When it comes to nursing shoes, it’s hard to find great vegan-friendly options. Not everyone wants to spend their hard-earned money on something that will give them less than ideal comfort, or that doesn’t fit the way they want it to. But, you might be surprised at the number of options available in the market today.
Before we get into all the details, let me summarize the top picks for the best men’s vegan shoes for nurses…
- Best Overall: On Cloud X
- Runner Up: ALTRA Men’s Escalante 2.5 Road Running Shoe
- Alternate: Xero Shoes Men’s HFS
What used to be a niche market for a small subculture has become a mainstream product used by vegans and non-vegans alike. With all these options, finding the best vegan shoes can be tough.
The first thing you’ll notice if you’re looking into buying vegan-friendly shoes is that they’re few and far between. Shoes with leather have been treated with all sorts of chemicals and can be more expensive. Luckily, there are a lot of companies out there that are making synthetic alternatives to leather sneakers.
After spending some time searching for the best vegan shoes for men, we compiled the top eight vegan footwear options that would make for the perfect pair of nursing shoes that fit your needs… Let’s get to the details!
Best Overall Men’s Vegan Shoes for Nurses
On Cloud X Training Shoe
The On Cloud X is a neutral training shoe that uses Swiss engineering to ensure maximum comfort for every movement. This vegan nursing shoe is made from entirely vegan materials, has great lockdown, molds to the shape of your foot, and is surprisingly breathable.
ON Cloud X Men’s Sneakers
The outsole is rubber and has a great grip on roads and light trails. The sole is also very stable, making it great for heel strikers or people who have trouble with overpronation. The outsole also has less rubber than most running shoes, so it’s not as heavy or clunky-feeling.
On has taken their signature cloud-like cushioning system and amped it up with next-level comfort. With a speed-lacing system, it molds to your feet for that next level of comfort as you sprint from room to room, and its plush midsole adapts to your stride to provide the best possible stability.
They’re flexible enough that they fit your foot while providing an impressive amount of lockdown and stability. You can rest assured that even though you’re moving fast from one patient to the next, your feet won’t slip around inside your shoes and give you blisters or other sores along the way.
And it’s not just for walking around the hospital: it’s got a great grip on the roads and even light trails, so if you need a change of pace from working with patients, you can run or hike in these shoes too. This shoe is also 100% vegan-friendly, making it an awesome choice for those who prefer not to use animal products.
The On Cloud X Training Shoe is a pure running shoe that’s engineered for comfort and great lockdown, making it one of the best vegan-friendly nursing shoes for men who are always on the go.
Runner-up, best men’s vegan shoes for nurses
ALTRA Men’s Escalante 2.5 Road Running Shoe
We love vegan-friendly and environmentally conscious shoes with a focus on sustainable materials. That’s why ALTRA Men’s Escalante 2.5 Road Running Shoe is our pick for you!
ALTRA Men’s Escalante 2.5 Running Shoes
ALTRA Men’s Escalante 2.5 Road Running Shoe is a great vegan-friendly shoe for nurses. It is true to size and very comfortable. The shoe is springy and responsive, which is important for nurses on their feet most of the day. It is also lightweight, so your legs won’t feel weighed down.
The Original Altra EGO foam helps with energy return and gives you a responsive feel that stays soft and comfortable. The signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread out, encouraging proper, low-impact form throughout your run.
The InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility so you can keep up with your busy schedule. The sock-like engineered knit upper keeps your foot comfortable while keeping it locked in place.
If you’re looking for a running shoe that’s lightweight, comfortable, and vegan-friendly—all while delivering a little extra pop on your run—look no further than the Altra Men’s Escalante 2.5 Road Running Shoe. This is an awesome shoe for nurses looking to keep up their fitness during busy shifts or run errands after work quickly and easily.
Best Alternative Men’s Vegan Shoes for Nurses
Xero Shoes Men’s HFS Running Shoes
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly shoe that can keep up with your busy days as a nurse, the Xero Shoes Men’s HFS is a minimalist running shoe allowing you to feel the ground beneath your feet while providing enough support.
Xero Shoes Men’s HFS Running Shoes
The huarache-inspired design is not only eye-catching but functional as well, giving you a secure and comfortable fit with an EVA footbed. The instep and midfoot straps are not just eye-catching but functional, giving you a secure and comfortable fit.
The “XERO-drop design (non-elevated heel) allows for proper posture and is built low to the ground for balance and agility. Additionally, the 5.5mm FeelTrue® rubber sole provides you with the right combination of protection plus ground feedback so you can feel as natural as possible while wearing them.
In addition to being vegan-friendly, these running shoes for nurses also have a wide toe box that allows for natural foot movement and plenty of room to wiggle those toes after long shifts on the job. This feature is particularly helpful if you suffer from plantar fasciitis or other foot pain due to standing all day because it provides much-needed arch support while walking around all day long in scrubs!
Xero Shoes Men’s HFS Running Shoes provide a secure fit that is comfortable and convenient for nurses who need to move around quickly during their shift. The adjustable instep straps allow you to put these shoes on without removing anything from your feet.
Though, this vegan nursing shoe for nurses is a bit on the small side. We recommend choosing 1/2 size larger than your usual size to get your perfect fit.
Hoka One One Men’s Arahi 5
If you’re looking for a modern, cushioned, lightweight shoe that offers a wide, stable platform underfoot and ample room for wider feet, then the Hoka One One Men’s Arahi 5 is the perfect shoe for you.
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Arahi 5 Trainers
The upper is made of mesh and other vegan materials, providing a breathable and durable shoe that feels light on your feet. The removable Ortholite insole adds to the cushioning of this runner, which features a wide toe box and has been designed to provide an efficient toe-off. This versatile shoe offers breathability, comfort, and support to runners with wide feet and is incredibly lightweight.
This well-cushioned neutral running shoe is designed for daily training runs and recovery jogs. It has been designed with a wider midsole platform that delivers added stability for heel strikers while providing good grip, thanks to its outsole lugs.
This shoe has a wide platform underfoot that makes it great for those with wider feet and is also very stable, so it’s great for heel strikers too!
The Hoka One One Men’s Arahi 5 is perfect for nurses who spend long hours on their feet as it provides exceptional comfort and support and offers superior levels of shock absorption. If you have wide feet, this has plenty of room to spread out without being cramped or uncomfortable.
Reebok Men’s Nano X1 Vegan
The Reebok Men’s Nano X1 Vegan is constructed using plant-based materials and color-block details. Not only is it constructed using plant-based materials, but it includes color-block details that allow you to express your unique personality.
Reebok Men’s Nano X1 Cross Trainer Shoes
The closed rounded toe design means that you won’t have to worry about catching your toes on anything when performing your daily rounds. The textile upper and lining provide a good fit, while the synthetic outsole provides good traction on wet or slippery floors.
It includes lightweight, resilient, and ultra-responsive Floatride Energy Foam cushioning to ensure that you can walk around all day in comfort. The synthetic outsole offers maximum durability and traction so that you can maintain good footing in any situation.
The Reebok Men’s Nano X1 Vegan is a stylish sneaker that is comfortable and a great choice for those who are vegan and care about sustainability while still getting the support you need to get through your long shifts.
Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan
The Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Shoes are the perfect shoes for the job—they’re great-looking, comfortable, and they’re made to endure your miles of walking in a day.
Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Shoes
Saucony is one of the leading shoe brands for athletes, but these shoes aren’t just for runners. They’re made to keep up with people like you who live active lifestyles and need a durable, vegan-friendly shoe that can handle all the miles you put on it every day.
It has a durable canvas upper, and the lace-up front ensures an optimal fit. The padded collar and tongue provide a cozy fit, and soft textile lining gives your feet a great in-shoe feel. Plus, the cushioned footbed provides superior shock absorption and extra comfort.
The rubber outsole is what puts this shoe over the top, though—it provides superior traction that nurses need to run around all day, whether it’s in the hospital or at home with their kids.
If you love the look of a stylish, classic shoe but want something lightweight for a 12-hour shift, this vegan-friendly Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan is perfect for you! You’ll love the comfort and support, and because it’s made without animal products, it’s easy to keep clean while being gentle on your skin.
Freewaters Men’s Tall Boy Trainer Knit
The Freewaters Men’s Tall Boy Trainer Knit has a vegan construction, so you don’t have to feel guilty about the materials they’re made of. This shoe is engineered to be durable, comfortable, and flexible, so you can easily go from one patient room to another.
Freewaters Men’s Tall Boy Trainer Knit Lace-up Shoes
The engineered knit upper features open-knit zoned breathability, so your feet will stay cool, even in the most stressful situation. With a seamless design and super pillow insole, you’ll experience an instant soft fit with ergonomic and supportive cushioning that can bounce back after a long shift.
The Tall Boy midsole provides a supportive and ergonomic insole that is maximally cushioned to prevent fatigue and provide great rebound. This ultimate comfort shoe is finished with a grippy rubber outsole that offers flexibility and durability, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or having to replace your shoes every few months.
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly shoe that keeps you comfortable on your feet all day, Freewaters Men’s Tall Boy Trainer Knit is a great option! These shoes are also super comfortable—the cute seamless design offers an instant soft fit, and the pillowy insole is supportive and ergonomic.
Salewa Men’s Lite Train K
The Salewa Men’s Lite Train K is a vegan-friendly hiking shoe that will take you all over the place in comfort and style. The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool while still offering protection from the elements.
Salewa Lite Train K Men’s Shoes
The climbing lacing system provides a more accurate lacing in the toe area, giving more support and better performance. The mesh lining keeps you cool during those long shifts, and the cushioned footbed offers all-day underfoot comfort.
The 3F Total System connects the 3F System to the shoe’s lacing area to give your foot more control and stability—something every nurse needs in their work shoes. The Michelin® Lite Train outsole features OC Compound inserts for long-lasting durability and traction so that you can move swiftly around the ward without worry.
With all of these features, the Salewa Men’s Lite Train K guarantees that you will have the most relaxing day at work. This vegan-friendly nursing shoe is designed for speed hiking and mountain training, but it also makes the perfect companion for you on those long, busy days at work.
Best men’s vegan shoes for nurses, final thoughts…
There is a very good reason why hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities have switched over to plant-based shoe materials: they offer top-quality foot protection, are easier to maintain than animal products, are better for the environment, and most importantly – they create an ideal working environment for nurses, where comfort and safety are their number one priority.
You’ve made it to the end, as a reminder, here are our top 3 picks for vegan shoes for male nurses…
- Best Overall: On Cloud X
- Runner Up: ALTRA Men’s Escalante 2.5 Road Running Shoe
- Alternate: Xero Shoes Men’s HFS
Our choice overall, the On Cloud X Training Shoe is the best vegan-friendly nursing shoe for men. The style is perfect for male nurses, and the comfort and durability are unparalleled. The shoe’s support and cushioning ensure that it performs well, and the shoe’s comprehensive upper design allows for excellent breathability and ventilation.
You don’t want to get sick from wearing uncomfortable shoes, so it’s important to have comfortable vegan shoes for nurses. Ultimately, the best ones will depend on your needs, and what you’re looking for in a shoe. We hope that our suggestions made it easier for you to narrow down your choices and better understand the different brands and their value to the nursing community.