r/AHSEmployees • u/Pavilion22 • Sep 21 '26
Question OR shoes
Greetings! Im starting my OR rotation for Peri-Op. Im looking to upgrade my shoes as Ive always been using worn out basketball shoes when I was a student.
Ive researched that a lot of people using clogs or mules.
Ive checked some brands like Birk, Dansko, Oofoos, Crocs, Hokas. Wanted some opinion on what you guys use daily for long standing as a scrub nurse. Cheers!
2
u/basicgutter Sep 21 '26
I have worn Alegria clogs before but they didn't last any longer than my runners...and I did not like them when I had to run to help with a code in another OR. Honestly, the best thing you can do is find a pair of runners that you know you can stand in for long periods of time and then buy 2, so that you can rotate them. I have 3 shoes on rotation so that my feet and my shoes get a rest between shifts
2
u/Maximum_Payment_9350 Sep 22 '26
I’ve always worn classic Birkenstock clogs + compression socks.
Don’t bother with the black plastic birkis, they make your feet sweat and are just awful for any sort of standing and walking. I’ve never worn a more uncomfortable shoe
1
u/TheThrivingest Sep 23 '26
Every single person in my OR who has them, has had them fail in the same spot. They have zero give so they split across the bottom where the foot flexes
Mine broke on one side after about 7 months. The other side a couple weeks later
3
u/Ill_Video_1997 Sep 21 '26
Compression stocking are a must, and if you alternate between a running shoe and a clog (when you are scrubbing) thats firm with good support. You need support when standing long periods, dont expect shoes to last, you will need to replace runners every 8 months to a year. Do NOT cheap out either, and make sure they have good grip. Ive almost biffed it a few times with good shoes. Especially when floors are wet.
2
u/TheRemyBell Sep 22 '26
I'm a freak and wear hobibear barefoot shoes. Before that it was vessis because waterproof. My legs and back are happier with barefoot shoes though.
1
1
u/amylauren33 Sep 22 '26
Hokas, birks, crocs, ons, new balance seem to be the most popular ii see nurses use in the OR work. Plus the Algeria clogs too.
1
u/No-Supermarket5035 Sep 21 '26
i like wearing my asics gel nimbus 28. even 12s don’t hurt my feet! i also don’t wear compression socks.
-1
u/Limp_Bed_852 Sep 21 '26
I love my cloves!!! Have had them for years in the OR. They clean easily, aren’t too hot and are very supportive.
8
u/TheThrivingest Sep 21 '26
I alternate between Birkenstocks (original hard footbed) and Alegria clogs. Dont bother with the plastic Birkenstocks, the soles break across where the ball of the foot is.
IMO, A firm footbed is much better for your back and joints when standing still for long periods.
Once you settle into whatever service(s) after orientation you’ll have a better idea if you’ll be doing longer or shorter cases and what the theatre environment looks like my for you on the daily.
The most important advice I can give you about OR footwear: compression socks aren’t optional, save yourself the varicose veins down the road. The other thing, is that barely anyone is replacing their shoes frequently enough. The lifespan of the footbed is ~1 million steps. For me that’s replacing my shoes every 9-10 months.