Shoes make all the difference in the world. When your feet hurt, it’s hard to stay focused. When I went back into dental hygiene after being away for nearly 6 years, I realized that my sneakers just weren’t going to get me through a nine hour day of hygiene. My first day back into hygiene was miserable.
I used to live in stiletto heels; wearing them everywhere. As a result, I now suffer with Morten’s neuroma, described by the Mayo Clinic as a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock.
The pain can be excruciating and after 4 hours in a sneaker, my dog was barking! I was limping by noon with pain and had to remove my shoe to find relief. Nonchalantly I partially removed my shoe while standing up scaling a patients’ teeth. Ahhh, relief.
This was not acceptable. There was no way I was going to work all day in severe pain. Sneakers were not the answer for me and I began my search of the perfect shoe. I went to the dental hygiene community and here are the shoes 7 dental hygienists from Facebook told me they absolutely love, written in no specific order:
1. Clark’s Wave Walking Shoe
Women’s Wavewalk designs feature curved rocker soles that roll from heel to toe when walking. The result is minimized foot fatigue, optimum comfort and the conservation of energy.
Find them here https://www.clarksusa.com/technologies/womens-wavewalk/c/w87
2. Berkinstock Profi Birki Clogs
BIRKENSTOCK developed the Profi Birki to offer perfect grip and sure-footedness in almost any work environment. With its raised heel section and extended front, it encloses the entire foot and promotes a natural rolling motion with every step you take.
3. Sanitas Clogs
These are super cute. The clog is made with a brown PU (Polyurethane) sole, which together with the soft onSteam insole provides maximum comfort, shock absorption and good durability. The clogs are made of pure materials and are useful for multiple purposes; fashion as well as professional use. I found this great video on Youtube that describes how they size and fit.
Find them here https://www.sanitaclogs.com/sanita-original-izabella-clogs-457006w-19-blue.aspx
4. Danskos Clogs
Leather uppers. Padded instep collar for extra comfort when walking. Roomy toe box to allow toes to move comfortably -plenty of wiggle room. Lightweight EVA midsole reduces fatigue for everyday wear and provides stability and high shock absorption.
Removable, dual density PU footbed includes Dansko Natural Arch technology ™ – a TPU arch stabilizer for exceptional, all-day support and memory foam for cushioning. Anti-fatigue rocker bottom keeps you moving all day long.
Find them here https://www.dansko.com/womens-shoes-clogs
5. Alegria
With a stain-resistant leather upper that wipes clean easily and double elastic gores for an easy slip-on fit, you’ll fly through your shift with all the calm, cool, collected style you’ve always desired. The ergonomically-designed Alegria footbed is comprised of three layers of cork, latex and memory foam for a fit customized to your foot. A padded collar gives you even more support.
Find them here https://www.alegriashoeshop.com/Alegria-Shoes-Women-Nursing-Shoes-s/308.htm
6. Nursemates Bryar
It’s no secret that the Bryar is one of our customers’ most beloved styles, year after year. With its sleek, elegant lines on the outside and wonderful support just where you need it on the inside.
Find them here https://www.nursemates.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=18518
7. USA Klogs
Our molded polyurethane clogs are proudly designed and constructed in our Sullivan, Missouri hometown. Our customers will always be able to find Klogs® Footwear’s signature comfortable shoes in American-made styles. For women’s and men’s shoes made in the USA, step into Klogs.
Find them herehttps://klogsfootwear.com/usa-collection/
Every one of these shoes sound heavenly! Don’t you agree? I have two pair of the Alegria and they are super comfortable. Looking forward to trying some of these out.
Do you have a perfect shoe you wear to work that you love? Care to share? Drop your favorite in the comments section.
