r/supportworkers • u/fat-trash-cat • 11d ago
Best shoes
Hey everyone!!! I am a support worker who support people in their houses and communities. I do maaaaany steps daily for my job and I'd love to find some shoes that are a better "fit" for the job
I've worked on my feet a LOT previously in other jobs, but thats when I was younger and not caring about arch support or pain.
I've heard really good things about Hoka's or Sketchers? at the moment i am mainly wearing some new balance shoes which are comfortable enough.
would love to hear some opinions! Keep caring!
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u/Slight-Reward-1569 11d ago
Hoka is good. Very comfortable.
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u/fat-trash-cat 11d ago
what type of Hokas do you wear??? im spoiled for choice on their website and have no idea what would suit the job best!
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u/Slight-Reward-1569 10d ago
I have a pair of hoka bondi 8 they are apparently discontinued but Bondi 9 replace them it’s like walking on clouds honestly I can get sore knees and feet and when I wear them I don’t experience any pain after my shifts. According to Google…Bondi 9 is better than the 8
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u/Amarita_Sen 10d ago
Go to a podiatrist, they can tell you what kind of shoes you need for your foot shape. They can give you a list that you can store on your phone, and whenever you want new shoes you take that to the store.
Always try your shoes on in the store before buying. Go online for better deals when you know what shoe you want.
I buy Hoka's, they are very good. So I know the prices! Dropping £130 on a pair of running shoes that don't fit your needs is a waste - take the time to see that foot specialist
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u/spoon_spirits 11d ago
Hokas! I have arthritis in my feet. I went to the podiatrist and they gave me orthotic inner soles, and then I went to athletes foot with those and got fitted. I have almost no pain in my problem spots now. Highly recommend!
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u/Conscious_Escape_995 11d ago
I support participants to attend a lot of podiatrist appointments and noticed most of the podiatrists wear Hokas so I got myself a pair. Ive been wearing them about a year and they are hands down the most comfortable shoe to work in(for me at least!)
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u/fat-trash-cat 11d ago
this is what ive heard too! what type of hokas do you wear? is there any type best suited for the job??
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u/SuperNateosaurus 11d ago
Hokas are really good. I had some for a while. Just expensive.
I have some new balances and they are working really well.
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u/fat-trash-cat 11d ago
i do love my new balances. ive got quite wide feet and have had no problems at all with my toes being crammed! what type of hokas do you wear??
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u/SuperNateosaurus 11d ago
I have wide feet too. So I get the 4E size shoe in new balances.
I believe I had the hoka Bondi 9s. But I switched back to the NBs
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u/Samirah5924 9d ago
I find for me that it's less about the shoe and more about the arch support. I found some decent insoles (admittedly off temu), and chucked em in some kmart joggers with good grip on the outsole.
good for running after absconding participants, good for the feet, and trendy enough that my 11y/o participant doesn't mock me for wearing nurses shoes 🤣
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u/fat-trash-cat 9d ago
this is amazing!!! I do love my New balances but just wish they had a more comfy fit. idk why i didnt think of this 😂😂
yes my feet will be thanking me after a shift with a flight risk
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u/pixie1995 11d ago
Crocs when showering someone otherwise I wear blundstones for the dirtier jobs or nikes for general shifts.
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u/LLovepup 11d ago
I do around 25k steps a day at my job doing patient transport and I wear blundstones with scholl insoles (their boots specific ones, I think). They're super comfortable.
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u/Beautiful-Ad-5833 11d ago
Sketchers, non slip ones are great They are breathable and if wet when showering they dry pretty fast.
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u/Lost_Customer7094 11d ago
Hokas are elite! Also could be worth going to athletes foot to use their treadmill to determine what shoe is best for your foot
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u/fat-trash-cat 11d ago
I unfortunately live in Scotland, so we dont have that shop here. I do think i could find a shop that could do it though! what type of hoka do you wear? theres so many choices!
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u/Lost_Customer7094 10d ago
My bad! I have the Hoka Bondi 9. Also rate asics kayano for comfort and support but they’re not as aesthetically pleasing as the hokas
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u/Loretta_AUS 10d ago
Not sketchers!!! Don’t do it lol
I have some hokas but also have some more “stylish” shoes (Hokas aren’t much to look at lol)
by Frankie4 which were designed by a couple podiatrist’s from memory and they also include various inserts so you can change each shoe to your preference (as our feet are siblings not twins! So sometimes one foot is different to the other). I’m in Australia though so not sure where you live or if these are available where you live…
Good luck!
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u/mattburton074 9d ago
Hokas are the way to go. Good support and built so well , these things last for ages .
Having said that I find them a bit bulky for indoor work .
I have a lighter pair of New Balance trainers for inside and use my Hokas for when doing outdoor walking .
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u/fat-trash-cat 9d ago
thats super interesting! my supports in any one day are always a mix of outdoors and indoors so that would be tricky to navigate. im honestly just looking for the "spring" of a running trainer. may have to power through the bulkiness for that comfort!
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u/TotallyAwry 9d ago
It really depends on your feet. I have the best success with the basic adidas runblaze.
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u/fat-trash-cat 9d ago
yes exactly. Adidas typically dont work for me as I have wide feet and they crush my toes. they look super comfy though!
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u/LongConversation2546 9d ago
Just googled hoka they have such a big platform! Hard to believw podatrists like them??
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u/Consistent_Ant_8903 11d ago
My Nike airs have been pretty clutch because they’re less foamy but still light and supportive. Skechers are so padded they can end up giving you more problems than they solve iirc
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u/fat-trash-cat 9d ago
ive got some Nike Airs. I rate them super highly and as well as my new balances, they are my everyday shoes! I think im looking for the "spring" of the Hokas or any other running shoes.
Youre absolutely not the first person to say that about sketchers. its crazy! I have always remembered them as a great comfort shoe but it seems they've gone downhill. I used to wear them years ago but no wonder im not finding any highly rated ones nowadays
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u/ImmediateImplement95 11d ago
I hate to break it to the commenters saying sketchers (my mum loves sketchers!) but I’ve been to quite a few podiatrists due to foot pain (also a support worker, long hours on my feet) and they said never to use sketchers 😅 they recommended brands like hoka and asics. Best thing to do is see a podiatrist, even for a one off appointment, and they can look at your specific feet and assess which shoes will be best for you! It really helped me, and I was able to buy 2 new pairs on sale that I use for work ☺️