Step into cruelty-free summer style with these vegan sandals
Photo: Minuit
Is it even summer if you haven't ditched your boots for a carefree pair of sandals? Luckily, these days, we're no longer stuck wearing dead cows' skins. As temperatures rise, so does the popularity of vegan shoes: the vegan footwear market is valued at $34.5bn this year, proving that cruelty-free fashion is more than a trend – it truly is here to stay. What this means for shoppers? There's a more vast selection than ever, allowing your shoe wardrobe to match those of your non-vegan friends, if not out-style them. Here are some of the designs we'll be adding to our wish list this season.
The Fake Snake One: Tkees Lily Vegan Animal
Love snake print, hate cruelty to snakes? We hear you, and so do designers – after undercover investigations showed snakes being nailed to trees and inflated with air, the fashion industry is shunning wild-animal skins. The good news? You can still get the serpent-inspired look with Tkees' elevated take on the flip-flop. Pair with a breezy tunic dress for effortless summer chic.
Photo: Tkees
The Futuristic One: Yume Yume Silver Tyre Sandals
This style will catapult any outfit straight into mega-cool, futuristic territory. The puffy criss-crossing straps will look incredible alongside a more simple, loose trouser in breezy linen, or some pared-down denim. The rubber sole makes these sandals a dream to walk in, ensuring you'll have a chilled-out summer of supreme comfort.
Photo: Yume Yume
The Hint of Shimmer: Minuit Sur Terre Sollacaro Rose Gold
A subtle splash of metallic shine can never go wrong, whether you're off to brunch on the beach or a poolside party. Minuit Sur Terre's rose-gold sandals are made with recycled grains and recycled polyester, making them kinder to the planet as well as animals. Use this style to subtly dress up an LBD.
Photo: Minuit
The Classic: Birkenstock Florida Platform Flex Vegan Sandals
Go back to basics with tried-and-true Birkenstocks – minus the leather. This cream-coloured sandal in Birkenstock's trademark Birkibuc material features a cork insole as well as a contoured footbed that will offer amazing support. No cows had to go through the hell of factory farms for this iconic design, which will look effortlessly chic with a floaty summer dress for a lazy July afternoon.
Photo: Free People
The Edgy One: Bohema Strappy Sandals Desserto
Shoes made from cactus? You've got that right. Bohema's handmade strappy design is crafted from Desserto, a material deriving from Mexican nopal cactus. The rubber sole lends a slight elevation, while the breathable insole will leave your feet feeling comfortable all summer. Use as a contrast to toughen up dainty dresses or floral skirts.
Photo: BHMA
The Elegant One: Bueno Veronique Vegan Leather Sandals
Whether you're facing summertime work commitments or getting ready for a summer soiree, reach for these comfortable yet chic sandals. This minimalist design with a gold-tone buckle will add instant sleekness to a formal dress or a party-ready midi skirt. No leather? No problem.
Photo: Free People
The Grown-Up Pop of Colour: NAE Vegan Shoes Cora Bordeaux Piñatex Red
So you want a break from black, but are not ready for full-on fluorescent? Gotcha. NAE's heeled style in a wine hue lends instant elegance – and it's crafted from pineapple leaf leather, making it an environmental superhero. This shoe will add polish to rolled-up jeans a lace top.
Photo: Nae
The Day-to-Evening One: Aera Giorgia Raffia Brown
Named after Italian singer Giorgia, this style from Aera will take you from morning brunch to evening cocktails with effortless ease. Made in summer-appropriate raffia, this sandal comes with a square kitten heel to provide slight elevation, while never compromising on comfort. Wear with your favourite summer dress or jumpsuit for a warm-weather take on versatile elegance.
Photo: Aera Giorgia
Right now, our collective fight for animals is more urgent than ever. Until every animal is safe from factory farms, laboratories, and hunters, we will continue to work towards a kinder world. Inspired to take action? A great place to learn about the issues and add your name in support is Species Unite’s Petitions for Animals page.
Written by Sascha Camilli
Sascha Camill is a writer, speaker and vegan fashion expert. She founded the world's first digital vegan fashion magazine Vilda, and is the author of Vegan Style: Your Plant-Based Guide to Beauty, Fashion, Home & Travel. Her podcast, Catwalk Rebel, is out now.
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