Vegan Guide to Leather Alternatives 2012 Edition

From The Vegetarian Resource Group

INTRODUCTION

On many occasions, after turning down a hotdog or hamburger at a summer barbecue and explaining that you’re vegetarian, the next question you might be asked (if wearing leather-like sandals) is, Then why are you wearing leather? You’ll answer that the sandals are made from synthetic materials that look like leather, and this usually pacifies the inquisitors. They do ask a valid question though. If you are choosing a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons, How can you stop eating animals, but continue to wear them? Like a vegetarian diet, people often choose to quit leather at different stages.

Since cowhide is the most common animal hide used, links to the meat industry are undeniable. According to the Leather Industries of America, the leather Industry’s trade association, very few animals are raised specifically for their hides. But cows are just one of the animals whose skins are used for shoes, wallets, coats, belts, clothing, and accessories. Other animals can be pigs, deer, horse, and sheep. Some articles are even made from exotic animal skins ranging from alligator and lizard to sealskin and snakeskin.

You may ask, Well what should I do with all the leather I have? Again, just as some people go vegetarian overnight and others do it slowly, the same goes for leather. Some people gradually replace worn out leather items with non-leather alternatives. Others donate their leather goods to charities. Many throw the stuff away, and although you might prefer that no one wear animal hides (besides the animals), most leather is not biodegradeable due to the tanning process, so a charity might be the best bet. The damage already done can’t be reversed.

That brings up the question of which causes less damage to the environment – petroleum-based synthetic leathers or leather treated with multiple chemicals? While petroleum-based products often cause pollution from manufacturing and its waste, leather manufacturers are still dealing with problems caused by the use of chemicals for tanning. Either alternative leads to some environmental damage, but while you’re supporting the exploitation of animals by purchasing leather, choosing leather alternatives will at least help alleviate some cruelty to animals.

Maybe we should also ask ourselves if leather- and fur-like materials are always the best choice. Do these materials give the impression that leather and fur are socially and ethically acceptable? Why not go with some other materials such as hemp, cotton, synthetic fibers, or recycled rubber when possible? On the other hand it can be argued that by using leather and fur alternatives we can show others a way of wearing clothes with the look they like that doesn’t require the exploitation of animals for it.

For this update we have been able to add a source for iPhone/Blackberry cases and iPad sleeves. We also discovered camera straps.

When choosing a non-leather company, one should also consider the company’s reasons for carrying non-leather goods. Although we are pleased that more and more companies offer non-leather items, most large manufacturers and retailers who carry both leather and non-leather offer the non-leather goods primarily for economic reasons. It is cheaper to manufacture non-leather goods, and as a result they often cost less. Note that many of these companies sell mainly leather items. Still, by supporting the vegan articles these companies distribute, a clear statement can be made in favor of alternative products. Maybe this will encourage companies to produce more synthetic products, even if their reasons for this decision are not necessarily ethical.

The vegan mail-order companies, on the other hand, take a particular interest in avoiding animal and Earth exploitation through the products they offer. Many of these companies employ Earth-friendly manufacturing and working conditions. We believe that it is important to support these companies.

To make your selection of non-leather goods as effortless as possible, the companies listed are separated into categories. The Vegan Mail-Order or Stores section indexes companies that sell only vegan products. The Catalogs, Companies, and Stores section lists companies that sell or manufacture both leather-free and leather goods, so check these carefully to make sure what you're buying is non-leather. The remaining sections of this guide list specific styles of shoes (athletic, dress, etc.) and the companies who make them or the stores/catalogs that carry them.

We often depend on company statements for product information. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, information changes, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

VEGAN MAIL-ORDER OR STORES

The following companies sell only animal-free products.

Alternative Outfitters
408 S. Pasadena Ave., Ste. 1, Pasadena, CA 91105
(866) 758-5837 or (626) 396-4972; Fax: (626) 396-4952
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.alternativeoutfitters.com
This vegan boutique and online store offers non-leather footwear, handbags, accessories (including vegan watches and luggage tags), and much more.

Artisan Gear
PO Box 205, Gold Hill, OR 97525
(888) 499-4367 or (541) 855-5468
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.artisangear.com
Artisan Gear produces a line of classic/casual bags and accessories (watch bands, toiletry bags, etc.) from hemp canvass. You can order their bags online or visit their website to find stores selling their bags.

Bello Iris
(352) 942-6012
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.belloiris.com
Offers non-leather designer-inspired bags, wallets, and belts, as well as a faux leather jacket for women.

Beyond Skin
59 Lansdowne Place, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1FL
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.beyondskin.co.uk
Here you’ll find stylish shoes handmade in England.

Big Buddha
7365 Main St., Box 204, Stratford, CT 06614
(877) 525-2833
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bigbuddha.com
Stylish bags, wallets, and wristlets.

Bourgeois Boheme
Unit 22, Acklam Workspace, 10 Acklam Road, London, England W10 5QZ
Tel: 011-44-20-8045-4338
  Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bboheme.com
This vegan boutique offers unique women’s and men’s footwear, bags, wallets, black faux leather gloves, belts, plus much more. You can also order online.

Brave Gentle Man
Website: www.bravegentleman.com
Shoes and boots for men, plus more.

CBH Studio
(978) 449-0222.
Website: www.cbhstudio.com
Packrat vinyl lunch boxes, backpacks, and totes for children. iPhone/Blackberry cases for adults.

Charmone Shoes
8 Commonwealth Ave., Massapequa, NY 11758
(516) 809-6277
Website: www.charmone.com
Charmone’s mission is to produce shoes that are sustainable and cruelty-free. Offers open and closed toe shoes, sandals, and boots for women.

CherryBerry
Website: www.cherryberry.ca
Canadian company offering handbags in all colors.

Chipkos
(310) 800-2608
Website: www.chipkos.com
You'll find unique women’s and men’s sandals.

Clamfoot

Website: www.clamfeet.com
^ This online site specializes in adorable organic shoes for babies, toddlers, and kids.

Couch
2502 N. Palm Dr., Ste. 1, Signal Hill, CA 90755
(562) 595-6965
Website: www.couchguitarstraps.com
This online site specializes in vegan guitar straps. They also sell camera straps, wallets, and belts.

Cow Jones Industrials
5 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037
(518) 392-2139
Website: www.cowjonesindustrials.com
This vegan boutique located in Chatham, New York carries a wide variety of shoes, handbags, and more.

Cri de Coeur
Website: www.cridecoeur.myshopify.com
Find high-end vegan shoes, bags, and more at this online store.

English Retreads
4939 N. Broadway, Ste. 58, Boulder, CO 80304
(303) 258-1625
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.englishretreads.com
English Retreads manufactures totes, purses, bookbags, wallets, iPad and laptop sleeves, key chains, and belts from recycled rubber inner tubes and seat and fan belts.

The Ethical Man
Website: www.theethicalman.com
Online store offering wallets, belts, and more.

Ethical Wares
Caegwyn, Temple Bar, Felinfach, Ceredigion,
SA48 7SA, Wales, United Kingdom
Tel: 011-44-1570 471155; Fax: 011-44-1570 471166
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ethicalwares.com
This company sells shoes and belts. Shoe styles include hiking boots, steel-toe safety boots, dress shoes, etc.

Ethique Nouveau
317 W. 48th St., Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 822-6161
Website: www.ethiquenouveau.com
Vegan store offering bags, wallets, belts, and more.

Fabulous Furs
25 West Robbins St., Covington, KY 41011
(800) 848-4650 or (859) 291-3300
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fabulousfurs.com
This mail-order company offers a wide variety of fake fur, leather, and wool products such as coats, jackets, vests, hats, handbags, pillows, and ear muffs.

Faux
Website: www.faux.uk.com
Website offering a wide variety of faux fur coats, hats, muffs, scarves, and more.

Freerangers
87 Derwent Street, Chopwell, Tyne & Wear, England
NE17 7HZ; Tel. 011-44-1207 565-957
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.freerangers.co.uk
Online store offering made-to-order handcrafted shoes, bags, belts, wallets, and more.

Gloria Gerber
(330) 867-2102
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gloriagerber.com
Handbags made out of recycled rubber/stainless steel.

Gunas
4630 Center Blvd., Ste. 1005, Long Island City, NY 11109; (917) 544-9454
Website: www.gunasthebrand.com
Website offering all types of bags for men and women.

Herbivore Clothing
1211 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97214
(503) 281-TOFU
Website: www.herbivoreclothing.com
Store and online site offering wallets, purses, belts, etc.

Humanitaire
9456 Main St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
(909) 941-4495
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.shophumanitaire.com
Vegan store and online shop offering shoes, boots, purses, wallets, belts, guitar straps, etc.

Karmavore
610 Columbia St., New Westminster, BC V3M 1A5 Canada
(604) 527-4212
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.karmavore.ca
Vegan store/online shop selling shoes, boots, belts, gloves, bags, wallets, and more.

Kuna Prints Mola Shoes
605 San Bruno Ave., San Francisco, CA 941
(877) 586-2263
Website: www.kunaprints.com
Unique vegan shoes, sandals, and boots for men and women handmade by Kuna Indians.

Mattandnat.com
(888) 586-2636
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mattandnat.com
Unique bags including wallets, shoulder bags, laptop carriers, briefcases, overnighters, and totes.

Mink
550 Rose Ave., Venice, CA 90291
(800) 990-MINK or (310) 927-4247
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.minkshoes.com
Online site offering handmade shoes from Italy.

MooShoes
78 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-6512
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mooshoes.com
Though shoes can be purchased online, customers are encouraged to walk in and try shoes on. MooShoes offers brands such as Vegan Wares, Vegetarian Shoes, and Ethical Wares. They also sell bags, wallets, belts, and faux leather jackets.

Neon Collective
Tel: 011-44-01273-231-619
Website: www.neoncollective.com
Vegan boutique in England offers shoes, bags, etc.

Neuaura
1350 Broadway, Ste. 1604, New York, NY 10018
(732) 207-7682
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.neuaurashoes.com
Stylish shoes available online and in some retail shops.

Nice Shoes
3568 Fraser St., Vancouver, BC V5V 4C4 Canada
(604) 558-3000
Website: www.gotniceshoes.com
Canadian shop offering men’s and women’s shoes, boots, belts, bags, wallets, guitar straps, and more.

No Harm
(860) 577-8724
Website: www.noharm.com
Men's dress shoes and boots. Offices in US and UK.

Noah Shoes Boutique
Tel: 011-49-09391-504-169
Website: www.noah-shop.com
German store and online shop offering vegan shoes, boots, sandals, bags, and belts made in Italy.

Novacas
78 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-6512
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.novacas.com
Distributes nonleather footwear made in Portugal. They offer sandals, shoes, boots, etc.

Olsenhaus
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.olsenhaus.com
Online shop offering shoes for men, women, and kids.

Oly Vegan
313 5th Ave. SE, Ste. A, Olympia, OR 98501
(800) 340-1200; Fax: (301) 816-8955
Website: www.olyvegan.tumblr.com
This store carries shoes, clothing, bags, and more.

Pangea Vegan Products
2381 Lewis Ave., Rockville, MD 20851
(800) 340-1200 or (301) 816-8955
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.veganstore.com
This store and online company carries shoes, clothing, wallets, belts, bags, personal care products, and food. Pangea is the producer of the No Bull line.

Pansy Maiden
58 Hillsdale Rd., Medford, MA 02155
(339) 545-1677
Website: www.pansymaiden.com
This online company carries handmade bags including clutches, shoulder bags, messenger bags, backpacks, etc.

PoshPelts.com
(360) 929-1391
Website: www.poshpelts.com
Offers animal-friendly faux fur bedspreads and pillows. Order online or see list of retailers.

Queen Bee Creations
3961 N. Williams, Ste. 101, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 232-1755
Email: [email protected]
Website: Queenbee-Creations.com
All items from Queen Bee Creations are made out of vinyl including bags, wallets, cases, and more. Retail stores carrying their products are listed on website.

Sidecar For Pigs Peace
5270 B University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 523-9060
Website: www.sidecarforpigspeace.com
This vegan store is located at a Pig Sanctuary. They offer shoes, belts, wallets, and much more.

Slappa
6012A Old Pineville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 676-4891
Website: www.slappa.com
Slappa offers cd wallets, dvd and iPad cases, laptop bags and backpacks, PSP travel cases, etc.

Spire USA
4800 Baseline Rd. #E104285, Boulder, CO 80303
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.spireusa.com
Produces laptop carrying bags, travel bags, etc.

Splaff Flops
PO Box 7604, San Diego, CA 92167
(619) 221-9199
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.splaff.com
This online company offers Splaff Flopps (flip flop sandals) handcrafted in California. They also offer bags, purses, guitar straps, and belts.

Sudo Shoes
1771 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 354-1771
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sudoshoes.com
This storefront/online store offers shoes and bags.

Susan Nichole
8605 Santa Monica Blvd. #35905, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.susannichole.com
Offers unique non-leather handbags and wallets.

Truth Belts
83 Billings Ave., Toronto, ON M4L 2S3 Canada
(416) 778-1597; Fax: (416) 778-9435
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.truthbelts.com
Truth Belts offers an innovative and stylish array of synthetic belts for your waist, as well as ones for your wrists (bracelets). They also make dog collars. You can order the belts online at www.vegetarianbelts.com

Unstitched Utilities
(732) 390-5800
Website: www.unstitchedutilities.com
Casual shoes for men and women that are vegan and environmentally friendly.

Used Rubber USA
(415) 732-9889
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.usedrubberusa.com
Recycled rubber inner tubes and tires are used to make bags, wallets, and organizers in a variety of sizes.

Vegan Chic
440 South Bentley, Los Angeles, CA 90049
(866) 91-VEGAN or (818) 235-4709
Website: www.veganchic.com
This online store offers a wide range of shoes and bags, as well as belts and wallets.

The Vegan Collection
PO Box 811971, Los Angeles, CA 90081
Website: www.thevegancollection.com
This online vegan store offers wallets and belts.

VeganEssentials
1701 Pearl St., Unit 8, Waukesha, WI 53186
(866) 88-VEGAN or (262) 574-7761
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.veganessentials.com
Vegan Essentials is a mail-order company and retail shop offering goods such as shoes, wallets, belts, etc.

Veganline
2 Avenue Gds, London, England SW14 8BP
Email: soundsearchers.co.uk
Website: www.veganline.com
Stylish shoes, boots, dress shoes, jackets, and belts.

Vegan Shoes
(800) 247-5748
Website: www.veganshoes.com
Offers sandals, shoes, clogs, etc.

Veganstore.co.uk
Vegan Store Ltd., PO Box 110, Rottingdean, Brighton BN51 9AZ United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.veganstore.co.uk
Online shop carrying boots, shoes, and more. They are a licensed distributor of No Bull leather alternatives in Europe.

Vegan Wares
78 Smith St., Collingwood, 3066 VIC Australia
Tel.: 61-3-9417-0230
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.veganwares.com
They offer shoes, boots, briefcases, wallets, and more.

Vegetarian Belts
(416) 778-1597
Website: www.vegetarianbelts.com
Online site offering a wide variety of casual and dressy belts, as well as dog collars.

Vegetarian Shoes
12 Gardner St., Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UP United Kingdom; Telephone: 011-44-1273 691913
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk
Synthetic leather and synthetic suede shoes, hiking boots, work boots, sandals, leather jackets, and belts.

The Vegetarian Site
PO Box 222, Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 519-1918
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thevegetariansite.com
The Vegetarian Site has an online vegan store filled with clothing, footwear, wallets, belts, bags, etc.

Veggies Footwear
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.veggiesfootwear.com
Offers waterproof shoes for men, women, and children. List of retailers can be found on their website.

Vshoen Boutique
620 Broughton St., Victoria, BC  V8W 1C7 Canada
(250) 590-7463
Website: www.vshoen.com
This boutique and online store offers shoes for men and women, as well as purses, wallets, and belts.

Wicked Hemp
(800) 643-9009
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wickedhemp.com
Offers hiking shoes, casual shoes, clogs, etc.

CATALOGS, COMPANIES, & STORES WITH LEATHER ALTERNATIVES

The following catalogs, companies, and stores carry some non-leather products, but also many that are not animal-free. Check the merchandise to make sure it is non-leather. This is a partial listing of catalogs/stores with synthetic options.

Earth
(877) 372-2814
Website: www.earthbrands.com/Search.aspx?wd=vegan&brand=kalso
Earth offers a line of vegan Earth shoes including shoes, sandals, and boots.

Green Shoes
Dart Mills, Old Totnes Rd., Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0NF, United Kingdom
Tel: 011-44-1364 644036
Website: www.greenshoes.co.uk
Vegan line of men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes, boots, and sandals. They also make bags and belts.

L.L. Bean
Freeport, ME 04033; (800) 441-5713
Website: www.llbean.com
Teva sandals, canvas shoes, children’s boots, etc.

Payless Shoe Source
Website: www.payless.com
Wide selection of shoes available in men’s, women’s, and children’s styles. Leather shoes are clearly marked on box. Call (877) 474-6379 for a store in your area.

Pennangalan Dreams
Tel: 011-44-1753 678076
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pennangalan.co.uk
This online store out of the United Kingdom offers an array of exotic/erotic vegan-friendly fetish boots in varying colors.

Planetshoes.com
(888) 818-SHOE (7463)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.planetshoes.com This online store offers a line of vegan women’s and men’s casual shoes, boots, sandals, bags, etc.

REI
REI, Sumner, WA 98352-0001
(800) 426-4840
Website: www.rei.com
Search under vegan for shoes, boots, and sandals. Also sell non-leather belts and watch bands.

Road Runner Sports
(800) 743-3206
Website: www.roadrunnersports.com
Search under vegan for running shoes and sandals.

Speck Products
Website: www.speckproducts.com
Online store offering vegan protective covers for your Nook Touch, Kindle, iPhone, and more.

Stella McCartney
Website: www.stellamccartney.com
Online store offering unique non-leather handbags and shoes.

Toms
Website: www.toms.com
Search under the word vegan on this online store and you’ll find shoes and boots for men, women, and kids.

Tough Traveler
(800) GO-TOUGH
Website: www.toughtraveler.com
Offers baby carriers, backpacks, briefcases, laptop bags, camera, bags, hiking packs, luggage, cd disk and player waist pack, cell phone case, etc. Most are vegan; however, indicate no leather under comments in order.

Waterfield Designs
(877) 546-1040
Website: www.sfbags.com
Carries Kindle cases, computer bags, wallets, iPod and iPhone cases, gear pouches, and PSP cases. Not all products are non-leather, so request a list of their non-leather options.

Zappos.com
(800) 927-7671
Website: www.zappos.com
Search under the word vegetarian on this website and a long list of sandals and casual, formal, athletic, and other shoes will appear. They carry shoes for men, women, and children.

ATHLETIC SHOES

There are leather alternatives in most shoe styles.

Women’s and Men’s Athletic Shoes

  • Asics: (800) 678-9435; Several synthetic shoes; call to find out about a certain shoe.
  • Converse: (888) 792-3307; Chuck Taylor All-Stars, high-top and low-top, come in many styles, colors, and fabrics. They also have canvas One Stars.
  • Keds: (800) 680-0966; Canvas oxfords and slip-ons in a variety of colors and patterns.
  • New Balance: (800) 253-7463; Several running shoes made with synthetic uppers. Call for a catalog.
  • Payless Shoe Source: (877) 474-6379; Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials.
  • Vans: (888) 691-8889; Styles include canvas shoes. Call for stores in your area.

Children’s Athletic Shoes

  • Payless Shoe Source: (877) 474-6379; Great place to find leather-free shoes for children. Athletic styles often feature popular cartoon characters.
  • Vans: (888) 691-8889; Styles include canvas shoes. Call for stores in your area.

DRESS SHOES

Most of the all-vegan stores listed at the beginning of this guide offer a variety of dress shoes for men and women.

Women’s and Men’s Dress Shoes

Men and women can find non-leather dress shoes in the Vegan Mail-Order or Stores section of this article. You can also shop at Payless Shoe Source.

Children’s Dress Shoes

HIKING BOOTS

WORK BOOTS

The following boots should keep your feet protected; some even have steel-toe protection.

  • Ethical Wares: Safety Boot with a steel toe.
  • Humanitaire: Steel-toe boots.
  • LaCrosse Boots: Several styles of rubber boots: insulated, non-insulated, and steel toe. Available from large retailers. Call (800) 671-BOOT for information.
  • Veganline: Offers safety boots and shoes.
  • Vegetarian Shoes: Safety boots with steel toe caps.

COATS AND JACKETS

BAGS, BELTS, AND WALLETS

WHERE DO I FIND...

Ballet Shoes

  • Cynthia King Dance Studio offers the CKDS ballet slipper with canvas uppers and synthetic leather soles in adult and children’s sizes. Call (718) 437-0101 or visit www.cynthiakingdance.com

Baseball Gloves

Biking Gloves

  • Aerostich Rider Wearhouse offers vegan riding gloves good for all seasons at www.aerostich.com

Bowling Shoes

Briefcases

Camera Straps

  • Couch offers a wide variety of camera straps.

Computer and iPad Carrying Bags

Guitar Straps

Heelys

  • Shoes.com: Search under the word Heelys and you’ll find varieties that are non-leather.

Ice Skates

iPhone/Blackberry Cases

iPod and Cell Phone Holders

Kindle Cases

Luggage

Motorcycle Gear

Rock Climbing Shoes

  • Evolv Sports and Design offers a number of vegan rock climbing shoes. Visit www.evolvsports.com

Snow Boots/Snowboarding Boots

  • Burton Snowboards: You’ll find several types of non-leather snow boots at www.burton.com
  • Sole Technology (owns Thirty Two) offers several non-leather snow boots for men and women. See www.thirtytwo.com

Tool Belts

  • Nailers, Inc.: Visit www.nailersinc.com or call (619) 562-2215 for their non-leather tool belts, nail bags, and knee pads, all made from Dupont’s Cordura fabric.

Watches with Non-leather Bands

Weight Lifting Glove

  • NewGrip offers a weight lifting glove made of neoprene. Visit www.NewGrip.com or call (800) 213-0450.

Thanks to VRG volunteer Alan Polster for converting this document into HTML.