Proper footwear is a simple yet effective way to reduce pain in employees standing for long hours. Employees should use the tips below to make an educated decision when choosing footwear for work that is comfortable for working on your feet for long periods of time. "Do's and Do Not's" of employee footwear include
:
- DO choose shoes that provide a firm grip for heels; if the back of a shoe is too wide or soft, the shoe may slip, leading to instability and soreness
- DO wear shoes that allow freedom of toe movement; if shoes are too narrow or shallow, pain and fatigue can occur
- DO ensure that shoes offer arch support; without it, flattening of the foot can appear
- Do wear shoes with lace-up fastenings to maximize safety
- Do use a shock-absorbing cushioned insole when working on metal or cement floors
- DON’T wear completely flat shoes; a small heel, like on most sneakers can decrease strain on the Achilles tendon, and allow for more comfortable standing and walking
- DON’T wear high heels; heels should have a broad base and be less than one inch in height