Australia's Science Forum

Hi All,

Just wondering what shoes people find are suitable for the job.
I need to get orthotics so I am also looking at buying a new pair of shoes specifically for wearing at work. I know we should be wearing all leather fully enclosed shoes, does anyone have something they would recommend to look at buying. The podiatrist I saw said I should look at Rockports.

Thanks forany suggestions.
Lorrae

G'day rae,
in our job it is safest to wear enclosed shoes, of course.
I find leather gym shoes the best because of all the walking we lab techs do. I have a pair of black ones and a pair of white. My foot doctor likes them to be as rigid as possible for foot support. I took my inserts along to the shop to be fitted with comfortable shoes.
Good luck in your quest,
~Robyn

Hi Rae

The best boots I have found, especially in the winter, are Redback men's work boots. Very solid, comfortable and they don't slip on wet floors! Not a good look with your favourite summer dress, of course, but very appropriate to what we do. If you are on your feet all day, you barely notice.

Try them, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Julie

Homy Peds are comfortable...and leather as well. I have a pair of black leather ankle boots.
Large pharmacies usually carry a good range or if you are anywhere near the factory outlet.

Hi all,

The Lab Tech I used to work with wore nurses shoes. She reckons they are very comfortable as nurses spend alot of time on their feet too!
The only draw back is they are expensive but tax deductable.

Julz

Hi Rae,
I have Rockports, 'cause I too need orthotics, I find they are really comfy, expensive though, but they are worth the money. I have had mine since 3rd term last year and they still look pretty good. Just make sure you take your orthotics when you try them on.
Good luck shoe shopping.
Regards
Lisa

Good Old Blunnies (Blundstones) with or without steel cap, slip on or lace its your choice. As long as you look after them they will give a good few years service. Again expensive but excellent quality

Personally
I prefer leather top Clogs! I have a variety of colours and even some closed in black Crocs, which I love. (non slip, glass tends to bounce off, survived spillages only $60)
I like that I can slip them on and off with ease and they are comfortable.
B

I wear steel caped shoes. and after an spill I am glad. Although they can be heavy they are very comfortable and you dont notice is you kick something or drop something on your toes. I started wearing the shoes after I had my toes brocken by an electrical wheelchair in my previous job.

Hi All,

I wear leather upper shoes which gives better protection for any spillages/breakages that we may encounter during our work.

Common sense prevails on this issue to certainly cover the topic of protective footwear, but it is our responsibility to make sure we too are working safely and to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment where possible. This includes footwear.

Hope this helps.

Robb.....

I wear Propet Walkers, which are like black all leather nursing shoes. I got them from a specialist shoe store which stocks Kumfs and other podiatrist-friendly shoes. Big advantage of the Propets is that they are machine washable, even though they're leather. They are designed for people, like nurses and us, who are on their feet all day. They're also pretty good for people who only wear shoes at work!

Kristin

Hi, I wear Colorado's and I find them great.

I wear redback work boots. I bought my first pair about 5 years ago when I worked on a cattle station and they are still in reasonable condition. I have bought other pairs since then and claimed them back on tax. The older ones become outdoor/muddy weather ones (not that we get that very often these days!) and then the others become work, and then there is a pair of 'good boots' for going out!

After spending cosiderable amounts of money on a variety of shoes, several years ago I was put onto Dr Martins. Yes they will cost originally but they take orthodics and I have had mine for over 4 years and they are extreemly comfortable and with a regular polish they look good and are very sturdy.

Hi Rae,
I also wear Dr Martians they cost a bit but I have had mine or 4 years and are still in great shape
noona

Due to my left ankel still needing treatment. ( I am on my last week of treatment, since Dec 2007) any way the chap told me about Kumfs shoes, and they have a orthotic options, that also come with the shoes. Has any one ever tried these shoes, they seem a little pricey. But wondered if any one has any thing to say on KUMFS??

I have had my doc M's since 1995 and they are just getting more and more comfortable.

pommy wrote:Due to my left ankel still needing treatment. ( I am on my last week of treatment, since Dec 2007) any way the chap told me about Kumfs shoes, and they have a orthotic options, that also come with the shoes. Has any one ever tried these shoes, they seem a little pricey. But wondered if any one has any thing to say on KUMFS??

I tried Kumfs because of my orthotics but found they did not support the orthotic as they should have done and the dye from the inside of the leather bled out onto my foot and caused a blistering reaction on my feet. This was not just one pair but 2 so i gave them up as a bad joke.

I have used Rockports for many years they were OK but not fantastic for the price.
I usually wear New Balance 621 and have found them terrific. I also found a pair of Merril for the summer this year and although they are not as high as I would like for taking the orthotic they were the only shoe other than the NB which I can were all day day in and day out and still walk comfortably and without pain at the end of the day.

Hi
Since I first asked about shoes last year I purchased a pair of Kumfs. They take my orthtics with no trouble. I have been wearing them everyday for nearly 12 months and they are fantastic. I have had no trouble with dye bleeding and the orthotics fit in them beautifully. I would recommend them to anyone. I paid $200 for them and they are worth every penny.
They should also be tax deductable!!

Lorrae

I also couldn't live without my Kumfs! The only ones I have had bleed were a pair of black shoes with a burgundy red dye on the inside bought last year. I have been wearing Kumfs for about 5 years and these were the only ones I had a problem with. Yes they are pricey but if fitted properly you should never have a blister again-you should barely be able to tell they're on your feet!