Cactus leather is often the ideal alternative to crocodile or calf leather, for luxury loafers. Ross Oliver makes quality men’s shoes from unique men’s smart shoes, that are kind to crocodiles, the planet and your feet!
Traditional leather also uses a lot of water and harsh chemicals. Cactus grows with little water and needs no pesticides. Every pair cuts down pollution and water waste, making them a solid pick for the planet.
Natural cactus fibres make for a flexible, breathable material. Your feet get to breathe and move as they need, which helps prevent blisters and other aches.
These are not cheap, but then neither are any luxury shoe brands. These are designed to offer an alternative to people who would buy expensive designer footwear.
It’s best to buy two pairs and wear them alternatively, to let your feet dry out. This helps to make your cactus leather shoes last longer!
Why choose vegan footwear?
There was a time when vegan shoes were made from plastic, and only sold in clunky weird styles. Today things have changed. Quality brands are made with Italian Microfiber (easy to clean with a damp cloth) and also available as MicroSuede.
The leather industry is not a by-product of meat, and often leather shoes are made in countries with poor animal welfare (and human rights) records. Many are cheap and fall apart after a few months, requiring new shoes to be bought.
It makes sense instead to invest in two or three pairs of quality vegan shoes, that are worn on alternate days (to let them breathe and dry out) and support artisan brands that are kind to animals, the planet (and tanners, many of whom are at risk of cancer from the chemical process of tanning leather).
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!)
