Healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors, and technicians, are often on their feet for extended periods, moving rapidly between patients and responding to emergencies. In such fast-paced, high-stress settings, the choice of footwear becomes essential to performance, health, and safety. Unlike casual shoes, healthcare shoes endure significant stress, and their wear and tear can impact physical well-being, hygiene standards, and safety.
Healthcare workers may walk thousands of steps daily, often exceeding what is typical in other professions1. The shoes worn in this environment are subject to heavy use, high pressure, and exposure to substances like bodily fluids, cleaning agents, and moisture. This consistent, demanding use significantly shortens the lifespan of healthcare footwear.
On average, healthcare shoes need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on factors like shoe quality, intensity of daily activity, and individual wear patterns1. For those working long shifts or frequently on the move, shoes may wear out closer to the 6-month mark, while those in less strenuous roles might extend this to 12 months.
Proper support and comfort are essential for healthcare workers to maintain physical health and avoid discomfort or injury. Workers often stand or walk for hours without much rest. Shoes that lack appropriate support, cushioning, and shock absorption can lead to numerous issues, including:
Foot pain and fatigue: Insufficient cushioning increases foot impact, leading to soreness and fatigue.
Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot can worsen with shoes lacking arch support.
Joint pain: Shoes that fail to offer support can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to ankle, knee, and hip pain.
Back pain: Poor footwear can affect spinal alignment, contributing to chronic back pain—a common issue for healthcare workers.
To avoid these problems, healthcare professionals need shoes that provide optimal arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption. Promptly replacing shoes when they begin to lose these qualities is key to preventing long-term discomfort and injury.
Hygiene is also a critical concern in healthcare environments. Shoes are exposed to potentially hazardous substances, including bodily fluids, pathogens, and cleaning chemicals. While regular cleaning helps maintain hygiene, over time, shoes accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria, particularly in the insoles and linings. This can lead to unpleasant odours and infections such as athlete’s foot. Replacing shoes regularly helps prevent bacterial buildup, improves hygiene, and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
Additionally, healthcare shoes may lose their water resistance and protective features, becoming more vulnerable to contamination. As shoes wear down, the tread on the soles becomes less effective at gripping slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slipping. In healthcare, where quick movement is often necessary, a slip could lead to serious injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or back injuries, resulting in extended recovery time and absence from work. In 2022-2023, 561,000 workplace injuries were reported within the NHS, with 32% resulting from slips, trips, and falls. This highlights the need for slip-resistant shoes to reduce accidents in environments where floors may be slippery due to spills or cleaning agents.2
Worn-out shoes not only increase injury risk but also negatively impact productivity and morale. Discomfort or safety concerns can distract workers from their tasks, decreasing efficiency. Injuries caused by worn-out shoes can lead to time off work, further straining colleagues and the healthcare system. In high-demand environments, preventable injuries from worn footwear can cause staffing shortages and affect the quality of patient care.
High-quality healthcare shoes are designed with slip-resistant soles, but even the best shoes lose effectiveness over time, making regular replacement essential for safety. By replacing shoes every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and condition, healthcare professionals can ensure comfort, support, and safety on the job, reducing the risk of injury and avoiding unnecessary time off work.
Investing in high-quality, supportive, and slip-resistant footwear not only enhances comfort and performance but also helps maintain hygiene and prevent injuries that could impact productivity and patient care. Prioritising the regular replacement of footwear ensures healthcare workers' long-term physical health, improves workplace safety, and allows them to continue providing high-quality care without the risk of avoidable injuries.
At Toffeln, we are committed to enabling better healthcare. Our footwear meets all safety and hygiene standards, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on delivering the highest standard of care without worrying about their foot health.
For more information on our footwear offerings, visit our Footwear Range or contact our team for details on available discounts for bulk purchases.
*data used from the following sources
1. National Library of Medicine
2. hse.gov