It’s party time! Back in the day, stilettos were symbols of femininity. As debated as they were—for contrasting reasons ranging from empowerment to objectification, and ultimately health concerns like spinal injuries—they remained the go-to choice for anyone aiming for that classic femme fatale look.
Today, we embrace a much broader and more inclusive definition of femininity. According to Edited and Business of Fashion, stiletto sales dropped by 12% in 2024. No longer dominating the high heel segment, stilettos are making way for Mary Janes, ballet flats, and kitten heels – all quite literally stepping on their toes (pun intended).
And since it’s wedding and garden party season, we do get a bit nostalgic sometimes – so here’s a selection of classic vegan party high-heeled sandals. Just… mind your step.
You’re all welcome.
JW Pei (USA)
Known as one of the first vegan accessories brands to achieve mainstream popularity, JW Pei gained recognition with endorsements from celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez, and Doja Cat. Building on its success, the brand has expanded its impressive repertoire to include clothing, offering a seamless extension of its captivating, social-media-inspired aesthetic.
VFR’s pick: Alivia Metal Heel Sandals 95mm
Regular price: $99,00
Bikkou (Switzerland)
With a founding story spanning two generations from Romania to Switzerland (BIKKOU means ‘Grandpa’ in Romanian), former lawyer-turned-vegan-entrepreneur Nathalie Mossaz has pledged to use only low-impact fabrics, such as recycled corn (insoles), Piñatex, recycled and bio-sourced polyester, and Eco-Thunit—outsoles made from approximately 50% recycled rubber and naturally dyed.
VFR’s pick: 2 am Dancing in the club 105mm
Regular price: €159,00
Blue District (USA)
A brand that embraces diversity in every sense of the word, encouraging a renewed sensitivity to the world around us. Its founder, Cici Voise, also created Ethical Plumes™—the first vegan, bamboo-fibre-based wonder that mimics ostrich feathers.
VFR’s pick: Jourdan Sandals 4,5” (115mm)
Regular price: $62,70
Suveria (USA)
Founded by Suveria Mota in 2019 after watching the documentaries such as Blackfish, Cowspiracy, and Earthlings. Its core values include a strict no child labour policy, ethical working environments, fair wages for artisans above industry standards, and a complete avoidance of animal-derived materials such as leather, silk, fur, feathers, sheepskin, shearling, and wool. Beyond fashion, Suveria supports ocean clean-up efforts and actively advocates for the end of cetacean captivity, promoting their release into sanctuaries.
VFR’s pick: Gia Yellow 100mm
Regular price: €135,00
Aera (USA)
The brand proudly holds The Butterfly Mark—awarded to luxury brands that go beyond compliance to meet the highest standards of verified innovation, social responsibility, and environmental performance—is B Corp certified, and conducts “Cradle to Consumer” Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) as part of its commitment to reducing environmental impact.
VFR’s pick: Liza grey crystal 95mm
Regular price: $745,00
Zori World (India)
Zori World, founded in 2020 by Mitali Sharma—a former FinTech specialist—is a brand committed to environmentally conscious, size-inclusive footwear. Frustrated by the size bias prevalent in the footwear industry, Sharma created Zori World to address this gap. All materials used are vegan and cruelty-free, with soles made from recycled materials and vegan leather.
VFR’s pick: Fantasy Noir 4”
Regular price: ₹3.599,00
Sashay (Switzerland)
Founded by Sibylle Oetiker in 2020 after reading an article about the environmental impact of leather production. Sashay shoes are ethically crafted under fair working conditions by a sustainable, family-run business in Portugal. Each pair is made from apple leather—proving that sustainability and style can indeed go hand in hand.
VFR’s pick: ACE Stiletto 100mm
Regular price: CHF179,00
Bloom Paris (France)
Founded by Pauline Hénin, a lawyer in search of the perfect blend of beauty and ethics, Bloom traces its journey from Paris to Portugal, where its shoes are expertly crafted. Known for its commitment to plant-based and recycled materials, the brand uses soles made from recycled components, nickel-free buckles, and entirely animal-free glue. Even the shoe boxes are made from recycled paper, while the bags are crafted from bamboo fibre.
VFR’s pick: Anna velvet heels 3,15” (80mm)
Regular price: €270,00
Explore more vegan and sustainable shoes in our Directory.
