do not delay replacing your shoes once you observe this. This is because the longer you delay, the greater your danger of slipping and falling, which may cause you severe injury.

See also: Best Slip-On Shoes for Nurses

Your Shoes Feel less Supportive

Being a nurse, you are continually on the go. Quality nursing shoes are properly cushioned to provide you with the support and comfort you need to keep you going. Sometimes you can notice when the cushioning has become compressed and a little too stiff. You notice this because the footwear feels less supportive, or has lost a bit of its ‘pop’.

Over time, your shoe’s cushioning loses its elasticity and becomes unresponsive and flat. You should consider purchasing new nursing shoes once the cushioning has lost its bounce and no longer provides adequate support. You may observe this long before your shoes’ upper construction shows external indications of wear-and-tear.

You Experience Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Severe heel and arch pain are the major plantar fasciitis symptoms. This pain might feel like a stabbing sensation at the lower part of your foot typically around your heel. This pain typically occurs when you wake up in the morning and leave your bed. It can also occur when you get up after sitting for some time or you have been on your feet for a prolonged period. When your shoes no longer support your feet as they originally used to, you might be prone to developing plantar fasciitis. It is time to change your nursing shoes to one that delivers adequate arch support.

Your Feet Feels Sweaty

Sweaty feet can make you feel very bad at the workplace. This is especially true when you are working a very long shift. If your shoes cause your feet to sweat more than normal, that may be an indication that the shoes’ fabric or material does not allow air circulation within the shoes. Once you notice this, it is time to purchase new nursing shoes.

Worn Heel Counter

The heel counter of a shoe is positioned within the back section of the footwear and is usually a miniature plastic insert that serves as reinforcement to the heel cup. The thicker and stronger the heel counter, the greater support it provides. If your shoes’ heel counter is worn out, that could mean your feet are not stable. Unstable feet can affect your gait, resulting in imbalances and injury. Thus, walking in that type of footwear could be very dangerous.

Your Shoes Has Holes and Tears on Them

If there are tears, holes, and other indications of physical damage on your shoes, it may be time to purchase a new pair. When your shoes’ upper is compromised, you are exposing your feet to serious risks. Even a miniature hole can result in grave problems. As a nurse, you are constantly exposed to chemicals, blood, bodily fluids, and even electricity. Thus, you are continually at the danger of getting electrocuted or getting an infection. Small holes can quickly become very big. A quick DIY repair is not a good option in this instance. You should opt for new work shoes instead.

Conclusion

Comfortable shoes are a critical part of a nurse’s day. Nevertheless, over time, nursing shoes get worn out and lose their supportive composition. Always remember the signs of damage presented in this article, as they will help you know when to replace your work shoes.