Cactus leather (also called nopal’) is a very soft leather from the South American plant, and one of the most breathable leathers, often sold to the luxury goods market. Made in Mexico, it hardly needs any water to grow (compared to water-intensive animal leather) and is gradually replacing animal skins for soft leathers like calfskin).
If you think the world has gone totally barmy, you’d be right! Some of the world’s top fashion houses are now replacing animal leathers (unkind, polluting, toxic) with vegan leathers made from cactus! Many people mistakenly believe the leather industry is a by-product of the meat industry, but it’s not. Most leather is made in the far east, in countries where there are little or no welfare laws for animals (or humans that make the leather, who are often subjected to toxic chemicals from the tanning process, which then go into the water supplies, and harm marine wildlife too).
Vegan leathers differ in their quality. ‘Pleather’ is simply plastic leather, which may kind to animals but anything but to the planet. And most Microfibers without PVC are better, but still there is work to be done. Vegan leathers of all kinds are not yet fully biodegradable, but getting there!
Carmona Collective makes lovely cactus leather shoes and sandals, created ethically by artisans, and designed to last years. They are also sent to you in zero waste packaging. As most vegan shoes are are sold online, get feet measured at a shoe shop (or measure your own feet). If you’re a half-size, it’s best to order the bigger size.
Ross Oliver is a premium brand of men’s vegan shoes, designed by a science graduate who discovered the wonderful properties of soft cactus leather. Sold in several colours, these are super-smart for stylish men! The design’s inspired by Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge!
