Ultimate Guide to High-Quality Vegan Shoes
It’s usually a myth that leather is a by-product of the meat industry. And most shoes are made in the Far East, where animal welfare are very lax. The tanning process is also very polluting, and harmful to the health of factory workers.
Instead, when time comes to replace your shoes or boots, consider investing in a couple of pairs from one of these quality brands. All are made ethically (usually in Europe) from quality materials like Italian microfiber or ‘fruit leathers’, partly made with waste apples, grapes or even grown from cactus!
Easy to clean, just wipe with a clean cloth (the inside of a banana peel also makes good shoe polish). Wear shoes on alternate days, to let them dry out and this helps them to last longer. They should last years, so choose neutral colours to match your outfits.
As most vegan shoes are still sold online, it makes sense to get your feet measured in a shoe shop (tell them you’ll be back to buy their shoes, when they start offering vegan versions!)
NAE (quality vegan shoes from Portugal)
NAE Vegan (the name stands for ‘no animals exploited’) is a fantastic footwear brand in Portugal. These ethically-made shoes use eco-friendly materials including fruit waste, and there’s even a pre-loved bargain basement (from shoes that people send back for recycling).
The Preloved range has big discounts. This works by people sending back their old shoes. If the items are in good condition, they then go on sale at the preloved page. If not, then the company donates them to local non-profits so that others feel the benefit of good footwear, just with a few more scratches or a bit worn.
Obviously the images differ, depending on what is on sale at the time. But these pictures are for goods on sale at time of writing. There were some real bargains (walking boots that were 135 Euros now at 35 Euros). And sneakers that were 75 Euros now at 20 Euros.
V.GAN vegan shoes from London
VGN is a range of affordable shoes from London, worn by over 55,000 people worldwide. In a wide range of styles from loafers and boots (made with coffee waste) to summer sandals.
Use this discount code for automatic £10 off orders.
Will’s Vegan Shoes (from London)
Will’s Vegan Shoes (also sold at Shop Like You Give a Damn) offers quality footwear with a whopping 365-day return, sent in zero waste packaging. Everything is shipped from Essex, made ethically in Italy or Portugal. You can also find matching vegan belts, satchels and cardholders.
Launder wool-free jumpers in a microfibre filter (due to synthetic fibres).
Easy to clean, just wipe with a clean cloth (the inside of a banana peel also makes good shoe polish). Wear shoes on alternate days, to let them dry out and this helps them to last longer. They should last years, so choose neutral colours to match your outfits.
These vegan Oxford brogues are a wide-fit comfortable shoe for those seeking extra room without sacrificing style. Crafted from Italian vegan leather, the wingtip design has sweeping lines, and the edges are stitched together for a flush finish. The fleur-de-lis pattern is punched through the uppers, for a striking appearance.
The toes are burnished with a dark polish, and the outsoles feature stitching details and wood-effect 2.5 cm heels, coloured to compliment the uppers. The shoes are lined with two types of vegan suede, and the insoles are made from recycled materials.
These vegan penny loafers (also for women) are made in Portugal from vegan suede with a fine velvet touch and detailed with cream stitching for a clean classic look. The traditional penny slot details adds a refined finish, that pairs well with jeans or tailored trousers.
The u-shape toe design ensures room and comfort and the breathable linings wick moisture. The deep cushioned memory foam insoles are made with recycled content, and the gum-coloured rubber outsoles with flex points, ensure natural movement and solid grip. Includes subtle gold foil branding on the footbed.
Solari Milano (smart Italian vegan leather shoes)
Solari Milano is a brand of Italian shoes that are sustainably-made. Handcrafted by experts, these shoes use corn leather to make the uppers, and feature recycled rubber outsoles, bamboo linings and organic cotton laces.
Every pair comes from skilled Italian shoemakers. With decades of know-how, these craftsmen shape and stitch each shoe with care. You get the feel of true luxury without animal products. The attention to detail can be seen in every seam and finish.
Freerangers (handmade in Tyneside)
Freerangers (also sold on Etsy) offers handmade footwear. Each pair is signed by the maker, and you can send soles back for repair. In a huge array of colours, there are loafers, sandals and boots – and also bags, satchels and even vegan sporrans!
These shoes are not ‘high-fashion’, but they are very comfortable and designed to last years. This is a company that has a loyal fan base, who buy from the same maker each time they want a new pair of shoes.
Vegetarian Shoes (from Brighton)
Vegetarian Shoes (Brighton) has a physical shop but also an extensive range online and offers a wide range including safety shoes. It also offers a good sale shop, with many items often half-price.
Minuit sur Terre (elegan shoes from France)
Minuit Sur Terre is a super-stylish vegan footwear company from France. For every pair sold, 5 Euros are donated to a partner association to help animal welfare. The founder was a (stylish) woman (she’s French!) who could not find clothes of ethics to match quality and fashion she wanted.
Minuit sur Terre brings together classic French taste with modern trends. Each style is simple, with lines and colours that work for every wardrobe. From crisp trainers to smart boots and heels, these shoes add a hint of French flair to any outfit.
