YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:44:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php dashielle (Ann) on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/4#post-1613656 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:33:37 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1613656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ...and Lisa, those booties you liked in my post about structure are fabric and waterproof! Look at some of Stuart Weitzman's styles. They used to be a pretty big seller here in Seattle Nordies, given our wet Fall/Winter/Spring period. Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/4#post-1613126 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 15:39:36 +0000 Anonymous 1613126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How long do worn-out PU shoes, etc. stay in the landfill? Longer or less time than leather? Just wondering to myself, as I'd love to know which is greener. I'd still buy leather shoes for the sake of my feet, but I would factor this in for my other purchases. Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/4#post-1613124 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 15:36:46 +0000 Anonymous 1613124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Vivian - this is exactly what I want, thank you.   To all of you - I didn't expect to see this thread continuing on this morning. I was almost afraid to log after yesterday  This is a very profoundly important thing to me and I appreciate those who get that.   anna - thanks for those resources. you always have a wealth of information at your fingertips   Windchime on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/4#post-1613099 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:43:43 +0000 Windchime 1613099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread contains a wealth of resources for non-leather footwear and bags! I'll definitely be referring to it for ideas in the future. Re the perfect being the enemy of the good: a few years ago I was part of a conversation about buying organic food. I said something about wanting to eat more organic foods but it being very expensive to do so. Another person, whom I very much like and respect, said, "But you can afford to earmark $5 of your weekly grocery budget for organic food." Baby steps, right? Laurinda on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/4#post-1613097 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:33:05 +0000 Laurinda 1613097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for starting such an interesting thread. Clearly passions run deep on this topic, and kudos for everyone making such considered choices! IMHO there is a big difference in quality of pleather out there. My Papillio (Birki) and Teva sandals are comfortable for all-day wear on a hot summer day, while my Unionbay sandals feel uncomfortably slimy in an hour or so. Just to throw another thought out there, in many cases leather is a by-product of the meat industry or hunting and it is honoring the animal to make the best use of it. For example, there are many deer hunters in my area who only want a rack (set of antlers) for their den. [With Chronic Wasting Disease spreading widely, there is even less interest in venison.] But some hunters are happy to give you the hides if you ask nicely, and it is inexpensive to have them tanned locally. Suz on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/4#post-1613091 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:25:00 +0000 Suz 1613091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow. I certainly missed a major thread here. And I am drooling over those bags Vivian posted!  I think your main hurdle is going to be your climate of extremes. Summer shoes will be easier to source -- canvas options will help. Birkenstock copies for casual. Dressier sandals might be harder due to the sweaty feet issue, but at least with open tops you have a chance for some ventilation and also the fit may be easier to finesse. And in cooler weather the perspiration issue won't be as problematic, so a closed vegan shoe should be do-able once you find some styles you like.  But winter boots. Oy. I know they do make good socks for Bogs and Hunters, so that would get you through milder times. But in Winnipeg, if you are spending significant time outdoors, you need a genuine winter boot. The Kamik boots I used to have had no leather -- just a sort of nylon padded fabric with rubber or vinyl bottoms of some kind. They were rated to -40 and were super warm. You do need to size up in an insulated boot of this kind. Mine were not super stylish but they were cuter on than you might imagine.  I applaud you for attempting to follow your beliefs in this. It can be quite difficult, especially in Canada, for all the reasons we've mentioned -- fewer retail options, climate, etc. I really like Angie's suggestion of small steps and Echo's reminder that the perfect is the enemy of the good. Just deciding to take some small step and moving forward is an honourable decision.  Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/4#post-1613082 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:51:39 +0000 Anonymous 1613082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gold star to viva for an excellent suggestion! viva on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613076 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:34:29 +0000 viva 1613076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Did anyone mention Angela Roi bags? I just came across these -- they are beautiful. I might like one myself for the spring. Gorgeous colors and the site emphasizes craftsmanship, which I find interesting for a vegan brand. There is something very upscale and lush about the line. "Instead of animal leather, our handbags are made of high quality PU leather. There's no need to kill animals to produce luxury handbags. Technological improvements allow us to create non-leather material that look and feel like real leather. We communicate and work closely with factories in Korea and Vietnam and maintain a transparent supply chain. Our goal is to create sustainable employment opportunities in fair-practice settings." <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.angelaroi.com/collections/all-handbags">http://www.angelaroi.com/collections/all-handbags</a> ETA: I want both of these. Astrid on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613040 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 08:54:13 +0000 Astrid 1613040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Think! shoes are great. I'm another in the camp of buying leather but fewer (and better produced) shoes instead. I have leather Birkenstocks as my only pair of summer sandals and that for maybe four years already? For me it's the best solution for comfortable feet and sticking to my goals. approprio on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613039 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 08:48:32 +0000 approprio 1613039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just remembered a couple or brands making very nice non-leather footwear: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ilsejacobsen.com/">Ilse Jacobsen</a> makes fabulously stylish rubber rain boots. I have a pair from this brand which I like a lot.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.blowfishshoes.com/">Blowfish</a> make pretty good inexpensive vegan shoes. My sister had a pair a few years ago which wore very well and didn't look at all "cheap." CocoLion on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613032 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 06:26:10 +0000 CocoLion 1613032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Stella McCartney is what I thought of first too.  Those shoes cost around $1000, maybe a year later you can get some models for $500 on eBay. Rabbit -- I took those F21 boots to donation as they never really fit me right, sorry to say as they looked great!  I have leather shoes that don't quite fit right initially but can end up working in the end.  That is the advantage of leather, it really can mold to your foot.  Especially when they are leather-lined.  (I had a pair of Steve Madden sandals from last summer that I just donated because the lining was synthetic and even after wetting the sandals several times, I could not get them to mold.) But I digress. Lisa in case you find you need to get *some* leather shoes, I would suggest looking into the company and the materials.  I know that many better European shoes use vegetable tanned leathers instead of metal/chemical tanning (is it chromium?).  The first time I was made aware was via Think! shoes.  Not trendy stylish but they are great for house shoes and last a long time.  Here's a link that explains the brand, it's indirectly instructive about what goes into making shoes. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://collection.thinkshoes.com/en/about-think/quality">http://collection.thinkshoes.c.....nk/quality</a> Keix on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613026 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 06:02:30 +0000 Keix 1613026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I purchased these Topshop flats from Nordstrom recently and found them surprisingly comfortable for non-leather shoes. It's been too cold to test-drive them yet, but I'll reference you just in case it's useful. For casual wear, I've also loved (and worn through) multiple pairs of TOMS flats. One thing you may have to accept, with purchasing non-leather footwear, is lower price points commensurate with lower quality--so, plan to replace your shoes more often. IME high-quality vegan shoes tend to be even more expensive than their equivalent-quality leather counterparts. annagybe on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613016 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 05:00:14 +0000 annagybe 1613016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's some lists <a href="http://www.bustle.com/articles/20650-the-10-of-the-best-vegan-designers" rel="nofollow">http://www.bustle.com/articles.....-designers</a> <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/shopping/best-vegan-fashion-brands-for-shoes-bags-and-accessories/" rel="nofollow">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fas.....cessories/</a> And a blog <a href="http://www.veganfashionblog.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.veganfashionblog.com/</a> rabbit on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613014 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 04:48:49 +0000 rabbit 1613014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I remember Cocolion had some awesome black booties from Forever21. One other great advantage of faux leather booties (and why they are my winter wet weather boots) is affordable and fuss-free water-resistance/proofing. It's also why I kind of dig vinyl bags along with the possibility of hyper saturated colors - so easy to keep clean.  Share any picks you find hunting around and trying things on :). Bijou on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613013 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 04:47:19 +0000 Bijou 1613013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love my Issey Miyake Bao Bao bag that is constructed from vinyl.  It is a great non-leather alternative. shiny on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1613000 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 04:01:16 +0000 shiny 1613000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As a former vegetarian who's daughter is recently vegan, the whole ethical issue is a very complex damned if you do / damned if you don't, so I won't go there.  I am a fan of real leather for it's breathability, stretchability, and long lasting quality. I don't hide that. (Hide is not a pun here!). But I do have several pleather jackets and pleather bags that have seriously gone the distance and that I love. I chose them not because they were pleather but because they fit great and filled a hole in my wardrobe, the good price point was just a bonus. I was thrilled that they then functioned great and have lasted well beyond what I expected. Even my beloved AT white pleather jacket ... that sadly I had to release because the collar eventually cracked, after years of wearing it constantly.  To answer your question, have you checked out Urban Outfitters? Not everything is vegan but there is quite a lot that is. And trendy. I have also had luck with H&M and F21. I had very iffy feelings about the flash fashion quality from these places, but the vegan leather items I acquired from these places are still looking impeccable in my closet, years later.  This includes shoes but I don't like sweaty shoes so I'd only do pleather for shoes that I can wear socks (natural  breathable fibers) with. My favorite and most-worn booties and boots, in fact,  are pleather. I have a pair of pleather metallic loafers that I adore, but yeah... my sock less feet sweat something fierce in them.  Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612964 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 02:44:50 +0000 Anonymous 1612964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've aged and have developer a much deeper appreciation of farmers and ranchers. Since my DH and I both work for the ag college, we know more than most folks. In the extension & 4-H office where I work, we only release research-based information to the public; not random stuff from the Internet that may or may not be true. We support ag while respecting those who choose to be vegetarian or vegan. My DH's family owned & operated a coffee plantation. My uncle grew soybeans on his farm in the Midwest. My cousin raises grass-fed cattle on his ranch. My brother-in-law owned & operated a multi-million $ plant nursery that is now run by his son. So you see, we have a family that is rooted in ag. Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612961 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 02:28:17 +0000 Anonymous 1612961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet - thank you . I appreciate that you see both sides . And so do I. That's never been the issue . Thanks for chiming in here - I always look for your thoughts on things Hope you are enjoying your Super Bowl Sunday . Janet on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612955 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 02:12:48 +0000 Janet 1612955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I adore animals, actively support animal rescue efforts, and lean towards a no-red-meat diet much of the time, but we own a cattle ranch, so suffice to say that I am sympathetic to all sides of this issue. My husband has even spent more months on a vegetarian diet than I have, and yet he raises cows for a living. He loves those cows though, and our ranch is a happy place with lots of land and nutritious grass, and yes, happy cows. I'm sure you know that there are many farming and ranching operations that are very concerned with respectful and human treatment of the animals they raise. Nonetheless, I respect that many people choose to forgo the act of eating animals at all, regardless of how humanely they were treated. To each his own. I appreciate when people respect each other's choices. :-) I'm glad you started this thread because, as much as I love real leather, I can appreciate using less of it. We own leather furniture, and love the quality and durability -- we will keep it for years and years. It's perfect for our home with dog hair, etc. But we have faux leather dining chairs -- they are decent, but after 9 years, they are not standing up to wear the way our genuine pieces have. Likewise, I've had some faux leather clothing items that are quite good, some, well, meh. At any rate, thanks for the discussion and thanks for all the great resources -- I'm bookmarking for future reference! Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612946 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 01:53:51 +0000 Anonymous 1612946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What are you getting at, Echo? What do you mean by backhanded help? columbine(erin) on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612943 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 01:46:00 +0000 columbine(erin) 1612943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not sure if Sole Society has been mentioned but I've seen they offer vegan bags. Thanks for starting a thoughtful and thought provoking thread. <a href="http://m.solesociety.com/cassidy-cognac.html?utm_medium=cse&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=210117577" rel="nofollow">http://m.solesociety.com/cassi.....=210117577</a> Echo on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612938 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 01:38:52 +0000 Echo 1612938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had about enough of the backhanded "help" offered here. It's really getting out of hand, IMO. Anna makes a great point about Melissa shoes, however. I have a couple of pairs of Melissa dress shoes/heels and they are the most comfortable heels I own. They run a smidge big and have a very noticeable scent - not a bad scent by any means, but a candy-like scent. I especially love these (although I have them in a violet-blue shade): donnat on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612927 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 01:06:31 +0000 donnat 1612927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, thankyou for this post. I am currently vegan and struggle with the questions you have posted. I better go back and read so I don't look like an idiot with my post. annagybe on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612914 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:36:40 +0000 annagybe 1612914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a pair of wedge Melissa sandals that are pretty comfortable. I know they do real shoes, but I'm not sure how they'd feel. Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612913 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:35:11 +0000 Anonymous 1612913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's hard not to sound preachy when outlining the myriad if reasons that non-leather shoes are so awful. It's been years since I've worn anything other than leather, but my feet are so fussy now that I can't take a chance with other materials now. I do make sure that everything in my wardrobe gets used. I don't buy just to pad my closet with more stuff. I hope you find the footwear, etc. that works for you. In the end, you have to be happy with your choices. Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612911 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:30:49 +0000 Anonymous 1612911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Right on. Very much agree here , LaP.    LaPed on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612909 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:28:09 +0000 LaPed 1612909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bettycrocker, I totally agree with you about PU shoes! I don't think it's a good material for footwear at all. The only pair I've had good luck with are Vivobarefoot Nancy flats, which are synthetic but have a soft, wicking lining so my feet don't get too sweaty. Most of my young adult life I've worn Chuck Taylors in the spring/fall, Chacos/Tevas in the summer, and Bogs in the winter, thus avoiding PU altogether. Not particularly fab though! :) TOMS has some vegan styles. The birko-flor and birki-buc Birkenstocks are really quite nice -- and sandals are breathable to begin with.  I would look around on Etsy for bags -- there are some really cute canvas totes and bucket bags out there. And waxed canvas is super classy, if you can find some without leather trim. I hope no one thought I was being preachy. I'm married to a die-hard carnivore and still cook meat for my family, just don't eat it myself. For me, cutting out animal products is a purely personal choice, and I stopped identifying as vegan because there's just too much political baggage around the term, and I got tired of every meal being politically fraught. A friend of mine calls me "the coolest vegetarian"* because it was only after more than a *year* of hanging out that he realized I don't eat meat. That's how little I try to push my own habits on others. I never bring it up unless asked. When asked, though, I do like to think/talk about what we consume and how we consume it, in as non-judgmental a way as possible. *vegetarian is a term I use loosely, because I actually do eat meat when I travel abroad. I think guest culture is really important, and I feel I can't fully immerse myself in another culture if I'm imposing my own habits on the experience... but it took me almost a decade of subscribing to a much harder line to figure that out! Astrid on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612907 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:25:23 +0000 Astrid 1612907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The non leather upper material used by Birkenstock is called Birkoflor. But as far as I know even the Birkoflor models have leather insoles. ETA There are a few models made completely out of EVA, but they get usually worn as better flip flops next to the pool. No idea if they are as comfortable as the regular models. Anonymous on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612901 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:14:55 +0000 Anonymous 1612901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Gaylene - haha. You go broil that steak and polish those boots. I'll be eating my roasted cauliflower tacos and uh, contemplating wearing my ASICS sneakers for the rest of my life.  I absolutely want the granola recipe - I love granola.  And Olsenhaus sounds intriguing, thanks. Thanks Elle - these are all good ideas.  I think this might just be fun searching for new lines!  and elpgal - are you kidding?  I LOVE Birkenstocks. And what a great idea to pick up some non-leather ones for this coming summer.  That'll take care of my casual needs for sure.  Gaylene on "The ethics of leather: sources for vegan bags and shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ethics-of-leather-sources-for-vegan-bags-and-shoes/page/3#post-1612891 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:00:30 +0000 Gaylene 1612891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going against your wishes to close this thread, Lisa, because I think it's a useful resource for other women who want to explore vegan footwear. :) My super stylish vegan friend suggests checking out the OlsenHaus brand. <a href="http://www.mooshoes.com/brands/olsen-haus.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.mooshoes.com/brands/olsen-haus.html</a> <a href="http://www.olsenhaus.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.olsenhaus.com</a> Nothing granola about these shoes! And just for the record, I love granola, make my own (totally vegan ), and will happily share the recipe if requested to do so. Off to broil a steak and polish my leather boots. (Secretly contemplating vegan Star Wars pumps, though...)