With the vegan footwear market forecasted to nearly double in value by 2031, it’s clear that people are gradually trying to adopt more leather-free substitutes in their wardrobes.
If you’re looking to make the shift and you want to learn what vegan shoes are, our guide has everything you need to know.
What Are Vegan Shoes Made Of?
As you’d imagine, vegan footwear is made with fabrics and textiles that aren’t derived from animal products, such as leather, suede and silk.
However, this doesn’t just apply to the shoe’s upper material. To be officially classed as vegan, each component should be free of animal products, including the adhesives, soles and any accessories (like laces and buckles).
Nowadays, the glues used are typically formulated with a blend of water-based adhesives, though some may also feature synthetic ingredients.
Though natural rubbers are taken from certain tree varieties, some vegan rubber soles may be made from synthetic varieties to help ensure that they are as robust as possible. Non-rubber alternatives may include plastic or cork blends.
While laces can be made of a range of different textiles, some popular options are cotton (organic or otherwise), cork and recycled polyesters.
In order to look and feel as close to the real thing as possible, many varieties of vegan shoes boast a combination of natural and synthetic materials throughout their structure.
We’ve broken down some of the most used ones in more detail below.
Natural Materials
Though it may vary, some ranges are composed of apples, cereals and corn products. While it might sound a little unorthodox, these ingredients have become staples in vegan fashion.
Other components such as bamboo and organic cotton blends may also be found in the linings, soles and upper part of the shoe.
Synthetic Materials
Vegan synthetic materials are also featured in many ranges.
Two of the most common ones include polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These are varieties of man-made plastic that can be engineered to resemble and feel similar to traditional leathers. They’re useful for providing a hard-wearing and weather-resistant leather alternative.
Other synthetic components, such as viscose and recycled plastic fibres, might also be used to make them.
Vegan Shoe FAQs
Now we’ve established the ins and outs of vegan kicks, let’s address a few common questions.
What Are Our Vegan Shoes Made Of?
Easy to identify thanks to their recognisable green tabs, our range of vegan footwear uses a combination of natural and synthetic materials.
Boasting a mix of 75% natural cereal and corn materials to 25% synthetic, this blend helps to ensure they are durable and versatile additions to your shoe rotation.
Our internal linings are also constructed from recycled textiles to help promote both breathability and comfort. They are also PETA-approved and GMO-free.
We didn’t stop there, however. Our laces are made with the Better Cotton Initiative, a global movement dedicated to producing high-quality organic cotton while helping to promote better working conditions and investing in more sustainable practices.
And with our iconic triple stitch design, vivid colours and quality finish, what more could you want from your footwear?
Can You Use Shoe Polish on Vegan Footwear?
Yes, you can use shoe polish on vegan footwear. So don’t be afraid of wiping them down with a soft microfibre cloth and a small amount of polish when they become dirty.
However, we recommend following the care and cleaning instructions for your pair before breaking out cleaning supplies just to be safe.
Do Vegan Leather Shoes Stretch?
Typically, yes! Most vegan shoes are said to have a good capacity to stretch over time, adhering well to the shape of your foot and making them a comfortable addition to your footwear collection.
Now we’ve walked you through our expert guide, it’s clear that these shoes are often just as stylish and durable as their leather counterparts.
Explore our vegan footwear range today so you can decide whether to add them to your wardrobe.
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