Following our article on the vegan wallet , Meanwhile Boutique invites you to discover the benefits of leather alternatives in materials and design across another product range: shoes. Resistance, durability, waterproofing, flexibility… Find all the benefits of vegan leather shoes in this article.
Vegan leather shoes: a leather alternative respecting animal and consumer well-being
The figures speak for themselves. According to a report by the L214 association, more than 1.6 trillion animals are killed every year worldwide and 8 out of 10 are kept in intensive farms in France. Leather production accounts for 1 billion animals killed per year.
Furthermore, beyond the animal suffering caused by the industry, leather manufacturing also has repercussions on human health. Chemicals such as chrome, aluminum, or zirconium salts used during the tanning process are toxic to humans and the environment.
What is vegan leather?
Before we begin, let's go back to one point. Yes. We know that, according to the law, since 2010, the term leather is not intended to be attributed to any material of non-animal origin. Thus, what we refer to here actually represents the entire range of vegan leather alternatives.
As explained in our previous article on the differences between vegan leather and vegetable leather , Meanwhile Boutique has chosen not to promote products made from animal skins. Thus, no animal leather products are featured in our collections.
We favor leather alternatives, which are less polluting and more respectful of animals. Innovative materials, they are very often made from plant or marine waste.
Vegan leather, in reference to veganism, represents the entire range of leather alternatives that are neither derived from animals nor tested on them. It is made from innovative and sustainable materials.
Differences between leather, vegetable leather, and vegan leather
Leather is a material of animal origin made rot-proof through chemical tanning. Although it is durable and flexible, its environmental impact is very high due to intensive farming and the use of toxic products.
Vegetable leather stands out for its natural tanning. Its impact is reduced but remains non-zero due to water consumption and its higher production cost.
Vegan leather uses no animal materials. Its environmental and animal impact is therefore greatly reduced. There are several alternatives:
- fruit residue leather
- faux leather
- eucalyptus leather
- corn leather
- mushroom leather
- cork
Find all the leather alternative materials in our article Leather alternatives, which to choose?
Vegan leather, the perfect material for your shoes
Vegan leather is a material increasingly used in footwear. Based on an ethical, sustainable, and animal-friendly model, it offers strength, comfort, and aesthetics.
The benefits of vegan leather
Durability
Plant materials offer a hold comparable to leather over 2 to 3 years, with better resistance to UV rays and water.
Maintenance
A vegan leather shoe requires little maintenance: no regular polishing or waterproofing.
Recyclability
Products in vegan leather are often made from plant waste and can be recyclable or compostable.
Flexibility
Shoes in vegan leather are immediately flexible, unlike animal leather.
Breathability
Plant materials allow better air circulation, especially those made from corn or mushrooms.
Ethics and sustainability
The vegan shoe reduces animal suffering, environmental impact, and risks to human health, fitting into eco-responsible consumption.
The labels to help you choose
Labels certifying the vegan origin also exist for shoes.
The PETA-Approved Vegan label guarantees the total absence of animal materials and animal testing.
The EVE (Expertise Vegan Europe) label certifies strict compliance with vegan standards.
The Animal Free Fashion label supports brands toward becoming 100% vegan.
Find more details on the vegan labels .
Our selection of vegan leather shoes
The Meanwhile Boutique collective includes many brands betting on the vegan leather shoe. Whether it's summer sandals or winter boots, there is something for all tastes and uses. All products featured by Meanwhile Boutique respect our ethical and responsible charter . Thus, all products in vegan leather are PETA-approved vegan and EVE certified.
Nae Vegan Shoes
The brand makes its shoes artisanally from eco-leather. It offers a wide range of products from heeled sandals to winter boots.
The vegan derby in apple leather
135.00€
🔁 Upcycling
♻️ Recycling
🧴 Zero plastic
🏡 Made in Local
👤 Know-How
🤚🏼 Handmade
🇪🇺 Made in Europe
🐨 Vegan
⚖️ Fair trade
👐🏽 Social and solidarity impact
🌿 Organic / Organic Farming
✅ Certified
Mood Walk
Bénédicte designed her brand of customizable and sustainable sneakers. Made from corn leather, the sneakers are handmade and designed to be stylish and personalized.
Wild Walker vegan sneakers with messages
159.00€ 105.00€
🤚🏼 Handmade
🇪🇺 Made in Europe
🐨 Vegan
🚺 Women Empowerment (Women only)
✅ Certified
⚖️ Fair trade
👐🏽 Social and solidarity impact
1 People
Rea's brand offers luxury sandals and mules in Piñatex vegan leather, made from pineapple waste.
The heeled sandal in vegan leather
117.11€ 119.52€
♻️ Recycling
🧴 Zero plastic
🌿 Organic / Organic Farming
⚖️ Fair trade
✅ Certified
ZETA
Laure, the founder, specialized in sneakers made from vegan materials. Made from corn or coffee waste, her shoes are entirely recycled and recyclable.
159.00€
♻️ Recycling
🌀 Zero waste lifestyle
👤 Know-How
🇪🇺 Made in Europe
🐨 Vegan
✅ Certified
The vegan leather shoe presents an excellent ethical and sustainable alternative to leather while retaining — or even improving — its benefits. All that's left is to try it and adopt it!
Article written by Camille Quéval
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