[SadieP]

Hello, all!

So I have a question about non-leather shoes -- particularly sneakers, but really any type. As I don't live in a big city, it's very difficult to find stores that carry large numbers of certified-vegan shoes. And we all know how hard it is to find vegan shoes that are actually comfortable and have good support.

I started purchasing Chuck Taylors in the last year or two, mainly because they are made with fabric and not leather (I also have a thing against wearing faux leather because it often looks real -- this is why I go for fabric). Once I learned that Converse was bought out by Nike and that Nike re-signed Michael Vick, I vowed to never buy Converse again, or any other Nike product, for that matter. So I'm on the lookout for other companies that make canvas sneakers.

Even though sneakers made with canvas are really easy to find, most aren't certified vegan, and I have a feeling it's because of the presence of by-products in the adhesive or in the rubber. What are your thoughts on shoes that are predominantly animal-free but may contain trace amounts of by-products in the underlying construction?

 

[Forster]

Try Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?ref...s&x=0&y=0&rd=1

 

[Identity_thief]

Firstly, I think the reason they're not certified vegan is because there are very few vegans, and unless it's a vegan company, it's just not something a shoe manufacturer would consider. I don't think just because they're not certified vegan, they're not vegan.

If shoes don't have leather, wool, or any other obvious animal product I buy them. Buying leather with questionable glue is no different to me from buying the other numberous things I do with questionable glue that aren't certified vegan: tables, cupboards, computers, etc.

 

[krispex22]

im pretty sure i just found a pair of reeboks that are animal friendly im just waiting for the company to get back to me to tell me. there called reebok fuel tech or something. ill let you know what they say

 

[SadieP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forster

Try Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?ref...s&x=0&y=0&rd=1

Thank you for the link -- yeah, the internet is definitely the best place to buy vegan shoes in terms of selection. But because I have really sensitive feet and need to try shoes on before I buy them, I only use the internet for researching brands and seeing what's out there. However, it is SO much nicer to window shop online than to actually go to a store. (Wow, that makes me sound so lazy! :/

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Identity_thief

Firstly, I think the reason they're not certified vegan is because there are very few vegans, and unless it's a vegan company, it's just not something a shoe manufacturer would consider. I don't think just because they're not certified vegan, they're not vegan.

If shoes don't have leather, wool, or any other obvious animal product I buy them. Buying leather with questionable glue is no different to me from buying the other numberous things I do with questionable glue that aren't certified vegan: tables, cupboards, computers, etc.

This is typically how I look at purchasing, as well. But just in case, I thought I'd ask in this forum because there are so many VBers who have been vegan longer than I have. I'm still a newbie.

 

[SadieP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krispex22

im pretty sure i just found a pair of reeboks that are animal friendly im just waiting for the company to get back to me to tell me. there called reebok fuel tech or something. ill let you know what they say

Cool, thanks!

 

[Kari]

Saucony makes a version of the Jazz sneaker that they label as vegan.

 

[stasher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SadieP

What are your thoughts on shoes that are predominantly animal-free but may contain trace amounts of by-products in the underlying construction?

If its a product like the glue for example, I dont worry about it because we are already
facing little choice in simply finding a suitable pair of shoes. That choice is reduced even further if i want to purchase shoes made with non animal glues.

that is not to say I do not own any shoes made with vegan glue, but they are not the majority in my wardrobe.

 

[Vsnod]

I buy brooks running shoes and find them to be very comfortable. I am pretty sure all their running shoes are vegan, but their walking shoes are not for some reason. Also, they are a major brand in the running world, so they're easy to find. They are the same price as most quality running shoes, too. They range in price from $85-$110, but you may be able to find them on sale.

 

[jessickah]

I just buy anything withOUT suede, leather, sheepskin, wool..etc

 

[.Goth-Alice.]

^think you need to correct that

 

[jessickah]

bahaha XD woops

 

[.Goth-Alice.]

*phew*
Thought you were leaving us for a second

As for OPs question. I try and stick to brands ive reserched, and know I can trust. They arent all advertising as Vegan, but with a little dedicated research and a few emails here and there Im sure youll find some you like and can use without worry.
Youd be suprised how many mainstream brands are vegan without knowing it!

 

[jessickah]

haha def not!
http://www.keepcompany.com/detail.aspx?id=302

i want these >.<

 

[SillySunshine]

Have you looked into Toms? They're really cute and comfortable canvas sneakers. They have a vegan line, though you might want to contact the company just to make sure!

I have a pair of plain black ones and I love them!

 

[SadieP]

Thanks, everyone! You guys and girls are awesome.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SillySunshine

Have you looked into Toms? They're really cute and comfortable canvas sneakers. They have a vegan line, though you might want to contact the company just to make sure!

I have a pair of plain black ones and I love them!

I do have a pair of vegan Toms, and yes, they are adorable! I love wearing them with skirts and skinny jeans

The problem is that, even with some vegan shoe inserts I found, I can't wear them for long periods of time without my feet and lower-back hurting. Little support and no shock absorption. And I feel so bad admitting this because I absolutely LOVE everything that Toms stands for.

We need more companies like that in the world today.

So my Chucks are my go-to shoes right now, but as I mentioned earlier, I have a big problem with Nike's unethical practices, especially since they re-signed Michael Vick. Had no idea that Nike had bought out Converse until after I bought my shoes. So I'd rather just wear my now-worn Chucks when I volunteer at one of the local no-kill animal adoption centers. That way something positive (saving animals' lives) comes out of something negative (having bought shoes from a corporation that employs a famous animal abuser for endorsements).

 

[AlainWinthrope]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SillySunshine

Have you looked into Toms? They're really cute and comfortable canvas sneakers. They have a vegan line, though you might want to contact the company just to make sure!

I have a pair of plain black ones and I love them!

They are not sneakers, they are espadrilles!!!

okay, im just kidding

As for canvas sneakers there's tons of options: vans are widely available, but I prefer sperry's or seavees. I have no idea as to the complete veganliness of their shoes as I do what identity thief does. Note that I recommend these brands if you're looking for cvo's or plimsoles. For running sneakers you'll have to look elsewheres.

Oh, and palladiums look somewhat like chuck taylors.

 

[AKTF]

if you're looking for comfort, try finding shoes with a negative heel! And as long as a show says "man-made materials", I call it a day and buy them

 

[SillySunshine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlainWinthrope

They are not sneakers, they are espadrilles!!!

okay, im just kidding

Haha! True, they are actually espadrilles. Would you call their wrap boots espadrilles though? They have the same base but then they magically turn into a boot, sort of.

They also have really really cute wedge espadrilles! Im not sure if they are vegan though.

 

[AKTF]

I JUST did some research on shoes right after my comment, and found this great site www.planetshoes.com that has some vegan options for negative heel shoes! They're actually pretty nice!