If there’s one thing about veterinary work, you don’t get to wear the most exciting clothing.

That’s ok - you’re bringing animals back to health and bringing joy to their families in the process. You don’t need to be fashionable. But there’s nothing wrong with it. And there’s certainly nothing amiss with being comfortable, either.

 One thing that every veterinarian professional will tell you is that their work shoes can either be a source of great pain or comfort - fashionable or not.

Yet, just in case you want something that achieves both, we’ve got an awesome list of five different styles of veterinary shoes for professionals to wear at work that meets that criteria.

Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe

 With a Vibram rubber sole and air cushioning to boot, these shoes are serious. Waterproof, durable, and fashionable enough, this shoe is a true workhorse for the person who is on their feet for much of the day with notable arch support. Of course, there are some tradeoffs, and that comes in the form of the shoe being a bit heftier than its competitors. This style cuts a great balance between fashion and function that we think most veterinary professionals will appreciate.

MARSVOVO Women’s Non-Slip Sneakers Lightweight Air Knitted Walking Running Shoes

If you want some variety in your work shoes, then the MARSVOVO is made for you. A cost-effective pair of work shoes, these are often touted alongside the Merrell and KEEN work shoes for their lightweight application that doesn’t sacrifice utility. Breathable, stylish, and in a wide range of colors that would make Nike blush, the MARSVOVO’s only real complaints are that it won’t last as long as its bulkier brethren and don’t provide nearly the level of arch support that they do.

KEEN Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe

Everything we love about the Merrell Moab 2 but with superior ankle support, these waterproof shoes are made to go for the long haul. These shoes provide great stability during the day on wet and dry surfaces with an aesthetic that looks more like an athletic walking shoe than it does a hiking shoe. Some common complaints about this shoe are that it does tend to run wide in terms of sizing and can be bulky in the heel region.

KEEN Utility Men’s Flint Low Steel Toe Work Shoe

These shoes are noted for their great arch support and overall comfort levels. The added steel toe gives them an extra level of protection for wearers. The only problems that are noted are that these shoes tend to wear out with intensive usage thus decreasing their effectiveness in terms of support over time. Still, it is tough to beat these shoes in terms of a comprehensive approach to comfort and style.

KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Oxford Work Shoe

In terms of styling, it is hard to beat the KEEN Utility Men’s PTC Oxford Work Shoe, a beautiful mixture of an athletic shoe and their dressier counterparts. Plus, this shoe is a staple among many veterinarian professionals thus its pedigree in the industry is well established. The only issue we have noted is that, due to their styling, they don’t last as long as the bulkier all-purpose hiking shoes and, consequently, some users have even noted a decrease in the slip resistance over time.