There are some things they didn’t talk about in school. Like how there would be days you’d leave the OR, maternity ward, emergency room, or even the field covered in cold, wet, slimy, who-knows-what?
Or how easy it is to slip and fall when the surgical room floor is covered in fluids.
Or the fortune you’d spend on new sneakers because the disposable shoe covers that your facility uses fail you again and again.
We’ve been there. Heck, we’ve been YOU!
And we got really, really tired of it.
But since we had zero desire to leave the medical field, and since competing PPE products left much to be desired, we decided the best route would instead be to make our own disposable shoe covers.
So, we got down to business.
Below, we’re going to discuss four of the most important things you should look for when you shop for disposable shoe covers.
From there, we’re going to compare medical shoe covers so you can decide for yourself what you’d like to try.
Let’s begin with what to look for.
#1 Fluid Protection
Not every surgery is the same. Some have few fluid issues while others are incredibly messy. From Orthopedic Arthroscopy to C-sections to cyst procedures, there are varying amounts and kinds of fluids you’re exposed to. But no matter how wet (or not) your day is, you should never be concerned about your disposable shoe covers leaking.
Utilizing impenetrable disposable shoe covers gives you the highest level of protection for the covered area. This is especially true when you’re involved in a procedure that involves fluids splashing or pooling on the ground.
#2 Slip Protection
Prior to surgical procedures, a number of considerations are taken to ensure healthcare staff remain as safe as possible. From the placing of sharp tools to sound considerations and lighting for visibility, there are many things that are controllable.
What isn’t controllable, however, is fluid that splashes and spills adding a very real risk of slips and falls. So, wearing disposable shoe covers with proper traction while working in slippery conditions is a must.
#3 Manufacturer Location
The supply chain issues that everyone thought would start and end with COVID continue to linger. This is causing longer than normal wait times for everyday products your facility depends on, including PPE. One way to battle this problem is by utilizing vendors that manufacture their products in North America. By removing the overseas shipping component, your facility is able to receive orders more quickly and often in a larger supply.
#4 Order Quantity and Size
Shelf space is a valuable commodity in today’s healthcare facilities. From cleaning products to distinctions between sterile field gloves, gowns, and other products in varying sizes, there rarely seems to be enough room for everything.
That’s why finding PPE products like disposable shoe covers that are one-size-fits-all is an important factor.
Compare medical shoe covers
Knowing what to look for in a trustworthy PPE product is important. Once you’re aware of what you need, the search for the right disposable shoe covers becomes a lot more simplified. Because while some products will tick all the boxes above, others will not. And that’s how you can begin to determine what disposable shoe covers will be best for your feet.
Sta-Dri Shoe Covers
Squishy socks are no fun so these slip-on shoe covers are designed to keep your favorite kicks (and stockings) dry during messy surgeries.
Manufacturer: Sloan Medical
Cost: $$$
Sizing: One-size-fits-all
Fluid Protection: 4 droplets
Slide Resistance: Ultra non-skid available
Features:
- Heat-sealed seams prevent leaking
- Impervious 2-ml polyethylene blend keeps you cool
- Meets ASTM’s F1671 test standards
- Durable yet disposable
- Easily worn under surgical gowns
- Made in North America
- Try for FREE!
Sta-Dri Knee-Highs
Say “goodbye” to uninspired booties. You (and your Yeezys) will stay dry no matter how messy the surgery with One-size-fits-all Sta-Dri Knee-Highs.
Manufacturer: Sloan Medical
Cost: $$$
Sizing: One-size-fits-all
Fluid Protection: 4 droplets
Slide Resistance: Ultra non-skid available
Features:
- Standing 19” tall, reaches just below the knee
- Impervious 2-ml polyethylene blend
- Meets ASTM’s F1671 test standards
- Lightweight and disposable
- Available in regular and non-skid versions
- Made in North America
- Try for FREE!
Medline Premium Non-Skid Multilayer Shoe Cover
Featuring multi-layered material as well as a non-skid pattern, these premium shoe covers are available in various sizes and patterns. While fluid-resistant, they are not fluid proof.
Manufacturer: Medline
Cost: $$
Sizing: Regular/Large, Extra Large, and Extra Extra Large
Fluid Protection: 1 droplet
Slide Resistance: Non-skid striped pattern
Features:
- Multi-layered materials
- Available as heavy-weight or lightweight
- Seamed or seamless product
Medline Polyethylene Shoe Cover
When good traction isn’t a concern, these disposable shoe covers are what you need to get through your procedures. However, smooth bottoms could allow for slips or falls during messy procedures. Additionally, the shorter style could allow for fluid penetration.
Manufacturer: Medline
Cost: $$
Sizing: One Size Fits Most
Fluid Protection: 3 droplets
Slide Resistance: Smooth bottom
Features:
- Smooth bottom perfect for food prep
- Made from polyethylene material
- Withstands high fluid levels
Cardinal Health Poly-coated High-top Shoe Covers
Dealing with a lot of fluid in your day-to-day tasks? These durable shoe covers feature elastic to help decrease the likelihood of fluid leaks and felt to reduce the risk of falls.
Manufacturer: Cardinal Health
Cost: $$$$
Sizing: Universal or Extra Large
Fluid Protection: 3 droplets
Slide Resistance: Anti-skid
Features:
- Elastic bands at calf and ankle to reduce fluid leak risk
- Foam strip adds anti-skid protection
- Meets ASTM’s F1670 and F1671 test standards
- Made in North America
- Disposable
Cardinal Health SMS Shoe Covers
Durable shoe covers made with SMS fabric, these breathable shoe covers are comfortable for even the longest of surgeries; however, they are not built for complete fluid protection.
Manufacturer: Cardinal Health
Cost: $$$
Sizing: Universal, Extra Large, or Extra Extra Large
Fluid Protection: 2 droplets
Slide Resistance: Available in anti-skid or smooth
Features:
- Non-woven, spunbonded polypropylene fabric
- Made in North America
- Disposable
When you start to compare medical shoe covers, it can feel frustrating. That’s because you don’t always know what you need—you only know what you don’t like. Don’t worry—Sloan Medical has you covered.
Our PPE was designed by a urologist who understands the frustrations that come with wet, messy surgeries and undependable disposable shoe covers. With our products being manufactured in North America, we offer the highest quality PPE with a full line of Sta-Dri products designed for the maximum comfort and protection your medical staff deserves. Request a FREE sample to experience the Sloan difference.
