Jun 26, 2025

Being Vegan Isn’t Always Convenient. But You Do It Anyway.

Living a vegan life isn’t just about food—it’s a choice that touches every part of your world. It means asking hard questions about what you wear, where it comes from, and who or what might have suffered to make it. And that’s not always easy.

Especially when it comes to fashion.

Even in 2025, finding beautiful, ethical fashion—especially shoes that truly align with your values—can be a battle. There are moments where it would be easier to just give in. But you don’t. You do it anyway. And that is something we at Vegan Style don’t take for granted.

We see your care. We feel your compassion. And we know that your choices are not made lightly.

Why Vegan Fashion Still Isn’t Easy

Vegan fashion has come a long way, but it’s still full of challenges that only those living this life fully understand.

Labels that mislead. You flip over a product labeled “vegan” only to find wool, leather trims, or glues that are animal-based.

Limited choice. So many styles are either too plain or far from anything you’d feel good wearing to work, an event, or even out to dinner.

Durability concerns. Some vegan shoes just haven’t held up. They’ve cracked, peeled, or broken down after only a short time, and that’s disheartening when you’ve paid money and trusted a brand.

Ethics beyond animals. For most vegans, ethics don’t stop at animal welfare. We care about people too—how workers are treated, how factories operate, what kind of footprint our fashion leaves behind.

Shoes Are One of the Hardest Things

When it comes to fashion, shoes are one of the most complicated areas. They’re often made from leather, with hidden animal components tucked inside. Even if they look synthetic on the outside, they may be held together with glue derived from animal bones or lined with wool blends.

It’s a space full of uncertainty—and it’s exhausting. We know, because we’ve lived it too.

That’s why we only stock shoes that are 100 percent vegan and truly aligned with the values many of us hold close. Our materials are thoughtfully chosen—like high-quality European microfibre PU and plant-based leathers made from corn, apple, pineapple, and even recycled resources. These materials perform beautifully, feel great on, and most importantly—they don’t hurt anyone.

If you’ve ever wondered how all those options compare, we’ve written about them here in our quick guide to vegan leather.

Corn Leather: One of Our Favourite Alternatives

One of the most impressive vegan innovations is corn leather. It’s made from waste materials left over from corn production, mixed with vegetable oils and finished with a water-based PU. That might sound technical, but all it means is that it’s durable, breathable, and made from something that would have otherwise been thrown away.

This material isn’t just better for animals—it also uses far less water and land than leather. And it feels soft, flexible, and premium in a way that honestly surprises most people who try it.

We use corn leather across a range of styles, including classic sneakers (such as the Ciaran corn sneakers in the picture below) and timeless ankle boots. Every pair is made to last, and to be loved.

The Cost of Leather (And Why It’s Not Just About the Animals)

The cruelty behind leather is often hidden. It’s easy to forget that behind every “genuine leather” label is a life that was taken—and an industry that contributes heavily to deforestation, pollution, and worker exploitation.

Leather production can use over 17,000 litres of water for just one pair of shoes
It often involves toxic chemicals like chromium, formaldehyde and arsenic, which can end up in rivers and harm communities
Workers in tanneries are often underpaid, underprotected, and exposed to dangerous substances daily

That’s why choosing vegan matters. Not just for animals, but for people too. When we say no to leather, we’re also saying no to systems that harm the planet and the most vulnerable among us.

Our Materials and What They Mean

We’re incredibly careful about what we stock and why. Every shoe you find at Vegan Style is:

Completely vegan—no animal glue, no wool lining, no hidden ingredients
Made in factories where workers are treated fairly and paid living wages
Built from sustainable and conscious materials like corn leather, apple leather, recycled rubber, bamboo, and microfibre PU
Designed to last, because we want fewer shoes going to landfill

This is not fast fashion. This is thoughtful fashion.

You Inspire Us

The truth is—what we do would not exist without people like you. People who feel the pain of animals being harmed. People whose hearts hurt when they learn how fashion is often made. People who could look the other way, but don’t.

You take that empathy and turn it into action. That’s powerful. And we see it.

Whether you’ve chosen to cut out animal products completely or you’re just starting to make changes, we’re grateful to be part of your journey.

Every step you take toward compassion makes a difference.

Always Open—Online and In Person

You can browse our full collection of vegan shoes and accessories anytime at veganstyle.com.au.

If you’d prefer to try shoes on in person, you’re also welcome to book an appointment to visit us. We’ll be there to help you find the right fit, answer your questions, and share what makes each pair special.

Because this isn’t just about fashion. It’s about living your truth.

Thank You

Thank you for caring.

Thank you for questioning what’s behind the things you wear.

Thank you for choosing empathy, even when it takes more effort.

From everyone at Vegan Style—thank you for doing it anyway.

You lead with heart, you live with integrity, and you still manage to look amazing doing it. And that is something the world needs more of.

💚