In the world of fashion, style and sustainability have both become a priority for many consumers. Shoes are no exception, with more individuals choosing eco-friendly and cruelty-free footwear.
Those comfy vegan shoes are made from materials such as hemp, cork, pinatas (made from pineapple leaves), and bio-based polyurethane rather than leather, which requires animals to be slaughtered. It makes them a much more ethical option.
Comfort
When it comes to shoes, comfort is essential. That is especially true for vegan shoes, which often have more cushioning than their leather counterparts. They’re also crafted with lighter fabrics, making them easier on the feet. They can even be worn for long periods without causing pain or blisters.
Many vegan shoe brands use environmentally friendly materials to create their shoes. They may be made from recycled plastics, organic cotton, vegan leather, or cork. For example, the vegan leather sneakers from Avesu are breathable and made of soft and stretchy materials. They’re the perfect shoes for running errands or working out at the gym.
Other eco-friendly shoes are made from natural materials like rubber and cork. These materials are harvested sustainably, reducing the impact on the environment. They also have a lower thermal conductivity, keeping the feet at a comfortable temperature all day. Some brands, such as Bourgeois Boheme, offer stylish shoes with eco-friendly insoles.
Durability
These comfy vegan shoes can last just as long as leather-based ones and many vegan shoe brands use recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of their footwear. Some of these are sourced from cork, rubber, and Goretex; others include recycled plastics and a range of sustainable plant-based materials such as hemp, Pinatex, mushroom, and cactus leathers.
Aside from using recycled materials, most vegan shoe brands are committed to the entire lifecycle of their products, with many running audits in their factory partners and supporting workers’ rights. Matt & Nat, for example, visits its SA8000-compliant partner factories 2-3 times a year to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.
The durability of a vegan shoe also depends on the material used, with faux leather aging much faster than real leather. However, this is not always the case, and it largely depends on the quality of the material.
If you’re looking for a durable vegan pair of flats, check out Rothy’s shoes, which are made from their signature, sustainably sourced thread that’s knitted from plastic water bottles. These shoes are ideal for warm-weather travel, as they’re breathable and lightweight. Another great option is the cactus sneaker by Bhava, which can withstand a day of sightseeing and hiking and comes with an organic cotton footbed to keep your feet cool.
Style
The number of vegan shoes on the market is growing, and they are becoming more available in fashion stores and boutiques. They also tend to be less expensive than their leather counterparts. Many vegan shoe brands have taken a thoughtful approach to sustainability and quality, creating timeless styles that are kind to the planet.
Many vegan shoes are crafted from innovative materials like recycled plastic, cork, and bamboo lining. These fabrics are more environmentally friendly than leather, and they look just as good. They’re tough and long-lasting, and they won’t mark your feet like leather.
There is a common misconception that vegan shoes aren’t as breathable as leather, but this isn’t true. Many vegan shoes are made of breathable fabrics that help keep your feet cool and comfortable.
Some of the most popular comfy vegan shoes on the market are slip-on sneakers, which are perfect for casual wear. They’re also incredibly lightweight and can be worn for long sightseeing days.
Sustainability
Choosing vegan shoes reduces your carbon footprint and helps save the Earth. Leather production is incredibly harmful to the environment, using huge amounts of water and toxic chemicals. Many of the brands that make comfortable vegan shoes are eco-friendly, focusing on sustainable design and ethical manufacturing practices.
The materials used to create vegan shoes are typically less expensive to produce than leather. It allows them to be more affordable without sacrificing style or quality.