Phlebotomists are medical professionals who are trained in the extraction of blood from the body of patients or urine samples for test purposes.
Shoe phlebotomists required to wear should be safe, and comfortable enough to withstand long shift hours associated with the medical profession.
Any brand of footwear that is chosen, should have natural arch support against foot fatigue and strain. Phlebotomists collect samples for tests and also administer medications intravenously.
A long amount of work hours is spent standing, moving, or stooping to analyze test tubes containing samples for test.
To combat challenges like back pain, bruises, feet fatigue, inflammation, bad posture, etc. Proper shoes should be worn at all times, so investing in quality shoes is very important.
11 quality shoes any phlebotomist would enjoy are listed below
Table of Contents
| Shoes | Features | Ratings (1-5) |
| Dansko professional shoes |
|
5/5 |
| Nike Tanjun running shoe |
|
3.8/5 |
| New balance women running shoe |
|
4.5/5 |
| Brooks Ghost 12 running shoes |
|
4.5/5 |
| Nurse mate women dove |
|
4.9/5 |
| Adidas women’s cloudfoam pure running shoe |
|
4/5 |
| Nike women’s revolution running shoe |
|
3/5 |
| Nike flex experience running shoes |
|
4/5 |
| ASICS Gel-Quantum 90 running shoe |
|
4.3/5 |
| HOKA ONE ONE Clifton running shoe |
|
4.7/5 |
| Orthofeet proven plantar fasciitis shoe |
|
4/5 |
Dansko professional clog
This footwear is popular among health care professionals who are interested in having comfort and style in one footwear.
With medical experts, Dansko clogs are undoubtedly the most preferred alternative for shoes that is suitable for the work environment and protects your feet against harm and injuries.
The material cover of Dansko clogs is made from original leather which is durable, shiny, and has a professional guise anytime you wear it.
Moving around in them has a feeling of being balanced and comfortable, with the toe box, there’s enough room to allow your toes roam.
This toe box is hard and can prevent most injuries from fallen objects and reduce impacts from shocks.
The clogs are sturdy and slip-resistant, relying on its polyurethane foam outsole and anti-fatigue stable bottoms.
Its tread is under the bottom has excellent grip, ensuring you have traction as you work all day on your feet.
The back of the heel is round and secures your feet in place, this allows you to wear them longer without the shoes feeling like a burden.
Pros:
- Thick rubber under sole for shock absorption
- Looks very professional
- Traction is outstanding in preventing slips and falls.
- Toe box area is very wide enabling wiggling of your toes.
- Enough breathing space.
Cons:
- Doesn’t feel light
- Heavy and larger than other alternatives
Nike tanjun running shoes
Nike brand designed this footwear to combine good styling, functionality, and convenience in one footwear.
Medical practitioners who want to find lightweight, comfortable and flexible footwear for the long hours demanded in their place of work or nature of their job.
Nike is well known for its production of athletic running shoes and also casual footwear too.
Phlebotomists and others in the medical field like doctors, nurses, technicians, etc. who prefer sporty shoes can select this as the perfect choice.
The shoes are fabricated with a combination of synthetic and leather materials that makes them lightweight and practical.
The insoles have paddings that cover the entire insides from both sides and under the tongue.
The shoes are breathable and keep your feel cool always as you shuffle around with the anti-slip design of its outsole keeping you upright and comfortable, preventing slips and falls.
Pros:
- Quality rubber soles
- The leather synthetic mixture provides a good skin for easy cleaning
- Lightweight.
- Cushioned insoles.
- Slip-resistant
Cons:
- Small toe box
New Balance 520 v2 running shoes
This new balance footwear sticks to their classical style while keeping In touch with qualities that make them outstanding among other shoe range.
New balance is popular among people who fancy casual footwear. And this is no exception for any phlebotomist who desires to appear causal and still ensure that appropriate care and protection are obtained.
The shoes have enough room to enable you to bounce around in them, and air inlets in the shoe keep it cool, dry, and comfortable as many hours as you can.
The insoles have a softened material that runs the entire length providing extra comfort, the midsole supports your natural arch by being springy and thick enough to protect you from impact pressure.
It’s also equipped with anti-slipping technology that keeps you glued to the floor always, with a hexagon-shaped rubber outsole for extra traction.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- The long length feels unrestricted
- Elevated heel for support.
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Brooks Ghost 12 running shoes
Brooks ghost shoes come in a wide range of colors and designs. Most professionals, runners, train commuters, etc.
Pick this as the best choice for a long day of work and activities. A phlebotomist can wear this all day without feeling tired with its combination of classical design structure and modern technological advancement.
Its midsole uses brook’s advanced BioMoGo DNA and DNA loft cushioning system to reduce pressure from impacts.
It is also equipped with anti-slipping features to minimize the risk of falling or tripping.
Pros:
- Breathable upper mesh canvass
- Variables styles, colors, and design.
- Advanced tread design for superior traction
Cons:
- Less flexible than others
Nurse mate women dove
Only a few shoe models designed for medical professionals comes close to the unique design of these nurses, mate shoes.
There is improved support for your ankles Incorporated in this design, with a padded collar and slip-on structure.
The structure is a mixture of upper leather and elastic mesh at the sides. The clean leather has stain-resistant qualities that make it easy to clean and a lower elastic mesh that stretches to accommodate your feet and allows for flexible movement.
Pros;
- Advanced sole for traction
- Wide toe box
- Raised heels and proper ankle protection
Cons;
- Stain can become permanent
- Might feel small for larger feet.
Adidas cloud foam pure running
This is a simple design for footwear that does the most. Its simple stretchy knit upper is fabricated from a textile material that hugs your foot properly and secures your movement as you run, walk, etc.
It is fit securely once it’s worn with its lace-up adjustment design going the distance for you.
The outsole is thick rubber compared to most In the market with excellent grip and grooved channels in the tread for slip resistance and channeling water away from the under sole.
Pros:
- Premium material upper
- Very lightweight
- Easy to slip on
Cons:
- Can’t be used for extreme outdoors activities
Nike revolution running shoes
This is a classic Nike design with a low top and lightweight fabric structure that is easy to run and move about in them.
They come in attractive and subtle colors, with a flexible midsole to relieve fatigue and stress on your feet.
The insides benefit from Nike’s padded mesh which runs from heel to toe for extra comfort.
It’s a valuable choice for medical practitioners who have to spend all day moving on their feet.
Pros:
- Reinforced heel for shock absorption
- Shoelace tab for good fit and protection
Cons:
- Narrow toe box
Nike flex experience running shoes
Another Nike product that offers the best in design styles and overall protection for phlebotomists who want to be comfortable and still be fashionable.
They have a breathable mesh structure with adequate airflow to allow cooling as you work in a high-activity environment.
The outsole is rubber for adequate traction with the insole lined with soft material for comfort on the move.
This model retains all the qualities that make Nike runners the top choice for professionals.
Pros:
- Injected midsole for preventing foot fatigue
Cons:
- Price is a bit expensive
ASCIS GEL-QUANTUM 90 running shoes
Phlebotomists are involved in working conditions that require constant movement.
This ASCIS footwear with an extended heel design always makes sure you are supported and always moving forward.
Its design structure and mesh are aesthetic and have breathable upper fabric. Heat and moisture are not ideal for your feet when walking and the mesh design allows for cool air to circulate.
Variable design options are available to choose from.
Pros:
- ASICS rear heel gel design improves your stability
- Spiva from in the insoles accounts for maximum comfort.
Cons:
- Might feel a bit heavy and chunky
HOOKA ONE Clifton running shoes
This brand is popular among healthcare professionals. With its pull-up heel tab, the shoes become easy to slip on.
It has a large outsole that ensures stability and it’s very slip-resistant The insoles have soft padded fabric that is comfortable provides long-lasting support for your knees.
Pros;
- Large outsole for maximum stability
- Slip-resistant
- Bulky design
Orthofeet proven plantar fasciitis shoe
This brand of shoes is meant for those already suffering from pain and other foot ailments.
The insides are designed for maximum comfort With layers of cushioning fabric and an orthotic footbed in the midsole contouring to the bottom of your feet.
Phlebotomists who have experienced foot pain or bruises and wish to switch to better models can try this out for fast relief from all ailments and pain.
Pros
- Used for treating most plantar fasciitis
- Very breathable mesh covering
- Knitted upper mesh can stretch for extra comfort
Cons
- Not suitable for extreme sports
Adequate Phlebotomist shoes and footwear have certain standards and criteria they follow to guide them in choosing a brand that provides enough support and stability to your body so as to not cause any discomfort or long-term side effects.
Some recommended shoes or footwear are listed below, they all follow a list of factors that are essential in selecting any particular brand of shoes appropriate for a phlebotomist.
They include protection, traction, style, comfort, and maximum support all day as you run your shift.
These shoes listed below are versatile in both design and unique characteristics that set them apart from each other and provide you with everything you need.
Generally, health care professionals endure shift that involves spending stressful amount of time usually running, taking long strides or walking briskly to attend to emergency situations in the ICU or as a stretcher is rolled down from the ambulance to the theater.
This can put undue stress on the body affecting the knees and back. Proper work shoes have been designed to relieve some of the pain and stress associated with their work environment, enabling them to work in their optimum capacity.
What to look for in phlebotomist shoes
Fair pricing
Always get a pair of shoes that wouldn’t require you to break the bank. Nevertheless, if you engage in a certain work that requires frequent resumption, it’s advisable to get yourself a very high-quality pair that would last long for you.
Another piece of advice is to purchase multiple pairs to increase the individual lifespan of the shoes.
Comfort and functionality
Comfortable work shoes are those that don’t cause you any discomfort or pain as you go about your daily work activities.
They should be practical in design and functionality with features that are cool, supportive, and hug your feet properly, although they shouldn’t be too tight to lead to swelling or aching.
Take time to break in your new shoes by walking around the house then ensure that they provide you with adequate grip and traction from slipping accidents.
Cover material
Phlebotomists’ workspace is filled with liquids, chemicals, glass tubes, beakers, and many other things that can cause spillage of liquids or objects from falling from the workbench and hurting you.
The kind of material cover your shoes have determines if it protects you against heavy falling objects or liquid spills.
Even though they should have a good material cover, work shoes should be easy to wash by simple cleaning methods or machine wash.
Extra comfort usually comes from the type of material that occupies the insoles, memory foam insoles provide additional comfort for your feet all day.
Traction
Adequate traction is a necessary feature that every working healthcare professional must-have.
The job requires sudden movement, running, lifting heavy things like stretchers and human beings too and good shoes with proper traction is the best choice to have in situations like this.
With a sole design that provides proper traction, you can put away the fear of falling or slipping on slippery surfaces as you undergo your work.
Fit
Good fitted shoes and footwear cannot be overrated, with proper shoes having enough space for your longest toe as you spend hours on your shift.
Do not buy shoes that are either too tight or too loose for your feet, always get fitted well laced up shoes.
Arch support
The characteristics of good shoes include extensive arch support for your feet.
Without proper arch support, your feet will suffer feet fatigue, bruises that will end up harming your feet.
Good arch support should distribute the pressure of your feet evenly throughout your foot, toes, and heel, making sure that nothing interrupts proper blood circulation around your feet.
Style
Today’s professional shoes come in a variety of designs and styles, they could have all the qualities of a good shoe and still be very stylish.
This enables you to move around your hospital or lab in fashion-forward style shoes, combining good styling, attractive color design and still save your feet from discomfort.
Increasing comfort as a Phlebotomist
While working in the healthcare sector and environment it’s important to take your health and treat your body right against harm and accidents.
Even though you’re trained for emergency situations and are supposed to be saving lives, it doesn’t mean you should be careless about your own health so getting adequate shoes is essential.
While purchasing good shoes is a vital step in the process, there are some strategies you could take to improve comfort and stability as you work.
You can adopt some new strategies for reducing stress and developing routines or acquiring accessories to help remove high-stress level.
Intermediate breaks and rest are key when undergoing long shift hours, this would reduce any pressure on your feet and relieve stress from your feet, back and joints.
During free or leisure hours either at home or anywhere outside the workplace always find time to engage in regular exercises to reduce overall body weight and keep fit.
Always seek a proper medical examination and care if you have any issues with your feet such as injury or previous discomfort, by treating and being conscious of your wellbeing you have improved your life and overall health conditions.
Some of the ways you can achieve this are highlighted below:
- Get recommended insoles; Great shoes have greater insoles, with good working shoes having insoles that are designed to give adequate support to your heels and giving you extra comfort. Any kind of discomfort or pain in your feet can be reduced significantly by getting shoes with soft insoles for maximum cushioning for your feet and shock great absorption abilities.
- High-quality compression socks; The difference between stress and healthy feet might just be good compression socks. Quality compression socks assist in significantly improving the flow of blood throughout your lower body and adequately supporting your joints, knees, ankles, and feet.
How to care for your feet
There’s no doubt that the feet are the most uncared for body part. It’s neglected because most people expect the feet to care for themselves automatically or they just assume that they’re way down there so nobody will notice which is wrong.
Proper hygiene should be observed so as to avoid either short-term or long-term implications.
There are many ways to care for your feet;
Wearing clean socks
You should make it a habit of washing your socks after each use or not repeating them at all, wearing damp or dirty socks can cause serious feet infection that will lead to long-term damage.
As a healthcare professional, you should not neglect simple guidelines with the excuse of being very busy with work, health is wealth.
Dry your feet after work
Whenever you’re back home from work and after long hours of standing or bending against test tubes and samples, you should always dry your feet.
Precisely during spring or winter, the weather is very damp, and different kinds of bacteria and fungi will breed and reproduce in any environment that they find favorable.
Always wash your feet properly and dry with a towel as soon as you can, to protect your feet from infections.
Wear your Crocs
You should have a pair of crocs in your office cupboard for rainy days, whenever there’s not so much work to do you could switch your shoes for a pair of Crocs to allow your feet to breathe even further.
Crocs are reliable and extremely comfortable footwear especially if you have sensitive feet from standing for long hours due to the nature of your job.
Pedicure
Fix an appointment despite your busy or tight schedule to get a pedicure at least three times a month.
Have your nails cut and filled to a healthy length that won’t store germs underneath to make you sick. Remember, good hygiene is the key to great health.
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Conclusion
As a phlebotomist, your job requires moving around on your feet all day. Good shoes should have proper fit, balanced heel and solid traction to make your duties productive.
Be sure to purchase a quality brand and attend to any slight discomfort you feel as you wear them for work. I hope this answers all your questions.