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I want to become vegan but I can't find good alternatives to leather shoes. I wear suede boots with flat heels most of the time because they are very comfortable. Is there any company that makes a decent shoe out of non-animal sources? I don't like the fact that an animal had to die just so I could wear a pair of boots.
Congratulations on making the compassionate choice. As luck would have it, there is no need to sacrifice comfort and style for conscience. There are many options in vegan footwear today ranging from casual to formal and everything in between.
At this time, there are no manufacturers who produce only vegan products AND do so in an environmentally sustainable and worker friendly fashion. Bear in mind, however, that the leather processing and shoe manufacturing industries are not only deadly to the animals who are slaughtered for their flesh and subsequently their hide, they also are among the most toxic industries for both the environment and the human laborers they employ.
One company that use recycled products and sustainable methods in the manufacture of their shoes is deep e co. (1-888-233-3373). Production is divided between Asia and the United States. Not all of their shoes are vegan. Some contain leather, so be sure to investigate thoroughly before making a purchase! Contact them directly to inquire about their shoes and materials and to find a retailer in your area who carries their products.
The following mail order sources carry only vegan products, including shoes. They offer items from a variety of manufacturers, so you should be able to find something among them that meets your needs.
Pangea
7829 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-652-3181
Aesop Inc.
P.O. Box 315
N. Cambridge, MA 02140
Store at: 285 Washington St.
Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: 617-628-8030
Heartland Products, Ltd.
P.O. Box 218
Dakota City, IA 50529
Phone: 515-332-3087
Vegan Wares
78 Smith Street Collingwood 3066 VIC Australia
Phone/Fax: (03) 9417 0230
An extremely comfortable clog made from durable, biodegradable polyurethane is the Anywear Shoe (1-888-541-4600). The clogs are waterproof, washable, have a non-skid sole which gives a slight massaging sensation, and come in a wide range of colors.
You also should be able to find a good selection of nonleather shoes at Payless Shoe Source. Nevertheless, their shoes primarily are made in China where production practices and labor conditions are questionable at best. When looking for truly vegan commodities, we must remember that products should be compassionately made as well as made from compassionate resources.
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