Summertime is upon us and that means saying adios to socks and closed-toed shoes and hello to sandals! But not all strappy sandals and slingbacks are created equal. So, I went on the hunt for vegan sandals to help you (and me!) look your best and ensure no animals were harmed in the making.
The world of vegan sandals is growing, and I found 12 brands and stores where you can buy chic and practical vegan sandals and shoes for the summer (and in the fall and winter, be sure to check out my lineup of vegan boots)!
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What is a Vegan Shoe?
Before we dive in to find you something très chic and cruelty-free for the summer, you might be wondering what exactly is a vegan shoe? Faux leather has come a long way over the years, I remember when pleather was really the only non-animal option, and even finding that was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Today, innovations in vegan leather have come so far! Designers and brands are using more environmentally friendly and creative materials like mushrooms, bananas, pineapple, and apples to create amazing materials that are nearly impossible to tell the difference.
Many vegan shoe brands are also better friends with Mother Nature than their leather counterparts. The creation of vegan leather produces fewer carbon emissions and requires less water and toxic chemicals. Aside from being inhumane, the production of traditional leather is toxic; chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde, chromium, ammonia, as well as many others, are used in the production. The waste from these places contains a toxic stew that affects the workers and the local communities.
I think it’s safe to say if there are better options not only for the animals but for the world, let’s find them and promote them to make positive change!
The Best Shops for Vegan Sandals & Shoes
Will’s Vegan Store
Online Shop
This London-based vegan shop is the perfect place for your vegan fashion needs. All their products are vegan and cruelty-free as well as carbon neutral and eco-friendly. To offset emissions, they invest in renewable projects like wind and solar power. They don’t use any plastic packaging, and their shipping bags are made from sustainable sources. Their cute Huarache sandals are made with a cork footbed and shaped with additional arch and heel support. Aside from vegan sandals they also carry vegan sneakers, coats, accessories, more! Shipping is free to the US. (I do suggest sizing down! I am normally a 7.5 US, so I ordered an 8 US/39 EU, they were still way too big, but no worries because returns and exchanges are free and super easy!).
Moo Shoes
NYC & Online Shop
The first vegan and cruelty-free shoe shop in NYC! Moo Shoes works with many notable brands like Birkenstock, Novacas, Dr. Martens, and more to stock its shelves full of beautiful vegan shoes. They are committed to working with ethical companies and carrying shoes that are produced sustainably. This is a vegan shopping heaven with a wide variety of shoe options — everything your heart desires from stylish heels perfect for a wedding to cute espadrilles and casual slides! They also carry a ton of vegan sneakers, boots, accessories, and more. And, when you have worn the life out of the shoes, you can bring them back to the store or ship them back to be recycled.
BC Footwear
Online Shop
This California-based company has been certified as a 100% vegan brand by PETA and is committed to ensuring its shoes are made with fair labor practices and sustainable materials. Their chic vegan sandal options include affordable slides, strappy heels, and wedges — something for every occasion! And, when the season changes, make sure you check out their selection of cute vegan boots and booties!
Nae
Online Shop
These 100% vegan sandals and shoes are made in certified ethical factories in Portugal. It is the company’s goal to ensure there is no animal exploitation. Whether you’re looking for something for a nice evening stroll or a sexy night out — you will find it here! Their selection of vegan sandals includes flats, wedges, and sky-high heels. Aside from sandals, they also carry vegan boots and sneakers, and men’s fashions. Shipping to the US is free for orders over $61 (50 euros).
Avesu Vegan Shoes
Berlin & Online Shop
Avesu works with over 40 different vegan brands and ensures all of them sustainably and ethically source materials and treat workers fairly. They are one of the largest vegan shoe stores in the world! Their store is overflowing with amazing vegan sandal options — you have your basic slides and heels but also metallic gladiators, and unique rope flats made by Nomadic State of Mind in Nicaragua. They also carry vegan sneakers, boots, dress shoes, hiking boots, and more. You can find a vegan shoe for every season or occasion here
Immaculate Vegan
Online Shop
Their goal is to “wear no evil, do no evil.” Nothing is compromised when it comes to sustainability or fair labor practices for this 100% vegan shop. They carry tons of vegan brands that will have you looking like a million bucks. This is the place to come if you want something special. Their vegan sandal selection includes casual slides, kitten mules, and platform espadrilles — something for every sundress in your closet or even for a fancy party! They also carry clothing, home goods, beauty products, and drop-dead gorgeous handbags.
Matt & Nat
Online shop & various retailers
Matt & Nat have been rocking the vegan fashion game since 1995. They are committed to producing high-quality vegan products with recycled materials. Since 2007, they have recycled over 9 million bottles to manufacture their bags! Their vegan sandal collection includes gorgeous slingbacks, casual slides, peep-toe mules, and more. Aside from sandals they also carry a full line of vegan shoes, outerwear, and accessories, including beautiful vegan handbags. You really need one of these bags to go along with your cute new sandals!
Brands with Vegan Sandal Options
Birkenstock
Online shop & sold at various retailers
A favorite for many because of their cork footbed which as you wear it forms to your foot, creating great arch support and comfort. I do really like them for this reason. I have high arches and they provide great support for hours of walking. In recent years, the German company added a line of vegan shoes and they have been popular — many sizes are sold out online! Hopefully, they add more vegan styles soon! Shoppers can seek comfort with many of their popular styles with a vegan makeover – Arizona, Siena, Mayari, along with many others.
Chacos
Online shop & sold at various retailers
Chacos are well known for durable sandals that can stand up to rocky hiking terrain, water, and whatever else life throws at them! With fun strap designs and colors there are plenty of ways to let your personality shine through your shoes! Their popular Z1 and Z2 styles in classic and cloud are vegan!
Teva
Online shop & sold at various retailers
Whether you’re looking for a vegan hiking sandal or just one that is comfortable and fun — Teva has an option! Even better, the fun colors and prints of these sport sandals are made with recycled plastic.
Lulus
Online Shop
While Lulus isn’t 100% vegan this is a great place to come for something cute, vegan, and affordable! Their lineup of vegan sandal options includes lace-up espadrilles, peep-toe mules, easy-breezy slides, and much more!
Dr. Martens
Online shop & various retailers
The British footwear brand known for its thick-soled boots, also has a line of vegan shoes, including sandals! Their vegan selections include the Felix and Gryphon Gladiator, The Blaire, Voss Strap, and Clarissa Strap sandals.
