Emergen-C, OnlineMedEd notes, and any form of back support – this is all I needed to survive 3rd year. All kidding aside, it was one of the most exciting years of medical school; I enjoyed time to actually talk to patients and correlate clinically after two long years of religiously hitting the books. I loved every single one of my rotations, all for different reasons. But to survive the long days – I always made sure I was comfortable. Because I had an inpatient service every other month and spent my spare time in the ORs, I often found myself in scrubs and tennis shoes 95% of the time. Picking a pair of tennis shoes that was versatile enough so I could wear them on the wards, during my workouts, and out casually with friends was paramount in my selection. Selecting a pair that were comfy, functional, and versatile were key.
I’ve been testing out my Vionic Kiara Pro sneakers for the last 30 days. They come in 3 colors: navy, light grey, and black with varying accents for a stylish twist (sky blue, lilac, dark grey). I chose the navy color to help prevent noticeable stains that come with a job in medicine. I wear a size 7.5, and they fit true to size. Compared to my running shoes or my soft leathered Annie Los, these have a more robust, well-structured exterior.
While on medicine rounds, it’s pretty easy to come across hospital floors being wiped down and cleaned. This is especially true in the ORs, where the rooms are often cleaned between cases. These Kiara Pros have a slip-resistant sole to help with balance.
I enjoyed how sturdy the shoes were, and over the last several weeks, noticed how the fabric melted to the shape of my foot without compromising abutment. Though the fabric is not as airy as some of my running shoes, I particularly valued this because I felt my feet were protected. The Vionic Kiara Pros boast an orthotic sole, and coming from someone with a very flat foot, it has been very helpful in providing adequate support after long days standing.
Overall, I’ve been really impressed with these sneakers. I have worn them while on rotations, running errands, and even at my own appointments. Because of the neutral navy color, I have been able to match them easily with any colored scrubs, and they look great with casual athleisure as well. To me, it’s important to make an investment that you can feel confident and comfortable wearing all day, all night, and from one setting to the next. Looking forward to updating y’all on how these sneakers hold up in the next few months!
If you could get your own pair of Vionics, which color would you choose?