We have a separate post on quality vegan shoes, which covers homegrown companies making quality footwear from Microfibre (not plastic!) But if you are looking for French and Italian-made office shoes, this is the post to visit!
There was a time when vegan shoes were made from plastic, and only sold in clunky weird styles. Today things have changed. Quality brands are made with Italian Microfiber (easy to clean with a damp cloth) and also available as MicroSuede, in tons of fashionable styles for men and women.
The leather industry is not a by-product of meat, and often leather shoes are made in countries with poor animal welfare (and human rights) records. Many are cheap and fall apart after a few months, requiring new shoes to be bought.
It makes sense instead to invest in two or three pairs of quality vegan shoes, that are worn on alternate days (to let them breathe and dry out) and support artisan brands that are kind to animals, the planet (and tanners, many of whom are at risk of cancer from the chemical process of tanning leather).
How to Measure Your Feet for Vegan Shoes
As most vegan shoes are still sold online, it makes sense to measure your own feet, to avoid the hassle of returns. You can also still get your feet measured in stores like Clark’s (tell them you’ll be back to buy their shoes, when they start offering vegan versions!)
Minuit Sur Terre (Vegan Shoes from France)
Minuit Sur Terre is a super-stylish vegan footwear company from France. For every pair sold, 5 Euros are donated to a partner association to help animal welfare. The founder was a (stylish) woman (she’s French!) who could not find clothes of ethics to match quality and fashion she wanted.
Minuit sur Terre brings together classic French taste with modern trends. Each style is simple, with lines and colours that work for every wardrobe. From crisp trainers to smart boots and heels, these shoes add a hint of French flair to any outfit.
Every pair is 100% vegan. That means no leather, wool, silk or glue from animals. Instead, the brand uses plant-based and recycled materials. They carefully select these fabrics for strength and comfort as well as style.
Minuit sur Terre makes shoes from creative sources like grape skins, wheat and recycled plastic bottles. These materials help cut waste in the fashion industry. With each pair, you choose a cleaner future for the planet. The shoes are actually made in Portugal, with high standards for labour laws and worker rights.
NAE Vegan Shoes (from Portugal)
NAE (also sold at Shop Like You Give a Damn) is a stylish Portuguese footwear brand, with everything made from quality vegan materials. The name stands for ‘no animals exploited’. Many items make use of zero waste materials including:
- Cork heels (no trees cut down to make cork)
- Sandals made from pineapple industry waste
- Sneakers made from recycled plastic bottles
- Mules made from apple leather (waste material)
Sustainability shapes every step at NAE. This brand uses recycled PET from plastic bottles, organic cotton, cork and even apple leather made from apple waste. Recycled rubber soles and eco-friendly dyes also play a part.
Solari Milano (Smart Italian Vegan Shoes)
Solari Milano (also sold at Shop Like You Give a Damn) is a brand of Italian shoes that are sustainably-made. Handcrafted by experts, these shoes use corn leather to make the uppers, and feature recycled rubber outsoles, bamboo linings and organic cotton laces.
Every pair comes from skilled Italian shoemakers. With decades of know-how, these craftsmen shape and stitch each shoe with care. You get the feel of true luxury without animal products. The attention to detail can be seen in every seam and finish.
By using vegan leather, Solari Milano lowers the impact on the environment. Many shoes also use recycled materials for linings and soles.
Don’t worry about these shoes wearing out quickly. The vegan leather and quality build mean they last for seasons. You get the look and feel of Italian shoes with less need for repair. The soles stay strong and grip well, even with regular use.
These vegan leather loafers are suitable for formal events (office, weddings, gala dinners etc), they are water-resistant. The water-resistant uppers are made from corn and reinforced with Microfibre, and the lining is made from bamboo. The soles are made from recycled rubber, the laces of organic cotton, and even the packaging is recycled cardboard.
The loafers are also available in an elegant and comfortable style for women (choose from brown or black).
These vegan brogue shoes are also made to the same high standards, with recycled rubber soles and organic cotton laces, packaged in recycled cardboard. Also available in an elegant and comfortable style for women (choose from brown or black).
Vegan Red Velvet Loafers (for women)
Solari Milano’s vegan red velvet loafers are super-comfortable yet a little eccentric, if you like to stand out! Handcrafted from breathable cotton velvet, and kind bio-materials (vegan-friendly). The insole lining is made from bamboo.
Smart Vegan Cactus Leather Shoes!
Ross Oliver makes unique men’s smart shoes, from cactus leather! This is a soft leather to replace soft calf leather, and the brand blends style with care for the planet, and animals.
Traditional leather uses a lot of water and harsh chemicals. Cactus grows with little water and needs no pesticides. Every pair cuts down pollution and water waste, making them a solid pick for the planet.
Natural cactus fibres make for a flexible, breathable material. Your feet get to breathe and move as they need, which helps prevent blisters and other aches.
