21 November 2022
Does Sustainable Leather Exist?
- Greenwashing
- Production
- Accessories
In a world increasingly aware of the impact we have on the planet and animals, the demand for ‘cruelty-free’ and environmentally friendly products has grown. Vegan shoes are an interesting option for those looking to be fashionable and free of animal cruelty.
While some vegan shoes are not biodegradable, because they are made from materials such as polyester or synthetic rubber, choosing them consciously and responsibly can contribute to reducing environmental impact and protecting animals.
The production of vegan shoes involves less water and energy consumption compared to conventional leather shoes. And by not using animal-derived materials, vegan shoes avoid cruelty to animals and promote respect for their welfare.
In this article, we show you some vegan shoe brands that are revolutionising the footwear industry, and where to buy or find the perfect vegan shoes for you, without compromising on style or comfort.
VEGA-LIFE
Vegan shop in the centre of Amsterdam
VEGA-LIFE is located in the heart of Amsterdam and is 100% vegan. At VEGA-LIFE you will find all kinds of vegan footwear; from boots by A Perfect Jane, slippers by Flamingos Life to sandals by Vegetarian Shoes, everything you need for your vegan lifestyle can be found at VEGA-LIFE.
Everything you need for your vegan lifestyle can be found at VEGA-LIFE – check out their wide selection of vegan shoes!
Beflamboyant
Galician vegan trainers brand
Tired of being told what to wear? Feel free to wear what you want, to express your own style and personality, without compromising your commitment to animals and the environment with Beflamboyant’s unisex trainers.
Jorge and Tatiana, animal lovers, wild nature lovers, trainer fanatics and Zero Waste warriors, are the creators of this vegan and more sustainable shoe brand.
Be free and be yourself, with BEFLAMBOYANT!
Imperative
Minimalist sneakers
Looking for comfortable and minimalist trainers? Imperative is a vegan trainer brand, made from recycled and recyclable materials, and known for their practical, minimalist, stylish and versatile design. Their creations are inspired by art, architecture and a deep appreciation for meticulous attention to detail. In addition, Imperative is proud of its commitment to artisanal production in Alicante and more sustainable manufacturing, powered by renewable energy.
KUMI Sneakers
100% vegan trainers made in Spain
A 100% vegan trainer brand. Its founders, Alexandra and Sergio, whose respect and love for animals, local production and modern, more sustainable design led them to start their own project that fits their lifestyle and values.
Their shoes are manufactured locally in Elche (Spain), thus reducing the CO2 impact and creating links with national companies. In addition, for every pair sold, they donate 1 kilo of food for abandoned and homeless dogs and cats to SOS Animal.
Laüd recycled
Circular shoes made in Spain
Are you looking for comfortable and more sustainable shoes for your everyday life? LAÜD Recycled is the perfect choice!
You will find more sustainable sandals and trainers made in Spain with vegan leather and recycled fabrics from plastic bottles. What’s more, 3 coffee capsules are recycled with each pair in their collection.
Discover the urban design, designed for your everyday life with more sustainable materials! Visit the online shop of Laüd recycled.
Sambas the Bambas
Plant-based sneakers
Sambas the Bambas is a respectful footwear brand created by Victoria and Manuel. After years of working in the footwear industry, they felt they could do more and in a different way.
Sambas the Bambas footwear is made with biomaterials (no plastics), respectful with the planet, people and of course, your feet!
Discover the foot-friendly shoe that will give you total freedom of movement!
Grand Step Shoes
Ethical footwear since 1993
Founded in 1993, Grand Step Shoes is known for the production and distribution of ecological, more sustainable, comfortable and high quality shoes. They design and develop in Germany, with the majority of manufacturing taking place in Spain.
Their collections encompass both classic lines and current fashion trends to create stylish yet comfortable footwear. Not all the footwear they offer is vegan, but they do have a vegan shoe section.
Visit their online shop and discover their wide range of shoes and find the perfect shoe to suit your style!
Veja Running
Hip Sport Sneakers
The well-known brand Veja launched their own sports range: Veja Running has stylish sneakers for athletic animal lovers.
Veja has been an established footwear brand within the ‘sustainable community’. Offering more sustainable sneaker options, ranging from minimalistic leather sneakers to a fully 100% vegan range. To this they added a Veja Running line, specific sneakers for sports use, made animal-free from synthetic materials.
Discover the shoes at Harvest Club in Leuven!
Norm
Vegan Sneakers to keep moving
Discover the Belgian sneaker brand Norm! This small-scale shoe brand works together with recycling innovators like Sequal to recycle waste materials like marine plastics into new shoes. All the shoes are made in Portugal, so you know that they were made not too far from here!
Find Norm at MOOSE in the City in Antwerp.
Vegetarian Shoes
The name says it all…
Vegetarian Shoes has been paving the way for vegan footwear since 1990. Founded in the UK, this small brand now ships its ethically made shoes worldwide.
No matter if you’re looking for a classic men’s shoe, a sturdy walking boot, some fun loafers or a pair of summer sandals. Vegetarian Shoes has it all! The brand uses several natural and synthetic materials and even leather lookalikes like apple leather.
Discover the collection of Vegetarian Shoes at VEGA-LIFE in Amsterdam or supermarché in Berlin.
Genesis Footwear
German Sneakers with style
The German brand Genesis Footwear combines style with a more animal-friendly lifestyle. The comfortable sneakers of Genesis are not only vegan, but also designed to be worn every day. Whether you like bold colour combinations or a more minimalistic approach, Genesis will suit it both! The brand uses 100% vegan materials, for example vegan leather alternatives made from cornwaste or cactus.
Discover the brand in The Netherlands at Het Faire Oosten, Tally-Ho and BrandMission in Amsterdam or LOYA in Breda.
In Germany you can find the brand at roberta., roberta. Unterbilk, green guerillas and Selekteur in Düsseldorf, or at green guerillas Südstadt in Köln.
Indosole
Beachwear for your feet
Looking for more sustainable flip-flops or sandals? Discover Indosole, this brand makes fun beachwear for your feet out of recycled materials. The summer shoes are made in Indonesia using old car tires as material source. This way there are no animal materials involved at all! On top of that the brand guarantees that no animals are uses in the process, not even for powering machines or transporting materials (which is still a common practice in many countries).
Want to give your feet a summer vibe? Discover the vegan Indosole flip-flops at Het Faire Oosten, Tally-Ho or Pek & Kleren in Amsterdam.
Komrads
Belgian Sneakers Since 2015
Are you looking for a more sustainable and modern pair of trainers? Then Komrads is the brand for you! The Belgian footwear brand makes no-nonsense trainers, sneakers and casual shoes out of vegan and recycled materials.
Whether you’re looking for colourful kids shoes or a comfortable sneaker to complete your outfit, you’ll find it at Komrads.
Discover the Komrads designs at Supergoods in Mechelen, Gent and Antwerp. The shoes are also available at Harvest Club in Leuven, Freedom Aalst and Dendermonde in Belgium.
In The Netherlands, you’ll find this brand at Pek & Kleren in Amsterdam and LOYA in Breda.
Primal Soles
Comfort in every shoe
Want to feel like you’re walking on clouds? Try Primal Soles! This Dutch brand developed insoles made from sustainably sourced cork, so you can walk comfortably. They help you to improve your posture and support you with every step.
Traditional insoles often include leather. Primal Soles insoles are made out of several layers of (recycled) cork and antibacterial memory foam to ensure you have the best support. On top of this you can also take a subscription of the insoles, this way you can send the old ones back so Primal can recycle them appropriately!
Want to discover more vegan brands and shops? Visit our guide to sustainable shops!
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