How Do I Know If Shoes Are Vegan?
On Tuesday I talked about some places to find vegan shoes, but there aren’t many completely vegan shoe stores around. Most of the time I’m stuck searching through racks and racks of shoes for the one or two styles that aren’t leather. Sometimes it can be hard to tell which is which. (Jason swears he can smell the difference, but I don’t trust his nose.) Usually shoes will have one of two labels that state what they’re made of.
- By far the most common is a stamp somewhere inside of the shoe that says “leather upper,” “all man-made materials,” or something like that. It’s often on the inside of the heel or the underside of the tongue.
- Sometimes there’s a sticker on the bottom of the sole with symbols, but no explanation. Here’s a key:
If it’s textile, all man-made materials, or other materials, you’re all set. Now go forth and shop!