Determine where medical shoe covers will be worn

The environment that the shoe covers will be worn in determines the type of shoe covers you need. Although most medical booties have the same features these days, there are some exceptions.

I recommend: Visit some hospital supply sites to see what's available in the way of hospital shoe covers. The majority are disposable and intended for one-time use. Options include polyethylene covers that protect shoes and feet against fluids, non-slip tread that provides traction while reducing slippage and plastic shoe covers that are waterproof to protect feet from splashes.

Consider length of use of washable or disposable shoe covers

Some occupations might call for wearing disposable shoe covers in isolated instances or for short periods of time, while others might call for all-day usage.

I recommend: If you're buying shoe covers for a staff, department or entire hospital, your need clearly won't fall into either the "all-day" wearer or the "sporadic" wearer. You might want to consider economy shoe covers for the occasional users who don't require durability, as well as a supply of more durable shoe covers that take extended wear, comfort and breatheability into account.

Know your shoe cover wearers

Foot size and the type of shoe being covered need to be considered when purchasing medical shoe covers.

I recommend: Purchasing disposable shoe covers in both standard and large sizes will ensure that you have something to fit everyone. Some manufacturers make sport sizes to cover larger, athletic-type shoes. Boot covers also are an option when shopping for protective shoe covers.