[Gammerus]

Since becoming vegetarian I have had one issue that bugs me to no end. Leather. I don't have $40 for a pair of shoes so I shop at payless and target/Kmart and I have the hardest time finding shoes. I like comfy sneakers, but the only non-leather ones I find are made of cheap vynal that cracks after two days. I have settled for crocks at the moment ($10) but every trip to the store is incredibly frustrating.

I know I can't be alone in my frustration.

 

[Raspberry06]

lol to tell you the truth, I still wear leather, but im planning on stopping.

 

[Alli]

Honestly, I would get an expensive pair that will last you for a while. You'll get a lot of use out of them and they'll probably be more comfortable.

 

[DoveInGrey]

EDITED

I have a few more expensive pairs from www.vegetarianshoes.co.uk but they really are of good quality, last years and are well worth the extra in terms of they pay for themselves.

 

[Spidergrrl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoveInGrey

Primark are good and are also a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative. .

Where did you get this information? I buy stuff like knickers, socks, tights and some jumpers at Primark and Spiderman gets all his gear there but have always been afraid that they must be doing some exploitation of workers because the prices are so incredibly cheap. I saw a tv special about them and it said something like they refused to sign some sort of trade agreement that other companies were signing saying "we already have fair trade--we don't need to sign your agreement as we have our own" but refused to elaborate on what their fair trade agreement was. I am hazy on the details. But I remember feeling a bit sad when I heard it as it sounded dodgy.

I hope you are right.

 

[soyXmilk]

I usually buy my shoes from Payless. Kids' stores are awesome for cheap, non-leather (usually) stuff, too, since I have small feet

 

[DoveInGrey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spidergrrl

Where did you get this information? I buy stuff like knickers, socks, tights and some jumpers at Primark and Spiderman gets all his gear there but have always been afraid that they must be doing some exploitation of workers because the prices are so incredibly cheap. I saw a tv special about them and it said something like they refused to sign some sort of trade agreement that other companies were signing saying "we already have fair trade--we don't need to sign your agreement as we have our own" but refused to elaborate on what their fair trade agreement was. I am hazy on the details. But I remember feeling a bit sad when I heard it as it sounded dodgy.

I hope you are right.

I work for Primark as a shop assistant, and I researched the company before accepting the job. Primark don't tend to advertise the fact much, which is a shame, since a lot of people assume the worst, yet they don't need the extra custom really since most consumers, as we all know, don't care very much where things come from!

Here are some links with more info, both from the Ethical Trading Initiative http://www.ethicaltrade.org/Z/lib/20...ss/index.shtml and Primark's own website http://www.primark.co.uk/suppliers.shtml Their own supplier code of conduct existed, as you mentioned, before they signed up to the Ethical Trading Initiative and actually exceed the expectations of it!

Now all they need to do is lose the leather and wool altogether and start selling vegan food too!

 

[Dirty Martini]

zappos.com has an entire section on 'vegetarian shoes':

http://www.zappos.com/vegetarian.htm

 

[starseed13]

Hmm..the payless where I live has a lot of cute (some even name brand) shoes that are pretty good quality. Maybe some stores are different? I got some canvas airwalks there that are way comfy. PLus a lot of the "leather" they have there is artificial. If its real, it says it on the box. I love payless!