Let’s cut to the chase — being in healthcare isn’t all fun and saving lives. Sometimes it’s rough. Sometimes you go home feeling like you could have done more. The last thing you want is for your feet to be aching too. Therefore, I have decided to contribute my time and money to figuring out the best shoe to wear when I work a shift. I am a full-time worker and full-time student, so my pennies need to go a long way! I expect the shoes I buy to be an investment for at least a couple of years. Whatever shoes I get, I need them to keep up with me.
I currently work as a Scribe and Emergency Care Technician (ECT) in Tallahassee. In both positions, I walk on my feet all day. As a scribe, I follow around physicians and try to type everything they say. As an ECT, I’m running around the Emergency Department (ED) trying to find supplies, help a nurse, or transport patients. On certain days, I go immediately from a Scribe shift to an ECT shift (because a girl’s gotta make money somehow), which results in a 16-hour workday. Now you see why I need some good shoes!
So, with all that being said, I decided to try out Clove shoes. I was browsing online and saw raving reviews for them, so I had to judge them for myself. Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation, and these were purchased with my hard-earned money.
I ordered the Women’s Aeros in Brilliant White in a size 8.5 (I typically wear 8.5 in shoes). They took no time getting to me, and the packaging was so cute! They send you a free badge reel, pink laces, and cute little pink pens with your order. I also got a free pair of compression socks with my first order which is awesome, because they make a difference! So, packaging and execution, 10/10.
But how did they hold up to a 16-hour shift? Let’s break it down!
my 16-hour shift
8:30 a.m.: My first shift at the clinic starts! I feel good. My feet feel like they’re being hugged. I would recommend sizing up a half-size, though. My feet are wide and they’re a little tight.
1 p.m.: The first shift is done, and it’s time to head over to my next shift at the ED. My feet still feel good. Around 11 a.m., I noticed my heels were a little achy from standing (I am a heavy heel-walker). But overall, they’re feeling supported.
5 p.m.: I’ve been running around the ED for about three hours now, and I can say that they’re holding up well. They’re slip-resistant which is super helpful. Super easy to clean, too! I just took a SaniWipe to them and had no problem.
8 p.m.: Almost done! Only three hours to go. I noticed that they squished my right pinky toes just a little. I think this problem could have been avoided if I got a bigger size. I stretched them out, and it didn’t cause further problems.
11 p.m.: Phew! Done. Overall, I felt great. My feet felt very snug and supported, especially with the compression socks. My feet hurt significantly less compared to the Reeboks and Nike I’ve tried in the past. Even though my feet still ache, I could tell these shoes were helping to alleviate the issue.
After wearing the shoes continuously in my shifts for about three weeks now, I can safely say that they get better the more you wear them. I stretched them out a bit and they no longer press on my pinky toe. They’re very cushy, and I think in the future, I’d like to try the SuperCush shoes. I’ll be wearing these guys for all future 16-hour workdays for sure. I even wore them for a 20-hour day I had recently, and they still held up!
Overall, I like these shoes! I know everyone always talks about Hokas, but I wanted to support a business that was tailored to healthcare workers. Clove made me feel supported not only with my healthcare position but also regarding my feet! The socks work perfectly as well, and I’m so happy I got them added for no extra charge. The customer service seems extremely helpful, and above all, I feel like this company cares about its customers. (My previous badge reel decided to break, but luckily Clove had my back! I’ve been using the one they sent me, and it’s super cute and utilitarian).
My final rating is an 8.5/10. These shoes would get a higher rating if I had sized up, so if you have wide feet, this advice is for you! I would definitely buy from Clove again. Shoes that fit are extremely important to healthcare workers, so don’t be afraid to try new brands. To all my healthcare girlies, this is dedicated to you! And to my new BFF Clove, if you’re reading this… please send some more shoes (size 9) my way! I love you!
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