Vegan Shoes? What are they? Can I eat them?

When transitioning to veganism, you begin to learn that there is more to it than just the food you eat. Ask any long-time vegan and they’ll tell you, “Veganism isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle”. That’s because vegans do not purchase or use any animal products, which includes what they wear. This has created a massive market for vegan fashion items, including clothes, accessories, and of course, shoes!

There are some obvious materials that indicate whether a shoe is vegan or not, like leather, wool, and silk. Unfortunately, there are often hidden materials that appear, even in shoes that are seemingly vegan, that are actually animal-based. Unless a shoe is labeled as vegan, there’s a good chance that it’s not. Check out our past post to see why synthetic doesn’t always mean vegan.

Luckily, there are now more vegan shoe companies than ever before, with every type of style imaginable, from stilettos to steel-toe boots. Contrary to popular belief, the materials used are not tofu or kale, but rather durable and high-quality fabrics that mimic any non-vegan shoe. Ahimsa, a brand we carry from Brazil, uses recycled and reclaimed materials such as cotton, cork, rubber, and wood to create stylish and environmentally-conscious footwear. The majority of our brands use premium microfiber material to create an authentic “leather” look, without harming any animals in the process.

Vegan shoes mean more than just the materials they are made from. At Vegan Style, we only work with companies that are ethical in all steps of the supply chain, including their labor practices and environmental impact. Our company is dedicated to providing beautiful shoes that create the least amount of harm to the planet and those living on it. In short, vegan shoes are to be worn, admired, and envied – but please, don’t eat them.