From apple-based leather to sustainable cork, animal-friendly materials are more innovative and fashionable than ever before.
The days of clunky pleather boots and hemp sandals are long gone. Now, conscientious fashion shoppers have a bounty of choices when it comes to animal-free footwear. When seeking vegan-friendly materials in your shoes, you’ll need to keep an eye out for wasteful and cruel materials like leather, suede, and animal-based glue. Luckily, as the fashion world slowly turns to a more sustainable, animal-friendly approach, there are more options than ever to fuel your (vegan) shopping habits.
Even French luxury brand Louis Vuitton launched its first sustainable and gender neutral shoe, the Charlie, made with vegan corn leather in recent years. Along with Adidas’ mushroom leather shoes and Billie Eilish’s vegan Nike collection, one thing is certain … the future of shoes is vegan.
Whether you’re looking for ultra-glam heels, handcrafted vegan leather clogs, or a pair of “man-made” shoes from your favorite mainstream shoe company, these 18 cruelty-free kicks will fit the bill.
Vegan shoes for every occasion
Whether you’re dressing up for a night on the town or are simply running weekend errands, these vegan shoes are must-haves.
Boots
NAE Vegan Shoes
1. NAE Vegan Shoes Sisi Black Chelsea Boots
NAE, which stands for No Animal Exploitation, ensures all of its products are cruelty-free. From using natural materials such as apple leather to manufacturing only in certified factories in Portugal, your conscience can rest easy when you wear these kicks.
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@imagenazul/Instagram
2. Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather Lucky High Top Western Boots
Boasting features in high-profile magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Nylon, and more, this women-owned company has been breaking fashion boundaries one fashionable shoe at a time. And it’s really no surprise the brand has taken home numerous awards from both Fashion.net and PETA. These bright white boots are just one of its timeless and durable offerings.
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Collection & Co
3. Collection & Co CARINA Boots
This UK-based vegan shoe store has been outfitting vegan Londoners for years and has quickly garnered a loyal fan base for its use of innovative textiles and fashion-forward styles. Rock these upcycled faux leather knee-high boots on your next date night.
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Matt & Nat
4. Matt & Nat ALAIA Boots
A favorite among many cruelty-free shoppers, this high-fashion brand has spread internationally. Worn by A-list celebs including Olivia Wilde, Emily Deschanel, and Tobey Maguire, this brand’s clean and minimalist designs are on everyone’s must-have lists.
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ALOHAS
5. ALOHAS South Corn Black and Beige Boots
Corn is magically transformed into these modern, two-toned and fashion-forward boots. This head-turning, one-of-kind footwear is guaranteed to garner compliments wherever you go.
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Voes & Co.
6. Voes & Co. Harlow Chelsea Boots
Beautiful cactus leather makes for one ultra-sustainable pair of boots. The cactus leather used by Voes & Co. requires no irrigation, no pesticides or herbicides, and the cacti are actually a carbon sink. You can’t get much greener than that.
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Native Shoes
7. Native Shoes Fitzsimmons Citylite
This environmentally minded company is aiming to revolutionize the manufacturing process. Customers can send in their worn out shoes to be ground down and given new life in community projects. This sustainable approach to fashion is just as endearing as this brand’s stylish kids’ boots.
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Sneakers
LØCI
8. LØCI Sneakers
Created with the Earth in mind, LØCI breaks away from the traditional fast fashion model, creating sustainable sneakers. Handcrafted in eco-conscious factories in Portugal, each pair is vegan and crafted from responsibly sourced, natural materials such as recycled ocean plastic, bamboo, and rubber.
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Vessi
9. Vessi Stormburst High Tops
Made from 100-percent waterproof material, these vegan sneakers are perfect for the rainier months. The high rebound cushioning makes it feel like we’re walking on air and the breathable knit upper allows our feet to breathe while keeping water out.
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SAYE
10. SAYE
This entirely vegan brand makes sneakers that are chic enough to rock with any outfit. Plus, they’re made with bio-based, organic, and recycled materials, so you can feel good about your purchase.
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Veja
11. Veja Nova High Top
These classic unisex high tops are made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and wild rubber from the Amazonian forest. Their effortlessly cool appeal easily pairs with any outfit, making them a closet essential for every season.
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Koio
12. Koio Pale Blue Dot
Crafted in Portugal by artisans that earn a fair wage for their work, these 100-percent vegan sneakers are made from plant-based leather, recycled rubber, natural latex, and cork. Even the laces and footbeds are certified organic cotton.
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@sleepydz/Instagram
13. Keep Company The Homer
These California-made sneakers are water-resistant and have a natural, grippy gum sole, making them essential for skaters and mall shoppers alike. You can feel good when you strap on these kicks because each pair is ethically made in sweatshop-free factories.
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Dress shoes
Solari
14. Solari Milano Loafers
This classic pair of beautifully crafted loafers is made from Italian corn leather and a recycled rubber sole. Using Italian artisanal shoe making traditions and ethical production from beginning to end, each set of shoes from this small brand proves that vegan footwear can be luxe.
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Insecta Shoes
15. Insecta Shoes Oxford Scarabeus Planets
Nerdy chic has never looked so cool. This Brazilian-based shoe brand is entirely vegan. We’re head over heels for these galaxy-inspired Oxfords made from recycled materials.
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Heels and pumps
ALOHAS
16. ALOHAS Hanna Slingback Pump
These slingback pumps are crafted from vegan leather with a black patent finish. Slightly pointed, these leg-lengthening shoes feature adjustable straps, adding support whether you walk or dance the night away.
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Matisse
17. Matisse Footwear Zola Pointed-Toe Heels
These slip-on style pointed heels can easily be dressed up or down to match your fall fashion look. The vegan leather patent white hue pairs beautifully with classic blue jeans or with a fall, fit-and-flare miniskirt and sheer tights.
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@veerahofficial/Instagram
18.Veerah Mulan Platform Pump
Shoes made from plastic bottles? Yes, we’re serious. We can’t think of a dreamier statement piece than these sky high, floral-printed stilettos.
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