Vegan shoes are shoes whose no component is of animal origin, and the manufacturing process does not involve animal abuse. This concerns all parts of the shoe, whether the soles, the structure, or the finishes. To recognize shoes of this type, just read the label.
Vegan leather shoes are generally made with vegan leather. This one looks ideally like leather but is not. Faux leather is obtained either with synthetic materials (chamade, PVC, skai, imitation leather, etc.) or with other materials like linen, hemp, cork, etc. Polyurethane is also an intelligent solution for the manufacture of faux leather. Some even use organic oil from organic grains to replace leather. Some brands have even discovered an innovative solution to replace leather to make shoes. This is pineapple leather or Piñatex. This material is made from the fruit leaf, contributing to waste reduction and the circular economy.
Pineapple leaves do not require water or chemicals during their transformation process into faux leather. Moreover, remember that the tanning of leather is exceptionally harmful to the ecology, the population, and the animals.
In recent years, the methods of making vegan shoes have seen significant improvements, which have allowed brands to offer models of outstanding quality. Moreover, the resemblance to classic materials can even sometimes be impressive! The new processes have also enabled the creation of vegan suede.
Regarding the soles of vegan shoes:
the Web,
natural rubber,
Wood is the most used.
Liners can be made from cardboard or bicycle tires.
However, it's not just about leather. Vegan shoes are also made from many other natural and environmentally friendly materials. You will find big brands which use raw materials, respectful of animals and the environment in the design of their lines of shoes.
Good reasons to prefer vegan shoes
Know that wearing vegan shoes is not only reserved for followers of veganism. Here are some reasons you might prefer this kind of responsible footwear.
When you decide to purchase a pair of vegan shoes, you are reducing your ecological footprint. Indeed, the manufacturing process of this type of shoe fits perfectly into the framework of sustainable development and eco-responsibility. Indeed, the manufacture of classic shoes can have considerable ecological impacts: discharge of toxic waste, etc. It's a real eco-responsible commitment!
Encouragement for the vegan industry
The preference for vegan shoes over classic shoes is support for this industry. The amount you invest in purchasing this kind of product will go directly into the research and development of brands.
An economical solution
Opposite to what you may think, vegan leather shoes are cheaper than regular shoes. This is because they are usually made using recycled materials, which minimizes production costs.