When it comes to nurses and footwear, I feel like there are two main types of people: Dansko people and sneaker people. I have always fallen into the latter category – sneakers are light, so I don’t have to worry about a heel, and they’re cuter (sorry, Dansko fans).
I tend to be loyal to my Nikes, but I recently had the chance to try out the SKECHERS Work Relaxed Fit®: Comfort Flex SR - HC Pro shoe. They have stain and water resistant smooth fabric and synthetic upper in a lace-up sporty/casual slip-resistant sneaker with an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole… Honestly, it sounded like a nurse’s dream!
The HC Pros were truly made with healthcare providers in mind. They’ve got a fabric that’s waterproof with a smooth, mesh-look design that’s both breathable and stain/fluid repellant, and are treated with Scotchgard® as an extra protectant.
They also have a Relaxed Fit® design for a roomy, comfortable fit, and the insole is an Air-Cooled Memory Foam, clearly designed with those long hours on our feet in mind. They’re Electrical Hazard tested, and the soles are slip resistant to completely check one important thing off a nurse’s must-have list: safety.
Probably my favorite thing about this pair of shoes is the material. It looks like any regular sneaker fabric, but it’s waterproof, breathable, and best of all, easy to clean. I was able to wipe them down before heading out for the night (or back into my house), which is such a huge benefit, especially in light of a pandemic.
I was also a big fan of the Relaxed Fit® – if I’m not doing something super strenuous, I prefer my shoes to fit on the looser side. The roomy fit of the HC Pros was so comfortable to be in for 12+ hours. Of course, I’d be crazy not to mention the memory foam insoles. I actually felt like I was walking on clouds all night long. I haven’t worn them long enough to determine if this feeling fades over time, but for now, they’re still holding strong.
Finally, the price point is excellent. At $70, these are a much more affordable option than many of the healthcare sneakers currently on the market (i.e. a better price point than either Hokas or Cloves, although that might leave you missing some additional features).
On the other hand, the shoes were a little bit heavier than I typically prefer. I’m generally a super lightweight running shoe kind of gal, so if that’s your style, too, I’d definitely try before you buy. I also noticed the back of the shoe is rather stiff, which got a little bit irritating on my achilles, though nothing that a little mid-shift stretch didn’t take care of.
Lastly, while the insoles are glorious, these shoes were not created for those who need significant arch support. So keep that in mind if you prefer a little bit more support along your arches.
Overall, this is a great, well-priced pair of shoes that left my feet feeling great after a long shift, and left me feeling great about the germs I did not have to drag home with me. If you’re a sneakers kind of nurse who’s looking for something that’s a little more substantial, comfy as a cloud, and easy to keep clean, these just might be the shoes for you!
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