They’re the last thing we put on before heading out the door and yet they can make or break an outfit. Shoes are something that we put a lot of thought into before buying, and choosing the right brand to shop with is the first step in the process.
We’re all trying to be more conscious about what we wear, and for some people, opting for vegan shoes instead of animal-based ones is the compassionate and environmentally friendly way of doing that. In this post we’ll take a look at what vegan shoes are made of, why they may be the more sustainable choice, and which brands are the ones to check out when you’re next shoe shopping!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands – and us!
Cover Image: Nae Vegan Shoes
Why should you shop vegan shoes?
The main reasons why people opt for vegan footwear are ethical and environmental. Animal welfare is a big issue in the fashion industry and choosing vegan alternatives is the best way to ensure you’re not contributing towards unnecessary cruelty towards animals. Cows, pigs, goats and sheep are commonly used to make leather shoes, and most of the leather produced today comes from countries with less or no animal welfare protections.
The environmental impacts of using leather for fashion is also a key driver for people who are switching to animal-free alternatives. From the toxic chemicals used in tanning leather, to the high amounts of water and land use required to raise the animals, the damage caused to the planet by leather is no longer deniable.
What to Look For When Shopping Vegan Shoes
If you’re shopping vegan footwear and want to make a more sustainable choice, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Transparent production (brands that share where and how their shoes are made)
- Durable construction (shoes that won’t peel, crack, or fall apart quickly)
- Natural or low-impact materials like organic cotton, cork, jute, hemp, and natural rubber
- Recycled or certified materials (when used thoughtfully and transparently)
- Non-toxic dyes and finishes when possible
- Water-based adhesives or lower-tox glues (since traditional shoe glue can be chemical-heavy)
- Repairability (or at least a structure that holds up long enough to be worth repairing)
Are Vegan Shoes Made of Plastic?
Many vegan shoes are made from plastic materials, especially when it comes to vegan leather. The most common types are PU (polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PU is usually seen as the better choice over PVC, but both are still man-made and come from petroleum.
But not all vegan shoes are the same. Some companies use more eco-friendly materials, such as natural rubber, cork, organic cotton, jute, or recycled fibers, to make a smaller impact on the planet. Plant-based leathers made from materials like pineapple, apple, cactus, or mushrooms are becoming more popular, but many still use a plastic layer to hold everything together. The main thing is to pick the best option you can, and buy shoes you’ll actually use and keep.
The Best Vegan Shoe Materials (Ranked)
If you’re trying to choose vegan shoes that are more sustainable and longer-lasting, these materials are generally better options to look for:
Best Options (Natural + Lower Impact)
- Natural rubber (great for soles + durability)
- Cork (lightweight, breathable, renewable)
- Jute (common in espadrilles, biodegradable)
- Organic cotton (especially when certified)
- Hemp (durable, lower-input crop)
Good Options (With Some Caveats)
- Recycled microfibers (can reduce waste, but still synthetic)
- Recycled polyester / recycled synthetics (helpful in some cases, but still sheds microplastics)
- Water-based “vegan leather” coatings (varies brand to brand)
Materials to Be Cautious With
- PVC (high-impact, not breathable, not biodegradable)
- Low-quality PU (can crack or peel quickly, leading to early replacement)
- Ultra-cheap “vegan leather” shoes that won’t last long enough to justify the purchase
Our top picks for sustainable vegan shoe brands:
1. Biankina
Materials: Organic Cotton, Cork, Jute, All-natural Rubber
Price: $60 – 125
DISCOUNT: use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off
Biankina is a beautiful vegan shoe brand that is PETA-approved, and is inspired by the Mediterranean. Driven by a passion to change everyday footwear, Biankina offers comfortable vegan sneakers, espadrilles & sandals. Each pair is handcrafted in Spain by skilled artisans using eco-friendly materials. What I really love about Biankina is that they go beyond just avoiding animal products. They honor classic Spanish shoemaking traditions and focus on sustainability & transparency.
2. Oka-B
Materials: Bio-based Material
Price: $38 – 78
For the cutest sandals and ballet flats, look no further than Oka-B. Originally made as a spa shoe, they feature arch support and massage beads to keep your feet pampered 24/7. All Oka-B shoes are made with a bio-based material that contains 45% soy by weight and is BPA, latex, rubber, and phthalate-free. Oka-B shoes are made in the USA & when you return your well-loved & worn shoes, they recycle them & send a 15% off coupon toward your next purchase.
3. Okabashi
Materials: Bio-based Material
Price: $24.99 – 35.99
Okabashi makes vegan flip-flops, sandals, and ballet flats designed with circularity principles so they can be recycled at the end of their life. The shoes are made in the USA and are molded from a proprietary, recyclable material that is 40% US-grown soy by weight. Comfort is key to Okabashi, and each shoe is designed to last a lifetime – unlike your usual flip-flop.
4. Nae Vegan Shoes
Materials: Piñatex, AppleSkin, Cork
Price: $39 – 248
Portuguese vegan footwear brand Nae Vegan Shoes (standing for No Animal Exploitation) was founded in 2008 and is well known for their beautiful animal-free footwear. Their sandals, sneakers, boots and heels, all with European-inspired designs, are made with Piñatex, AppleSkin, cork, rPET, and On Steam Bioeco, the first ecological microfiber obtained partially from corn and recycled polyester.
5. Will’s Vegan Store
Materials: Bio-based vegan leather
Price: $58 – 124
The online vegan department store that makes shopping vegan shoes as easy as anything! Find classic brogues and sleek loafers, perfect for office wear or special occasions. Will’s Vegan Store uses a vegan leather made from bio oil sourced from organic cereal crops grown in Northern Europe in a carbon-neutral process.
6. Immaculate Vegan
Materials: Various (multiple brands)
Price: $85 – 850
If you want cool, cruelty-free shoes that don’t skimp on quality or style, Immaculate Vegan is a great place to check out. They’ve got everything from casual sneakers & flats to fancy boots & bold heels, so you can easily find something that suits your taste and values. What I really like is that their picks look modern and are easy to wear, not too trendy or the kind you’d toss after one season. Many of their shoes use thoughtful materials & better manufacturing processes.
7. Etiko
Materials: Natural Rubber, Organic Cotton
Price: $20 – 95
Australian brand Etiko specializes in organic, vegan, feel-good fashion and has a range of footwear, including sneakers, flip-flops and flats. Using natural rubber and 100% organic cotton, they create Fairtrade footwear that you can feel good knowing your footprints are that much lighter on the planet!
8. Rothys
Materials: Natural Rubber, Algae-Based Foam, Recycled Plastic Bottles
Price: $80 – 280
Rothys creates shoes for women, men and children using various vegan materials, including natural rubber, algae-based foams, rPET, and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). Discover their flats, sandals, loafers, sneakers and mules in bright, colorful prints and versatile neutral tones.
9. Matt & Nat
Materials: Recycled PU, AppleSkin, Canvas
Price: $65 – 190
Canadian-based vegan brand Matt & Nat has specialized in footwear, bags and accessories since it was founded in 1995. You can find every style of shoe here, from sandals and heels to sneakers and boots. Most of their styles are in black, cream or neutral tones, making it easy to pair them with nearly everything in your wardrobe.
10. Native
Materials: Bloom, Sugarlite
Price: $40 – 150
Native creates lightweight shoes and sandals in simple styles perfect for summer and boots that will keep you going through winter. Native uses innovative materials such as Bloom, made with algae and Sugarlite, a bio-based EVA made from sugarcane. You can even recycle your Native shoes and they’ll be turned into playground flooring!
Vegan Shoe FAQs
Are vegan shoes better for the environment?
They can be, especially when they’re made with natural or recycled materials and built to last. But some vegan shoes are still made with plastic-based materials, so it’s best to look at the full material list.
Is vegan leather biodegradable?
Most vegan leather is not biodegradable, especially if it’s PU or PVC. Some plant-based options may biodegrade more easily, but many still include synthetic coatings.
Do vegan shoes last as long as leather?
It depends on the materials and construction. High-quality vegan shoes can last a long time, but cheaper PU-based “leather” often cracks or peels sooner than traditional leather.
Are vegan shoes breathable?
Some are, especially those made with cotton, hemp, canvas, or natural fibers. Vegan leather styles may feel less breathable than woven or fabric-based shoes.
What’s the best vegan alternative to leather?
For a more sustainable option, look for shoes made with cork, natural rubber, organic cotton, jute, or hemp. For “leather-like” texture, higher-quality PU or plant-based materials are usually better than PVC.
Do certifications matter for vegan shoes?
Yes! While not every brand will have certifications, it can be helpful to look for things like:
- OEKO-TEX® (helps indicate safer textiles/chemicals)
- GRS (Global Recycled Standard) (for recycled content verification)
- GOTS (for organic textiles like cotton uppers)
Final Thoughts: The Most Sustainable Shoe Is the One You’ll Actually Wear
Picking vegan shoes is a great way to shop with your values in mind, but the most important thing is to buy less & choose well. Go for materials you believe in, skip super trendy styles, and choose shoes that are comfy and built to last, so you’ll actually want to wear them often. In the end, living sustainably isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making thoughtful choices, one step at a time.
