Finally, vegan shoes that are stylish, eco-friendly, and affordable. When I first switched to a vegan lifestyle, finding fashionable non-leather footwear felt impossible. Designer options like Stella McCartney were out of reach on a tight budget, and inexpensive fast-fashion shoes fell apart after a season. I stopped caring about footwear for a while, but my interest in shoes never fully disappeared. I kept a Pinterest board of styles I hoped would become available as vegan options. Lately I haven’t needed to add much — there are so many fantastic vegan shoe brands now that combine good design, sustainability, and fair production.
Below I highlight several brands I love and currently wear. They use a range of materials — polyurethane, organic cotton, cork, recycled plastics, and more. The vegan footwear scene has evolved a lot, and my enthusiasm for fashion is back.
PRESS PLAY!!!!
BEYOND SKIN
I love the simple, comfortable Bianca sandals from Beyond Skin. This UK-based brand offers many styles and ships internationally. Their shoes are made in Spain, and the company maintains close relationships with factories to support safe, fair, and eco-conscious working conditions. I’m wearing the Bianca Sandals in Gold.
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WILL’S VEGAN SHOES
I own a pair of comfy sneaker boots from Will’s Vegan Shoes, another UK-based company. These are perfect for colder months when regular sneakers aren’t warm enough. Will’s offers a wide selection of men’s and women’s shoes and accessories. I’m wearing the sneaker boot in black.
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PEOPLE
These are the lightest shoes I’ve ever worn. My boyfriend introduced me to the brand People, whose footwear blends 3D printing and other innovative manufacturing techniques. Their shoes are unisex and well designed. I especially like the Phillips High style modeled by Maxx, and I wear the Stanleys.
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CRI DE COEUR
For an edgier look I turn to Cri de Coeur, a New York brand that uses inventive eco-friendly materials: recycled plastics, eco-polyurethane, organic cotton, hemp, and reclaimed wood. They favor bold patterns, unique textures, and vibrant colors, reflecting a distinct NYC sensibility. I wear the Carrington Loafer in Bronze and the Emerson Studded Platforms.
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BAHATIKA
Bahatika is an Austrian label whose name means “happiness” in Swahili. My go-to everyday style is the slip-on sneaker, and Bahatika’s slip-ons are comfortable and versatile enough to dress up or down. Breathability is key for vegan sneakers, and these are breathable and antibacterial, which helps prevent odors when worn with socks. I wear the Malkia in Black.
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MORE VEGAN SHOE COMPANIES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
WOMEN’S SHOES
Susi Studio
Sydney Brown — LA-based
Marais — Not all styles are vegan, but their vegan options are beautifully French-inspired.
By Blanch
Melissa’s Brazil
Gunas
OlsenHaus
Matt & Nat
Bhava Studio
Stella McCartney
MEN & WOMEN
Insecta Shoes
Nicora — LA-based
Novacas
Ahimsa Shoes — Brazilian company that ships worldwide and manufactures in its own factory.
SNEAKERS
Native Shoes — Durable, comfortable, and popular for everyday wear.
Keep
Industry of All Nations — An ethical fair-trade brand that produces many vegan-friendly styles, sourcing from small factories around the world. Their Kenyattas (made in Kenya) and sport espadrilles (from Argentina) are notable options, with some designs close to fully biodegradable.
MooShoes — A US-based online retailer specializing in vegan footwear for men and women.
Vegan footwear today spans a wide range of styles and materials, giving you choices that are both fashionable and mindful. Whether you prefer minimalist sandals, sporty sneakers, edgy platforms, or versatile slip-ons, there’s a cruelty-free option that will fit your aesthetic and values.