Guide to vegan footwear

There is no need to sacrifice style when going vegan. In fact, there are many stylish vegan shoes options available. This guide will provide an overview of the different types of materials used to make vegan shoes, as well as some of the best brands that offer vegan-friendly footwear.

This guide contains affiliate links and when you buy through us we may earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you.

What is vegan footwear?

Vegan footwear is made without any animal-derived materials. This includes leather, suede, wool, and other materials that come from animals.

Why go vegan?

There are many reasons to why people switch to vegan footwear. Some choose to do so for ethical reasons, while others may be concerned about the environmental impact of traditional shoe manufacturing methods.

Are vegan shoes eco-friendly?

Vegan shoes are more eco-friendly than traditional leather and suede shoes as they are often made from recycled and sustainable materials, including recycled plastic and rubber.

Are vegan footwear good quality?

There are many high-quality vegan shoe brands available. In general, vegan shoes tend to be made with better materials and construction than traditional leather shoes. This is because the demand for quality vegan footwear is growing, and more companies are investing in this market.

What is vegan leather and suede?

Vegan leather and suede are synthetic materials that look like the real thing. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for shoes in all styles.

It’s also considered a cruelty-free material.

Vegan leather vs. real leather

There is a common misconception that vegan leather is of lesser quality than real leather. However, this is not always the case. Vegan leather can be made from a variety of materials, including polyurethane, microfiber, and cork.

Is vegan leather waterproof?

Some vegan leathers are waterproof, while others are not. It is important to check the specific material used before purchasing a pair of shoes made from vegan leather if you are looking for a pair that should be waterproof.

Is vegan suede waterproof?

Vegan suede or faux suede is normally made from plastic materials and is considered to be water resistant if not completely waterproof.

Vegan symbols

Vegan shoe brands often use labels, logos, and symbols to indicate that their products are vegan-friendly. You should of course avoid leather and coated leather. But also shoes that contain fur, wool, silk, and down.

Popular shoe brands with vegan options

Nike

Nike started using vegan glue in 2015 so if the model you choose isn’t made from leather then it should be 100% vegan.

Nike sizeguide

Vans

Vegan options are available in all styles, from classic slip-ons to sneakers.

Vans sizeguide

Converse

Converse offers a range of vegan shoes for men, women and kids.

All of Converse’s classic Chuck Taylor sneakers are available in a vegan version.

Converse sizeguide

Birkenstock

Birkenstocks are one of the most popular brands for vegan footwear. The company offers a wide range of sandals and slip ons made without any animal derived materials.

Birkenstock sizeguide

New Balance

Many of New Balance’s sneakers are vegan if made from synthetic materials.

However they still use glue that contains animal products for some of their shoes so it not possible to tell if a specific shoe is vegan.

The popular New Balance 909V5 is now available in a vegan version.

New Balance sizeguide

Reebok

Reebok offers a range of vegan shoes for men and women.

Reebok sizeguide

Veja

You can find a lot of different vegan styles from Veja, for both men, woman and children

Veja sizeguide

Crocs

By the end of 2021 Crocs was going all vegan.

Crocs sizeguide

Dr Martens

More and more of Dr Martens’ shoes are vegan, but not all of them.

You should be able to find a good variety of vegan styles on their website though.

Dr. Martens sizeguide

Top Vegan shoe brands

There are many vegan shoe brands that are worth watching. Some of our favorites include:

Matt & Nat

MATT & NAT is a Canadian company that offers vegan and cruelty free shoes, sneakers, boots, sandals and heels.

Buy Matt & Nat on Amazon.com

Will’s

Wills Vegan Store is a UK-based company that specializes in ethically made, animal-free shoes. They produce their shoes in Italy and Portugal.

Visit wills-vegan-store.co.uk

Vegetarian Shoes

Robin started Vegetarian Shoes in the UK in 1990, making it one of the earliest vegan shoe companies. They operate out of UK and ships worldwide.

Visit vegetarian-shoes.co.uk

NAE

NAE is a Portuguese brand that specializes in making vegan-friendly shoes, sneakers and boots. They have a wide variety of styles to choose from.

Visit nae-vegan.com

ethletic

ethletic is a German company that specializes in vegan ethically made sneakers. They use sustainable materials like organic cotton, natural wool and recycled polyester.

Visit ethletic.com

Best vegan sneakers

Reebok women’s Princess sneakers

It’s a Reebok classic and now available in a vegan version with a synthetic upper.

See our sizeguide and read more about the Princess sneakers here.

Buy Reebok Princess on Amazon

Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars Unisex

These sneakers are a classic and come in a range of colors. They’re made from canvas, with vulcanized rubber soles and are all vegan.

See our sizeguide and learn more about the Chuck Taylor All Stars here.

Buy on Amazon

adidas by Stella McCartney Earthlight mesh shoes

These shoes are made with a mesh upper and feature the signature Stella McCartney logo. They’re perfect for everyday wear and even running.

Parts of the shoe is also made from recycled materials. See our adidas sizeguide here.

Visit adidas.com

Best vegan running shoes

Veja men’s Marlin Sneakers

These sneakers are handmade in Brazil from ecological materials, including recycled polyester, sugar cane, rice waste and amazonian rubber. Made in Brazil.

Find the right size with our Veja sizeguide.

Buy on Amazon.com

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus

This is one of the most popular models from Nike that is designed for runners. It has a vegan-friendly Flyknit upper and Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot for responsive cushioning.

See our sizeguide and read more about the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 here.

Buy Nike Pegasus on Amazon.com

Brooks Ghost 14 running shoes

The Brooks Ghost is one of the most popular running shoe on the market. They are carbon neutral, made from recycled materials and are vegan friendly. Available for men and women.

Learn more about Brooks’ Ghost Running shoe and find the right size here.

Buy Brooks Ghost 14 on Amazon.com

Best vegan sandals

Birkenstock Arizona vegan sandals

This is the most popular style from Birkenstock. It’s now available in a completely vegan version, made with synthetic materials.

See our sizeguide and learn more about the Arizona sandal.

Buy on Amazon.com

Matt & Nat Pippa sandals

These sandals from Matt & Nat are perfect for summer. They’re made from 100% vegan-friendly materials and available in different colors

Buy Matt & Nat on Amazon.com

Dr. Martens Women’s Vegan Blaire Cambridge Fisherman Sandal

This sandal from Dr. Martens is perfect for a day at the beach or a summer festival. It’s made with vegan-friendly materials and has an adjustable strap for a secure fit.

See our Dr. Martens sizeguide here to find the right size.

Buy on Amazon.com

Best vegan winter boots

Matt & Nat Rem Women’s vegan combat boots

These boots are perfect for winter. They’re made from vegan-friendly materials and features a lace up closure, chunky sole and knit collar cuff.

Visit Matt & Nat.com

Vegetarian-Shoes Snowdon boot

This is a popular style from Vegetarian Shoes. It is durable enough for trekking in rough terrains and will keep your feet warm in cold weather.

See on vegetarian-shoes.co.uk

Dr Martens 1460

This list would not be complete without mentioning Dr Martens iconic 1460 boot. This is one of the most popular style for vegan footwear lovers.

See our Dr. Martens 1460 sizeguide here.

Buy on Amazon.com

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2022-02-08T12:00:08+00:00
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