The Hunt for Vegetarian Shoes

Posted on 2002/02/18 13:27:36 (February 2002) by john.

Which doesn't mean shoes that don't eat meat...

My shoes are nearly worn out, and I need a new pair. Recently, I've had a couple of conversations where non-vegetarians have gone with the old "aaahhhhh but you're wearing leather shoes" argument, which, in short translates as, actually I'm not trying to care at all, and secretly I recognise I'm a really shit person because of that, but it's fine because I can potentially pinpoint a small misgiving in someone who is really making an effort. (Read the previous sentence with a slight hint of irony, I'm not quite that despising of meat eaters... yet). In fact, I had a feeling my current pair of shoes are actually fake leather, but, as part of the generally wearing out process, any form of labelling that may have previously been there seems to have either fallen off (or perhaps rubbed off), so I'm a little unsure. Still, now is a good time, I thought, to get it sorted out properly and go and buy some certified bona fide vegetarian shoes.

You'd have thought, with such admirable intentions, and a reasonably flexible budget, this would have been simple. Well, not so. Yesterday I happened to be in Reading (it's a shitty regional town, as Sean Hughes would put it, near London in the UK, for anyone not from these shores), so I thought I'd pop into the town centre and take a look around. I visited just about every shop in the Oracle that sold men's shoes, and in each one asked an assistant if there were any shoes (the sort you'd wear to work) not made of leather. It seemed an amazingly unusual request for all of them, and, surprisingly not a single shop could present me with even one pair of shoes that they knew for sure to be devoid of leather. One shop did point out they had some shoes for women that weren't leather. Thanks for that.

Am I really the only man in England that doesn't want to have dead bits of cow strapped to his feet? Leather has become a really big issue for me. I remember a while back there being a campaign involving lots of naked supermodels all going on about how they'd rather be seen naked than wear fur, however, most of them could then be seen within the same week modelling leather. What the hell? So we're basically dealing with, if it's cute, it is totally abhorrent to kill it and wear it, but if it isn't its fair game. This added to the fact that supermodels were involved, whose very existence I despise anyway, got me quite annoyed. Well, for me, at any rate, it has to stop. No more leather.

So back to my shoes. I'm in London as I write, and I took a quick look around on the web for "vegetarian shoe shops" - to be honest I'm not sure I like the phrase "vegetarian shoes" at all, but currently I don't have a better name for it. Well, maybe I didn't look hard enough, but I hardly found a mass of shops selling leather-free shoes in the capital of a country with one of the highest proportion of vegetarians in the world (or so I'm led to believe). What I did find, was a very nice website for a shop in Brighton (vegetarian-shoes.co.uk), allowing me to buy online. I could see all of the shoes and everything, but, and call me a traditionalist, isn't it a bit odd mail ordering your shoes? I'm never sure exactly what size I am, and all shoes are slightly different anyway. So, basically, it is looking increasingly like I'm going to have to go all the way to Brighton just to buy myself a pair of shoes. Not entirely regrettable, Brighton is a nice place after all, full of forward looking people (unlike Reading), and maybe I can turn it into a nice day out. Still though, doesn't it just seem a little rediculous? Supermarkets and restaurants are really cashing in on vegetarianism now, they understand well that the little green v is a great selling point - it is a simple fact, there are needs in the market they would be utterly stupid not to address. Why is the footwear industry so far behind?

Douglas Adams' Shoe Event Horizon is certainly not taking place in the vegetarian sector, I can tell you.

Would just like to say how much i enjoyed reading 'John's' article on 'Vegetarian Shoes'. I to am a vegetarian who is struggling to find some veggie shoes, and totally understand how this bloke is feeling! i would be keen to hear if he did actually manage to find a decent pair of veggie shoes.
Thanks for the great reading ...x

Posted by Jo at 2003/07/21 20:08:27.

There is an answer: send the shoes back if they don't fit! Veggie shoe shops were some of the first on the internet and have a good reputation for doing what they say they are going to do.

You might reasonably ask why the footwear industry doesn't come-up with something better for veggies, and unfortunately it is a problem of manufacturing. Most veggies live in the UK or US. These are countries where the governments are trying to cut inflation by pricing the local factories out of business - for example Tuskers & TUF are in recievership at the moment and Phillips rubber soles have closed this year in Manchester.

Good veggie footwear requires a special microfibre fabric that is breathable and flexible. It's expensive unless bought in bulk, and factories have to set-up their old machines to make short runs in order to use it. Setting-up an old machine takes time and hassle, which tight-staffed firms don't have.

So, the bad news is that you can't squeeze innovation out of a declining industry, but the good news is that there are some web-based niche market shops that are doing their best for you. Try
http://www.veganline.com for some of the cheapest vegan shoes online.
yours
John

Posted by John Robertson at 2003/07/29 18:53:27.

I've enjoyed reading your article this evening John, i too am at a time where i feel that i need to stop putting the dead cows on my feet so i can feel at ease when i walk. As you have described finding non animal product shoes is, unfortuantly, quite difficult. I too have been browsing different sites but am unsure which size will fit - will it be a 6 a 61/2 or a 7, can't order all 3! Ah well maybe i'll bump into you in Brighton on the hunt (not the blood kind) for a desent shoe!!
Jenny

Posted by jenny ringstead at 2003/08/26 21:59:22.

The truly annoying thing is that someone somewhere has decided that vegetarians have absolutely no fashion sensibilities. That shop in Brighton is a step forward, but they've got very few options, and not many are better than a plastic bag sellotaped to your foot.

Posted by Pete at 2004/01/15 16:20:07.

There is a store in Glasgow called Deichmann's Shoes which carry non-leather guys shoes (I am on my second pair!) and they are really cheap. They are a German company and I think there are stores around the country. Not all of their shoes are non-leather but they do carry a few styles. Hope this helps.

Posted by niall at 2004/02/13 11:48:27.

Fashion sensibilities?

If anyone knows how to make a few cutting-knives, like macho pastry cutters, out of spot-welded steel, I could have a go. There are enough vegan consumers on the internet to support short production runs of shoes but not to support the photography and advertising budgets that mainstream shoe companies have. You need good photography and advertising to sell enough shoes to support the normal costs of getting some new knives and lasts made, which is tens of thousands of pounds, so vegan shoe companies have to be clever about cutting costs. Does anyone reading this have any ideas about how to make a press-cutting knife at home? Are there any knives and lasts arounds second hand? I have not given my e-mail address on this posting because I might get loads of spam, but if anyone works in engeneering and has a point of view, please find the contact form on my website

Posted by John Robertson at 2004/03/06 19:29:21.

I am a student at Brighton university studying textiles design and am currently in the process of developing a range of high fashion vegetarian footwear. I have developed a knitted fabric which is durable like leather, but can be colourful, patterned and breathable. I have noticed that alot of vegetarian shoes on offer are not as fashionable as they could be, and feel there needs to be something a bit different and 'trendy' on offer for all those fashion concious veggies out there!! I am currently doing some market research for this and it would be great to get your comments on this idea, where you buy your shoes, how much you would be willing to pay for them etc. Please help me out- Vegetarians shouldnt have to forfiet style for what they believe in!!!

Posted by katie (khanlan21@hotmail.com) at 2004/03/09 15:16:44.

I travelled from GLasgow to Brighton to get a pair of walking boots which I had seen on the Vegetarian Shoes web-page. They were discontinued!
I enjoyed the visit to Brighton though.

Posted by cath at 2004/03/23 21:57:51.

have you tried http://vegetatian.shoes.co.uk i get my shoes from them they are really good quality not expensive and last along time i bought a pair of cheetas last year and wear them every day and they still look brand new. this is the only site i need to visit to get all the shoes i need they cater well for men and women. try them happy shoe shopping.

Posted by lou at 2004/05/02 24:35:29.

Hello all. Im also a veggie and have, finally, decided to put up the leather and go for the moral ideal of animal friendly footwear - basically the Dr. Martins ive had for years have finally died - several years after the poor cow!
I've know for sometime that DM's did a veggie range. Or shall I say, they did. I've just discovered that they've axed their range! Can anyone out there tell me whats going? The best shoe makers ever have turned into veggie haters!
Ive spent the last 2 days searching the web for other ranges and have found virtually nothing suitabley "tastfull". Some of the sites already listed have some okay things in, but most, if you'll excuse me for saying, are for the office workers of the world (appart from some very nice hiking boots on the market anyway!)
On a good note, I have come across a site that does a very large range of veggie boots, though they are of the alternative variety (suits me fine!) at normal prices. Its www.pennangalan.com. Hope this will be of use for anyone missing the Dr. Martin range.
Happy Shopping!

Posted by Curly Liz at 2004/05/05 23:24:52.

Does anybody know where I can buy good quality, cruelty-free baby shoes in the UK?

Please be quick before my partner does the unthinkable and buys little Noah a pair of Clark's leather abominations!

Posted by Stephen at 2004/05/07 12:21:29.

I was hoping to be able to get some vegan DMs when I visit Britain next month... sounds like I won't manage then.
I spent last summer in flip-flops and the winter in some quite stylish rubber boots from Finland (they don't breath though).

Posted by Sian at 2004/06/04 10:08:58.

I have been trying to find some decent non-leather loafers for my hubby for years and unless we can afford to pend $120 -$189! We're outta luck. And that's not counting the shipping which is usually $15 plus US dollars. I have been to every single non-leather, vegan, vegetarian shoes site and the shoes are so incredibly expensive that it discourages anyone who's not wealthy to be forced to buy leather. None of the retail sotres carry non-leather men's shoes, but carry probably 50% non-leather for women! What's up with that? I do not get why it's so different with womens shoes. Since my hubby obviously needs more then one pair of dressy work shoes in more then just black we are stuck with having to put him in leather which really sucks! We are both vegetarians and would love to have either totally out of our lives and if it wasn't for his damn shoes it would be. By the way, I purchased him soem shoes over a year ago from veganline.com and the US size stated was not the true size. Infact it was 2 X smaller then it should had been and they were less then happy to refund. They only offered exchange and since they can't get their sizing right I was hardly goign to risk another ill-fitting pair of shoes and havign to fork out the cash to send them back yet again. I forced them to give me my money back. Would never buy from them again!

Posted by Karla at 2004/07/26 19:12:00.

I have been trying to find some decent non-leather loafers for my hubby for years and unless we can afford to pend $120 -$189! We're outta luck. And that's not counting the shipping which is usually $15 plus US dollars. I have been to every single non-leather, vegan, vegetarian shoes site and the shoes are so incredibly expensive that it discourages anyone who's not wealthy to be forced to buy leather. None of the retail sotres carry non-leather men's shoes, but carry probably 50% non-leather for women! What's up with that? I do not get why it's so different with womens shoes. Since my hubby obviously needs more then one pair of dressy work shoes in more then just black we are stuck with having to put him in leather which really sucks! We are both vegetarians and would love to have either totally out of our lives and if it wasn't for his damn shoes it would be. By the way, I purchased him soem shoes over a year ago from veganline.com and the US size stated was not the true size. Infact it was 2 X smaller then it should had been and they were less then happy to refund. They only offered exchange and since they can't get their sizing right I was hardly goign to risk another ill-fitting pair of shoes and havign to fork out the cash to send them back yet again. I forced them to give me my money back. Would never buy from them again!

Posted by Karla at 2004/07/26 19:12:16.

I have been trying to find some decent non-leather loafers for my hubby for years and unless we can afford to pend $120 -$189! We're outta luck. And that's not counting the shipping which is usually $15 plus US dollars. I have been to every single non-leather, vegan, vegetarian shoes site and the shoes are so incredibly expensive that it discourages anyone who's not wealthy to be forced to buy leather. None of the retail sotres carry non-leather men's shoes, but carry probably 50% non-leather for women! What's up with that? I do not get why it's so different with womens shoes. Since my hubby obviously needs more then one pair of dressy work shoes in more then just black we are stuck with having to put him in leather which really sucks! We are both vegetarians and would love to have either totally out of our lives and if it wasn't for his damn shoes it would be. By the way, I purchased him soem shoes over a year ago from veganline.com and the US size stated was not the true size. Infact it was 2 X smaller then it should had been and they were less then happy to refund. They only offered exchange and since they can't get their sizing right I was hardly goign to risk another ill-fitting pair of shoes and havign to fork out the cash to send them back yet again. I forced them to give me my money back. Would never buy from them again!

Posted by Karla at 2004/07/26 19:12:29.

I know what john's feeling. Everytime i go in a shoe store, there are leather or suede shoes and i do not want an animal on my feet. I'm going to check out that website and get me some shoes!

Posted by veggie_and_proud at 2004/09/19 06:06:51.

totally agree with karla- veggie shoes are expensive. as a result am currently in leather shoes- which sucks!

Posted by sophie at 2004/12/08 19:05:50.

Come on there must be someone out there who can see a growing market opportunity!
I've got a pair of shoes from vegetarian shoes in Brighton and they are lasting well (apart from the velcro) but they need to at the price!.
I remember seeing a site with some great multi-coloured shoes on 2 or 3 years ago when I bought these but can't track it down now - anyone seen it?

Posted by Anne at 2004/12/29 14:55:59.

MooShoes do some really cool (albeit expensive) shoes for men and women, they are based in new york tho and so u have 2 order online. The stupidest thing is, all the shoes are made in europe and shipped to the US so that u can pay to ship them back over again!

Posted by Ang at 2005/01/09 21:50:46.

I dont understand what thcan not make pleather shoes, when they can make purses that are pleather

Posted by cathy at 2005/01/30 04:52:45.

www.VEGANLINE.com might be the site Anne saw a year or two ago - they have multicoloured braid sandals as well as pleather-like shoes.

Posted by John Robertson at 2005/03/11 18:53:56.

Really enjoyed reading this - thought I was the only veggie left wearing leather shoes! Have made the choice to stop the 'ahhhh, you're wearing leather shoes' conversation but am also finding it hard to locate a decent outlet for compassionate clothing. Have purchased a pair of trainers from the shop in Brighton, and am extremely happy with them, but desperately searching for a modern veggie belt - you know.... the thick fashionable belts all the youth are wearing. If anyone knows of a manufacturer, I would love to hear from you...

Posted by Gemma at 2005/04/02 20:33:17.

I empathize greatly with everyone who has suffered the frustration of internet shoe shopping. I have had some great successes with buying shoes from veggie internet sites, even got a great pair of motorcycle boots (yes, wow) from Vegetarian-Shoes.co.uk, but I have been looking for a pair of sandals for FOUR YEARS!!!! that's 4 bleeping years. I just want a pair of comfortable sandals that I can walk a few miles in, is that too much to ask? My problem is that I take a size 3- which you would think is fine as the adult size range often starts at a size 3, but then you get the comments "these tend to run a size large, so we suggest you buy a size smaller" so that's me stuffed. Even when nthey don't say that the continental 36 is more like a 3 1/2 anyway.
Enough of the whingeing- my search continues, but in the meantime- if you think a pair of veggie shoes are too expensive-

just imagine how much they will cost you per mile that you will travel in them and then you will realise that they are worth every penny. So good luck with your search.

Posted by Jac at 2005/05/10 21:49:16.

if you have a bit of cash try birkenstock for the world's best veggie sandals - they are expensive but they really do last for years. i've had mine for 7 or 8 years now, and even though i wear them non-stop every summer they are still going strong. plus birkenstock has a repair service so when the soles wear down you can get them repaired - so they're sustainable as well as veggie! and they're made in germany, not in a chinese sweatshop. also, the more people that buy them, the more they'll stock. this year they're adding the 'madrid' and 'gizeh' styles to the vegan range, although these aren't up on the website yet. they have vegan clogs too.

Posted by nina at 2005/05/26 19:50:28.

Wouldn't it be nice if Stella McCartney designed a range of footwear that us mere mortals could afford? I've written to her twice but no reply. Most people who buy her shoes don't care about the no-leather factor, but merely the name. Linda would have been much more approachable and sympathic on the subject!!!!

Posted by Janice Hamilton at 2005/09/06 01:47:04.

I don't want shoes OR sandals - I want BOOTS (not the wellington type) and I want COLOUR. I don't follow fashion but I do know what I like and I definitely don't like the ubiquitous black, brown or beige shades that are mostly on offer in vegetarian footwear. Where I live in Lymington you can't even buy a coloured pair of tights or stockings! I also run a New Forest group for Compassion in World Farming so I'm desperate to get leather off my feet but I do want comfort as I'm diabetic and need to look after my feet. One day, when compassion becomes fashionable and able to make money there'll be vegetarian shoe shops all over the place - but not, I think, in my lifetime! Good luck to everyone.

Posted by Sally May at 2005/09/14 02:04:42.

I have been buying veg shoes on line for years. They are expensive, but generally wear better than leather. Ethical Wares have a good range as well as the Brighton-based Vegetarian Shoes people. I was vegetarian for a long time before giving up leather, but once I had made the switch I became used to the relative inconvenience of having to wait for my new shoes to arrive through he post or call in to Brighton.

Posted by Paul at 2005/10/01 17:35:50.

Even if you DO find a pair of shoes that are totally animal-friendly, you're lucky if you don't look like a raging lesbian eco-warrior type!!! Where are all the pretty, girly shoes?! Someone help me

Posted by Becky Linney at 2005/10/23 13:04:47.

Have stumbled across a fashion website claiming to sell vegan shoes - www.bboheme.com - still on the hunt for more range though...

Posted by Cara at 2005/11/15 19:13:50.

I could not empathise with this dilemma more - the dilemma of many "all-the-way" vegetarians anyway! After all, as you are all most likely aware, being a vegetarian "food-wise" ie (no meat or any of its by-products) , and even "clothes-wise", (no fur, leather, etc) is a considerable effort in itself at times, but why - oh god why - is it virtually impossible to find even a small pool of veggie-friendly shoes in one's own town? And while I'm writing this, I think I might as well comment on the general subejct of veggie shoes. I'm not sure if anyone else finds this the case to the sheer extent as I do, but if vegetarianism is in fact becoming a more accepted and even admired choice of lifestyle, why on earth is the mere proposal of leather-free shoes so often met with such ridicule? Just thinking out loud here. Many I know, who are otherwise understanding of my vegetarianism, seem to find my search for veggie shoes almost an insane quest. I simply don't want to wear strips of some poor dead cow on my feet, is that really too much to ask? In fact, I want to actually *like* the shoes I wear, take pride in them and such, as so many girls do! And anyway I'm really itching for a couple of new pairs of smartish shoes by now (I've lived in two pairs of well worn trainers for about as many years). I don't wish to rant on, well unless it's called for here ;) , but for me anyway, it really does seem like a very lonely quest! And I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I can in fact find veggie shoes anywhere in the Glasgow area, where I live (as I don't yet have a credit card and so can't buy them online for a while yet) or indeed whether this will ever be so... Oh and hey to you all!

Posted by GD at 2005/11/18 15:53:35.

Oh and I meant to ask, does anyone else have trouble reading the print on this page? It's too tiny to read properly and I can only read it by copying and pasting it elsewhere, so does anyone know if there's a way to enlarge the print? Thanks!

Posted by GD at 2005/11/18 15:59:23.

Hey, I'm glad not to be the only person getting narked-off by the "oh, but you wear leather!" riposte. I've been vegetarian for a relatively short time and very seldom buy new shoes, so last week I enlisted my sister to help me find a pair for work, since my old pair were so frayed that they were grating the back of my foot into ribbons. It didn't take long to realise that shoe-shops have more dead animals on show than a butcher's window display—in the end, I purchased my murdered animal hide, thanked the shop assistant and left, comfortable in body but not in mind.

So I've taken to the web in search of conscience-free shoes, and although there are a few suppliers online I am /really/ unhappy about buying by mail order. I know from experience that it's difficult to find shoes which fit me, because I like to move my feet around a lot, so trying them on is essential; finding out about this shop in Glasgow is invaluable, since I live only half an hour away on the bus. However, I'm concerned about the price; I don't want to get there only to walk out either red-faced or tightening my (pre-vegetarian leather) belt. I'll look around online for some indicators, but if I can't find anything I'd appreciate it if anyone who has been could give me an indication.

By the way, on most browsers you can make the font bigger by holding in [Ctrl] and pressing +. :)

Posted by Jordan at 2005/11/20 02:16:48.

This is wonderful: so many fellow veggies that like me are finding it impossible to buy non leather shoes!! I was okay for a few years because Next were producing some really nice work shoes (loafer style black ones) that were Polyurethane or whatever it's called. They were lovely and lasted me for years, but annoyingly they stopped doing them last year. So I've now joined the rest of you in the hunt for fashionable non cow shoes. Please keep posting suggestions on here if you find any nice sites!

Posted by Veggie Girl at 2005/11/27 18:13:53.

I share exactly the same problem. I have been veggie for a long time now but have not yet made the leap to veggie shoes. I have decided it's time now though - but they all seem so expensive on my small budget. My brother directed me to the vegetarianshoe site from the shop in Brighton - he has a pair and swears by them. But it would be nice to be able to have shops full of veggie shoes - maybe one day.

Posted by Alli at 2005/11/27 22:34:10.

Yeap!It really does suck being a Veggie,sometimes.I m on the hunt as well.I live in Islington,London.Does anyone know of any outlets around here as my I would have severe difficulties buying them online (my feet are very odd shaped)!!!!

Posted by Marie at 2005/12/04 20:40:41.

Argh I wish I'd known about Next doing these shoes before they stopped!! I'd have to say that, from my own exhaustive (yet fruitless) search for veggie shoes, it would appear that the site vegetarian-shoes.com really is currently the best place to find such shoes. They have a nice range, and they're also made of materials which are actually good for your feet, which is important. But other than that, I'm still on the look-out for nearby Glasgow stores. It's ridiculous that shoe-hunting should ever be this difficult!

Posted by GD at 2005/12/05 21:17:28.

Btw apologies for the repeated message, I was just trying to get it to send!

Posted by GD at 2005/12/06 22:08:00.

We get our children's vegan shoes from Green Shoes in Totnes- they have a website and mail order. They are a bit pricey but they can last for a couple of years as the shop will stretch them up to fit. The quality is excellent and the children can choose bright colours and stitched on motifs. They do lovely adult stuff too but it's beyond my price range. Most of my shoes are leather ones from jumble sales, which I decorate with acrylic paint. Anything second hand is as good as veggie.

Posted by Lucinda at 2005/12/14 19:50:37.

yes, Green Shoes in Totnes are great. They get round the problem of ordering on-line by getting you to send them various measurements of your feet plus a drawing round each of your feet. If you don't fit any of their standard 4 widths, they will then offer made-to-measure. I've bought 2 pairs from them; they've fitted perfectly and are very comfortable. You are right though - they are expensive.

Posted by phil from Tamworth at 2005/12/30 11:49:46.

I did go all the way to brighton (twice in 6 months!!) and think it well worth the trek, how eva am very sad as my proms is coming up (well only 5 months away!) and i hve yet to find pretty veggie shoes, i am on a very limited budget and i find it really depressing that there is so little pretty stuff available, however its great to know there our loads of other people who feel the same way!!

Posted by Sarah Lewis at 2006/01/15 22:37:57.

Rocket Dog do some good cow friendly shoes and boots - try doing a search for them on the web as loads of sites stock them and new ones are always popping up on ebay.

Posted by Jane at 2006/01/20 18:49:06.

I completely agree on the Stella McCartney and non-lesbian-eco-warrior looking women's shoes quandary.. Again and again read Stella saying how wrong it is for vegetarians to wear leather shoes. I wish she would act upon this and design and sell reasonably priced, attractive vegetarian shoes!! She surely has enough money, power and reason to do so as a high profile veggie.

Posted by Lu at 2006/02/24 18:29:48.

I agree. Why are vegan shoes so dull? I thought I had finally struck lucky with all those cloth, beaded and sequinned Indian shoes on sale last year- but all had leather in/soles. I'm now thinking of making my own-I did a weekend shoemaking course last year-although I would be anxious that I would be adding 'earth motherish' to Lesbian/ EcoWarrior style of current range

Posted by jane A at 2006/02/28 20:58:51.

Hemp shoes are great and finally becoming available in this country. Try Natural Collection - website and mail order. I bought some v. nice waterproofed hemp boots and shoes . I feel happier with hemp than fake leather as it involves less chemical processes. Good luck to everybody including me as I need to find some hemp shoes for my 9-year-old daughter who has decided against leather for herself. Does anybody make childrens sizes?

Posted by azroc at 2006/03/03 10:38:15.

I am not a vegan and would quite happily wear dead cow or other vertebrate on my feet. My feet, however are: I have become allergic to leather (apparently its the chromate used in the tanning). I too have had enourmous difficulty getting shoes with no leather. I too shall have to buy them online!

Posted by Richard Gregson at 2006/03/06 18:37:06.

I'm an almost vegan and live in Brighton. As, unusually for Brighton, I don't go for the Earth mother/Lesbian/ Eco-Warrior style, I don't tend to go to Vegetarian Shoes, though Deja, a bit further along on the corner of Kensington Gardens, always stocks some nice non-leather women’s shoes. There are also quite a few girlie, non-leather styles in "normal" chain-stores but it always takes so long to find a pair that doesn't have leather sole, insole or trim and you never know what’s in the glue. Totally agree with everyone's comments about Stella McCartney and other manufacturers - can't they see a gap in the market for good quality, fashionable veggie shoes? Thanks to Cara for pointing me in the direction of www.bboheme.com, though I share other people’s reluctance to by shoes without trying them on first. I know you can send them back but that can get expensive. There’s also www.beyondskin.co.uk but they’re Stella McCartney prices!

Posted by Jane at 2006/03/19 10:11:02.

Hi! I understand your problem and deal with the same every day. I just bought a pair of veggie sneakers by Matt and Nat and paid $85 for them. I am a women who likes fashion and a variety of shoes to choose from each day. I keep looking at my husband saying "I can not be the only person out there who has a problem finding non leather shoes!" I'm glad that I stumbled across you. For 2 years I keep saying "I'm going to open my own veggie shoe business." The issue is that I would be selling shoes for high cost. What are vegetarians willing to pay for shoes is the question? The average veggies shoe is around $75 to $175 retail. I live in New Jersey and which is a high cost area. Are veggies willing to spend this much on shoes?

Posted by Tina P at 2006/03/30 17:14:19.

I've just been looking on the web, in vain, hoping to find some colourful vegan-friendly Dr Martin boots, the main website doesn't even bother saying they're made of leather!
I'm not into high heeled strapy shoes which is what is so often sadly on offer.
Good luck every one.
Veg*ns united!

Posted by Milly at 2006/04/02 18:05:26.

Hi all, great to find like-minded people. I have dual problems looking for shoes - affordable non-leather and a female size 8 to 9. Fortunately there are a lot of cheap 'fashion' non-leather shoes out there - unfortunately the cheaper ranges often stop at size 7 (or an abnormally small size 8). I also am on a budget and prefer to try shoes on before buying them, but just wanted to add my voice to yours in case any veggie shoe suppliers happen to find this page. My boyfriend wants to avoid leather too but just can't find anything local and affordable. I guess we should all make a point of requesting vegetarian footwear when shopping to raise the profile of this issue, but I know how wearing that can be. Good to know we are not the only ones with this problem, and thanks to those who have given website addresses.

Posted by Jo2 at 2006/08/04 15:00:40.

I opened a uniform store in Sarasota Florida in 05/06. I carry all styles of VEGGIE shoes they are WONDERFUL!! I will ship anywhere in the U.S. email me your order to thescrubshop@verizon.net

Posted by Cora Hoffman at 2006/08/14 21:21:04.

John - I enjoyed reading your shoe-searching story - I live in Reading and share your frustrations looking for non-existent vegetarian suitable shoes. Yes, I was looking for ladies shoes, and there are a few but most of them look really cheap or about to fall apart. I sympathise with the lady who wanted girlie shoes - most of these vegetarian shoes are pretty hideous! I do appreciate that maybe it is more difficult for men to find a decent pair in a shop. My husband seems happy with his from the Brighton shop though. This is a constant battle every time I want a new pair of shoes. I was amazed by the number of comments posted - I really did think we were the only ones who bought vegetarian shoes, and it is encouraging to see so many people concerned! I did try some from Freerangers that were hand made - very comfortable, but I wouldn't set foot outside the house in them, as they look gross, and not really what I was expecting from the picture, so be careful. Happy shoe shopping - maybe next time you're in Reading we could go together!!

Posted by Heather Cook at 2006/11/07 23:20:28.

Many of the websites listed have wider ethical concerns also, which for me gave them the advantage over shoe shop chains. However, having checked out Deichmann on the web, if they are to be believed they have a strong ethical base, including good worker rights and environmental considerations, which, if true, make them worth a visit. They have a branch in Glasgow and probably in plenty of other towns. Also, their sizes are good - I take a EU 41, which is difficult to find online in narrow fittings, but have had very comfortable non-leather shoes from them.

Posted by greta at 2007/02/18 14:34:42.

Very good site. Thanks for author!

Posted by Mireya at 2007/06/04 12:40:18.

just out of interest - we visited the vegan fair in bristol and happened upon a stall selling hemp baseball boots of many lovely colours.. think you can order on line too.. earthandwear.com - might be worth a look maybe....

Posted by allesandra at 2007/07/09 15:24:10.

After a long search and obviously some luck today I have found a web site that doesn't just deliver to the US and Canada and is UK based and does cheaper vegetarian shoes for children- great as my son needs school shoes this September and we were left with plimsols but we shall now try www.alternativesoles.com- Hope they are good!

Posted by mel bracey at 2007/08/02 10:58:56.

For fashionable non-leather shoes for ladies I would recommend Beyond Skin. Their website is www.beyondskin.co.uk. However, prices correspond with the quality of shoes. As a male however, I have not yet bought non-leather shoes but intend to do so the next time. Normally, I appreciate fashionable shoes and based on the stories of many posters it might be quite an intensive search. However, I know that if we buy now with the current non-leather shoes providers there will be two advantages. Firstly, these firms will be able to invest more in new quality shoes and will pick up customer desires through the contacts with customers. Secondly, the more customers buy non-leather shoes, current leather only retailers will at some point notice the trend and decide to produce non-leather shoes at some point.

Posted by Chris at 2007/08/09 14:57:24.

I've been wearing non leather shoes for years,as has my boyfriend. You get the most choice in 'cheap' shoe shops / chain stores i.e. primark, mark one, matalan, Jonathan James etc. The shoes don't last years but they're cheap and can be fashioable / smart etc The only pronlem is that there is no information about the glue used and the ethics of most of these stores are dubious. Thanks for the above info about children's shoes. Our baby is getting ready to walk and we thought that we were going to have to resort to Clarks!

Posted by Fiona Hay at 2007/10/06 00:03:52.

Please send me details of any vegan clasic shoe outlets inSurrey or London

Posted by v karunaratne at 2007/10/14 18:04:40.

We sell the earth and wear hemp baseball boots mentioned in comment 77. We also do cheap high heels, cheap Spanish canvas-top shoes, and British-made denim sandals.

For those who have trouble with size charts, we can also sell a cheap foot length gage and offer up to a ten pound discount of the next pair of shoes.
http://www.veganline.com vegan shoes online

Posted by Veganline.com at 2007/10/19 19:58:35.

Hi everyone!

I have really enjoyed reading everyones comments in regards to vegetarian shoes.
I actually turned vegetarian 2 years ago but am still wearing leather as feel there is poor choice in the footwear market at the moment.
I am actually studying for my BA degree at The London College of Fashion- Cordwainers. I am developing a vegetarian luxury footwear range for childrens shoes but want then to be cute and quirky for kids.
I was just wondering if there were any parents out there who had any comments or suggestions on this topic to help me consider what parents really want for their kids shoes.
Can also email me at vivi_m_t@hotmail.com if you wish.

Thanks!!!

Posted by Genevieve at 2007/10/23 16:05:59.

Hi Genevieve, I'll test drive your children's shoes for you!! What do parents want? Basically I want Clarke's expertise in children's shoe fitting and design for each stage of development ( i.e. at the moment our little man is just starting to walk but spends more time crawling so needs sturdy but flexible shoes) but without the leather. I do worry about ordering baby shoes on the net without hsving someone to tell me that they do fit properly. Cost is also a massive consideration if they need to be renewed every 6 - 12 weeks. Design to tell the truth, is way down the list of priorities at this stage but this will obviously change as he gets older. Good luck with your collection!

Posted by Fiona at 2007/10/26 21:55:28.

My daughter is looking for some vegetarian velcro school shoes, but it's relly difficult as a lot of them have heels which are unsuitable.

Posted by Kahli at 2007/11/03 16:11:05.

Ive been researching shoes/trainers and when you find out what is in these shoes/trainers you will be shocked for both vegetarians and people of religion.

FIND VEG SHOES AT

http://www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk/c-10-mens-everyday-wear.aspx


HOPE THIS HELP

Posted by ADZ at 2007/12/31 17:49:08.

also at



http://www.greenvee.com/products.html


HOPE THIS HELP

Posted by adz at 2007/12/31 17:50:59.

http://www.bboheme.com/matt-clarice-p-743.html




HOPE THIS HELP

Posted by adzzz at 2007/12/31 17:51:32.

FIND VEG SHOES AT


http://www.naturalcollection.com/natural-products/Hemp-Icon-Trainers.aspx


HOPE THIS HELP

Posted by adz at 2007/12/31 17:52:05.

last one to check

http://www.ethicalwares.com/314/mens-style-1009/

HOPE THIS HELP

Posted by adz at 2007/12/31 17:52:46.

About a decade ago I bought two pairs of the same shoes, from the South African equivalent to Marks and Spencer ie. Woolworths.

They closely resembled the "Kalahari" shoes sold by www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk. That's the good news. The BAD news is they are priced at £55. There is no way that I can afford that much on a pair of shoes. The most I could afford on a pair of shoes is £35.

I generally end up buying the most hideous shoes, simply because they are non leather. They are usually quite masculine looking, not too comfortable and ugly.

Why can't even the big chains do decent non leather shoes? Does it not occur to them that if they made non leather shoes, that did not look like 17th Century monstrosities, people would be happy to buy them? I look at the most beautiful shoes and I can never have them, because they are made from leather.

It sucks.

Posted by Kyra at 2008/09/07 17:45:20.

I am on the hunt as well for Men's veggie shoes and found this site: http://www.alternativestores.com/ethical-shop/vegetarian-shoes/mens-shoes/cat_11.html

Thanks for all the other suggestions!

Posted by Rajjy at 2008/09/17 13:50:01.

We can all empathise with this article, so my wife and I created Bourgeois Boheme (www.bboheme.com) which is proud to be London's first Vegan retail outlet.

We have stylish and professional footwear & accessories made ethically in Europe and is 100% animal-friendly.

We weren't around in 2002, so sorry John (author), but we're here now, so check us out as we have some really nice stuff...if I don't mind saying so myself ;)

Posted by Van from BoBo at 2008/11/22 16:25:22.

Post a comment