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8 min read

Veganism extends beyond just a diet choice, it encompasses fashion and lifestyle decisions as well. Committing to a cruelty-free lifestyle means choosing products that do not exploit animals, including the shoes we wear.

Many forward-thinking brands have responded to the concerns of animal rights activists by offering vegan alternatives to traditional clothing and footwear made from leather and other animal-derived materials. These vegan options are designed to provide the same level of quality, comfort, and style as their non-vegan counterparts, but without the ethical dilemmas.  

Benefits of Choosing Vegan Footwear

Fashion is undeniably a source of beauty, but it also raises significant environmental and ethical concerns. Adopting a vegan approach to your clothing and footwear choices allows you to indulge in this exciting hobby more responsibly. Here are the principal benefits: 

Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: The manufacturing process for vegan products tends to be less harmful to the environment, often requiring fewer resources and generating less pollution compared to traditional animal-based products. 

Sustainable Materials: Many vegan options are derived from natural materials like bamboo or corn fiber, which are sustainable and biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly choice. 

Increased Comfort: Vegan synthetic fibers are known for their increased comfort, making them a popular choice for many consumers. These fibers often provide a softer and more flexible fit. 

Recyclable Options: Many vegan materials are recyclable, offering a sustainable option for those seeking eco-friendly products. 

Easy Maintenance: Leather is notoriously difficult to maintain and clean, being extremely sensitive to moisture and high temperatures. Vegan materials are often easier to care for and can be worn in a wider range of weather conditions. 

Durability: Vegan materials can be highly durable, often matching or exceeding the lifespan of traditional materials. 

Ethical Considerations: Choosing vegan footwear aligns with a commitment to animal welfare, avoiding products that contribute to animal suffering.

However, it's important to note that not all vegan materials are created equal. Each type of material has its own specific characteristics and best uses. When choosing vegan products, it's crucial to consider the source and quality of the materials to ensure you are making the most responsible and effective choice.

Materials Used in Vegan Shoe Production

Natural vegan footwear, often made from materials like pineapple leather (Piñatex, made from fibers extracted from pineapple leaves), or mushroom leather (Mylo, made from mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms), typically comes at a higher price.

These materials are excellent for reducing your carbon footprint, as they are biodegradable and do not leave harmful residues when discarded. Plant-based leathers are ideal for environmentally conscious consumers, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional animal leather. However, there are particular disadvantages to consider:

  • Durability: Natural vegan materials generally lack the durability of animal leather or high-quality synthetic alternatives. They may not withstand the same level of wear and tear, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan.
  • Cost: These materials are often more expensive due to the sustainable production processes and the novelty of the materials themselves.

Synthetic Vegan Footwear

Synthetic vegan sandals, on the other hand, are designed with functionality in mind, making them suitable for day-to-day activities. High-quality synthetic materials, such as microfiber, recycled plastic, or other engineered textiles, offer several advantages:

  • Durability: Synthetic vegan footwear is typically more durable than natural vegan options. They are designed to withstand regular use, making them a practical choice for active lifestyles.
  • Performance: Features like woven textile straps can wick away excess moisture, enhancing comfort and protecting the feet from injuries. These materials are often engineered for specific performance attributes, making them highly functional.
  • Affordability: Synthetic vegan footwear is generally more affordable than its natural counterparts, making it accessible to a broader range of consumers.

Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Footwear

The primary advantage of vegan footwear is its reduced environmental impact. Additionally, it offers a cruelty-free alternative to the traditional leather industry.

Leather enthusiasts often claim that leather is more durable than its faux leather counterparts. While this is true in some cases, it is not a universal rule. Pure faux leather, like some pleather varieties, may tend to break more easily. However, when blended with materials like nylon or natural rubber, vegan footwear can provide equal or even greater comfort and durability than traditional leather shoes.

Maintaining vegan footwear is similar to caring for leather-based items. Both are best preserved by gentle hand washing. In fact, vegan footwear may be less prone to losing its shape compared to its animal-based counterparts, making it easier to keep in pristine condition.

Be aware of the distinction

Does synthetic or non-leather automatically mean vegan? Not always. To ensure both comfort and a sustainable approach to fashion, here are some tips:

Firstly, make sure that your preferred shoes contain no animal-derived materials. Although they may not use leather, some sandal brands still employ glues or other components that come from animal sources. Always verify that your brand is 100% cruelty-free.

Additionally, educate yourself on the materials that are easiest to recycle. Opting for biodegradable options will support your mission to be both sustainable and stylish. By making informed choices, you can enjoy the benefits of vegan footwear while contributing to a more eco-friendly fashion industry.

Advantages of Wearing Vegan Shoes 

 

Vegan shoes come with multiple advantages, catering to both practical needs and bold fashion statements.

Certain materials used in vegan sandals, such as soft nylon straps, are often more durable than their animal-based counterparts. Nylon is known for its high tensile strength, elasticity, and resistance to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for long-lasting footwear. Additionally, many vegan materials, including nylon, boast moisture-wicking properties, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

While leather is traditionally seen as a sturdy material that allows you to step confidently into daily life, it does have specific downsides. For instance:

  • Leather tends to have a specific smell, which might be even more upsetting during the summer. For example, leather sandals will have a pungent smell unless you go the extra mile cleaning them and airing them out.
  • Animal-origin products will also have less of a moisture-wicking touch to them. Leather is highly sensitive to humidity, which might alter its shape and smell. Rainy environments are also not recommended for wearing footwear made of this fabric.
  • While durability is often cited as a reason to choose leather, specific vegan material blends can be just as, if not more, resistant than products of animal origin.

Cruelty-Free Sandals: A Fashionable Choice

Those who appreciate a casual yet stylish look often opt for fashionable sandals. While these chic footwear choices are perfect for warm weather, they can also be effectively styled for cooler temperatures.

Wearing vegan sandals has its fair share of benefits. Long walks are more feasible when you have adjustable straps and soles that are well-cushioned. Plus, having arch support and materials that keep moisture at bay will protect you from undesired effects like blistering and foot injury.

How to style vegan sandals 

Although people generally associate sandals with summer dresses and hot pants, there are multiple style options. Fashion choices that are less weather-sensitive include those that feature jeans or free-flowing trousers. Such an example is the styling of black sandals with pleated dirty-white trousers. To finish the outfit with another splash of… black, opt for a top in a dark shade. Going for three-quarter sleeves will always be a smart casual approach to your getup. 

Black is always right

Such an example is the styling of black sandals with pleated dirty-white trousers. To finish the outfit with another splash of… black, opt for a top in a dark shade. Going for three-quarter sleeves will always be a smart casual approach to your getup. 

Y2K Fashion

Another option that you cannot go wrong with is mixing the Y2K vibes we have been recently getting on the runways and streets with color-pop tops and neutral sandals. This fashion option is fitting for those who are young at heart and love experimenting with various cuts and fabrics in the same outfit. Of course, this style works best as streetwear, and more formal occasions might require sharp variants, like tweed trousers and tailored suits.

Benefits of Vegan Sandals

Going vegan with your clothing and footwear is commendable. Besides making steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle, most vegan brands ensure that these steps are comfortable all the way through. As the saying goes, once you go vegan, you never go back.

Comfort and Durability of Vegan Sandals

Vegan sandals are perfect for those seeking breathable footwear during warmer weather. They are an excellent choice for individuals prone to excess sweat, foot injuries, and infections.

While plant-based options like cork and mushroom leather offer eco-friendly choices, synthetic blends such as nylon, cork and PVC provide greater flexibility and longevity. These materials are easier to adjust to the shape of your foot and are often more resilient, making them ideal for long, peaceful walks. Additionally, many synthetic vegan materials are designed to combat moisture, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable all day. 

Where to buy Vegan Sandals for women

Shopping for vegan footwear in physical stores can be a bit challenging. While it's usually straightforward to identify leather products by their specific markings, it can be more difficult to determine the full range of materials used in manufacturing.

In stores, leather products typically have a distinct symbol or marking next to their price tag. Faux leather footwear often states that it is made from "man-made materials," but this label does not always provide complete information about the product's components.

For a more comprehensive understanding of what you're buying, it's often better to shop online at dedicated vegan retailers. These stores provide detailed descriptions of the materials used and their sources, ensuring that your purchase aligns with your values. Look for brands that explicitly state their commitment to vegan and cruelty-free practices.

Best Place to Buy Sandals Online for Women

Bokyna is a sandal brand committed to providing stylish and comfortable footwear for women who enjoy fashion and long walks. With shipping available to the EU, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, Bokyna ensures that you can benefit from their unique style no matter where you are. 

A fully vegan brand 

Each pair of Bokynas is crafted using cruelty-free materials, ensuring that your fashion choices are as ethical as they are chic. The brand has also partnered with Eden Project to support reforestation efforts. For every pair of sandals sold, Bokyna plants a tree, contributing to a greener planet.

The Bokyna sandals are crafted with a vegan-friendly design, incorporating lightweight cork in the insole to provide maximum comfort. The midsole is made of soft EVA to enhance flexibility, while the outsole is constructed from 100% natural rubber, providing excellent traction. The soft nylon woven straps are durable, adjustable, and comfortable, making them perfect for long walks and everyday wear.
 

There are multiple collections, for varying needs. For instance, the Freedom Collection favors those with wide feet and flatfoot, who often have a hard time finding fitting shoes.

The Soulmate, Freedom and Seastar collections are dedicated to long-distance walkers who want to maintain an active lifestyle outdoors.

Whether you're looking for something chic, comfortable, or suitable for an active lifestyle, Bokyna has the perfect pair of vegan sandals for you.

Making an Impact with Vegan Footwear

We know that environmental and social consciousness is on the rise. And fashion has taken steps in this direction lately, as well. Although people associate `vegan` with `all-natural,` it is not always the case. But this does not mean that synthetic shoes and clothing are harmful. In fact, they might help you be more sustainable due to their increased durability.

Leather production often involves the cruel treatment of animals and is more taxing on the environment than most alternatives. Embracing vegan sandals is not only a commitment to comfort but also a step towards a more sustainable and ethical approach to clothing and footwear.

 

FAQ

Are vegan sandals durable?

Yes, vegan sandals can be durable. Many vegan sandals are made from high-quality synthetic materials such as microfiber, recycled plastics, and engineered textiles that offer excellent durability and performance. These materials are designed to withstand regular use and provide long-lasting comfort and support. Additionally, vegan sandals often feature advanced construction techniques, like reinforced stitching and durable soles, which contribute to their overall longevity. So, while the durability can vary depending on the brand and materials used, many vegan sandals are indeed built to last.


Waqass Wakeel
Written by:Waqass Wakeel