Best vegan shoes for women

Switching to a vegan lifestyle has never been easier.

The rise of veganism has led to an ever-growing market of animal-free products; not just in food, but in accessories, make-up (yep, including make-up brushes), skincare, haircare and also clothing.

Even finding fashionable vegan shoes is a breeze, meaning you can now dress head-to-toe in the latest looks, sporting completely vegan attire.

To be classified vegan, every part of the shoe must be free from animal-derived fabrics, including the glue, laces and eyelets, as well as the more obvious uppers and outers; no leather, silk, wool or fur allowed.

Vegan shoes are made from such materials as canvas, cotton, pleather and a high-grade polyurethane, known as PU. This is a plastic coating with a fabric backing that creates a breathable alternative to leather and uses much less toxic chemicals in production, resulting in less waste compared to other materials, like PVC.

To celebrate this animal-friendly footwear, we’ve compiled an edit of the best vegan shoes - from vegan brands as well as big labels that have unveiled dedicated animal-free ranges, like Dr Martens and Schuh. From trainers and office shoes, to everyday and party-ready pairs, there is something for everyone and every budget.

Happy vegan shopping!

Dr Martens Vegan 1461

The iconic British footwear brand now has entire vegan range with around 20 variations of its classic silhouettes all free from animal-derived products. From the original chunky boot, to the low-top lace-ups, the shoes are made of high-shine synthetic materials but remain as durable as their non-vegan options. Whether you are looking for an everyday, smart work shoe or a versatile festival staple, these Dr Martens are a must.

Buy now £119.00, Dr Martens

Veja Trainers

Sustainable footwear brand Veja specialise in nostalgic and streetwear-inspired designs composed entirely of ethically-sourced materials. A favourite among the fashion set, the brand has a vegan offering crafted from organic cotton and featuring the French label’s signature V embroidery along the side. They opt for recycled, eco-friendly fabrics with an eye on social responsibility.

Also available at Selfridges, Net-A-Porter, Office,End Clothing, Harvey Nichols, and Browns.

Buy now £120.00, Veja

Adidas

The sportswear giant has made great strides in recent years to turn its production on its head in favour of more eco-friendly practices and that incudes expanding its plant-based range. Alongside its enduring collaboration with famed vegan Stella McCartney, the label has also recreated its most iconic shoes without the use of animal-based materials.

From Stan Smiths, to Superstars, they are made up of recycled materials that is still high performing and honour the heritage designs. Adidas is also opting for recycled fabrics and no new polyester.

Buy now £33.00, Adidas

Schuh

Schuh stocks over 300 different vegan shoes to suit all needs, from sandals and boots, to trainers - and for men, women and children. Featuring a variety of different labels, like Toms and Dr Martens, the retailer also offers its own brand of affordable vegan footwear in stylish silhouettes. Think summer-ready Gladiator strappy sandals, cosy borg mules, ballet and slipper silhouettes.

Buy now £996.00, Schuh

Birkenstock

Birkenstocks are inextricably linked with hippie culture. Since they were once the flower children’s footwear of choice, it should come as no surprise to learn that there’s a vegan collection too.

The shoes are available for adults and children in unisex designs. They are composed of plant-based and synthetic materials which have been verified by independent testing laboratories. This is set alongside the famous cork sole and available in a range of colours.

Also available at ASOS, Office, Schuh and John Lewis

Buy now £40.00, Birkenstock

Superga

Italian shoe label Superga’s vegan-certified range is made entirely from ethical and sustainable fabrics and as such are free from any animal by-products, while being cruelty-free.

From the signature 2750 model to the newest iterations, the shoes are crafted from organic cotton and natural hemp uppers, while the insole is made from natural cork. The sole is rubber and processed to keep it looking in tip top shape for longer.

There is a large selection of colours and styles to choose from to suit your preference. We particularly like the Flatforms which give you a much-welcomed height addition.

Buy now £30.00, Superga

Hunter

Hunter is an iconic, heritage British footwear brand and undoubtedly, the bellwether of the wellies market. The ever-expanding range now includes all styles of boots from Chelsea to the Original Tall that we all know and love.

In terms of its vegan credentials, Hunter uses natural rubber and so many of the collection is already vegan, although they also have a designated selection. Whether you need an option like the Original short for dog walks, Sandals for holiday, or Play for your kids, the constructions are designed to be hard-wearing and comfortable, ready to slip on and get you where you need to go.

Buy now £80.00, Office

Kurt Geiger

Using vegan leather and recycled automotive parts in favour of traditional leather, Kurt Geiger has made its footwear collection more accessible to those following a plant-based lifestyle. The brand is registered with the Vegan Society and all the range is free from animal products, testing or cross-contamination at all points in the supply chain.

It extends to trainers, boots, sandals, flats and heels and includes some of the label’s timeless designs like the suede-like heeled Tobi boots, quilted Jilly ankle boots and lace-up sneakers.

Buy now £49.00, Kurt Geiger

Merrell

In recent years, the tide has turned on practical footwear. Hiking boot-trainer hybrids are on trend for everyday use - and riding the wave is Merrell, the outdoor footwear brand that has seen a surge in popularity.

Whether you are training for the marathon, looking to get in shape or have become a casual walker post-lockdown, the adaptable shoes are packed with technical features like moulded heels, reflective details, internal booties for a secure fit and best of all, use vegan-friendly materials - all to protect your feet in rough terrain.

Buy now £50.00, Merrell

Vivobarefoot

Vivobarefoot is famed for its unique ultra-thin trainers that are created to improve the health of your feet as you walk, train and run. According to research from the label, “wearing Vivobarefoot’s for six months can increase foot strength by up to 60 per cent, leading to greater movement and stability” - and they are certainly comfortable with a flexible design that is stripped back to just the essentials.

It’s ethical, vegan collection use plastic bottles that are combined with bio materials like corn, natural rubber and algae. With models for men and women, this doesn’t hinder the performance with options for race day, different terrains and weather conditions.

Buy now £92.00, Vivobarefoot

Saye

Since its inception, Saye has been redeveloping its trainers to make them more environmentally-friendly and has switched out its use of leather in favour of vegan bio-based materials - cactus skin, mango leftovers, corn and bamboo. This led to the creation of the M’89 Vegan Cactus or the M’89 Vegan Mango and has evolved into the brand becoming entirely vegan across the board. What’s more, with every shoe sold, the brand plants two trees in collaboration with NGO We Forest.

Buy now £120.00, Saye