No Heels Allowed: Best Vegan Flats For Autumn

We all love a good heel – but for the days when you want to add that extra bit of comfort to your outfit, you're likely to reach for a flat shoe. There really is nothing like a good loafer, sneaker, or flat boot to navigate modern lifestyles on the go. A carefully selected flat shoe can dress up or dress down an ensemble, add polish or drama, and be the focal point of a look, just like a heel can.

By Sascha Camilli: writer, speaker, activist, and vegan fashion expert. 

A dressy loafer, a versatile ankle boot or a sleek sneaker - vegan flat shoes come in an endless variety and an infinite array of plant leathers: from corn to cactus, apple to grape, the whole orchard is at our feet (literally) with today's selection of animal-free designs. We had a really hard time rounding up our favourites, there's just too much to choose from.

Best vegan flats for the office: Minuit Sur Terre Essential Black Vegan Leather Loafers Black 

Choosing a perfect work-appropriate outfit may not be the easiest feat, but at least you won't have to worry about your shoes with Minuit Sur Terre's classic design in recycled grain leather as well as other recycled materials. The gold-tone detail elevates a pared-down look, while the thick sole brings both comfort and toughness. Wear with dark-wash denim and a crisp blouse.

Best Mary Jane flats: Bohema Mary Jane Women's Vegea® Grape Leather Vegan Pumps Caramel 

Best lace-up boots: NAE Vegan Shoes Tea Women's Chunky Vegan Boots White

Best Chelsea boots: V.GAN Russ Women's Vegan Leather Chelsea Boots Brown

A good Chelsea boot is an autumnal classic: it sets you up for a season of warm, cosy feet and effortless style - what more could you want from a hard-working trans-seasonal shoe? V.GAN's Russ design is both sturdy and stylish, bringing the season's trending chocolate brown hue and a reassuringly comfortable, grippy sole. Wear with a maxi skirt and a thick knit to create the ultimate autumnal ensemble.

Best platform flats: PREV Dorothy Apple Leather Vegan Platform Shoes Cream

A platform flat shoe elevates your ensemble without being too sophisticated - and PREV's edgy apple-leather pair offers just that hint of toughness that a weekend outfit might call for. Adjustable straps and a cushion sole mean that you'll be running around town all of Saturday without even a single pinch in your feet. Wear with an oversized shirt dress and a transitional jacket for a relaxed yet intentional look.

Best everyday sneakers: Minuit Sur Terre Chamois Recycled Vegan Leather Sneakers Flower Field

A flat-shoe wardrobe is hardly complete without a sneaker - and Minuit Sur Terre's recycled model deserves a second look. Made partly from cereals, this design has a comfortable sole that will keep your feet cushy from morning to evening, making it the perfect shoe for those long autumnal walks. Wear with an autumnal knit and a trench coat.

Best flat pumps: Momoc Lucrecia Vegan Velvet Ballerina Shoes Green

An elegant pump is a simple way to dress up a cold-weather look - and what says autumnal chic better than velvet? Momoc's forest-green style, adorned with a bow, is a great way to pull together a simple yet sophisticated look. Use this delicate design to take a simple day dress from morning to evening, or use it to dress up a pair of jeans.

By Sascha Camilli

About Sascha

Sascha Camilli is a vegan 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 sign up to her newsletter Kind of Wild. 

Cover image by Minuit Sur Terre

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