One of the biggest shocks for student nurses on placement is how sore your feet can get after a long shift.

The good news is that a lot of foot pain is preventable — and your body does gradually get used to it over time. Most students find the first couple of weeks are the hardest. Here are 5 tips to beat the the “my feet are dying” feeling.

1 - Invest in Supportive Shoes

Good shoes make a massive difference on placement. Shoes that feel fine for everyday wear often aren’t supportive enough for 8–12 hour shifts on hard hospital floors.

Look for shoes with:

• good cushioning

• arch support

• non-slip soles

• enough room for your toes

Comfort matters far more than appearance.

2 - Break Your Shoes In Before Placement

One of the worst mistakes you can make is wearing brand new shoes on your first shift. Even supportive shoes can cause blisters and soreness if your feet haven’t adjusted to them yet.

Wear them around the house, to the shops, or on short walks before placement starts. Your feet will thank you later.

3 - Rotate Your Shoes

If you’re on placement several days in a row, rotating between two pairs of shoes can help more than people realise. It gives the cushioning time to recover and slightly changes the pressure points on your feet each day.

Even experienced nurses often rotate shoes during busy work weeks.

4 - Compression Socks Really Do Help

Compression socks can reduce swelling, leg fatigue, and that heavy “my legs are dead” feeling after a long shift. A lot of students don’t try them until placement — then end up wondering why they waited so long.

5 - Take Small Recovery Opportunities

You do not need to stand every second of your shift to prove you’re hardworking. If you get a chance to sit while charting, drink water, or take pressure off your feet for a minute, take it.

Stretching your calves and rolling your feet over a frozen water bottle after placement can also help ease soreness.

Remember…

The first few weeks can be rough, but it does get easier as your body adjusts.

Supportive shoes, compression socks, hydration, and recovery can make a huge difference — and there’s a reason nurses take footwear so seriously.