Nursing Trends
If you are a pharmacist, you are bound to end up with strained feet, hips, and other joints due to standing for hours on end; this can get worse if you buy the wrong pair of shoes. By wrong shoes, we do not mean a specific brand or appearance. It points out the quality and size, weight, and other such factors that are crucial for determining the quality and effectiveness of the product.
Buying a pair of shoes might not be that much of an important decision for many people, but it is for a pharmacist. Their long on-feet duties behind the counter can be made bearable with the right pair of shoes, as they can at least minimize the feet strain. Therefore, being a pharmacist, you have to be careful about the type of shoes you invest in and wear to your job. To do your best at work, you first need to be comfortable and easy yourself.
We have compiled a complete buying guide to help you make this important decision and get the best pair of shoes possible. This guide focuses on everything, from color to aesthetics. Keep reading and consider all the aspects mentioned in the guide so you can make sure to verify them in the product you wish to purchase.
What to Look For In a Pair of Shoes as a Pharmacist
Many people consider only one or two aspects of shoes other than size: color, appearance, and brand. However, there are a lot of other important factors other than these. Let’s read about them along with their dos and don’ts so that you can make the right purchase decision:
Comfort
The first and most aspect you should look for in a pair of shoes is comfort. If the shoes are not comfortable, they cannot ease your job in any way – this affects you as well as the service you provide. Remember, when it comes to working in a pharmacy, you have to be very meticulous while dealing with medicines and prescriptions. Hence, strained feet at such a place can truly hinder your performance.
Size
Size is of the most major and obvious factors that affect your purchase decision. Would you be interested in buying shoes two sizes smaller than yours? Any rational person would not be. You would want it to be a perfect size, neither bigger nor smaller. Too small will not fit your feet, and too large would throw your feet out on every step.
Note that you must always check your foot size whenever you go to buy shoes; this is because our feet get bigger with age. Thus, if you purchased a pair of shoes of X size last time, the same size might not be perfect for you any longer. Some people even notice an increase in size in only one foot, which is normal. In that case, you should use the size of the larger foot.
Here are some of the tips for getting the right shoe size:
- Measure your foot size at the end of the day because a lot of people have noted comparatively swollen feet by that time. The shoes that fit during that time are more likely to be of the right size throughout the day since you won’t be carrying another pair to change into in such a condition.
- Before measuring your feet, stand up so that all your weight is on your feet. This helps determine the right size and shape of your feet. You can ask someone else to take the measurements.
- Do not go with shoe size numbers. Different manufacturers offer different sizes, which is why you should not rely on a number and should properly try the shoes on before buying them.
- Leave a space of 1cm between your big toe and the end of the front shoe. You can measure this gap with your index or pinky finger.
- Make sure to have 1/8-inch distance between the back of your heel and the shoes; this prevents blisters that might result from tight shoes that rub against your skin.
Support
Workers that are on foot most of the time require excellent support and balance. To ensure that your shoes can offer you the necessary support, consider the type of arch they come with. High or fallen arches can cause pain because they do not provide excellent support. Therefore, you need the ones that fit your arch size perfectly.
There are also other factors that to are important for support, like the back of the shoe. Try not to get backless shoes for work because they leave the back of your foot unsupported. Moreover, the soles should be cushiony, flexible, and shock-absorbing; this makes the shoes more comfortable and grants you better movability.
Insoles or Footbeds
Some shoe insoles might not be up to the mark – they could be thin or uncomfortable. However, if you like shoes and can invest a little more, you can check out the various shoe inserts that are available. Make sure to get the ones that fit your shoes snugly.
Shoe inserts can be quite helpful in relieving and preventing you from flat foot, Achilles pain, metatarsal pain, and other kinds of pain associated with feet. Note that this cannot improve any existing chronic pain but offers better comfort and ease, which prevents further pain.
Weight
It is recommended to choose lightweight shoes as they can be more flexible and mobile. It can be tiring to have to drag your heavy shoes along with your bodyweight all day long. Hence, you have to invest in lighter shoes to keep your feet easy and movable for many hours at a time.
Safety
You never know what kind of situation you might have to face during the day; for example, you can come in contact with a slippery floor or accidentally step in a puddle of water. To protect yourself from the adversities of these situations, you have to make sure that your shoes are non-slip and water-resistant.
Non-slip shoes are quite safe and convenient. They can be very helpful in protecting you from sudden slips and falls due to their strong and gripping outsoles that resist such unwanted movements. Waterproof shoes also offer several benefits like keeping your feet dry and warm, protecting your feet from contaminated or harmful fluids, helping you travel in rainy weather, etc.
Many shoes offer an anti-shock feature. These shoes have thick foam midsoles that prevent energy transfer between the floor and your feet. The reduction in the impact of energy protects you from sudden shocks.
Durability
No one wants to invest a large sum of money into a pair of shoes that lasts only for two days. Everybody looks for durability, and so should you. Durability is not a feature that’s dependent upon a single factor; instead, you need to consider a lot of other aspects. One of the most significant factors you should think of is how you are going to use the shoes. If you go too rough on your shoes, they’ll soon be prone to damage and will cause discomfort. Water-resistance also adds to the durability of your shoes as they are less likely to get damaged by frequent contact with water. Thick and robust insoles are also a requirement for long-lasting use of the shoes. Durable shoes do not come cheap, so be prepared for a fat bill.
Breathability
If your feet smell, it is a sign that your shoes are not breathable. Breathability or ventilation is an essential aspect of footwear. Pharmacists who have to be on their feet always without having the time to take their shoes off and let their feet breathe can end up with fungus or bad foot odor—trapped sweat results in your feet smelling awful.
Style
Usually, pharmacists are not given a uniform, but they have to follow a specific dress code. In most cases, they are restricted from wearing shorts, jeans, and flip-flops. According to APMA, they should also not wear heels or flats because they do not provide enough support for your feet. However, the styling part mainly relies on your preferences. Manufacturers are providing a great variety of colors and designs with the required features to enable you to carry your style with ease and comfort.
Conclusion
You will find shoes with a great variety of prices, appearances, and features. Despite being a little restricted as a pharmacist, you can still be stylish and fashionable in your way. However, do not forget that being fashionable is not the only thing on the list. Before buying any pair of shoes regardless of how it looks and how much it costs, check for all the required features mentioned above, give it a try, and only pay for it once you’re delighted with it. We would recommend you not to compromise on any of the features on our list if you want to have the best shoes for work.
