Seems like a simple question, but you won’t hear an experienced nurse asking it - because they would know the answer!

Support

The main reason that clogs are a popular choice of footwear for nurses and have been since the 1800’s is quite simply the level of support they offer over a long period of time. Good support will improve posture and help prevent and relieve pain in the foot, ankle, knee and lower back. Any nurse will tell you that it is not uncommon to stand continuously for a 12-hour shift. At this point you have to appreciate the fact that the pair of shoes that are comfortable for a short period of time are unlikely to be the pair that is comfortable for a prolonged period of time.

For a short period of time, the more cushioned a pair of shoes is, the more comfortable they are likely to feel, akin to lying on a very soft bed. This unfortunately is very misleading, because there is no correlation between initial comfort and the support provided. As soft shoes are in good all-over contact with the skin, it is very hard to tell if they are providing the necessary support, whereas, if a firmer pair of shoes were to feel comfortable initially (which they must!) they are far more likely to be comfortable over a longer period of time because it is easier to feel where the support is being provided, and that you feel you need. You would have made a more informed decision.

This is not to say that any firm pair of shoes that feels comfortable initially will be good for 12 hours, and this is where you have to have a certain amount of trust in the research that brands put in to their footwear. In general, clogs offer superior support over shoes and trainers, and the major clog brands have been studying the anatomy of the feet for generations. They have specifically developed their work ranges, using both consumer feedback as well as medical facts.

Safety

The most obvious thing about clogs is that they have no laces. This prevents tripping over one’s own feet or indeed getting caught on equipment. The lack of laces and any upper fastening also minimises pain from concentrated pressure on the foot.

The smooth uncomplicated uppers make for easy cleaning. Infection control is an important factor in any healthcare environment.

Clogs have closed toes. This prevents injury from falling objects and from sharp instruments, which in the case of used syringes and blades could pose risk beyond injury.

Work clogs have not been designed primarily for fashion. They are usually designed with a large and stable sole unit for maximum contact with the ground. This is also commonly combined with an anti-slip resistant sole material or sole-inserts to maximise slip resistance.

Many other safety technologies are installed in modern clogs, such as composite safety toe caps, and antistatic technology. Antistatic technology will earth the charge that can build up in one’s body, reducing the risk of sparks or interference with electrical equipment.

Wellbeing

This is the product of wearing footwear that is both supportive and safe.

If you are wearing a pair of clogs that is giving you the correct support, you will not be focusing on aches and pains, which in turn will improve your focus on tasks. Experiencing less pain and achieving greater output will reduce levels of stress.

Knowing that you are safe at work is reassuring for any one. Safety features such as antistatic technology is proven to reduce stress by removing electrical charge from the body (we all carry more charge in the modern world due to less contact with the earth). Less slips, falls and injuries will reduce time off work, or working with injury. Removing all of these issues will result in making a person more positive.

Nurses spend their working lives looking after the health of others and as a result often neglect their own health. Take stock. This can begin by simply paying attention to your feet and buying good footwear.

If you are currently looking to buy a pair of clogs yourself, you will hopefully find the information above useful. Please combine this information with what you know about your own feet, as no one knows your feet better than you! If you are to conduct your own market research amongst friends, be sure to ask a good number of people, because everyone’s feet are different and we will all have different experiences!