When you go vegan, everything around your lifestyle will change eventually. It all starts with your diet. Regardless of your reasons – humanity, environmental, health or animal, you ditch animal products off your diet. With time, as you educate yourself more and decide to take it further, you will ditch animal products off your lifestyle too. This will also effect your search for the best vegan shoes on the market in 2019
What does it mean? Simply put, you will forget about down and feathers for your pillow, leather for your belts and shoes or wool for your clothes. It takes time to get there, as you will always find something else based on animal products. But at the end of the day, it can be done. When it comes to shoes, your options are countless.
However, whether you are looking for the best running shoes or the best vegan dress shoes, you will need to go further than leather. So, what should you look for before spending your money and what are the top rated brands and products on the market?
It makes no difference if you want comfort or style first. Whichever your option is, you will have to consider both.
It would pay off being able to see the shoes before buying them, but you can still do it in a regular shop and go buy online if you can find a better deal. When trying out shoes, make sure you feel them first. For instance, grab a shoe and try bending it. Where does it bend?
If it bends in the middle, it is not really a good choice. If it bends by the big toe joint, it is a good option. Simply put, shoes should bent where your feet bend or they will cause discomfort and lead to medical problems.
How about twisting it? Grab a shoe by the heel and toes and try to twist it. It is easier with running shoes or other types of flexible shoes, but you should still give it a try. If you try to twist it and it resists the force, it is alright to wear. Otherwise, it might cause an accident.
Put your hand inside a shoe and try to feel the interior. Reach to the toe box. How does it feel? Ideally, it must be quite roomy, but also deep enough for all your toes to rest comfortably. If you are not sure, put the shoe on and take a few steps. How does it feel?
The same rule applies to the heel counter. Opt for a fully enclosed design if you want durability. It should also be a bit higher, but most importantly, it must be firm. There are plenty of conditions starting with a wrongfully designed heel.
As for the actual size, it varies from one type of shoes to another. The best vegan hiking shoes will be at least a thumb width longer than your longest toe. But if you look for delicate shoes for your office job, you should have slightly less than that.
The shape of your feet is by far one of the top considerations when hunting the best vegan shoes out there. Different people have different curves and shapes, even if they have the same actual size. Therefore, you might need wider or narrower shoes.
Although your style may not always allow it, a fastening system should always be in place for safety. It could be a strap or a belt. You might as well opt for a buckle, some elastic or laces. You do have some good options to match pretty much any style.
Trying to get some heels? Unless you want high heels for a special event, the heel should not be taller than an inch. It is a good sizing standard to maintain your elegance, but without feeling uncomfortable. Again, it depends on the style you are trying to achieve.
Now that you are aware of the main consideration when looking for vegan shoes, what are the best selling options over the Internet?
Available in plenty of different sizes, these could be the best vegan shoes if you like style and power. However, mixed with the right outfit, they might as well be elegant or casual – entirely up to your preferences.
This shoe is 100% vegan. They are made of synthetic materials that maintain their looks and shininess. The manufacturer is better known for its comfortable shoes and these boots make no exception either. Featuring a synthetic air cushioned sole, they will never slip, even if your feet tend to get sweaty.
The shaft is about 6.5 inches from the arch, while the boot opening counts around 12 inches around. The black design is enriched with yellow stitching.
Pros
Cons
Astral's vegan shoes have a minimalist design that makes them suitable to any occasion – multiple colors to choose from and just a bit of color for some attention. They are recommended for any environment or style – casual, travel, water, boat and so on.
The top part is made of hydrophobic canvas. It is stretchy – great for those with unusual foot curves, but it also ensures great ventilation. Each pair comes with two sets of laces in different colors. The midsole features 45C closed cell EVA foam for comfort.
On the outside, you have a flexible draining outsole made with G.15 – a proprietary high abrasion component.
Pros
Cons
Although designed with fitness and training purposes, WHITIN's solution could make the best vegan running shoes for men out there. Apart from a few styles, most colors and designs are quite minimalistic and elegant.
The anatomical shape of these shoes ensures a top notch comfort. It is entirely natural, yet the manufacturer has also relied on adaptive materials to take it to the next level. The toe box is quite wide, while the drop from toe to heel is nil.
While WHITIN only creates shoes in whole sizes, if you are between sizes, you should order the next size down.
Pros
Cons
Onitsuka does not fool around when it comes to vegan shoes and the 1183A012 model makes no exception either. Available in around 20 different styles and color combinations, these shoes are excellent for casual everyday wear.
The top is made of faux leather, which perfectly imitates the real one, as well as fabric. In other words, the material is flexible. Each material may have a different color, depending on the style you choose. You also benefit from a padded collar and tongue.
The midsole is not to be overlooked either, as it is often responsible for the actual comfort. You have a two tone EVA midsole, as well as flex channels by the heel.
Pros
Cons
If you are after hiking shoes that do not weigh a few pounds to drag you down on your trips, Merrell has probably designed the best vegan shoes for women. These hiking shoes come in eight different styles and designs. Moreover, you have all the sizes you can think of – including middle sizes.
The upper part is entirely made of textiles, with some synthetic materials around. They allow a good breathability, but they also feel lightweight and durable. They are not waterproof, yet they dry extremely fast when wet.
Some of the top features include Merrell's proprietary lacing system, which ensures a perfectly precise fit. At the same time, you have a bellows tongue to keep debris and dust out of your shoes, not to mention a molded TPU heel counter for extra stability. The outsole is made of Vibram TC5+ and will last for ages.
Pros
Cons
In conclusion, vegan shoes are quite diversified. If you think about it, cheap shoes that include no leather are usually vegan, but it does not mean that you have to settle for some shoes that will need replacement after a few months.
The above mentioned options are some of the best vegan shoes on the market in terms of design, build, quality and durability. While they do not have leather or other animal products in their composition, they are scientifically designed to ensure a perfect experience.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
