Vegan shoes are footwear made without animal products, including leather. They were originally popular among hippies and vegans, but have now become trendy in the fashion world. Veganism has gained popularity due to environmental and health benefits, with some celebrities supporting the movement. Vegan shoes are now widely available in stores and online, with prices varying depending on the design and manufacturer.
Vegan shoes are shoes made without leather or ingredients of animal origin. Originally promoted by hippies and the vegetarian and vegan communities, vegan shoes have now spread to the world of fashion. Whether you’re looking for a simple non-leather pair of sandals or a trendy $500 USD boot in the hottest color, it’s now easier than ever to find on the slopes and online.
In the late 20th century, veganism gained further popularity and exposure through research that showed that vegetarian and vegan lifestyles were more environmentally sustainable and often healthier. Several very popular celebrities also supported the rise of veganism and vegetarianism by converting to meatless lifestyles as well. Surveys and studies in the 21st century have shown a large increase in vegetarianism since the mid-20th century, suggesting that 4-5% of American and British citizens consider themselves vegetarians.
Not all vegetarians avoid leather products, but some do as part of a completely animal-free lifestyle. Vegans generally avoid not only meat, but also any animal by-products. Typical exclusions from a vegan existence include dairy, eggs, honey, wool, leather, and fur.
For a long time, fashion- and fitness-conscious vegetarians and vegans were out of luck in the shoe department. Non-leather shoes tend to be cheap, unattractive, and hard to find. High-quality running or exercise shoes were almost impossible to find without leather, and even hippie-friendly Birkenstock sandals were made mostly of cowhide.
In the last years of the 20th century, vegan shoes began to find popularity among some shoe companies. Zappos and Payless Shoe Stores, in particular, became havens for non-leather shoes that were on-trend and used synthetic or suede leather instead of the traditional animal leather. Stella McCartney, a noted fashion designer, made big strides when she launched a line of animal-free clothing and shoes in the late 1990s. Making big strides for vegans in need of running shoes, she teamed up with the fitness giant sportswear, Adidas, to create a vegan line.
Today, vegan shoes are available in many stores and on popular online sites like Endless.com and Amazon.com. Some websites offer exclusively vegan products such as vegan wallets, bags, and clothing, as well as vegan shoes. The price of vegan shoes depends on the design and the manufacturer, and some high-end shoes are comparable in price to traditional designer shoes. In the 21st century, the vegan fashionista lives a dream come true: she can make a fashion statement without harming a creature.
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