The must-have vegan shoes of the season
Being vegan doesn’t mean having to give up all that you love. And that includes fashion. Iconic brands such as Adidas, Dr. Martens, Birkenstock and New Balance now offer vegan versions of their most popular models. Whether you are looking for the season's shoe trend or looking to update your collection, we’ve got you covered!
First, let us start with Adidas - makers of the season's most coveted shoe: the Samba. Developed in the late 1940s, the model has grown in popularity again, being continuously sold out. Worn by supermodels, celebrities and your local barista, the Samba now comes in vegan. You can purchase the Samba in either black with the classic Adidas white stripes or white with black stripes. The sleek design is super comfy and pairs amazingly with any outfit. The high demand for the Samba Vegan shoe means that sizes sell out in minutes. We’ll let you in on an insider secret: if you go on the Adidas website very early in the morning, you might be lucky to grab a pair!
If the Samba is not your cup of tea, Adidas’ vegan shoe collection includes versions of other iconic models such as the Adidas Stan Smith (which is animal-free by default!) and the Adidas Superstar.
Another big brand offering vegan shoes is New Balance. One of their classic styles, the unisex 574, comes in vegan-friendly material, and they have recently come out with the vegan version of the “Made in USA 990v5”, although they are tough to find.
Suppose you want a comfy, casual shoe. In that case, Birkenstock has a great option for you: the Boston clog which has been one of the most sought-after shoes in the past year, it comes in multiple colours with two different finishes: micro fibre and Birko-Flor® nubuck, a material that the German brand developed to imitate leather. This vegan Birkenstock is also super versatile and can be worn all year round!
If you are looking for a weather-proof, sturdy shoe, Dr. Martens vegan shoes fit you. The quintessentially British brand, with their classic yellow stitching, is notoriously the most reliable shoe on the market. They have made their vegan offering very appealing, from shoes to boots and bags! If you are leaning towards boots, the following come in different finishes: indisputably their most iconic, 1460 ankle lace boots; the 2976 Chelseas; the Jadon II or the Sinclair platforms. We also recommend the 1461 lace up shoes as another staple for your collection. And if you have kids, Dr. Martens vegan shoes now come in toddler sizes too!
Lastly, the Australian brand Blundstone has incorporated a vegan version of their famous Chelsea boot. Keeping the design of the original Chelsea boots, right down to the signature stitching and pull tabs, you can find them in black and brown, while more colours are set to be released in the upcoming months.
Over the past few years, the demand for vegan shoes has made brands invest in innovation to satisfy their customers' needs. And one thing is clear – they have made the smart and vegan-friendly choice exciting. Choosing the vegan option now no longer means having to compromise on design, quality, or comfort. And we are thrilled about it!
To learn more check out how sustainable are vegan shoes?, and for more on eco-shopping read fashion doesn’t need to cost the Earth: exploring ethical vintage clothing.