Go Green: 8 Vegan Shoes Brands You Can’t Miss Out On
Go vegan or go home! The trend for the vegan lifestyle is slowly entering the mainstream and its effect seems to extend beyond one’s food choices. The concept of vegan shoes is an example of a growing fashion trend emerged from the vast use of genuine leather in the shoe manufacturing. Fashion consumers are becoming more conscious about what their clothes are made of and how it may affect the environment. Besides the problem of animal cruelty, substances used in the tanneries are being dumped into the water, which causes pollution and damages the ecosystem. If you think that to find a pair of shoes that would be stylish and vegan at the same time is not an easy task, I hasten to assure you that it’s not true. Newly emerged, vegan-oriented retailers push the existing brands to offer more vegan alternatives produced from recycled synthetic textiles and other sustainable materials. To make the quest faster, here are 8 vegan shoes brands that will change your view on sustainable fashion.
1. Taylor + Thomas
Taylor and Thomas are two American female entrepreneurs whose passion for protecting the environment has brought them about to the idea of evolving the fashion industry toward the green. They launched their brand in 2018 and the first autumn-winter collection included shoes, ankle-boots, and mules. The price of a pair starts at around $350. The shoes themselves are made of non-toxic water-based polyurethane, the insoles are produced using castor oil and the heels are made of wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Shop Taylor + Thomas at Garmentory online marketplace.
2. Sydney Brown
This LA-based brand advocate for fair working conditions, animal-free fashion, and minimization of the use of hazardous substances, non-renewable resources, and waste in manufacturing. On their website, you can shop the classic high-heel boots and ankle-boots made of fake leather and velvet, sandals, snakes, etc. The price tag is around $350.
3. Rombaut
Rombaut presents a more modern approach to sustainable fashion, targeting young hipsters and high fashion gurus. Their aim is to merge colorful, innovative designs with sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing. The materials are predominantly plant-based, including fig tree bark, potato starch, and coconut fibers. However, synthetic materials are not completely opted out: according to the designer Mat Rombaut, they are necessary to retain the durability of the shoes.
4. Stella McCartney
Established in 2001, Stella’s brand is an example of a high-end cruelty-free clothing brand that had targeted environmental change long before it became a trend. The brand’s key policy is to reduce the negative impact on the environment, for instance, by using leather alternatives, such as recycled polyester. Beware, the price goes up to $650 just for a pair of sneakers.
5. Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat stand by a simple but very accurate motto: “Live Beautifully”. Their primary value is the maintenance of creativity and positivity along with the preservation of human authenticity and sustainable materiality. The brand experiment with the secondary materials, such as nylon, cardboard, rubber, and cork as well as recycled bicycle tires. Additionally, they use recycled plastic bottles to create eco-friendly shoe insoles. Along with more classic models, you will find more trendy things like open heel ankle-boots and sock sneakers. Look out for a sale and get a pair for no more than $50.
6. FUGU “Cool Japanese Shoes”
Veganism in retail is not just a habit or a trend, but a statement, an act of a social movement. FUGU refuses to fit in with the brutal realities of the modern world and aims to go beyond social labels and prejudices. FUGU customers are strong, independent and stylish people who care for the future of our planet: all shoes are made of recycled rubber combined with canvas or cotton mixture. Besides, everything’s less than a hundred dollars for a pair.
7. Golden Ponies
If you anticipate buying a pair of vegan shoes that are cute, inexpensive and vintage-looking, Golden Ponies shoes are right up your alley. The manufacturing is based in Mexico but you can visit their Etsy store to check for the models. Styles include classic cork Oxford shoes, iridescent 2000s-inspired sliders, monochromatic t-strap pumps and much more!
8. Rothy’s
Having repurposed over 20 million plastic water bottles, Rothy’s is a well-established San-Francisco-based vegan shoes brand that like playing with colors and patterns. Their style is elegant and chic, which appeals for all kinds of women, from a bossy working lady to a busy mom of four. As a bonus, you can send your worn-out pair back to the company to be recycled.
