The Best Vegan Shoes That Are Also Sustainable

The last thing that we wear before leaving the house, shoes can make or ruin an outfit. We spend a lot time thinking about shoes before purchasing them. The first step is to choose the best brand.

In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, some people choose vegan shoes over animal-based footwear. This is a compassionate way to do this. This post will look at the materials that vegan shoes are made from, the reasons why they are a more sustainable option, and the brands to consider when shoe shopping.

Why should you shop for vegan shoes?

People choose vegan footwear for ethical and environmental reasons. Vegan alternatives are the best option to avoid contributing to unnecessary cruelty against animals. Leather shoes are made from cows, pigs or sheep. Most leather used today is produced in countries that have less animal welfare protections.

People who choose animal-free alternatives are also motivated by the environmental impact of leather. The damage that leather causes to our planet is now undeniable. From the toxic chemicals required in tanning the leather to the large amounts of water and land used to raise the animals.

What types of materials are used for vegan shoes?

Vegan leather is a synthetic or natural leather made without animal products. Vegan leathers are becoming more popular in the fashion industry, including fruit waste leathers, bio-based materials and more traditional materials such as cork, cotton, and natural rubber. Vegan shoes always use an alternative to the glue that is used in some footwear.

OUR TOP SELECTIONS FOR VEGAN SHOES BRANDS THAT ARE SUSTAINABLE

1. Nae Vegan Shoes

Nae Vegan Shoes, a Portuguese brand that stands for No Animal Exploitation (and was founded in 2008), is known for its beautiful animal-free shoes. They use Pinatex, AppleSkin and cork to make their sandals, sneakers and boots, which are all designed with European inspiration. On Steam Bioeco is the first eco-microfiber made from corn and recycled polyester.

2. Thousand Fell

Thousand Fell has your next pair vegan sneakers. These shoes come in a variety of styles, including lace-ups, slip-ons, and court, for women as well as men. They are also known for being comfortable, as the soles are made from recycled yogamats. Thousand Fell sources only materials that are biodegradable, recyclable to make new shoes or upcycled for new projects.

4. Native

Native offers lightweight sandals and shoes in simple designs that are perfect for the summer, as well as boots to keep you warm through winter. Native uses materials that are innovative, such as Bloom made from algae, and Sugarlite a bio-based EVA derived from sugarcane. Native shoes can be recycled and turned into playground flooring.

5. Vivo Barefoot 

Vivo makes barefoot shoes for performance and lifestyle. They make hiking boots, sneakers and even amphibian footwear – for adventures on the shore. Vivo uses animal-free materials for their vegan collection, including Bloom (made of algae) and the Vamp (made of rPET).

*Vivo Barefoot does have a collection that is vegan, but it’s not entirely vegan

7. Bhava

Bhava is committed to protecting victims of the fashion industries (animals, planets, and people) and only uses animal-free materials for their boots and clogs. They also use leathers that are free from fur and other harmful substances. Each pair of shoes is handmade in Portugal, and tested on the streets New York for durability.

8. Rothy’s

Rothy’s produces shoes for men, women and children from a variety of vegan materials including natural rubbers, algal-based foams and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Find flats, mules, sneakers, loafers and sandals in vibrant, colorful prints.