Vegan-Leather Shoes: Are They Worth It?

I am not vegan and I don’t plan to go vegan. But when it comes to shoes, it is another story. A quite happy one, I’d say. It started two years ago while I was looking for an economical pair of Spring/Summer sneakers. I wanted them breathable but robust, perfect for the boiling hot Greek streets. So, I came across an advertisement showcasing shoes and decided to the advertiser out. Most leather products were labelled as “vegan”; I was sceptical at first, but, given the low prices, I decided to give it a go. Since then, I’ve been a loyal customer; except from those sneakers (in which I’ve walked literally hundreds of miles and I still have many to go), I’ve bought a pair of heels, a pair of ankle boots and a pair of loafers. And I love them all.

Before proceeding any further, let me explain what “vegan leather” is. Vegan leather, also known as faux leather or synthetic leather, is a material designed to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather without using any animal products. It’s typically made from a variety of synthetic materials, such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or from natural materials like cork, apple peels, pineapple leaves (Piñatex), and other plant-based sources.

Vegan leather, has been around for quite some time. The use of synthetic materials to mimic leather dates back to the early 20th century. One of the earliest forms of synthetic leather, known as Naugahyde, was developed in the 1920s. However, the term “vegan leather” became more popular around 2010, especially with the rise of veganism and the demand for cruelty-free products. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the development of plant-based vegan leathers made from materials like pineapple leaves (Piñatex), apple peels, and mushrooms, driven by the growing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. I have worn synthetic leathers in the past, but those new, natural materials used nowadays have changed the game in terms of feel and comfort. In fact, I dare to admit that vegan-leather shoes have been proven far better than high-quality leather shoes which peacefully rest in my closet after draining my pocket…

So, let me explain my egotistical point of view by explicitly listing why I’ve come to love vegan leather shoes:

They are economical: They offer high value for less, an equation that I always have in mind when I shop. I just can’t say more.

They are comfortable: Not everyone has perfectly shaped, arched feet. Feet deformations are quite common, and personally I rarely come home with a leather pair of shoes that will accommodate my personal issue down the road. On the other hand, my vegan-leather shoes have never failed me; I don’t have enough expertise to explain this, but I can stand or walk for hours in my vegan-leather shoes without a problem.

They are durable and practical: Surprisingly enough, my vegan-leather shoes are just too hard to die! The sole of my two-year old sneakers looks like new after wearing them for hours and hours at the airport, on the ferry, on roadtrips, on errands, on long walks. And my heels help me stand for as long as I like during Sunday Orthodox service.

They are easy to clean: No need for washing machines or hard rubbing! All you need is one babywipe per shoe. Literally.Just.One. And your shoes are as good as new within seconds!

They look like real leather: Back in the days when I was a child, one could tell if something was real or synthetic leather. But, now that natural materials have entered the game, one can hardly tell or feel the difference.

So, in a nutshell, my journey with vegan-leather shoes has been nothing short of rewarding. From the moment I felt my vegan sneakers, I was hooked! The comfort, durability, versatility and practicality of this sort of footwear have made me a loyal fan, offering me the option of a practical and chic alternative to traditional leather. I wholeheartedly recommend you ladies giving them a try; you might just find yourself as enamored with them as I am!

So, this is it for now, ladies! Until next time, remember look after yourselves and always shine bright!