We’re all aware of the positive impact of living a more plant-based lifestyle, and that applies not only to what we eat but what we wear. But when most of us think of vegan materials we’re often taken back to memories of uncomfortable, sweaty, plastic-filled shoes and bags made of cheap materials we used to call “pleather”.

Technology has come a long way in the last few years, and so has the consumer opportunity, which means as well as better quality options out there, there is also better (?) marketing, selling us the same old pleather now re-branded as a more premium and desirable “vegan leather”. We made this handy guide to choosing vegan footwear brands to help you navigate this greenwashing minefield.

One of the key concerns with use of animal derived materials in fashion is, of course, animal welfare. In big unwieldy supply chains, the brands you are most likely buying from (even the luxury fashion houses) really have no idea how the animals killed to make their products are treated. You only have to watch documentaries like Slay for some shocking behind the scenes footage that will turn you right off that super-soft calf skin handbag. 

The second concern is environmental - animal agriculture causes deforestation and releases huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere causing global heating and although the leather industry would say it uses by-products of the meat industry, it probably fairer to say they are co-dependant. 

The treatment of animal hides to make them into the leather we are accustomed to is full of toxic chemicals, particularly the tanning phase. The most commonly used industrial tanning method is based on chromium*, a heavy metal that in large amounts can be dangerous to both humans and the environment.  

Which brings us to the final concern - people. Tannery workers, who often lack safe working conditions and equipment, suffer an array of medical issues such as disabilities from handling the chemicals and machinery, and due to the high amounts of wastewater produced in tanning, the medical effects of chromium, sulfates and pathogens also harm local communities by contaminating their water sources. 

*Vegetable tanning is a more environmentally friendly option if you do chose to wear leather.

Just because a brand labels itself as “vegan” this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re using more eco-friendly alternatives. It’s important to check that these materials aren’t solely petroleum based i.e. plastic (made from materials like synthetic fabric, PU, PVC) and that they’re actually more sustainable alternatives.  

As the demand for vegan alternatives is on the rise, we are also seeing huge investment in innovative new plant-based alternative materials that rival the real deal. We’ve seen brands use food waste like apple, corn, pineapple, and even cactus and turn it into a durable animal product alternative that will compete against your most beloved old boots. There are also lab grown alternatives like “mushroom leather”.  Almost all of these leather alternatives will require a bit of plastic based material mixed with it to bind it and make it durable. So check the materials composition to see which and how much! Virón show this on the side of their shoes - ultimate transparency.

Durability is without doubt a key quality leather is known for. The leather alternative market is at this stage quite immature and the materials are constantly improving. It’s fair to say you’re taking some risk when you invest in new technologies and materials, and one of the biggest risks with this space is; will it last? Our advice here - check the reviews, see what people who have tried and tested it have to say. 

At PARO, we also believe it’s important to think not just about the materials used, but look at the brand itself. We label vegan brands that use animal alternatives as well as those who ensure cruelty-free practices, work with vegan certified suppliers and support NGOs for the protection of animals.  

Discover more vegan clothing and footwear right here on PARO STORE. We bring together a highly curated selection of designs from emerging designers, based mainly in Europe, who produce in a way that's better for people and the planet. Every brand is assessed against our nine sustainable design codes, to show you how they are better for the world.