Black nurses wear white nursing shoes, according to the nurse specialty section of the American Nurses Association’s website.
“Black nurses have historically worn white shoes as a mark of respect to the black community, to honor their heritage, to show respect for their elders, and to represent the ideals of nursing and caregiving in America,” the association’s website states.
The nursing shoes listed in the section are: Black nurse shoes, white nursing, white sneakers, white boots, white shoes, black nurse boots, black sneakers, black boots, blue nursing shoes , white boots , white sneakers In addition, the nursing shoe section lists black nurse shoes from a range of styles, such as white sneakers from the Adidas Originals line, white pumps, white socks, and white socks with a brown sole.
The association website notes that black nurses have been known to wear white shoes during funerals for funerals, in addition to a white pair of white sneakers at a wedding, and at the funeral of a deceased loved one.
White sneakers have been a fashion trend for many years, with women wearing white sneakers to signify the importance of mourning, and men wearing white shoes to signify pride.
Last year, the Black Nurses Alliance released a statement in support of the white nursing shoe.
The group said in the statement that it is a way for black mothers to show that they value black life and that the importance and value of black life is the most important factor in a mother’s decision to nurse, which it considers an important part of her role in society.