Nursing Trends
When it comes to comforting your feet, shoes play an important role. They not only act as a protective barrier from sharp or harmful objects but also provides support, warmth, and comfort.
Physical therapists help people get relief from their pain. They even recommend the right shoes for your feet. But what about them? What are the best shoes for physical therapists?
Just like every other medical professional even physical therapists spend a lot of time on their feet. Therefore, they need the best shoes to feel comfortable at work. In this post, we have shortlisted some of the best shoes for physical therapists. If you are looking for shoes that will provide all-day comfort and support, then you should give this article a read.
What kind of shoes is ideal for physical therapists?
Most physical therapists prefer scrubs when working in a hospital setting. The thing about scrubs is that they are cheap and serves as the best option to match their uniform or dress.
Today, we have plenty of fashionable scrubs that make physical therapists confident and comfortable in their place of work. Many of them also prefer sneakers or dress shoes.
It is important for medical professionals like physical therapists to wear the right type of shoes. Since they work for long hours, they need something that will keep their feet comfortable. This is why shoes make the best option.
Quality footwear for physical therapists should be stylish, comfortable, and give a snug fit. However, the color options will vary. Most often, they prefer black or brown shoes as they are suitable for any occasion. This means they can wear it both at work and outside work.
Benefits Of Wearing The Right Physical Therapist Shoes
Wearing the right physical therapist shoes will keep your feet happy and comfortable all day. It has many benefits which we will be discussing in this section.
Protection
First thing first, a good pair of shoes will protect your feet. The perfect physical therapist shoes are expected to have thick cushioning. This should protect your feet from harmful objects and shock when walking on hard grounds. It also features a well-designed toe region to prevent impacts. With the right pair of shoes, you can stay protected and productive all day.
Support and stability
The best shoes for physical therapists ensure even distribution of body weight. This in turn increases the stability of the shoes. Shoes with good traction and grip will prevent you from slipping or sliding on wet and slippery floors.
Style
It’s not just about comfort and support, but even appearances and style matters. As a physical therapist, you will be meeting a lot of people in your job. You need to look both professional and presentable. Having the right pair of shoes ensures you are looking attractive to your clients. At the same time, the shoes should also complement your uniform.
Keeps your feet clean
With good shoes, you can keep your feet clean. You don’t want shoes that allow dirt to get in easily. Wearing such shoes can lead to an unpleasant odor. This could drive away your clients. This is why you need shoes that will keep wick away the moisture and keep your feet sweat and odor-free.
Why physical therapists need shoes with good traction?
A physical therapist works in a hospital setting. On a given day, they have to walk, stand and sometimes even run to attend to clients.
It is not a hidden fact that most hospital floors are slippery and sometimes wet due to liquid spills. This is why they need shoes with a durable rubber outsole.
Compared to any other type of outsole, rubber tends to have more traction. It provides a better grip and prevents you from falling on wet and slippery surfaces.
Product Reviews
In this section, we are going to give you a brief overview of the best shoes for a physical therapist. Go through the details to choose one for yourself.
Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe
Our number one choice is Men’s Go Walk 4 Shoes from Skechers. This is the best shoe for physical therapists and is available between sizes 7 and 16. The good thing is these shoes are suitable for both wide and normal feet. The shoes come with rubber outsoles to provide comfort while walking. This is also effective in shock absorption.
One thing you will like about the shoe is the seamless construction that gives you a comfortable fit. The mesh fabric upper enhances the breathability of the shoe for extra comfort. This makes it ideal for wearing all day long. Furthermore, it has insole cushioning that is not only comfortable but also provides the necessary support to your feet.
The lightweight design makes it easier to wear the shoes for extended hours without feeling any pain. With the rubber sole construction, this is one of the most durable shoes you will find. Unlike many other shoes, it provides enough arch support. It also gives you a quick-fit portal on the heel, which makes it easy to wear the shoes. Besides, the bamboo-lined footbed is great for anti-bacterial odor control.
Pros
- High comfort
- Extra arch support
- Durable construction
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t absorb shock efficiently
Price: $34.49 – $113.97
TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
The Tiosebon Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes are great for professional use. It is designed to keep comfort in mind. This shoe is suitable for people who are on a tight budget and yet want decent shoes to wear at work. You can get this shoe in sizes 5 to 13. The shoe has a fabric upper for enhanced breathability. This helps reduce bad odor and sweating. To make things more comfortable and cozy, it has a pigskin insole.
Another great feature is the latex arch inserts that help increase the overall comfort of these shoes. It also provides the necessary support your need. As a physical therapist, you will be wearing your shoes to work daily. Luckily, these shoes can withstand daily wear and tear. It is made with the highest quality materials and includes great features that make the shoes extra comfortable and durable.
It is designed with a thick and durable rubber sole, while the upper is made of high-quality fabric. Other features include the easy slip-on design that makes it easier to take off and put on the shoes. Not just that, but the shoes also look quite stylish and attractive. This is why you won’t feel awkward wearing them on other occasions outside work. Lastly, it is available at an affordable price.
Pros
- Cozy and comfortable
- Affordable
- High breathability
Cons
- None to mention
Price: $19.99 – $36.99
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
For those who don’t have an idea, Saucony is one of the leading footwear brands on the market. These Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoes are one of the best shoes for physical therapists. It includes all the great features that you would want in your shoes and that too at an affordable price. This shoe is available in sizes 6.5 to 11 and is suitable for both wide and normal feet.
This shoe is the best in terms of comfort. Thanks to the injection-molded midsole that provides increased comfort and support to your feet. It also includes high-quality rubber outsoles that are very flexible. With this shoe, you can walk around all you want without feeling tired or fatigued. The durable rubber sole also provides the needed shock absorption. Therefore, they make an ideal choice for physical therapists. The breathability of the shoe is improved with the mesh upper. This helps to keep your feet cool and sweat-free. Not to mention, it also controls bad odor.
As far as durability is concerned, this shoe is quite impressive. The rubber sole is highly durable and flexes when needed. This makes them resistant to daily wear and tear. The shoes also include a durable upper that keeps away liquid spills. Due to the rubber sole, you get enough traction from the shoes. This makes walking on slippery tiles easier. Last but not the least, the triflex system helps in shock absorption and keeps your feet protected.
Pros
- Durable
- Very flexible
- Great traction
Cons
- Sizing issues
- Pricey
Price: $44.95 – $90.00
Women’s Casual Color Block Walking Shoes
If you are looking for lightweight shoes, then this could be the best option for you. This is one of the most affordable pairs of shoes on our list. However, you shouldn’t judge the performance and quality of the shoes based on the price tag. You can avail of this shoe in a wide range of sizes starting from 4.5 to 14.5.
With this shoe, you don’t have to compromise your comfort. It has thick inner line cushioning to provide the highest level of comfort and support. Given the job requirements of a physical therapist, they will find this shoe to be very appropriate. The soles are made of a lightweight EVA material, which is both flexible and elastic. This, in turn, provides the cushion for your flat feet. It features a slip-on design to provide excellent ankle support as you put them on. Besides that, the shoe has removable insoles that are comfortable and soft. It also has a breathable lining which helps keep your feet dry and cool even during the longest shifts.
Coming to durability, this shoe is one of the most durable options available on the market. It may be lightweight, but it is made for long-lasting use. The shoes come with a flexible body that can easily adjust as you walk wearing them. It also includes a flexible EVA outsole, which is durable too. Besides, it provides good traction on slippery surfaces. The colorful upper gives the shoe a nice and unique look, so you can wear them even outside work. In short, this shoe is designed to give you optimal comfort and support at work.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly durable
- Attractive design
Cons
- Not very long-lasting
- May have sizing issues
Price: $16.99 – $25.99
Dr. Scholl’s – Men’s Brisk Light Weight Dual Strap Sneaker
Lastly, we have Dr. Scholl’s – Men’s Brisk Light Weight Dual Strap Sneaker which is built for serving long. This shoe has some great features that you will love. It is also available in a wide range of sizes, so you don’t have to face any sizing issues. You can find the perfect fit for yourself from the available sizes, 8 to 13.
This is a highly comfortable pair of shoes made of faux leather and mesh material. Plus, it has rubber outsoles that provide great traction and grip. It also makes it shock-resistant. It includes air-pillo gel insoles that give you a cozy feeling as you wear the shoes for all-day long. The upper is made of faux leather and mesh that is perfectly breathable. Instead of making your feet hot and sweaty, it will keep them dry and cool. The shoes are also heavily padded to provide a comfortable fit and keep your ankles protected from hard objects. While the cushioned lining adds extra comfort to the shoes.
If you are looking for a pair of shoes that will last for years, then this is the best bet for you. The rubber outsole is made thick so it can last longer and also make the shoes more shock-absorbent. The combination of mesh and faux leather all around the shoe adds to the durability. Other features include the dual strap that offers a snug fit. They are also easy to take off and put on. In terms of appearance, this shoe is great as the cool black theme matches well with any outfit. With this amazing pair of shoes, you can be more productive at work. They are highly comfortable and are priced very generously.
Pros
- Affordable
- Attractive black theme
- Dual strap design
Cons
- Bit expensive
- Not for everyone
Price: $44.95
Buying Guide
You will come across plenty of brands offering physical therapist shoes. But choosing the right one can be challenging, especially if you don’t what to look for. To help you out, we have laid down a detailed buyer’s guide. This should give you an idea of the features you must look for in the best physical therapist shoes.
Comfort
Physical therapists walk or stand the majority of their time at work. They need shoes that will make them last till the end of their shift without exhaustion. The shoes you choose should be comfortable. When buying shoes check whether they have a thick cushioned midsole and insole. Cushioning absorbs shock when walking. Also, make sure that the inner lining spongy and comfortable.
Protection
Your shoes should be able to protect your feet from sharp objects and impacts. This is why you need shoes with a hard outsole material. This will help protect your feet from hard surfaces and objects. The best type of shoes is the ones that come with an enclosed toe region.
Durability
You must look for shoes that are durable and will last long. When buying shoes ensure that the outsole and uppers are made of durable materials. If available, go for the ones that are wash-resistant. You can also go for waterproof shoes as they are more durable.
Breathability
Since physical therapists spend a lot of hours walking or standing, their feet tend to sweat a lot. If you let the sweat accumulate, it will lead to bacterial growth and a bad odor. To curb this, you need shoes with enhanced breathability. Check the inner lining and upper, it should have mesh.
Traction
If you don’t want to trip and fall while walking, then you should look for shoes with good traction. You need to go for shoes that will enhance your grip on wet and slippery floors. In this case, the rubber outsole serves as the best option. When buying physical therapist shoes look for those with tread patterns. These types of shoes will keep you from falling in front of your clients.
FAQs
What are some of the best brands offering physical therapist shoes?
Many brands are offering physical therapist shoes. But the best ones are Skechers, Saucony, and Tiosben.
Are scrubs good for physical therapists?
A lot of them wear scrubs within the hospital setting. That’s because scrubs are more comfortable. Not just that, but they are also the most recommended attire for physical therapists at work.
What should you look for in physical therapist shoes?
When buying physical therapist shoes, you should look for comfort, support, traction, breathability, and durability.
Conclusion
Having the best pair of physical therapist shoes can make a lot of difference in your productivity. When you feel comfortable, you can work more. If you have been looking for the best quality physical therapist shoes, we hope you find them in the list mentioned above. We have included only top-rated shoes for your comfort.
