Every so often, we get phone calls and emails from fans looking for vegan shoes; i.e. products without animal products (wool, leather, silk, down/feathers, or fur).
To start with—we never use fur, silk, or down. However, there’s a lot of nuance to labeling something as vegan-friendly. Shoes can have up to 40 components that all need to be verified as vegan, and the sources of these components can change season to season. For us, our glue source is usually in flux, and we cannot always guarantee the glue is not free of animal products.
That being said, we do have many wool-free and leather-free shoes, sandals, and boots. Here’s an overview of our fan-favorite non-leathers for women, men, and kids. (Please note that some styles listed below may not be available on our website due to fluctuating inventory.)
The Newport Collection
Many styles of our iconic adventure sandal are made with a washable polyester webbing upper. This includes most of our water-friendly styles and our kids’ styles. Leather versions will be clearly marked in the materials section.
Newport styles to check out:
• Newport H2 sandal
• Newport Retro sandal
• Newport Slide
The UNEEK Collection
The tagline is, “two cords and a sole,” and the majority of our UNEEK collection are built with just that: polyester cord, micro-fabric upper, and a super comfortable PU midsole. These may become your go-to shoe. The collection offers endless color combinations and a variety of styles, including slide, sneaker, and more. Leather versions will be clearly marked. (Intrigued? Check out our employee story, How we wear it: UNEEK X Portland.)
UNEEK styles to check out:
• UNEEK Sneaker
• UNEEK Canvas
• UNEEK Astoria Sandal
• UNEEK NXIS Shoe
• UNEEK II Open Toe
• UNEEK II Slide
• UNEEK II Convertible
• UNEEK SNK Shoe
• UNEEK SNK Slide
• UNEEK SNK Waterproof Chukka
• UNEEK SNK II Waterproof Chukka
The Elsa Lite Sneaker
While there is an upcycled car seat leather version of this classically comfy sneaker, the canvas version uses a glue-free, KEEN.FUSION construction so it's even more vegan-friendly.
The Terradora Collection
This collection of breathable hikers with knit fabric uppers were built specifically for a woman’s foot, which means a better fit. They come in tons of colors and multiple leather-free styles, including low and mid-height waterproof hiking sneakers (Terradora II Waterproof Shoe, Terradora II Waterproof Boot), and waterproof hiking sneakers with built-in flex (Terradora Flex Waterproof Shoe, Terradora Flex Waterproof Shoe). Leather versions will be clearly marked.
More women's leather-free, wool-free styles:
450 Dirt hiking shoe
Astoria West sandals
Bali sandal
Barbados flip-flop
Clearwater CNX sandal
Drift Creek H2 sandal
Elle Backstrap sandal
Elle Sport slide
Howser III slide (quilted versions)
Howser ankle boot
Hyperport H2 sandal
NXIS EVO waterproof hiking boot & shoe
NXIS Speed hiking shoe
Ravine H2 sandal
Rose sandal
Shanti sandal
Whisper sandal
WK400 walking shoe
WK450 walking shoe
Versacore waterproof shoe
Versacore Speed shoe
Yogui sandal
Zerraport II sandal
Zionic waterproof shoe
Zionic Speed shoe
Zionic
This is a light, fast hiker with a waterproof mesh upper (also available in a non-waterproof Speed version). The springy cushioning and luggy traction keep you moving fast with confidence.
Clearwater CNX sandal
This extra-minimal sandal is a fave for water-based adventures and everywhere on land, too. Low-profile CNX soles with razor-siped grip give you the protection you need without sacrificing the flexy, barefoot-like feeling.
More men's leather-free, wool-free styles:
450 Dirt hiking shoe
Barbados flip-flop
Drift Creek H2 sandal
Howser III Slide (quilted versions)
Hyperport H2 sandal
NXIS EVO waterproof hiking boot & shoe
NXIS Speed hiking shoe
Rapids H2 sandal
Shanti sandal
SOLR sandal
Targhee III Open-Toe H2 sandal
WK400 walking shoe
WK450 walking shoe
Versacore waterproof shoe
Versacore Speed shoe
Yogui sandal
Zerraport II sandal
Kids' Knotch Collection
Our newest collection of play sneakers (Knotch Peak) and sandals (Knotch Creek and Knotch River) features the low-profile, flexible outsole that kids love because it gives them loads of ground feel for added dexterity. Parents love the machine-washable design, and the notched rubber toe bumper that helps protect kids’ feet from the slips and stumbles that come with open play.
Kids' Chandler CNX
The streamlined, flexible, and light sneaker features a lightweight, quick-dry performance mesh and synthetic upper. It's breathable and grippy with multi-directional traction, allowing kids to be fast and sure on their feet. Available in toddler, big kid, and little kid styles.
More leather-free, wool-free styles for kids:
Elle Backstrap sandal
Howser Wrap
Howser II waterproof chukka
Motozoa sneaker & sandal
Moxie sandal
Newport H2 sandal
Newport Boundless sandal
Newport Neo H2 sandal
Puffrider winter boot
Seacamp II CNX sandal
Wanduro waterproof boot & shoe
Wanduro Speed shoe
