Nursing Trends
Dansko shoes are widely popular in the medical profession and nurses and worn by almost everyone who has to stand and walk for long hours. When you stand for more than 8 hours or more every day, your feet, back, and your entire body takes a beating from all those long hours, especially if you’re not wearing the right shoes.
When you’re caring for patients, the last thing you want to do is worry about the comfort or pain your feet are experiencing. Dansko is a brand that is well known for its comfortable and stylish shoes. The shoes are specifically designed to provide you with all-day comfort, support, durability, quality construction, and features. They have a roomy toe box, a strong high arch for excellent support and comfort all day, fatigue-free rocker bottom, and superior shock absorption with an outsole that has been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). All Dansko products are made with the highest standards to provide superior comfort, fit, durability, performance, and support. Every pair of Dansko shoes go through a rigorous process of ensuring the perfect comfort experience starting with the best materials, colors, fit, contours, mold, measure, etc., and thorough testing so you can get the style of shoe you love with guaranteed comfort.
The Dansko clog shoes
The Dansko clogs are trendy clogs with nurses and people in other professions. This professional shoe has a roomy and reinforced toe box, a padded collar, a protective heel counter that allows your heel to move in any direction while still providing excellent stability freely, an inner frame for stability and support, and a contoured PU midsole. The anti-fatigue rocker bottom helps in your forward movement while walking and provides you with comfort and support throughout the day.
Besides the fact that they’re very comfortable nursing shoes, Danskos are uniquely designed to cater to the needs of health professionals. This means they have features and specifications that help them to be very useful in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments.
View on Amazon
Non-marking soles:
As mentioned earlier, Dansko products go through thorough testing, and to ensure that the shoes can function properly in healthcare facilities, they’re tested to ensure that the shoes have non-marking soles when you’re walking on wet, oily, or dry floors. The soles of the shoes are also slip-resistant to help keep you safe and stable on your feet as you’re walking on any kind of floor.
Adequate arch and foot support:
Dansko shoes have put a lot of effort into support. The shoes have a protective heel counter that allows your heel to move up and down while still providing you with lateral stability freely. The padded collars have enough cushioning to reduce stress on your feet’ pressure points and prevent your feet from forming blisters because of the friction from the shoes and the back of your feet.
Unique midsoles:
The midsole layer of your shoes is the part that is in-between your inner and outer soles. It provides you with shock absorption when you’re walking around on hard surfaces so that your feet don’t develop foot pains. Dansko nursing clogs are made with unique EVA midsoles that are anti-fatigue and lightweight to help absorb the shock while you’re on your feet all day. Some shoes also come with contoured midsoles that conform to the shape of your feet to provide extra comfort.
Anti-fatigue rocker bottoms:
A common feature in all Dansko clogs is the rocker bottoms that help to reduce fatigue when you’re on your feet all day walking, standing, or running around taking care of your patients. As a nurse, it can be tiring being on your feet for long periods without any time to take a rest, and this can cause you to feel tired and fatigued, which can affect your ability to work. A good pair of Danskos with rocker bottoms will do you a lot of good and keep you moving all day.
Moisture-wick lining:
Although it’s a very uncomfortable and unpleasant feeling, your feet are bound to sweat if you’re working in highly energized and high-pressure situations. Dansko shoes are designed with a comfortable lining that has moisture-wicking abilities that help to absorb and keep away moisture in your shoes so that your feet remain to stay throughout the day. Some linings even come with antimicrobial treatments that help to fight and control feet odors in your shoes.
Danskos hurt the top of my foot: Solutions.
If you’ve even bought a pair of Dansko clogs, you will realize that they hurt the top part of your feet, this is a common thing for most Dansko users. This mostly happens if you have high arches because even if the shoe fits you perfectly, the throat is a bit narrow. After all, the vamp is too low. Some people opt to break them in, which might work, but it can take you a few weeks, and even then, the shoes will still not feel comfortable to wear. Wearing such shoes that cause foot pains will not only be very uncomfortable, it could also cause you permanent and long-term damage.
Here are some things you can do to remedy the situation.
Exchange or return the shoes
This is the first thing you can do. You can return the shoes and get a different type of shoe from a different brand to see if it will solve your problem. Getting shoes that are one size up may not solve your problem, and instead, it might transfer the discomfort to a different part of the shoes. This is a widespread problem that faces most women when they’re trying to find a more comfortable pair of shoes. The best solution would be to switch the shoes entirely and just get other alternatives with a better fit.
Get a DIY shoe stretcher.
Nowadays, you will find a gadget that can help you do anything, and this is no different. A shoe stretcher is a small tool that you use to free up space in the vamp. It reduces the pressure and chafing at the top of your feet and ankle, making the shoes comfortable and more suitable for your feet. It comes with an adjustable design that allows you to stretch the instep to the height you want, helping to relieve pain and the uncomfortable tightness at the top of your feet. All you need to do is place the device in your shoe, then turn the knob to adjust the length and rotate the hook to adjust the width till you get a snug fit. Leave it in place for at least 24 hours to allow the shoes to stretch properly.
Take the shoes to a shoe repairman.
Your neighborhood shoe repairman is not only good at repairing busted and worn-out shoes, but he can also help you in adjusting your new shoes to give you a more comfortable fit, so you don’t have to go through weeks of pain hoping that your shoes will loosen up.
Use a shoe stretching liquid.
This is a liquid that is designed as a leather conditioner to soften and stretch shoes that have a tight fit when you walk, and you don’t even have to go through the break-in process. You can use it to stretch shoes made with leather, suede, linens, and canvas materials. This spray works by loosening the fibers in the material, which makes it easier to expand. All you need to do is spray the inside and outside parts of your shoes that you want to stretch, then wear the shoes so that they stretch to the right fit. You can also wear socks to give you better results. You can also repeat the application if the shoes still feel tight after the first time. Before any application, test it on a hidden part of the shoe to see if it discolors the material.
Wear socks or stocking
When trying on Danskos, wear the similar socks that you would normally wear then push your heel down the shoes even if it feels a little bit tight at first at the instep. Try and feel if your arch is centered and fully supported by the arch support and if you can freely move your toes in the shoe’s toe box without being squashed or hitting the front part of the shoe. Also, try slipping your pinky finger at the back between your heel and the heel counter. If your shoes are the correct fit, there should be some space enough to slip your pinky finger in easily.
Try on different pairs of shoes.
Dansko clogs are made by hand where the upper part of the shoes is stapled to the outsole, so each pair of clogs fits a bit differently than traditional shoes. This is very helpful if you’re in between sizes and want a pair of shoes that are a little bit bigger or smaller.
Use heat
Use a hairdryer on medium heat and heat the back of your shoes till they’re slightly malleable. Wear the shoes and walk around to allow the material to mold to a more comfortable fit to the shape of your heel. This method can work on leather, suede, and cloth materials, but be careful not to hold the dryer too long close to your shoes to avoid burning or melting your shoes.
What makes a good pair of Dansko clogs?
Some clogs are very fashionable, but they provide you with minimal comfort and support, while others have very many benefits. If you want to be comfortable and pain-free during your long shift, you must get clogs that focus more on comfort than fashion. Wearing the right pair of shoes in the long term can make a huge difference in reducing the stress on your back, joint pains, and body aches. There are essential factors that make a quality pair of clogs.
Comfort
Dansko is a brand that goes above and beyond to ensure that the shoes are comfortable by designing them with interior cushioning in the toe box, upper, heel, footbed, and lip for maximum comfort. These shoes are also made with high-quality materials like leather that is lightweight, breathable, and durable for superior comfort and a footbed that is made with multiple layers that help to increase air circulation and breathability. The way your shoe fits will also contribute to your comfort. Knowing your foot type and size will help you find the perfect fitting shoes so that you stay comfortable while you work.
Support
A good pair of clogs should be able to provide you with excellent ankle support and be a perfect fit to reduce the stress on your back, knees, and feet. Dansko clogs have elevated heels, stability shanks, and rocker bottom outsoles that ensure you’re well supported and stable while walking. The elevation helps to remove the stress and tension from your heel that is dispersed to the shoe’s thick and cushiony insole. The rocker bottom outsole helps to promote good posture with every step you make while the in-built shanks help to keep your feet securely on the ground with limited movement so that you don’t lose your footing no matter the kind of surface you’re walking on. You also get to walk more confidently since your feet are securely on the ground.
Durability
Most of the Dansko shoes are made with treated leather that is designed to resist stains and stay shiny and new. After a while, the shine may fade, which will need some renewal, but the shoes will still provide you with comfort and support for a long time. The outside of the shoes is made to be resistant to water, oil, dirt, or grease, and even stains. This makes the shoes easier to wipe clean with just a cloth and soapy water to get rid of any stains and dirt on the shoes. With proper care and maintenance, Dansko clogs can last for almost two years before you think about replacing them.
Reduced stress levels
As a nurse, you go through a lot of stress and strain because you spend all your time on your feet, which can be very stressful for your back, knees, and joints. Wearing comfortable clogs will help reduce your stress levels while at work because they will provide you with comfort and physical support, which will help you not to put a lot of stress on your body. Clogs have good padding that can help to significantly reduce any discomfort you feel and help you to focus on your work instead of aches and pains.
Breathability
Dansko clogs are made with a roomy toe box that provides ample space for your toes to move freely and to breathe. Their loose-fit design helps with temperature control and breathability so that air can freely circulate all around your feet. This helps to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day and avoid getting foot ailments like athlete’s foot because of the moisture in the shoes. The clogs have a moisture-wicking lining that has been treated with special technology that will not only ensure that your shoes are breathable, it will also ensure that your feet stay odor-free even when you wear the shoes without any socks. Even during the warmer climate, you can still wear the Dansko clogs without any fear of having sweaty or stinky feet during your long shifts.
Style
There is a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, with even a choice between the clog and the mule, patterns, colors, textures, and prints of the Dansko shoes. There are great designs available that would be great for an office setting or as a casual shoe that you can either dress up or down depending on your preference. You can mix and match your shoes with your uniform, pair of jeans, or a dress. It all comes down to your needs and preference. If you don’t like colored clogs, you can wear clogs with solid colors and still look good in them, even in your workplace.
Final thoughts
Wearing shoes that provide you with great comfort and support can make all the difference when you’re working long and exhausting shifts. Danskos that hurt the top of your feet can make life unbearable, especially if you’re on your feet all day, and as a nurse working with so much discomfort and pain can cause severe damage to your feet in the long run. Instead of trying to break them in for weeks without success, the best option is returning them and getting alternative shoes that have a comfortable fit.
FAQ
Do you wear socks with clogs?
It’s not a must that you wear socks with your clogs, but if you live in cold areas, you can wear socks to help keep your feet warm. You can also opt to wear your clogs barefoot.
Do you have to break in Danskos?
Dansko shoe is well known for its comfort and durability. If you have a pair of Danskos that need stretching, you can use a dryer, wear, socks, or a shoe stretcher, and a couple of days to allow your shoes to conform to the shape of your feet.
Are Danskos supposed to be tight?
Your toes should have space in the toe box to move freely and should not be hitting the front part. To make sure they’re a perfect fit that there should be space at the back between the heel counter and your heel for your pinky finger.
Do Dansko shoes run true to size?
Some Dansko shoes use hand-made elements which can affect the sizing so they can run half a size larger or smaller.
How long should Dansko clog last?
With proper care and maintenance, a pair of Dansko clogs should last you about two years if used properly.
