Hello all , enjoy this guest post going over different shoe wear options for surgeons!

What are the Best Shoes for Surgeons?

In the medical world, you spend much of your day on your feet. Think about it, in many situations you have the opportunity to get unwanted fluids or spills on your feet, too! So, what are the best shoe options for those working in the medical field? Finding yourself at the podiatrist because of foot problems would be unfortunate. In this article, we will discuss some of the best shoe options for surgeons and those working in the operating room.

Shoes for Surgeons 

There are consequences when you’re wearing the wrong shoes. It’s one thing to have a desk job or spend most of your day off your feet. It’s an entirely different thing to be on your feet all day! As a surgeon, or always working in the operating room, consider the features you’ll need to keep your feet comfortable.

Padded Midsole

You want the mid part of the shoes to have lots of cushioning. A comfortable midsole is non-negotiable. Also, check out the front and back padding of the shoe. Surgeons’ shoes need to be specially designed to provide the best comfort. 

Wide or Thicker Outsole

You need to be comfortable when shifting your weight all day. Therefore, your shoes must touch the floor completely. A wider outsole will keep your shoes flat on the floor and have better flexibility.

Removable Insole

Over time the insole of your shoes will wear out, so having removable insoles is to your benefit. This way you don’t have to get entirely new shoes. You can just replace the insoles.

Broader Bodied Shoes

You don’t want cramping and sore feet all day. Narrow shoes can cause you all sorts of aches and pains. Shoes for surgeons should have a broader body. This allows your feet to comfortably splay out in the shoe. 

Supportive Arch

Shoes with supportive arches will protect you from excess strain on your heels. This feature will give you stability and help your balance. 

Water Resistant 

You don’t want wet feet. The shoes you wear in the operating room have the potential to get unwanted fluids on them. The good news is water resistant shoes can be cleaned off easily. This will save you time and money by not having to replace them. 

Non-Slip Grip

Get a grip! The last thing you need is to slip and fall. Your OR shoes should have a solid grip. This will lower your chances of an unfortunate accident. It would be wise to pay attention to the HSL grip rating. This rating will ensure the effectiveness of the shoe’s grip. 

Slip On and Off Easily

Paging doctor (fill in the blank!) As a surgeon, you must be prepared for that urgent call. Having shoes that slip on and off easily is essential. You don’t want them to be too loose or floppy. If you’re a med student aspiring to be a surgeon, you may want your footwear to look the part. 

Lightweight and Durable

Clunky shoes will only slow you down. Lightweight and durable shoes will reduce stress on your ankles, and other aches and pains. As you look for a lightweight shoe, make sure you don’t compromise the durability. You’ll regret it later. 

Material 

Again, being able to easily clean your shoes is a must when working in the OR. Leather or rubber is the best material for a surgeon’s shoes. The shoes are washable and can be sanitized easily. We all drop something occasionally. Leather shoes can protect your feet from a dropped needle or scalpel. 

Shoes for the Operating Room

Shoes are not one size fits all. It’s a good idea to always read reviews. Consider the pros and cons. Here are some popular men’s and women’s shoes for the operating room.

Men’s OR Shoes

Merrell Encore Gust

Merrell Encore Gust shoes are well-designed. They give your feet ample space for your toes and have good support. The rubber soles are slip resistant which will help you stand firm. These shoes do not make sounds when walking on a slippery surface.

Features:

• Full grain leather
• M-Select GRIP sole (slip-resistant)
• Polished slip-on
• Padded collar
• Shock-absorb air cushion
• Compression EVA foot frame for stability and comfort
• Ortholite footbed
• Breathable and dry feet

Crocs Unisex Classic Clog

Crocs are durable, slip-resistant, and spacious. They are quite affordable. Not everyone loves Crocs, but those who do like Crocs stick with them!

Features:

• Synthetic, eco-friendly
• Custom-fit, water-friendly design, and ventilated forefoot for breathability
• Ventilation ports add breathability and release water and debris
• The heel strap offers a secure fit
• Odor-resistant, easy to clean, and quick to dry
• Super lightweight, non-marking soles
• Generously roomy

Sketchers Flex Advantage McAllen

Sketchers have many make and model options. In that regard, they are a multipurpose shoe. This Sketcher is slip-resistant and electrical hazard safe. Moreover, it’s a very comfortable shoe for surgeons.

Features: 

• Slip Resistant traction outsole
• Electrical Hazard (EH) Safe design
• Smooth durable synthetic upper, breathable mesh fabric panels, water, and stain-resistant upper design
• Dual side elastic fabric panels for easy slip-on fit w/ padded collar
• Relaxed Fit® design for a roomy comfortable fit
• Memory Foam full-length cushioned comfort insole
• FlexSole lightweight shock-absorbing midsole

Women’s OR Shoes

Dansko Professional Mule

These leather-oiled Dansko’s are very dirt and water-resistant. They’re great for working in the operating room and for everyday use.

Features:

• Oiled Leather
• Polyurethane slip-resistant sole, polyurethane outsole with rocker bottom for proper foot forward and shock-absorption
• Roomy reinforced toe box for protection
• Padded instep collar
• Use a damp soapy cloth or sponge to remove surface dirt
• Wide heel strike for greater stability
• Memory foam footbed delivers optimal cushioning and support

Alegria Classic Clog

Alegria shoes are well known for being comfortable and fashionable. However, they do not have notable slip resistance or durability. They are good for people who suffer from feet, heel, hip, or back issues. Alegria clogs can be used as treatment shoes.

Features:

• Leather
• Rubber sole
• A cloth-covered buckle adds detail to the functional clog 
• Designed for comfort

Alegria Paloma Flat

If you’re not a fan of the Alegria Clog, this Paloma Flat is just another option. It is also designed for comfort. These may not be the best option for protecting your feet, but are always worth a try.

• Leather
• Rubber sole
• A cushioned flat-form sole is topped with a bright patent-leather upper

Keep Your Feet Comfortable

As a surgeon getting from point A to point B quickly could save someone’s life! You’ll be able to appreciate your OR shoes and so will your patient. Take action and find the most comfortable shoes for you!

Katie Meyers is an SEO Specialist at SEO Design Chicago. Before joining the SEO Design Chicago team, she interned for them, as well as interned as a Content Writer at HZD Creates. Katie is from Washington State and has an AA and a Social Media Marketing Certificate.