Nine of the best vegan shoe brands: buy eco-friendly men’s and women’s shoes that contain no animal products

It’s a brand new year, and that means it’s time for a wardobe update - and if you’re following a vegan lifestyle then there are plenty of choice for your new footwear
These are some of the best vegan and vegetarian shoes for men and womenThese are some of the best vegan and vegetarian shoes for men and women
These are some of the best vegan and vegetarian shoes for men and women

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With a recent report from the Vegan Society showing that 95% of shoppers would welcome more vegan-verified fashion and, of those 48% want more vegan-verified items across all fashion categories, it’s no surprise that more brands are now offering animal free products.

What makes shoes vegan, and how can I tell if they are vegan?

Vegan shoes are made without the use of leather, exotic skins, wool, fur, or any other animal-derived material.

It’s not just about the main material used to make the shoe either; for it to be truly vegan then everything from the uppers to the glue that sticks the sole on needs to be free from animal components.

It’s easy to tell if shoes are vegan. If you are shopping online then brands will include the fact they are vegan in the description and may even include the Vegan Society logo if they have been approved by the organisation.

If you are shopping in store then it can just be as simple as looking at the sole of a shoe if you are not sure if a shoe is vegan or not. If you see a symbol that looks like a cowhide that mean it’s made with animal leather. If all the symbols look like diamonds or woven fabric that means that the materials aren’t animal-derived so the shoes are vegan.

What brands offer vegan products?

The good news is that many brands, both high street and high end, now offer vegan products as part of their ranges.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite specific styles of shoe for men and women below, but you can also see the full vegan shoe ranges on the following websites: Schuch, New Look, Kurt Geiger, Superdry, Office, adidas, Marks and Spencer and TOMS.

What else can I do to follow a vegan lifestyle?

The most obvious thing that comes to people’s minds when they think about going vegan is adopting a vegan diet.

The good news is that supermarkets are offering a fantastic range of dairy and meat-free alternatives now, so going vegan can easily be a lifestyle choice that lasts well beyond Veganuary if you so choose because there’s so much choice.

If you would like some help with creating tasty and easy plant-based dishes, we’ve rounded up ten of the best vegan cookbooks to help get you started.

Everyone needs a good winter boot, and these have a chunky block heel with gold edging to elevate this look.

They also have an easy pull on style, which means they are simple yet stylish - and an ideal every day boot to see you through the season.

Available in sizes 3 to 8.

These gorgeous patent loafers feature a trendy tassel trim and will be your new favourite pair of slip on shoes; just as ideal for a day in the office as they are lunch time dinner dates or evening drinks.

The patent finish also gives them a shiny, expensive look.

Available in sizes 3 to 9.

These gorgeous trainers are special, they are embellished with jewels across the front and so every time you step out in them you’ll be making a very sparkly statement.

There’s also a textured white a croc printed upper and white laces, and a blush ankle with black pull tab - all sat on an off-white outsole.

They will go with any outfit, be it your jeans or a summer dress, when the time comes round of course.

Available in sizes 3 to 8.

These trainers are made with a classic baseball shoe design, but they can just as easily worn on the court as off it.

They have padded ankles for comfort, and they’re not just vegan - 33% of the upper material is recycled too.

This blue and orange combo is just one of the 15 colourways you can choose for these trainers. Other options include off white, black, white, black, mustard and white and red, black and white.

Available in sizes 7 to 11.

Dr Martens is one of the most well-known brands in footwear, and have been loved by men and women for years - whether they are actually following a vegan lifestyle or not. Happily, of course, they are also known for being vegan.

These particular boots offer the signature Dr.Martens silhouette with premium high shine synthetic upper, yellow stitching and rubber sole.

They might come with a more expensive price tag than other boots, but that’s because they are a high quality sturdy pair of boots which will last year after year, so they’re a real investment.

Available in sizes 6 to 12.

These shoes are a vegan take on a popular pair of trainers from Adidas.

As the name suggests, these have been inspired by the 80s, and the crisp white upper looks as retro as ever.

The brilliant thing is as well as being vegan, these shoes are also a sustainable choice as 50% of the upper is recycled content.

Available in sizes 3 to 8, including half sizes.

Three colours are available including cloud white, hazy rose and gold metallic (pictured), cloud white, mint ton and halo mint.

These vegan women’s shoes are a timeless essential. You can choose either a black or navy colouring, and there’s a classic rounded toe and supportive block heel so you can look stylish but keep comfortable all day long.

They’re wide fit too which makes them ideal for ladies with wider feet.

Available in sizes 3 to 8, including half sizes.

At TOMS, now more than 75% of their new 2022 collection is vegan, so if you want a pair of vegan shoes then TOMS are a great brand to consider.

These Alpargata shoes are a classic TOMS style, available in seven colours including slate blue (pictured), bright fuchsia and marigold.

They are known for their comfort and feature CloudBound™ Soles for extra comfort, extra breathability, and extra traction.

The Heritage Canvas uppers made primarily with jute too; a preferred eco-fiber that requires less water and fewer chemicals so they arer.

Available in sizes 3 to 10, including half sizes.

KEY SPECS:

Suitable for: HIIT, CrossFit, Cardio

Weight: 292 g

Pros: Great grip; Cushioning; Good lookin

Cons: Not ideal for weight training

Though theoretically a running shoe, the Dasher is a great option for all-round training. These shoes are vegetarian, not vegan, thought the brand prides itself on using sustainable materials.

The rubber outsole is great for withstanding a punishing workout, so you can jump, climb, and skip and they won’t wear. A cushioning midsole will bear the brunt of any impact as you move, while a knitted upper (combination merino and eucalyptus) is snug but flexible.

If you’re driven by aesthetics, this is one of the better looking gym shoes around, while if you’re eco-conscious, be advised it’s made entirely from renewable materials, such as sugarcane and caster bean.

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