Nearly all shoe shops in England still focus on leather (not a by-product of the meat industry, and most animals are killed in the Far East, which has poor animal welfare and human rights records). Tanning leather is also polluting, and importing leather from the Far East creates huge carbon emissions. So it makes sense to find alternative ideas for shoes, sandals and boots.
V.GAN London offers nice shoes for men and women, worn by 50,000 people across the planet. In just 4 years, it’s established itself as one of the world’s major vegan shoe brands. It has some real sale bargains, and also offers vegan leather bags and wallets.
Now many people are embracing a plant-based lifestyle, shoe shops have started to offer – plastic shoes instead! Pleather (plastic leather) is little better for the planet, and also makes your feet sweat. Although Microfiber is not good for clothing (it leaches microplastics into washing machines), it’s a great material for footwear. It looks and feels like leather or suede (some brands also include fruit leather waste from apples, pineapples and grapes) and is easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. Here are some good brands, ethically made (mostly in Portugal).
Europeans don’t offer half-sizes, so choose the bigger size and wear thicker socks! Get your feet measured in a shoe shop first, to save the hassle of returns. Or measure your own feet. Try to buy two pairs so you can alternate (this helps them last longer).
quality vegan shoes & boots (from London)
Will’s Vegan Shoes (London) offers vegan shoes, boots (and school shoes). Focusing on quality (there are no Black Friday sales), with a whopping 365-days return, sent in zero waste packaging. Everything is made ethically in Italy and Portugual, shipped quickly from Essex. In lovely colours and styles, you can also buy vegan leather belts, bags, satchels, cardholders etc.
vegan handmade shoes from Tyneside
Freerangers (also sold on Etsy) offers handmade footwear designed to last years. 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!
good vegan shoe brands from Europe
Good Guys Go Vegan (France) has been around for years, before France even had a vegan! Made ethically in Italy from quality breathable materials, just search online to find your favourites. These funky boots are unique and best-sellers the world over. And stylish? Come on – they’re French!
NAE Vegan Shoes (Portugal) is a popular brand (the name stands for ”no animal exploitation). From pretty pumps to men’s brogues and glamourous heels, this brand is made with ecological and recycled materials (you can send back used shoes to refurbish).
Avesu (Germany) is the world’s largest vegan shoe shop in Berlin (where it has 2 retail shops). Choose from over 1000 styles (40 brands). Shipping is just £5 with a 100-day money-back guarantee. It has no ‘lowest price’ filter but if you look around, there are bargains to be found (all quality brands, designed to last).
vegan shoes (designed by physiotherapists)
Ahinsa Shoes are designed to last millions of steps. Akin to walking barefoot (so also good for diabetics who have to wear shoes, to avoid stubbing toes for health reasons). Choose from vegan leather or suede (or hemp/linen for walking shoes). There are also boots with vegan fur lining to keep your toes toasty (tested in freezing Finnish temperatures!)
The Comfort line provides feet with enough space for natural movement, while the Technogel foam layer inside softens your step. These shoes will fit immediately, so say goodbye to blisters and callouses. Wear with natural cotton or hemp socks, wipe-clean only. The Malai line (made from upcycled coconut waste) should last 4 to 8 years, use a little coconut oil to treat.
Handmade in the Czech Republic and Croatia, the founder is a physiotherapist who found that after helping people to walk better, patients would undo all the good work by wearing uncomfortable shoes!
other good vegan shoe brands
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.
Ethical Wares (Wales) has been making vegan footwear for 30 years, and profits support a farm sanctuary for rescued barnyard friends. Not just everyday shoes, this company also sells safety shoes and vegan dancing shoes!
Heavenly Shoes offers nice vegan footwear in recycled and compostable packaging. Choose from pretty sandals to boots to litesoles (more comfortable than trainers, with removable memory foam insoles).
Immaculate Vegan is an online store that sells many vegan brands, including shoes. There are regular sales, ideal if you wish to match them up with vegan handbags. It also offers vegan shoes for men.
Kickers offers good vegan shoes for women and men. Made with soft plant-based leather, they feature contrast flatform soles, triple stitch construction and tonal eyelets for a slick finish. Also for children.
Skechers offer over 500 variations of their popular casual shoes and sneakers, crafted with quality materials and signature comfort technology – shop for men, women and children. Check out these on-the-go sandals.
handmade vegan shoes from Poland
Fairma Ethical Design (Poland) is a unique brand of handmade vegan shoes (in a variety of styles for men and women), sent in zero waste packaging. Handmade to high standards in Polish factories by artisans, the company has donated shoes to people in Ukraine and donates to animal welfare charities.
