Veganism is the ultimate lifestyle choice for many millennials and has grown in popularity. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about their lifestyle choices. They are focused on healthy eating and regular exercise. Eco- friendly and sustainable fashion is the new way forward.

This is an era where change is the only constant; hence people have different priorities and expectations which influence their buying patterns in turn shaping the world economy. Vegan folks are environmentally conscious which reflects in their choices. They make ethical decisions that forbid the practice of using animal products. Veganism gave birth to the idea of vegan shoes for sustainable fashion.

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Shoe production has adverse effects on the environment because of materials used like leather, adhesives, rubber, PVC and PU. Vegan shoes or also known as veggie shoes first started in 1990. All vegan communities prefer animal and environmental friendly footwear. Vegan foot wear doesn’t contain any animal ingredient or by product like silk, fur, leather or suede. They are made of a variety of synthetic fabrics. Vegan suede is made from microfiber synthetic fabric. Instead of a leather sole, animal free shoes include part recycled resin sole. Vegan shoes use faux leather.

The production of vegan footwear has increased in the last 25 years. Initially eco shoes were of low quality, hardly accessible with unattractive designs, however now vegan shoes are readily available with many trendy designs.

Shoe parts are now easily made from bio-based material like the soles can be produced from natural latex and insoles from castor oil. The upper can be created from synthetic silk biopolymers, organic cotton and pinatex which are made from pineapple leaf fibres.

Slippers can be produced using palm leaves. Unlike non vegan shoes which are dumped in landfills after usage these shoes are biodegradable and sustainable.

Vegan shoes are a great way to make a cruelty free transition in your wardrobe with countless brands popping up.

Top 5 Vegan Footwear Brands

Rafa

This LA based brand offers a huge variety ranging from pumps, boots, flats, wedges and mules in a vibrant range of colours and fabrics. These are made from reprocessed vegan textiles. RAFA are a growing brand in the vegan shoe space.

Susi Studio Janis

Susi studio in LA provides mules, boots and comfortable daily wear sandals.All designs are crafted from recycles cruelty free materials.

Beyond Skin

This English luxury vegan shoe line provides a fusion of classic and modern footwear. It uses luxury Italian vegan leather, faux lining and other recycled material. It makes animal print kitten heels, metallic heels and block heeled mules.

Matt & NAT

Originally hailing from Montreal and using the motto “live beautifully” they ethically conscious brand is now spreading across the globe

FAIR

FAIR produces footwear in Portugal not only it produces from Eco-friendly materials but also ensures safe working conditions for workers. It has fun colored sandals and pumps in a range of shades.

Mindful consumers make guilt free and ethical fashion choices even if its a little on the pricey side. Veganism is not just a fad it’s a philosophy to adopt.  It is a way of life!