Top 6 Vegan Shoe Brands That Are Challenging The Perception Of Vegan Fashion
They say shoes are what makes or breaks an outfit - and more cruelty-free and vegan shoe brands are realising that by offering designs that aren't only kind to nature and animals, but also have the potential to elevate any look.
By Sascha Camilli: writer, speaker, activist, and vegan fashion expert.
Ethical shoe brands are on the rise: the vegan shoe market is estimated to be worth $53bn by 2031. After learning that leather takes around one billion animal lives every year and is one of the most polluting industries in the world, more consumers are choosing to move away from the leather trade and towards kinder, more eco-conscious vegan and cruelty-free brands. Here are some of our favourites.
The statement pieces: Momoc
If you're looking to add interest to your outfit with unique and colourful shoes, Momoc's your go-to brand. Ethically hand-crafted by artisans in Spain, these shoes will be conversation-starters wherever you go. The brand prioritises high-quality cruelty-free materials such as cotton, vegan microfiber, vegan recycled ultrasuede, Piñatex pineapple leather, and leather made from corn. The founder's story is also an inspiration: former international tax lawyer Gabriela Machado spent years learned the craft of shoemaking before making the leap to the world of sustainable fashion. “We wanted our clients to respect the planet but also to have fun with our shoes,” she says. Now, Machado encourages others to follow their artistic passions by holding an annual design competition where people can design their own shoes.
The edgy ones: PREV
Elif Taştekne and Osman Koçak were ethical vegans for years before launching PREV - the name a fusion of "plant" and "revolution" - after dedicated research into plant leathers. Producing in Italy and Turkey, PREV is among the first brands to experiment with leather made from olives. The brand's co-founder Osman Koçak told Immaculate Vegan: "We are following the material innovation in plant-based leather industry and attending fairs regularly. When we discovered olive leather and learned that it is produced locally and sustainably in Turkey, we wanted to include this material in our R&D processes, which would also benefit the producers. After a lot of back and forth in the process, we arrived at the desired quality and durability for our own production."
Aside from their collection of heels and boots, PREV also offers handbags and jackets, making for a truly well-rounded range of vegan designs.
The beach essential: Otijane
Tired of wearing canvas shoes or rubber flip-flops whenever summer rolls around? Spanish brand Otijane combines the country's leather-making tradition and artisanship with plant-based material innovation for a range of sandals, wedges, slingbacks and other vegan shoes. Using pineapple leather as well as recycled PET, water-based PU and natural fabrics such as cotton and jute, Otijane's designs are the stuff summer dreams are made of: the collection evokes that sun-drenched, salt water-stained feeling of long, lazy heatwaves. From mornings by the pool to evening cocktail parties on the beach, this is your new summer shoe wardrobe.
The eco pioneer: Minuit Sur Terre
Since its creation in 2017, label Minuit Sur Terre has been driven by ethics. The brand is committed to offering shoes, accessories and clothing free from animal-derived ingredients and with the lowest possible environmental impact, without compromising on style or quality. Founder Marie Viard-Klein started the brand while still at university - and went on to win awards, be featured in worldwide press and collaborate with PETA on a limited-edition sneaker. Materials such as leather made from corn, apples and grapes often features in the label's collections. The inspiration behind the brand is an unusual one. "That summer, I adopted my dog Cannelle from a shelter, and she is the main reason I started the brand: I was looking for a job that would allow me to bring my dog to work!” Years later, Cannelle is still a treasured member of the Minuit team.
The one for every occasion: Bikkou
The word "Bikkou" is short for “bunicul”, which means “grandpa” in Romanian – that's what people called Nathalie Mossaz' father. He moved to Geneva in the Eighties to create a more secure future for his family and allow his daughter to go to law school. But after her father's passing, Nathalie was inspired to leave law behind and follow her true passion: creating ethically made yet glamorous shoes.
Today, Bikkou offers a style for every moment of the day in our modern lives: from Monday mornings at the office to Sunday brunch and Friday cocktail hour, in materials such as leather made from pineapples and cereals. "“Each style in the collection was designed with a special occasion in mind,” says Nathalie.
The elegant one: BLOOM Paris
This Parisian label brings a touch of French elegance, with an ethical edge. Founder Sylvie Blum stresses that the brand is vegan at its core: "We always bring up the issue of saving animal lives and promote all vegan brands – they're working to create a better world for animals.” If you're headed to a wedding or other formal event, don't miss out on BLOOM Paris' sandals and heels in soft pastel hues. For a subtle way to add colour to your wardrobe, indulge in the brand's velvet ankle boots in rich jewel hues.
By Sascha Camilli
About Sascha
Sascha Camilli is a vegan fashion writer, speaker and activist. Her book Vegan Style is out now on Murdoch Books. For more about Sascha, you can read our interview with her or read her newsletter Kind of Wild. You can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Cover image by BLOOM Paris
For more great content like this in your inbox, sign up to our newsletter, and save 10% off your next purchase, plus great savings throughout the year.
