Most nurses will agree that standing for prolonged periods is one of the hardest parts of the job. It can cause varicose veins to lead to back pain and fatigue in the legs. For these reasons and more, it’s increasingly common for nurses to wear comfortable shoes. With this in mind, an increasing number of nursing shoes are now vegan-friendly due to the wide range of materials available on the market today, such as synthetic and leather alternatives.
Before we jump into the details about the best women’s vegan shoes for nursing, let me give you my top three picks…
- Best Overall: Merrell Women’s Antora 2 Trail Running Shoes
- Runner up: Arcopedico Vegan LS Lace-up Oxford
- Best Alternative: Sanita Women’s Justine Slip-on Clog
Many people have an image of nurses wearing sterile shoes and clothing that don’t involve comfort. Fortunately, there are vegan-friendly shoes available which make it easier for the nurse to maintain a clean shoe and at the same time get to wear clothes that will make them look presentable in their line of work.
Vegan shoes are a great choice for nurses because they’re comfortable enough to wear on long shifts and easy to wipe down and keep clean. They are also better for your feet and support a cause that doesn’t involve animal cruelty.
This article will help you find some great vegan-friendly shoes to keep your feet – and your peace of mind – happy while working at the hospital.
Best Overall Woman’s Vegan Shoe for Nursing
Merrell Women’s Antora 2 Trail Running Shoe
Merrell Women’s Antora 2 Trail Running Shoes are designed specifically for women runners and have tons of features that make them ideal for nurses.
Merrell Antora 2 Women’s Trail Running Shoes
The upper is made of abrasion-resistant textile and TPU so that your shoes can take a beating running around the hospital or doctor’s office. The laces are sturdy and won’t break off while you’re tying them, and they have extra loops to keep your laces secure during those long shifts—no tripping over your own shoes when you’re on a tight schedule!
The Hyperlock™ synthetic heel counter will keep your heel from slipping inside the shoe as you run from patient to patient, and the interior is treated with M Select™ FRESH agents so that you don’t end up with smelly shoes. The breathable mesh lining means that even if your feet do get sweaty (which happens a lot when you’re on your feet all day), they’ll still feel comfortable.
The removable EVA footbed provides long-lasting underfoot support and comfort, while Q FORM 2 midsole technology enhances natural alignment and superior comfort. A medial post provides light pronation relief, and the forefoot and heel cushioning pods in the midsole add extra comfort.
The compression-molded EVA midsole offers stability and shock absorption, while the TrailProtect rock plate protects feet from underfoot debris. The Vibram TC5+ outsole with adaptive lugs helps to keep you stable and protected as you walk or run through various terrains.
Best of all, they’re also vegan-friendly and come in a variety of colors to match whatever scrubs you’re rocking that day!
If you’re looking for a running shoe that’s not too bulky, the Merrell Women’s Antora 2 Trail Running Shoe is a great overall option for nurses who need to move quickly and easily on the job. This shoe is lightweight and uses Q FORM™ 2 midsole technology to provide superior comfort and cushioning pods in the heel and forefoot to keep your feet protected while you’re on the move.
Runner-up Women’s Vegan Shoes for Nursing
Arcopedico Vegan LS Lace-up Oxford
The Arcopedico Vegan LS Lace-up Oxford is the perfect shoe for vegans, nurses, and anyone who wants to be comfortable. With its attractive knit upper that’s durable enough to last for many shifts, this shoe also uses synthetic materials in its insole and outsole, so you know no animals were harmed while they were being made.
Arcopedico Women’s LS Shoes
In addition to being a great choice for vegans, these shoes have a lot more to offer. This vegan shoe for nurses is made of high-quality synthetic materials. The upper is knit with a lace-up closure so you can adjust the fit to your liking, and it won’t lose its shape even after washing. The lining contains the Sansmell™ deodorizing system, which keeps your shoes smelling fresh all day long.
The textile insole provides cushioning and all-day comfort, while the twin arch support system sustains the foot’s arch. And with features like these plus round closed toes, a lace-up vamp, and pull loop in back for easy on/off access.
The sole is made of durable rubber that provides slip-resistant traction on various surfaces. It also has an easy on/off pull loop in the back, so you can get them on quickly when you’re in a rush.
Arcopedico guarantees that vegans can wear these shoes proudly since no animal products were used in the manufacturing process. Arcopedico has been making quality footwear for over 45 years now, so we can guarantee these shoes are worth every penny. They’re not only durable enough to last through multiple seasons without losing their shape, but they’ll also keep your arch supported.
Alternative Women’s Vegan Shoe for Nursing
Sanita Women’s Justine Slip-on Clog
Sanita Women’s Justine Slip-on Clog is a great option for vegan shoes for nurses. These comfortable clogs have an embroidered and applique flower detail, and they are made from recycled PET upper.
Sanita Justine Women’s Professional Clogs
It has a polyurethane outsole with a rocker bottom so you can work while you’re standing all day without getting sore feet, and its padded instep means you won’t have to worry about cramping toes or chafing heels. It’s also made from recycled PET material, which makes this shoe 100% recyclable—so when the time comes to buy another pair, you can throw your old ones away guilt-free!
The roomy toe box allows you to move around easily, while the anatomical footbed supports any activity. The non-slip outsole is perfect for slippery hospital floors, and the variety of colors available makes it easy to find one that matches your scrubs!
This vegan shoe for nurses is also approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as they promote good foot health.
Sanita Women’s Justine Slip-on Clog is a perfect fit for nurses who want to look good and feel good about themselves, knowing that these shoes are made from sustainable materials.
Xero Women’s Prio Running and Fitness Shoe
As any nurse knows, you’re constantly moving in every direction. When your shoes are too constricting and your feet can’t move naturally, it takes its toll. Thankfully, the Xero Women’s Prio Running and Fitness Shoe were designed to offer life-changing comfort without sacrificing superior performance.
Xero Shoes Women’s Prio Cross Training Shoes
One of the main reasons these shoes feel so good is that they’re low-to-the-ground – this gives you better balance and agility to move quickly and confidently in any direction. They’re also made from 100% vegan materials that are lightweight and breathable. Plus, they have an anatomically wide toe box, which lets your toes splay naturally while providing power-producing movement.
On top of being comfortable and supportive, these vegan shoes for nurses are also stylish! They come in four different colors (including a nice shade of maroon); they have huarache sandal-inspired reflective heel, and instep straps that hold your foot securely – with or without socks – while keeping your toes free to move.
If you’re looking for a great sneaker that’s both comfortable and durable, Xero Women’s Prio Running and Fitness Shoe is an excellent choice. It’s lightweight, flexible, breathable, and offers superior performance. Plus, it’s made from 100 percent vegan-friendly materials, so you can feel good about what you’re wearing on your feet.
BOBS Women’s Sport B Flex by Skechers
If you’re looking for easy, discrete wear that doesn’t draw too much attention to itself, the BOBS Sport B Flex by SKECHERS® is a great choice for you. This shoe is the perfect pair of vegan nursing shoes made of 100% synthetic material and has a slip-on design with assisted pull tabs along the heel.
BOBS Sport B Flex by SKECHERS®
The monochromatic design makes it perfect for anyone looking to wear comfortable shoes without attracting too much attention. These vegan shoes are made from textile material and are available in 8 different colors so you can find the perfect one for your outfit.
This vegan shoe for nurses also features Memory Foam® cushioned insoles, so they’ll conform to your feet over time, giving you a custom fit as well as providing a comfortable layer between your feet and the shoe itself.
The slip-on design with assisted pull tabs along the heel makes it easy to take off and put on these shoes. These shoes have an elastic stretch Fit™ soft woven knit upper, making them easy to slip on and off without having to bend over or strain yourself.
The BOBS from Skechers® Bobs B Flex will be your favorite go-to shoes because of how comfortable they are even after long hours of wearing. They’re sleek and clean, which means they won’t stand out when you’re running around in your scrubs, but they will look great when you’re out of work (or just ready to change your shoes).
Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiker Shoes
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that are supportive and durable but also vegan-friendly, the Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiker Shoes have got you covered. These vegan trail shoes are designed specifically for women and feature an air cushion in the heel and triple-layer arch support to keep you evenly supported all day long.
Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiking Shoes
This vegan shoe for nurses features a breathable mesh upper for ventilation, and the cushioned EVA midsole keeps your feet comfy without adding extra weight. The Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole offers excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about slipping while taking care of patients.
The inside of these shoes is fitted with an air cushion in the heel to absorb impacting shock. The insoles are contoured to fit the shape of your foot. A molded nylon arch shank provides additional support for arches, which helps prevent foot fatigue at the end of a long shift.
And if you’ve ever had an unfortunate experience with blisters, you know that the key to a good nursing shoe is the fit. The Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Hiker Shoes feature a Kinetic Fit™ TRI insole that is contoured to fit the shape of your foot and provides triple-zone arch support so you can skip the band-aids!
Newton Running Women’s Gravity 10
Newton Running Women’s Gravity 10 shoes are a great choice for nurses and other healthcare professionals who depend on their footwear to be comfortable and versatile, thanks to their combination of advanced cushioning and energy return system with amazingly comfortable mesh.
Newton Running Gravity 10 Women’s Shoes
These vegan shoes for nurses are anatomically designed, 3D engineered Air Mesh that is plush, breathable, and has a seamless construction, making it one of the most comfortable and one of the most high-performing vegan nursing shoes on the market.
With full-foot Newtonium cushioning and HyLyte insole, you’ll be able to spend all day on your feet without even noticing. They use the Action/Reaction Technology™ system for greater impact absorption, quicker bounce-back, and less energy loss. Made with tactical flex grooves designed specifically to mirror foot motion, these are made specifically for women’s needs and goals.
They’re also incredibly eco-friendly, with the sole made of a novel formulation of extremely durable recycled materials and EcoPure® to help minimize the amount of garbage and plastics in our world.
Whether you’re running from patient to patient or trying your best to keep up with your kids at home, you won’t be disappointed by Newton Running Women’s Gravity 10. The mesh is breathable, the sole is shock-absorbing, and the arch support will keep you going all shift.
Best Women’s Vegan Shoes For Nursing, Final Thoughts…
We hope this review guide has helped you find the best vegan nursing shoes for your needs. From on-the-job wear to off-the-clock use, you can count on these brands to keep you supported and comfortable throughout your day.
Before we wrap up these vegan-friendly shoes for nurses’ review, let me reiterate that my top 3 picks for best women’s vegan shoes for nurses are…
- Best Overall: Merrell Women’s Antora 2 Trail Running Shoes
- Runner up: Arcopedico Vegan LS Lace-up Oxford
- Best Alternative: Sanita Women’s Justine Slip-on Clog
And, overall the Merrell Women’s Antora 2 Trail Running Shoe is my top pick for the best vegan-friendly shoes for nurses. This shoe is made from flexible, breathable mesh material with a sole that provides both flexibility and traction to prevent slipping during long shifts.
This makes great shoes for nurses, but they would also make great all-purpose athletic shoes for anyone who enjoys exercising outside or working out in a gym.