Top 7 Vegan Shoes That Will Make You Want To Ditch Leather
“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”
To us, the ‘right’ shoes means the ones that will make a statement without leaving a massive footprint on our planet. There are so many vegan shoe brands taking huge strides toward a brighter, more compassionate future for all — in fact, these vegan, sustainable companies are not only the best options for our planet and the animals, but are bold, innovative, and affordable (all pairs under $200, and most under $150) as well! These are the criteria by which we’ve selected our list of the top eco-friendly, vegan shoes. In 2020, our standards are higher than ever! Keep reading and find out which ones made it!
NAE Vegan Shoes
This exclusively vegan shoe brand is 100% dedicated to reducing both the animal cruelty and the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. All NAE vegan shoes are manufactured in an ethical fair-trade factory in Portugal, using materials like piñatex, cork, organic cotton, vegan leather (cotton, polyester, and nylon mix), and recycled PET. They have also implemented fabric made from collected ocean plastic! At a $100-200 price range, you’re sure to find the perfect high-quality vegan pair for you.
Native Vegan Shoes
Like all the brands on this list, Native Shoes’ mission is to reduce the negative impact of the footwear industry on our planet and the animals. However, what makes Native’s approach unique is their ‘Remix Project’. They take back your old, worn-out Native shoes and recycle them for all types of new purposes, including playground flooring, insulation, and seating! They also have a huge selection of under-$100 shoes — everything from sneakers to slip-ons to kids/infants’ shoes!
Indosole
If you’re looking for the perfect pair of sustainable, vegan slides or flip flops to hit the beach or the pool next summer, you’re going to want to check out Indosoles. Their comfy slip-ons are made from recycled tires! According to this certified B corporation, 1.5 billion tires are tossed out every year! The worst part is, they take thousands of years to decompose, and in the meantime attract mosquitoes, which helps spread diseases. However, burned tires are even worse! They produce toxic fumes that contaminate our environment and harm our health. Indosoles are all vegan, waterproof, provide ergonomic support, are incredibly durable, and you can get a pair today for under $60!
Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather
This footwear brand from France has been entirely vegan since 2011! Having been featured on Elle, Grazia, Footwear News, and worn by big celebs like Emma Watson and Miley Cyrus, these Good Guys have been spreading some major climate awareness! Their soles are made from natural ruber or wood, while vegan leather/suede, Appleskin, or canvas are used for the uppers.
Call It Spring
An ALDO Group company, Call It Spring is included in their sustainable policy and climate neutral certification. This footwear company is now free from all types of animal components, including wool, skins (leather), furs, silk, shells, and feathers. However, because this change was implemented fairly recently in 2019, they’ve made sure to add a V symbol on all new, 100% vegan shoes or shoe packagings, so you’ll know which ones to choose! And you should be happy to know Call It Spring is a brand for every wallet — almost all of their shoes are under $50!
Insecta
You’re sure to have never seen shoes like these before! Insecta’s shoe designs are entirely inspired by insects — in the best way possible! These unique Brazilian shoes are made out of all-recycled rubber, PET fabric, cotton, laminate, and vintage clothing from thrift stores. In fact, you can even shop by material, so you’ll know exactly how your pair will impact the planet. Not only will your new kicks stand out in a crowd, you’ll make a huge statement by promoting a cruelty-free and sustainable future!
Saola Shoes
Saola’s vegan shoes are super breathable and comfortable! But best of all, they’re all sustainably and ethically made using recycled plastic bottles (PET), organic cotton, cork, and — here’s a new one — algae! You’ll love their sleek, modern designs and reasonable prices (almost all under $100), plus the fact that 1% of their turnover goes toward wildlife conservation!
Did any of these brands catch your eye? We’re already taking notes for our Christmas lists! Remember that each purchase you make impacts not only the company you’re supporting, but also the planet we live on, and of course, all the living, sentient beings that inhabit it. So, thank you for supporting sustainable, vegan businesses, and for helping us create a brighter future for all!
