Sole-ful Savings:
7 Cruelty-Free Vegan Shoe Brands for Ethical Fashionistas
Photo: Ethletic - Hiro (supplied)
The Pros and Cons of Being Vegan
Veganism is an ethical, environmental, and animal-friendly way of living. Veganism is a diet and lifestyle with the purpose to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, entertainment, and other uses by humans.
There are many pros to veganism. Vegans generally have a lower body weight circumference and reduced risk of heart disease and cancer in comparison to people who do not eat vegetarian diets. Vegetarians also tend to have lower blood pressure levels when compared with meat-eaters. Vegans also produce less greenhouse gases than meat eaters because they do not use energy in producing meat products like beef or chicken.
The cons of veganism stem from its restrictive nature for some people. For them, it can be difficult to get enough protein in their diet without eating meat.
Why it's Important to Shop at Cruelty-Free Brands
The term cruelty-free refers to products that do not contain ingredients or substances obtained from animals. It also covers the ways in which any animal are treated, whether the product is made of animal-derived ingredients or not. Products are considered cruelty-free if they are not tested on animals, byproducts of animal testing, or manufactured using any part of an animal.
There are many reasons for choosing to shop at Cruelty-Free brands. But one of the most important reasons why you should shop there is because it ensures that your money doesn't go towards supporting businesses which test on animals. Animal Testing has been proven to be unreliable and cruel so why support it?
7 Cruelty-Free Vegan Shoe Labels That Won't Break the Bank
The global leather industry uses over a billion animal products each year to make fashion goods. The utilisation of low-cost labour, more waste, and a bigger carbon impact are all common features of the leather goods industry. However, this does not have to be the case.
We found seven cruelty-free or vegan-friendly shoe brands. All while manufacturing inexpensive, attractive, and comfortable vegan shoes for any occasion, these brands are reducing their environmental effect, creating fair-wage jobs, and seeking out sustainable alternatives.
1. Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat is a vegan shoe company that uses synthetic leathers manufactured from recycled windshield glass resin, recycled plastic bottles, and cork to create beautiful, thoughtful shoes. The end result is a pair of cruelty-free shoes that will last for years in your closet. Vegan shoes come in a wide range of styles, from comfortable everyday heels to vegan sneakers that can be worn everywhere. Matt and Nat's dedication to open and honest business methods are definitely admirable.
Based In | Montreal, QuebecMonteal, Quebec
Best For | Everyday heels & sandals
Ethics | Vegan, fair wages, eco-friendly materials
Product Range | Sneakers, sandals, heels, mules
Price Range | $45–$175 USD
2. Beyond Skin
Vegan shoes from Beyond Skin range from everyday slippers to evening heels. Beyond Skin is also sweatshops and child labour free, with eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing procedures in Spain. Patterned heels and sandals are our favourites for adding a splash of colour to your outfit. In our opinion, they're well worth the money!
Based In | East Sussex, UK
Best For | Special occasion shoes
Ethics | Vegan shoes, eco-friendly & sustainable practices
Product Range | Essentials, boutique, bridal, trainers
Price Range | £110–£380
3. Ethletic
Ethletic is a vegan shoe company based in Germany with sites in Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. A percentage of each pair sold goes to the Factory Workers Welfare Society. Ethletic offers a variety of collections for teenagers, including dusty rose slip-ons and skater shoes.
Based In | Germany
Best For | Casual shoes
Ethics | Vegan, fair trade & sustainable practices, organic & FSC-certified materials
Product Range | Unisex sneakers, trainers, slip-ons, sandals
Price Range | $73.30–$119.20
4. Rothy’s
Rothy's is a firm believer in doing things better. These eco-friendly sneakers use recycled plastic, natural rubber, and algae-based foam to create the smallest carbon footprint possible. They're also entirely machine washable! Rothy's has set a goal of becoming zero-waste by 2022, exemplifying what it means to be cruelty- and waste-free.
Based In | San Francisco, CA
Best For | Machine-washable shoes
Ethics | Vegan, recycled & sustainable materials, ethically made
Product Range | Adult & children’s shoes (flats, loafers, sneakers, boots)
Price Range | $55–$145
5.Bhava
Bhava's mission is to make mindfully designed shoes out of organic and ecological materials including vegan leather, cork, and organic cotton. Its range of sturdy vegan shoes, which is based in NYC, acknowledges the necessity of comfortable shoes for the modern lady on the go, and it can withstand even the longest of days. We love heels and sandals because of their unique styles and timeless colours. Beautiful, conscious footwear that isn't cruel? Please, yes!
Based In | New York City, NY
Best For | Heels & sandals
Ethics | Vegan, organic & sustainable materials, ethically made
Product Range | Clogs, sandals, flats, heels, hikers, booties, boots
Price Range | $135–$345
6. Ahimsa
Ahimsa, the world's only 100% vegan shoe manufacturer, believes in producing shoes in a sustainable manner that respects all forms of life. The shoes are exquisitely crafted and come in deep, rich colours like espresso and cognac. "Handmade with love, in Brazil" is written on every pair of its shoes— begs the question, could you ask for more?
Based In | Brazil
Best For | Men’s dress shoes
Ethics | Vegan, fair wages, eco-friendly materials
Product Range | Adult shoes, sandals, loafers, dress shoes, slip-ons, boots, unisex options
Price Range | $89–$199
7. Keep
Keep could be described as "vegan shoes with personality" if we had to sum it up in a few words. Keep's range of low, mid, and high-top shoes are delicately crafted utilising sustainable processes by craftsmen from Guatemala, Japan, and North America. Keep's simple lines and vibrant patterns are adored by everyone from Complex to Refinery29, and we couldn't agree more. (PS: Keep also has a uniform programme for our uniformed professionals!)
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Best For | Bold styles
Ethics | Vegan shoes, fair wages, ethically made, natural & sustainable materials
Product Range | Adult low, mid, & hi-tops, non-slips, exclusive collections
Price Range | $65–$120