Birkenstock nurses shoes? When I first heard of Birkenstock nurses shoes from a colleague, I thought they were crazy! And I still feel a little funny thinking of it.

In no way did I ever think I would wear something my college friends were wearing while they were partying and listening to the Doors. I always viewed them as rather hippy-ish, not professional. And I guess that is why when I was complaining of how bad my feet hurt, I almost fell over laughing when they were suggested.

Most of my friends at work wore Crocs until they decided that they were not very safety conscious with the openings in the shoes. Even the Professional ones with the vents only on the side have now become taboo. Fluids could still get in.

Ok, there is only one pair of Birkenstock nurses shoes that I will wear, mainly because they are just too noisy when you are trying to walk down the hall without disturbing anyone. (There is nothing worse than walking down a quiet hall to have everyone look at you because of your shoes!)Those are the ones the ones that still wear like a clog but look more like a sneaker.

Birkenstock nurses shoes are relatively expensive, much more than my beloved crocs, but they have been really comfy on my feet, even more than Dansko. They have all the extras that Dansko doesn't and much easier to clean.

There are many deciding factors to consider when purchasing a shoe that you are going to wear over 2000 hours per year.

1.) Are they Affordable? When you consider how invaluable your feet, back, legs and ankles are, anything under $500 truly is. Of course, prying that money from your hands can be the trick. But with a variety of shoes ranging from $30- 150, you can be assured there are some within your budget and that will keep you on your feet for years to come.

2.) Are they Comfy? Always make sure that your are getting one that fits securely to your feet with no scraping at any angle on your heal, toe or insole. Bend, walk and stoop down in them before you buy. If you are using a website, make sure of the return policy.

3.) Are they Safe? Slip resistant soles are always a plus. There's nothing worst than falling and busting your backside on a wet floor. But there is much more than that where safety is concerned. With all the germs and fluids that are spilled on the floors in any medical facility, touching your shoes to just take them off could put you at risk. Make sure that you can either slip them off easily like a clog or they are easily washed with a firm rubber sole to prevent any sharp objects from puncturing your feet.

4.) Are they Stylish? When you get a shoe that you think is ugly there is nothing positive about your mood when you put them on. With all the flexibility that healthcare workers have with their uniforms, wearing an unattractive shoe is not going to make you happy.