We hear you. Wedding and garden party season is upon us – and if ever there’s a time to choose shoes that aren’t trainers, it’s now. As we reported in our VFR Vegan Fashion Playbook, approximately 33% of vegans identify as gentlemen, and vegan accessories brands have them covered.
In their vegan editions, formal shoes are made from synthetic, plant-based, or mycelium-based leather. As shoes are designed to withstand friction and exposure to environmental factors such as UV rays and humidity, synthetic coatings – particularly polyurethane and acrylic – are often layered on top of both animal (‘genuine’) and faux leathers. This not only provides a waterproof finish but also enhances durability.
Therefore, while a synthetic layer is often unavoidable in shoes that must be both smart and hard-wearing, it’s what lies beneath that concerns many vegans. In this week’s edit, we’ve chosen pairs that are as elegant as they are ethical.
You’re all welcome.
Solari Milano (Italy)
Founded in 2021 by Niccolò Amati, Solari Milano merges Italian craftsmanship with sustainability, handcrafting cruelty-free shoes from plant-based materials like corn and bamboo. Rated VVV+ by LAV for its high ethical standards, all products are made in Fermo, Italy.
VFR’s pick: Oxford Brogue
Regular price: €185,00
Gentleberg (The Netherlands)
The story of this Amsterdam-based shoe label began in 2017, when 28-year-old Matthijs Berg set out to find a vegan dress shoe – and found there were no suitable alternatives on the market. That search sparked the creation of his own label: Gentleberg was born. The shoes are ethically produced in Porto, Portugal, under fair trade conditions.
VFR’s pick: Albert Cap Toe Derby
Regular price: €159,00
Ethik (India)
Ethik is one of those very few brands that is dedicated solely to crafting vegan men’s accessories. Items are designed in line with timeless and subtle aesthetics that evoke oldschool luxury, and crafted with the use of high durable and abrasion-resistant leather alternatives.
VFR’s pick: The Duke Oxford
Regular price: ₹ 4.200,00
Nae Vegan Shoes (Portugal)
NAE Vegan Shoes (No Animal Exploitation), founded in Lisbon in 2008 by married couple Paula and Alex, also started with a simple mission. Combining traditional Portuguese craftsmanship with a careful selection of natural and low-impact materials, they quickly attracted an international following. Today, they are one of the most recognised vegan shoe brands globally.
VFR’s pick: EDU Brown Cork Derby Cap Toe
Regular price: €135,00
Will’s Vegan Store (UK)
Founded by Will Green way back in 2012, the company’s focus on bio-based vegan leather and recycled materials has earned it a trust and following back when the market for vegan menswear and kid’s wear was still in its infancy. This jacket is crafted from heavyweight Italian vegan suede, and is fully lined with soft, insulating vegan shearling (100% recycled polyester).
VFR’s pick: Chukka Boot (Goodyear Welt)
Regular price: $200,00
Nōskin (Australia)
Founded in Melbourne in 2020, Nōskin is a brand that seamlessly blends ethical, cruelty-free fashion with punk rock aesthetics, yet still manages to maintain a classic and timeless appeal.
VFR’s pick: The Lulie Patent loafers
Regular price: $339,00 AUD
Marzeri Milano (Italy)
Think of all the traditional tenets of luxury Italian shoemaking—only replace animal leather with innovative vegan alternatives such as apple, grain, cork, and ALCANTARA® (a supple vegan suede). Marzeri offers a near ‘made-to-order’ experience, allowing customers to select vegan materials and personalise every last detail.
VFR’s pick: The Oxford Noto
Regular price: €450,00
Workers’ Playtime (UK)
Workers Playtime is a brand rooted in ongoing advocacy for fair pay, the welfare state, individual liberties, freedom of expression, equal rights, the abolition of slavery (and one of its most accepted modern forms – sweatshop labour), the end of physical punishment, and the recognition of animals as living, thinking beings with feelings.
VFR’s pick: Bonobo double monk
Regular price: £88.00
Explore more vegan and sustainable shoes in our Directory.
