Gales Shoes Review 2023: The Best Shoes For Nurses?
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Finding the perfect pair of shoes may often feel like an intimidating endeavor, especially with so many options available. My Gales shoes review will serve as your guide as you explore the world of Gales, a company that has attracted interest and piqued people’s curiosity.
Co-developed with over 1,500 healthcare professionals, Gales are built to support people who stand. Their lightweight, slip-resistant, waterproof, antimicrobial, breathable, and comfortable design make them a top choice for healthcare and service. They are known for making the best shoes for nurses.
I’ll review the quality, comfort, and style of Gales Shoes in this post and provide some of my favorite selections from their line. My evaluation will assist you in making an informed choice, whether you’re a nurse looking for comfortable everyday footwear for work, or are simply standing at lot at any occasion.
Find out if Gales Shoes are the ideal addition to your shoe collection. Let’s get started.
What Are Gales Shoes? (An Overview)
Gales® is a pioneering footwear brand that has revolutionized the way we think about footwear, focusing on dispersing energy and reducing the impact on the knees, backs, and joints of individuals who endure long and grueling 12+ hour shifts.
The core mission of Gales is to provide superior care and support to essential workers who tirelessly serve their communities.
How Did The Gales Shoes Brand Get Started?
Gales Shoes was founded with a strong commitment to supporting essential workers who endure long, grueling shifts and to address a pressing issue in infection control and workplace safety.
The company’s journey began when Rob Gregg, the owner of a luxury Italian footwear company, was deeply inspired by the dedication and heroism of healthcare professionals during the critical months of 2020. Rob’s close friend’s life was saved by nurses during this time, prompting him to become a full-time healthcare volunteer.
Through his work with the nurse innovation group SONSIEL, Rob Gregg discovered a startling fact: footwear was the #1 unaddressed issue in infection control and safety in the workplace.
A staggering 80% of healthcare workers wore shoes that absorbed harmful bacteria and disease, while 90% of tested footwear tracked bacteria – an even higher percentage than bathroom floors and toilet seats.
This exposed healthcare professionals to risks and facilitated the spread of life-threatening diseases like CDIFF, MERS, STAF, E COLI, and more from room to room and into their homes.
Rob Gregg decided to take a bold step. He closed down his luxury Italian footwear company to focus on creating a revolutionary solution to meet this urgent need, driven by a deeper purpose and vision.
Gales Shoes was born with a mission to design high-quality, protective footwear that caters to the specific needs of healthcare workers such as nurses while prioritizing comfort and safety.
What Are Gales Shoes Core Values?
Gales Shoes operates on a set of core values that underpin its mission and culture:
DIVERSITY: The company values all perspectives and recognizes that its differences make it stronger. Diversity is celebrated as an asset that enriches the company’s approach to innovation and inclusivity.
EQUITY: Openness, honesty, and accountability are paramount values at Gales Shoes. The company is committed to taking responsibility for its actions ensuring fairness in all aspects of its operations.
INCLUSION: Gales Shoes is dedicated to building an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. It strives to create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.
Sustainability Commitment
Beyond its mission to support essential workers, Gales Shoes is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability. The company recognizes the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable future.
To this end, Gales Shoes incorporates solar power into its operations and uses partially recycled materials in the production of its footwear. This commitment reflects the company’s broader vision of promoting well-being for individuals and the planet.
Gales Shoes Review (The Best Nursing Shoes)
Here are the two best styles of Gales Shoes for nurses or anyone on their feet a lot:
1. Gales Frontline Nursing Shoe Review
Introducing Gales Shoes Frontline, the ultimate footwear solution designed to revolutionize your workday comfort and elevate your performance on the frontlines.
Engineered with cutting-edge technology and co-developed alongside over 1,500 dedicated healthcare professionals, these shoes are your trusted companion for those demanding shifts that keep you on your feet.
Gales Frontline is meticulously crafted to address the unique challenges faced by healthcare heroes, making it the go-to choice for thousands of nurses and medical professionals.
The distinguishing quality of these shoes is their extraordinary capacity to lessen weariness throughout those protracted, taxing shifts. A cloudlike all-day comfort that keeps you energized and focused is here to replace your weary feet.
These shoes also feature slip-resistant soles, ensuring you maintain stability and control, even in slippery conditions.
You can move confidently, knowing you have the support you need to deliver top-notch patient care.
Additionally, the fluid and water-resistant design of Gales Frontline ensures that your feet stay dry and comfortable, no matter what the day throws your way.
Gales Frontline shoes are less expensive than the Pro Line shoe series which I’ll cover below. I’ll also share the two shoe styles key differences.
Browse The Gales Frontline Shoes Best Sellers
2. Gales Pro Line Nursing Shoe Review
The Pro-Line is the epitome of orthopedic footwear designed with essential workers in mind. These exceptional shoes are the answer to reducing joint pain, alleviating back and knee pressure and ensuring you stay agile and comfortable throughout your demanding workday.
Gales Pro Line boasts cloud-like comfort, earning it the coveted #1 rank in independent lab tests for durability, fit, pressure reduction, and overall comfort.
Crafted with innovative XL Extralight® technology, these ergonomic shoes provide an unparalleled all-day comfort experience, keeping your feet energized from dawn to dusk.
When it comes to safety, Gales has you covered with ASTM F2913 slip-resistant soles, offering unbeatable traction in any environment.
These lace-free wonders are easy to clean and bleach-friendly, ensuring that your shoes remain pristine. With built-in antimicrobial protection, you’ll be shielded from fungus, bacteria, and odors.
Gales Pro Line is designed for everyone, accommodating wide widths and enhancing breathability through interior ventilation. You’ll stay cool, dry, and comfortable no matter how intense your work gets.
Experience the future of orthopedic footwear with Gales Shoes Pro Line, where comfort, safety, and sustainability converge to support you in your essential work.
Browse The Gales Pro Line Shoes Best Sellers
Gales Frontline VS. Pro Line Shoes
While both share core attributes, the Pro Line distinguishes itself through its modern aesthetics, accommodation of wider widths, superior breathability, and robust slip-resistant rubber soles.
How Are Gales Pro Line Shoes Different From Frontline Shoes? (Distinguishing Features):
- New Stylish Silhouette: The Pro Line boasts a brand-new and improved sneaker-like style, elevating your professional appearance without compromising on comfort.
- Wider Widths Accommodated: The Pro Line shoes now cater to individuals with wider feet, ensuring a comfortable fit. If your feet fall within the standard or narrow width spectrum, worry not; the snug instep and ample toe room will cater to your needs with equal finesse.
- Enhanced Breathability: Gale’s latest technology introduces strategically positioned ridged ventilation outlets on the instep, promoting a cool and dry sensation while effectively minimizing moisture intrusion from spills and splashes.
- Robust Rubber Soles: The Pro Line outsoles have been fortified with heightened slip resistance, rendering them an ideal choice for those laboring in kitchen environments, where surefootedness is paramount.
How Are The Gales Frontline and Gales Pro Line Similar?
- Lightweight durability: Ranked #1 in independent lab tests for durability, comfort, fit and pressure reduction, their shoes feature featherlight XL Extralight® technology for all-day comfort.
- All day comfort with Ortholite® insoles: Gales insoles are removable and replaceable and provide an additional 7mm of arch support.
- Antimicrobial: Gales shoes are 100% antimicrobial protection. Both their insoles and their outsoles feature patented antimicrobial technology that continually resists microbe growth and provides built-in protection from fungus, bacteria and odor.
- No laces, easy to clean: Without the trouble of laces on both styles, Gales shoes take only seconds to wipe clean. Additionally, their shoes are machine washable and bleach friendly!
- Waterproof: Both styles have a full moisture and microbe barrier protection, keeping your feet dry all shift long.
- Slip Resistant: The treads on Gales shoes were extensively tested to ensure the safety of those who wear them, on both wet and dry surfaces.
Read Gales Customer Reviews of their Frontline & Pro Line Styles
What Makes Gales Shoes A Unique Work Shoe?
Gales shoes stand out as a unique and innovative footwear solution in a market primarily designed for athletic performance. Unlike traditional athletic shoes that focus on boosting energy return to enhance jumping and running capabilities, Gales takes a distinct approach.
Gales shoes are specifically engineered to alleviate the strain on the body during long shifts, offering a crucial benefit for professionals across various industries such as healthcare, hospitality, education, and the vast number of individuals who spend their workdays on their feet.
By diffusing impact and dispersing energy, Gales effectively reduces the pressure exerted on the knees, back, and joints, thereby addressing long-term pain and health complications associated with prolonged standing.
What further sets Gales apart is their commitment to sustainability and hygiene. These shoes are fully bleachable and machine washable, ensuring cleanliness and durability. They also incorporate antimicrobial properties to maintain a sanitary environment for the wearer.
Additionally, Gales are crafted using partially recycled and eco-friendly materials, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility. Notably, the manufacturing of these shoes takes place in North America, reinforcing their commitment to local production.
Beyond their innovative design and sustainability efforts, Gales is a brand with a philanthropic mission, donating thousands of pairs each year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making them unique, socially responsible, and community-focused in their approach.
How To Clean Gales Shoes?
Caring for your Gales shoes is essential to ensure they stay clean and maintain their antimicrobial and fluid-resistant properties.
Here are the steps to care for your Gales shoes both at work and at home, depending on the level of cleaning required:
Cleaning Gales Shoes At Work (Quick Clean)
3 Second Cleaning During Shifts:
- Wipe your Gales shoes from top to bottom with a disinfecting wipe.
- That’s it! Your shoes are ready to go.
Cleaning Gales Shoes At Home (Moderate Cleaning)
When Your Day Got a Little Messy and Your Gales Need a Little TLC:
- Scrub off any visible dirt and grime on your Gales shoes using an old toothbrush or cloth.
- Wipe down your shoes with a disinfecting wipe.
- Your shoes should be clean and refreshed.
Cleaning Gales Shoes At Home (Deep Cleaning)
For Those Days That Are More Than Just “a Little” Messy):
- Remove the Ortholite insoles from your shoes. Machine wash them in a cold setting and allow them to air dry.
- Scrub off any visible dirt and grime from your shoes using an old toothbrush or cloth.
- Mix a 1:10 bleach solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water).
- Fully submerge your Gales shoes in the bleach solution and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the shoes thoroughly to remove any bleach residue and prevent skin irritation.
- Allow the shoes to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight to prevent warping.
- While your shoes are drying, take the opportunity to relax and rest your feet.
By following these cleaning instructions, you can keep your Gales shoes in excellent condition, ensuring they remain comfortable and suitable for healthcare work environments.
If you are ever in need of new insoles for your Gale shoes, you might find my article on the best insoles for standing all day helpful. I also have a separate article on the best insoles for walking a lot at work.
Are Gales Shoes Worth It?
Yes, Gales Shoes are undoubtedly worth your money. In my opinion you won’t fund a better shoe for nurses and frontline workers. These shoes are a testament to quality, comfort, and style, making them an excellent investment for anyone seeking footwear that combines both form and function. The verified Gales shoes reviews don’t lie. I can’t say enough great things about these shoes.
Gales Shoes are crafted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring durability and longevity, so you won’t find yourself needing to replace them frequently. Moreover, they prioritize comfort, with advanced cushioning and support systems that make them perfect for all-day wear, whether you’re strolling through the city or standing for hours at work.
Gales Shoes has a 30-day return policy, giving you ample time to decide if the shoes meet your expectations.
Can You Return Your New Gales Shoes? (Eligibility):
Your item must be in the same condition as when you received it, meaning it should be unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging.
You will need to provide the receipt or proof of purchase when requesting a return.
Initiating a Gales shoe return:
To start a return, simply contact Gales Shoes at hello@weargales.com. They will guide you through the process and provide you with a return shipping label and instructions on where and how to send your package.
Remember, items sent back without prior authorization will not be accepted.
Damages and Issues:
If you receive a defective, damaged, or incorrect item, Gales Shoes encourages you to inspect your order upon reception and contact them immediately.
They will assess the issue and work to make it right.
Exceptions/Non-Returnable Items:
Certain items, like custom products, cannot be returned. If you have questions about a specific item, it’s best to reach out to Gales Shoes for clarification.
Additionally, please note that sale items and gift cards are not eligible for returns.
Exchanges:
If you need to exchange an item, contacting Gales Shoes at hello@weargales.com is the quickest way to get the process started.
They will provide instructions for shipping back your item and facilitate the exchange directly.
Refunds:
Once Gales Shoes receives and inspects your return, they will notify you about whether the refund has been approved.
If approved, the refund will be processed automatically to your original payment method. However, please be aware that shipping costs will not be refunded, and a $9 restocking fee will be deducted from your refund amount.
Keep in mind that it may take some time for Gales Shoes to receive and inspect the return (up to 15 business days, depending on shipping speed) and for your bank or credit card company to process and post your refund.
Gales Shoes Review: My Experience
Gales Shoes have truly impressed me; from the moment I slipped my feet into these shoes, it was evident that they are a cut above the rest.
The quality of craftsmanship is exceptional, evident in every stitch and detail. Not only are they stylish, but they also offer a level of comfort I’ve rarely experienced in footwear.
Whether navigating the city’s bustling streets or spending a long day at work, Gales Shoes provides the support and cushioning I need.
Moreover, their versatile designs make them suitable for various occasions, seamlessly blending fashion with functionality.
I personally chose the Gales Pro Line Nurse Blake in Black/Pink as my number one go-to shoes for a long day shift at work, and my experience with them has been outstanding!
I experimented with the initial Gales Frontline shoe, finding its cushioning quite satisfying, but it was a bit narrow for my feet.
The recently introduced Pro Line, on the other hand, has impressed me. It offers a more spacious and comfortable fit overall, with no discomfort from tightness or pressure.
While they may not be the epitome of style, their understated design aligns well with our focus on workday comfort.
Additionally, they strike a balance between being lightweight and sturdy, showcasing quality craftsmanship.
The side perforations provide effective airflow, preventing sweaty feet. Plus, their lace-free design simplifies cleaning and maintenance, ensuring no hidden spaces for unwanted substances.
I’m thoroughly satisfied with the Pro Line and have been enthusiastically recommending them.
Gales Shoes are a fantastic addition to any wardrobe, and their excellent performance justifies every positive review.
Visit Gales Shoes Official Site or Compare Pricing for Gales Shoes on Amazon