The Perfect Summer Shoe Wardrobe – Our Seven Favourite Vegan Shoe & Sandal Styles
Summer: the time when our feet finally get some airtime, after having been hidden away in boots through the chilly months. It's a time for printed dresses, lightweight skirts, sleeveless tops – all of which pair joyfully with the most delightful of footwear. The appeal of summer shoes is not only the multitude of options, but also a certain feel of fun: colourful sandals, fresh white trainers and higher-than-ever heels are part of what makes hot-weather dressing so appealing. Find your new favourites below – these seven vegan shoe and sandal designs make up the perfect summer shoe wardrobe, from down-to-earth flats to soaring stilettos.
By Sascha Camilli: writer, speaker, activist and vegan fashion expert.
The flat vegan sandal: Valentina Desserto Cactus Leather Vegan Sandal in Black by Carmona Collection
A pair of simple, flat sandals that go with everything is perhaps summer's biggest footwear must-have. It's the versatile staple that hot-weather dressing becomes impossible without, and finding The One can help set you up for many summers to come. This pair of vegan sandals from Carmona Collection is handmade from the latest innovative vegan material – cactus leather. Its comfortable slip-on design will make accessorising any outfit a breeze.
The colourful vegan sandal: Hortensia Recyced Polyester Vegan Suede Ankle Sandal in Aquamarine, Mireia Playà
Black's a wardrobe necessity – but sometimes what you need is that punch of colour, and that's exactly what this design provides. Freshen up a neutral outfit with this shade of pool water, and take comfort in knowing that this show-stopper vegan sandal is made from post-consumer recycled polyester, giving synthetics a new lease of life and saving them from landfill.
The vegan loafer: Elle Vegan Suede Slip On Loafer in Stone by Allkind
The streetstyle design du jour, the loafer strikes the perfect balance between casual and elegant. Wear this androgynous style with jeans or a floaty skirt and t-shirt combo for a polished yet relaxed appeal. Recycled rubber and polyester features in this vegan loafer design from Allkind, which is handmade in Spain.
The vegan low-heeled mule: Cass Recycled Fiber Vegan Nappa Leather Slip-On Mule in Blush by Sylven New York
Going back to the office this summer, or facing other commitments that require a certain polish? Here's a pair of work-appropriate shoes that will look sleek without making you cry with pain at the end of the day. A low-heeled mule is the ideal complement to a pencil skirt or structured dress – but can just as easily be paired with distressed jeans for weekend downtime. This pair of vegan leather mules from Sylven New York – a designer that recently turned 100% vegan – is also made without any virgin plastics.
The vegan clog: Da Vinci Vegan Leather Clog in White by Good Guys Don't Wear Leather
Clogs are back in style – and as the super-versatile, extremely comfortable staple they are, this trend gets three cheers from us. Made in eco-friendly waterproof microfibre, this vegan clog style from Good Guys Don't Wear Leather will add a quirky touch to jeans, skirts or casual day dresses.
The vegan trainer: R-Kind Unisex Vegan Leather Trainer in Moon White by Ration L
A summer wardrobe without trainers? Impossible. Whether you like to pair yours with shorts or patterned maxi dresses, a white trainer is that athleisure essential that gives warm-weather fashion an edge. These white vegan trainers from Ration-L are crafted from solvent-free materials and lined with organic cotton, to keep your conscience as fresh and clean as your outfit.
The vegan heel: Scarlett Vegan Suede Stiletto Court Shoe in Blush Nude by Allkind
You were wondering when we were going to get to the glamorous stuff, weren't you? Well, it doesn't get much more sophisticated than this pointed-toe, stiletto-heeled beauty from Allkind – the perfect companion for summer evening cocktails, garden parties and weddings. Its eco credentials don't fall short, either: this vegan high heel shoe features recycled polyester and upcycled rubber.
By Sascha Camilli
For more like this, visit our Vegan Sandals collection.
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. You can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Cover image by Mireia Playa
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.
