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.
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Index of this article
- What is vegan footwear
- Are vegan shoes ECO-friendly
- Are vegan shoes good quality
- What is vegan leather & suede
- Vegan leather vs real leather
- Is vegan leather waterproof
- Is vegan suede waterproof
- Vegan symbols
- Popular shoe brands with vegan options
- Top vegan shoe brands
- Best vegan sneakers
- Best vegan running shoes
- Best vegan sandals
- Best vegan winter boots
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.
Vans
Vegan options are available in all styles, from classic slip-ons to sneakers.
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.
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.
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.
Reebok
Reebok offers a range of vegan shoes for men and women.
Veja
You can find a lot of different vegan styles from Veja, for both men, woman and children
Crocs
By the end of 2021 Crocs was going all vegan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These sneakers are handmade in Brazil from ecological materials, including recycled polyester, sugar cane, rice waste and amazonian rubber. Made in Brazil.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.
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.
This is the most popular style from Birkenstock. It’s now available in a completely vegan version, made with synthetic materials.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
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.
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.
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.
