Let me show you how easy it is to find vegan shoes for any occasion
Myth: “It’s not possible for vegans to find a variety of shoes. Their choices are so limited.”
I think shoes are like the flooring that finishes off a newly decorated room. You can do so much to a room but the new flooring completes it in a way that you wouldn’t expect. For this reason, I like to have a range of shoes, because I think they can make or break an outfit. They can also mean the difference between making an outfit look casual smart, bold and/or smart or elegant and chic.
The assumption about vegan shoes
When others have noticed my shoes, if they don't know how strongly I feel about only wearing vegan shoes, they often assume that they aren't vegan. This assumption is usually expressed like this: 'but your shoes aren't vegan are they?' or ‘I guess you eat vegan food but wear non-vegan clothes and shoes.’
For those who believe vegan shoes are available, they perceive them to be expensive, exclusive to certain stores and available in limited colours, styles and sizes.
What about the glue?
When I first came across shoes like this, I was so sure that I was wrong about them being vegan, I would reach out to the company to confirm. I was sure I was missing something! Some would write back reassuring me that animal products weren’t used in the making of them, others would say that they couldn’t be sure of the glue that was used and some would say they couldn’t give a definite answer because they couldn’t trace all the parts and processes in order to find out.
It’s the ‘invisible’ items like glue which can make a perfectly good shoe non-vegan! It’s less of a concern now because a number of companies have launched specifically labelled vegan ranges. However, it’s something worth keeping in mind if the shoe hasn’t been labelled as vegan.
The myth-busting begins
As you’ll see below, I may have too many shoes. I haven’t included my boots and some other shoes in this article. Either way, what you will see is vegan shoes. Oh yes! They’re ALL vegan.
The shoes you’ll see below have not fallen apart quickly, they feel good, they’re comfortable, they are easy to clean, they look great and they're NOT expensive.
The range you’ll see below are from New Look, Deichmann and Asics. However, I’ve also purchased shoes from Schuh, ASOS and Dorothy Perkins.
These black and white heels are from New Look.
They are dressy, elegant, simple and yet striking. Positively different.
These sandals are from Deichmann.
They’re comfy to walk in, good to wear when it’s hot and easy to rinse sand out of.
These open toe heels are from New Look.
Simultaneously chunky and elegant and simple yet bold.
These black heels are from New Look.
Comfortable to walk in. They’re cute and go well with a range of outfits. Thus creating different looks when paired with different types of clothes.
These slip-ons are from Deichmann.
Easy to slip in and out of and they are comfy. These shoes are noticeable look because of the white sole which contrasts the upper part of the shoe.
These sequin strap sandals are from New Look.
The chunky heel makes the shoe easy to walk in. The front of the shoe adds a bit of jazz to any outfit.
These sandals are from New Look.
A chunky heel that’s easy to walk in and a bit of decor at the front that will add a bit of jazz to any outfit.
These trainers are from Asics.
Asics only have a few trainers that aren’t multi-coloured. These are comfortable, good to wear for long walks and have a discrete casual smart look.
These blue heels are from New Look.
I love this colour combination, which makes the shoes stand out and adds a gorgeous finishing touch to a casual smart or even dressy outfit.
Your views…
So what do you think? Are vegan shoes hard to find? Are they limited to specific stores? Are they boring and limited in terms of colour or design?
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“I made the choice to be vegan because I will not eat (or wear, or use) anything that could have an emotional response to its death or captivity. I can well imagine what that must feel like for our non-human friends - the fear, the terror, the pain - and I will not cause such suffering to a fellow living being.”