The Vegan Nursing Shoes: Comfort & Durability

Vegan nursing shoes are designed for nurses who opt for a cruelty-free, vegan lifestyle. These shoes are manufactured without animal products and instead use synthetic materials, such as polyester and microfiber, which replicate the quality of animal-derived materials.
Benefits of wearing vegan nursing shoes

There are numerous benefits of wearing vegan nursing shoes, including:

1. Cruelty-free: Vegan nursing shoes are manufactured without using any animal products, making them a cruelty-free option.
2. Better for the environment: Using synthetic materials in vegan nursing shoes reduces the environmental impact caused by the production of animal-derived materials.
3. Comfortable: Vegan-friendly nursing shoes are designed to provide comfort, support, and protection for your feet during long shifts.
4. Hygienic: Vegan nursing shoes are easy to clean and maintain and odor-resistant, making them more hygienic for everyday use.

The Vegan Lifestyle

The vegan lifestyle means foods and products that do not originate from animals. Vegan nursing shoes meet this definition because they do not have any leather or suede components on the outside of the shoe and no wool or silk lining on the inside.

If you are a vegetarian nurse, you must be struggling to find vegan shoes. Working as a nurse, you spend long hours on your feet, often standing or walking, which can result in foot pain, back pain, and other discomforts. Choosing the right Vegan Nursing Shoes prevents these issues and ensures comfort and support during your shifts. A good pair of nursing shoes is also essential in preventing slips, trips, and falls, which are common in healthcare settings.

The good news is that you can find top brands online such as Crocs, Timberland, Birkenstock, Danko, and Sanita that offer a few styles of vegan shoes.

Material Components of Vegan Nursing Shoes

List of commonly used materials in vegan nursing shoes

Vegan nursing shoes are made from synthetic materials that mimic the texture, breathability, and durability of animal-derived materials. Some common materials used in vegan nursing shoes include:

1. Microfiber: Microfiber is a lightweight synthetic material that is soft, breathable, and durable. It is often used in the production of Vegan-friendly nursing shoes to replicate the feel of suede or leather.

2. Polyester: Polyester is a durable and moisture-wicking material that is commonly used in vegan footwear. It is lightweight, easy to clean, and can withstand wear and tear.

3. Recycled rubber: Recycled rubber is a sustainable material used in the production of vegan nursing shoes. It provides slip resistance, flexibility, and support.

5 Best Vegan Nursing Shoes

As a nurse, investing in the right pair of shoes is crucial to ensure comfort, support, and safety during long working hours. For those seeking a cruelty-free and environmentally conscious option, Eco-friendly nursing shoes are a great alternative. In this article, we will explore and review some of the best vegan nursing shoes on the market, highlighting their features, benefits, and unique qualities.

1. Sanita Women’s Vegan Professional Nuna

This manufacturer creates comfortable clogs in the Danish tradition and has done this since 1907. The craftsmanship that goes into these clogs is noticeable, and the design is innovative. These shoes are very comfortable on your feet and easy on the eyes, with many exciting new styles introduced yearly.

These clogs have APMA approval and are certified for vegan, making them a perfect fit for those committed to a vegan lifestyle. The clog features an upper layer made of textile material, while a combination of Lycra lining and textile care provides comfort and durability within the shoe. The outsole is slip-resistant and offers reliable traction control. The heel is about 1.5”, and the platform is 0.75”. The fit is true to size, so you do not need to choose a size larger or smaller to find a shoe that fits your foot correctly.

If you are looking for a vegan shoe that is entirely comfortable and allows you to spend a great deal of time on your feet, this is an excellent choice. This clog has a spacious toe box that provides your toes with room to move around in comfort. The shoe suits painful foot conditions like bunions or hammertoe and offers top-quality arch support. The legendary support supplied by this shoe promotes foot, leg, and back health, all while allowing you to be stylish and look great too.

The manufacturer crafts this clog with fabric and a synthetic sole, which measures about 1.75 inches in heel height and provides a vegan-friendly flannel upper. They construct the inner frame with synthetic microfiber and use flannel fabric to make the canvas upper, woven and colored in an attractive pattern. Furthermore, they wrap the microfiber lining fully around synthetic foam, which absorbs and evaporates sweat from inside the shoe to keep your feet dry. The soft top of the shoe is much easier to “break in” than classic leather tops that can rub and cause blisters. The shoe slips on and off easily, eliminating the need to stop and tie laces or retie laces that come undone constantly.

2. Crocs Women’s Mercy Work Slip Resistant Clog

One of the most popular brands of shoes among nurses is Crocs. These shoes are affordable, approved by the APMA, and vegan-friendly. The shoe is entirely manufactured and has a synthetic sole. The heel is about 1”, and the platform is 1/2”. All Crocs have a standard and wide width.

Crocs have a unique lock technology that is slip-resistant and meets ASTM F1677 standards. The Croc shoe is designed for work and play and has a durable Croslite upper with significantly enhanced arch support. The footbed contains circulation nubs that promote comfort for the whole day. The tread of the sole of Crocs offers a highly safe grip that provides the wearer with non-slip safety. This makes the shoe an ideal choice for those who work in hospitality, food service, and health care.

This shoe is specifically designed for a woman who spends long hours on her feet. You can slip it on and off, and the Croslite material is ideal because it relieves pressure commonly placed on the back, legs, and feet. I love these shoes because I can wear them in any setting, and they provide much-needed comfort for me to be on my feet for long hours. Then, I do not have to deal with painful, throbbing feet at the end of the day.

3. Aravon Women’s Hillary AR Slip Resistant Work Shoe

Aravon Hillary AR Mary Jane style from New Balance is another vegan-friendly shoe with all the necessary features for nursing shoes. They provide the best arch support and offer a synthetic polyurethane upper with a closed toe. The molded EVA midsole absorbs shock and supports your arches even if they are flat. These are among the best vegan shoes for nurses for their long shifts. The outsole is also made of synthetic polyurethane that is certified slip-resistant.

If you are a nurse and need a dressier-looking slip-resistant vegan-friendly pair of shoes that provide enough arch support and the right cushioning, Aravon Hillary shoes are for you.

4. Skechers for Work Women’s Mina Slip Resistant Slip-On Flat

These sturdy black slip-on flats are entirely synthetic, but they feature a natural look faux leather finish on the uppers. The one-piece synthetic sole is designed to be slip-resistant, and it features some reasonably decent texturing at the toe and heel. Although Skechers advertises these as flats, they have some very modest elevated wedge heels; most wearers estimate that they provide about 3/4 to 1 inch of lift.

Skechers for Work Minas are “relaxed fit” shoes; in practice, this means they tend to run a little larger than standard sizes. However, most wearers report that they get a better fit if they order a half or a full size smaller than usual. (Buying from a store like Zappos that allows you to find the perfect size is strongly recommended.)

Some customers reported they are dissatisfied with the heft and fit of these shoes, but this is by no means a universal complaint. Others — including active workers who wear them throughout long-standing shifts — report complete satisfaction.

5. Klogs Footwear Women’s Springfield Polyurethane Chef Clog

Klog’s closed-back Springfield clog is a heavy-duty work shoe built entirely of synthetic materials and certified as 100 percent animal-free. The uppers are molded from a proprietary polyurethane material that’s durable and easy to clean. They feature a generous all-around cushion at the opening.

The soles are slip-resistant and non-marking with a slightly elevated wedge heel (1 1/2 inch). Springfields are available in various colors that cover subdued, professional looks and eye-catching neon tones. Klogs Footwear is a top-class chef clog.

The footbed is removable and replaceable. It’s intended to provide arch support (although some customers report that it doesn’t quite deliver), and its latex-free construction is designed to resist odors and bacterial infection. While fit tends to run as advertised, you should know that Klogs doesn’t make half sizes. So if you usually wear a half, moving a half size down will likely give better results than going up.

How to Take Care of Vegan Nursing Shoes

Taking proper care of vegan nursing shoes is important to maintain their durability and prolong their life span. Here are some tips:

General cleaning method

1. Remove any excess dirt or dust with a dry brush or cloth.
2. Use gentle soap and lukewarm water to clean the shoes, using a soft-bristled brush to scrub any stubborn stains.
3. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with water and let them air dry.
4. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or a shoe tree to help them retain their shape while drying.

Tips to remove stubborn stains

1. For grease or oil stains, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch onto the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. Then, brush off the powder and gently clean the spot with soapy water.
2. For ink or marker stains, use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a soft cloth to rub the stain away gently. Be sure to rinse with water and let dry fully before wearing.
3. For tough stains like blood or grass, mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with one baking soda and apply the mixture to the stain. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe away with a clean cloth.

How to maintain the shape of the shoes

1. Use a shoe tree or stuff the shoes with newspaper to help them maintain their shape while not in use.
2. Avoid storing the shoes in damp or humid areas, which can cause the material to warp or deform.
3. Use a shoe horn when putting the shoes on to avoid crushing the heel counter.
4. Alternate between different pairs of shoes to give them time to breathe and avoid wearing them out too quickly.

Features to Look for in Vegan Shoes

Choosing the right pair of nursing shoes is important for nurses to prevent discomfort and injuries while working. When searching for vegan nursing shoes, looking for specific features that support foot health and provide comfort is essential. Here are some of the factors to consider:

Comfort:

1. Padding: Look for nursing shoes with adequate padding to cushion and shock absorption, especially around the heel and forefoot areas.
2. Insole: Insoles help to provide additional cushioning to the feet and support overall comfort. Some vegan nursing shoes come with removable insoles, allowing for customized support with orthotics.

Arch support:

1. Arch support is crucial in relieving pressure from the toes and the balls of the feet. It prevents the development of plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition among healthcare professionals.
2. Look for Eco-friendly nursing shoes with a contoured footbed, providing arch support and better weight distribution through the feet.

Slip resistance:

1. Nursing shoes should offer slip resistance to ensure staff safety while working in healthcare environments.
2. Look for vegan nursing shoes with slip-resistant soles made out of materials such as rubber which offer more grip when walking on wet and slippery surfaces.

Durability:

1. Nursing shoes should be durable and withstand heavy use and long shifts in healthcare settings.
2. Look for Eco-friendly nursing shoes made from sturdy materials such as microfiber, which is long-lasting and easy to clean.

Breathability:

1. Vegan nursing shoes with breathable materials release moisture and heat, keeping the feet cool and comfortable throughout the day.
2. Look for shoes with ventilation holes, mesh panels, or other breathable materials in their construction.

Keep in mind that everyone has different preferences when it comes to choosing the most comfortable shoes to wear. It can further benefit from considering the common areas in which problems arise to better address the needs of your feet. Consider your specific foot shape, arch, and any potential foot or ankle conditions to find the most suitable pair of Vegan-friendly nursing shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions for Vegan Nursing Shoes

As more people are becoming aware of the impacts of using animal products, there is a growing demand for Eco-friendly nursing shoes. Here are some FAQs regarding vegan nursing shoes:

Can I wear vegan nursing shoes for outdoor activities or only in healthcare settings?

Vegan nursing shoes are versatile and can be worn in both healthcare and outdoor settings. However, it’s important to choose shoes with features that suit your needs for the specific setting. For example, if you plan to hike or do outdoor activities, look for vegan shoes with more sturdy soles and better traction.

How do vegan nursing shoes benefit the environment?

Vegan nursing shoes benefit the environment by reducing the impact of animal farming on the environment. Synthetic materials used in vegan nursing shoes are sustainable and easier to recycle, leading to a smaller carbon footprint. Some vegan nursing shoe brands use recycled or sustainably sourced materials, which takes it even a step further in the effort to protect the environment.

Final Verdict

When you are searching for a vegan shoe for the nursing profession, make sure that it is APMA approved in that all of the materials used to craft the shoe are handmade. Many handmade fabrics look similar to animal-derived substances so few people can tell the difference. In addition, with handmade materials, it is possible to have access to a wider variety of patterns and colors. Another great advantage to shoes with a high percentage of handmade materials is that they are much more affordable than animal-derived products.