These quality vegan shoes are mostly sold online, so get your feet measured at shoe shop, to avoid the hassle of returns. They are all made from kind and sustainable materials. It’s good to let shoes dry out on alternate days so they last longer, so invest in two pairs, and they should last a long time. Also see where to find fair trade eco sneakers and where to find quality children’s vegan shoes. Here are just a few brands, there are more online, just look for close to where you live.
Conventional leather of course is from animals. Contrary to popular belief, leather is not normally a by-product of the meat industry, but a separate industry in itself. The tanning process is very polluting, and most leather shoes are made in countries with little or no animal welfare laws (and poor welfare laws for the humans who work in the factories).
Will’s Vegan Shoes (UK) is an eco-friendly brand of quality footwear for men, women and children, founded by Will, who specialises in sustainable fabrics and slow fashion (you won’t find sale bargains, just good shoes and boots designed to last, sent in zero waste packaging). For £3 extra per order, you get carbon-neutral delivery too. The store also offers an incredible 365-day money-back guarantee, they are so confident of the quality of their brand.
Founded in 2013, the company makes its shoes ethically in Europe, and also sells accessories like belts and clothing. Most of the shoes are made from Italian bio-based vegan leather that is made from crops, over plastic. No shoes have toxic PVC. Although a few items have a little non-toxic plastic, the company have a return-to-recycle scheme that does not require a printer, and the components are made into new outsoles and uppers. The company is presently working on a line of biodegradable snakers. Wholesale orders are available. The range of shoes includes:
- Shoes
- Boots
- Pumps
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- School Shoes
NOAH has produced the first-ever biodegradable vegan shoes (including the glue), made under Fair Trade conditions, also in Italy. Each pair is an expression of classic minimalist design. Handcrafted using traditional methods by Italian shoemakers and made from biodegradable materials and glues (cruelty-free), our NOAH – organic shoes are manufactured under fair conditions in Italy. Each pair is an expression of classic minimalist design.
NAK (no animals killed) is a European brand that uses top Italian skills to produce beautiful shoes with sustainability in mind. It also sells black shoe polish. All materials are sourced close to their northern Italian workshop, to reduce impact on the planet. From sneakers to high stilettos, there’s something for everyone. You can also purchase t-shirts with a portion of profits going to help a shelter for stray cats and dogs.
Vegetarian Shoes (UK) has been around for yonks, and has its own retail shop, as well as an extensive online store. As well as shoes, it also offers a vegan shoe dubbin, in clear, black or brown. Made in England, this can freshen up tired-looking shoes and improve water resistance. It can also help scuffed footwear, with the wax finish offering high shine. Apply with a brush or cloth to clean, dry footwear. Take care not to get it on clothes, or anything else. Allow to soak in, then wipe off excess before wearing. May darken some materials, not recommended for vegan suede finishes.
Freerangers (UK) offers shoes in many styles and colours. These are expensive but good quality, each pair signed by the maker. They will last for years, and you can send them back for re-soling. Also makes vegan bags, belts and sporrans (usually made from seal fur).
Ethical Wares (Wales) has been making quality vegan shoes for years, and offers sneakers, safety shoes & dancing shoes. Profits help to provide food for their rescued barnyard friends. As this is an online shop, get your feet measures at a shoe shop (ideally in the afternoon when your feet are at their ‘proper size’) then tell them you’ll be back, when they start to sell quality vegan shoes!
Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather (France) is a great store, and shipping is quick and cheap across the channel. Founded by a shoe designer (who trained under an iconic shoe designer), all these shoes are made Fair Trade in Europe. There are running shoes with removable soles to clean separately (to keep feet fresh and healthy), two-strap clogs made from partly-recycled Italian apple waste, and Beige derby shoes for men at work.
B Boheme (London) is an own label brand made with sustainable material, and influenced by British design, made ethically in Portugal. The various materials used include a state-of-the-art microfiber that holds the EU Ecolabel, plant-based polymers derived from food-free cereal crops, a non-woven textile made from pineapple leaves, cork (no trees chopped down) and Ecostone (a super-thin slate stone overlaid on a cotton backing).
Mink Shoes (US) is a designer shoe shop, the shoes are designed in California and made ethically by hand in Italy, by the same people that make top designer brands.
Eco Vegan Shoes is a European online shop, but mentioned here because they are budget-friendly and quick to ship. They have some unique styles, and when there’s a sale on, you can often get up to 70% off. Based in The Netherlands. Vegan Style is a good online store in Australia.
