Life as a vegan is easier than ever, thanks to the proliferation of options for animal-free products in all industries. It is even possible to get shoes nowadays with no animal products involved in their processing. However, most shoes will not display a label that proudly proclaims a vegan.
Table of Contents
Comparison Chart
Vegan Dress Shoes | Material | Price | colors / models |
---|---|---|---|
JOUSEN |
Synthetic leather |
~$40 | 10 colors / models |
Bourgeois Boheme | PU-based microfiber leather (PVC-Free) | ~$200 | 1 |
Ahimsa |
Vegan Leather |
Check the price | 1 |
Faranzi Tuxedo Oxford |
Patent Leather |
~$50 | 4 models |
Will’s Vegan Shoes |
Italian vegan leather |
~$120 | 1 |
Ferro Aldo Martin |
Synthetic leather |
~$35 | 4 models |
Polar Fox Alexander |
vegan leather |
~40$ | 2 models |
Unlisted by Kenneth Cole |
Vegan-Friendly |
Check the price | 3 models |
Deer Stags |
Faux Leather |
Check the price | 2 models |
If you need new dress shoes, it’s possible to buy something that’s both stylish and cruelty-free. You need to know to look for specific signs. If you keep an eye out, you will find many options for high-quality, stylish vegan dress shoes.
The style of dress shoes that suit you best depends on your preference. There are many types of dress shoes available. Each will be more pertinent to a particular look than the other models relevant to that style of look. Try several different kinds to see which type works the best for your outfit.
There is such a wide selection of vegan-friendly dress shoes available today that it can be challenging to find something amid all the choices.
We have taken the time to organize five of the best options available this year for you. Go through our list to see what stands out to you the most.
JOUSEN Men’s Dress Shoes Retro Casual Dress Shoes for Men
These shoes will make you a guarantee to go back in time, thanks to how stylish they bring the retro look back.
The weightless feeling you will have when wearing these shoes is incomparable to most other dress shoes that are much heavier on your feet without nearly as much cushion to reduce the pressure on your feet.
The materials used to make these shoes are entirely free from animal products, including adhesives.
Only water-based adhesives are used to make these products, making them an easy recommendation for any vegan or person concerned about animal cruelty in the creation of their clothing.
You certainly won’t regret trying out a pair of these for your next interview that you might turn a few heads on the way there.
Pros:
- Sleek Color Options Available In Eight Styles
- Classic Vintage Style Dress Shoe
- Animal-Free Synthetic Materials
Cons:
- Could Be More Comfortable
- Limited Warranty Coverage
- Not Washer Safe
Bourgeois Boheme Men’s Vegan George/Black Heel Dress Shoe
The particular type of synthetic leather used in the shoe creation is the synthetic leather most similar to the real deal.
If you want to begin supporting more sustainable product design but cannot give up the classic look of real leather, these shoes might be able to change your mind.
They are entirely handmade and imported from the country of Portugal.
They are made with a particular polyurethane-based animal-free leather that is perfect for vegan applications.
All issues may be a little bit heavy. There is plenty of pressure relief, thanks to the natural latex insoles.
By the end of the day, you will hardly even know that you were wearing shoes, beginning after picking up a pair of these bad boys.
Pros:
- Handmade Design
- Vegan Polyurethane-Based Animal-Free Leather
- Insulated Latex Sole
Cons:
- Heavy To Wear
- Waxed Laces
- Scuff Easily
Ahimsa Men’s Vegan Richard Capped Toe Oxford
Finally, the company has made Capped Toe Oxford-style vegan dress shoes.
For many years it was only possible to find Derby or Monk-Strap style vegan dress shoes. This is no longer the case with this comfortable yet minimalistic vegan Oxford shoe by Ahimsa.
The issue is also water repellent, so you can wear them whenever the weather is not perfect without worrying about ruining your new shoes.
The cotton material can make them a little hot when the weather is warm, so you must ensure you’re prepared for whatever the day has in store if you plan on wearing them.
Pros:
- 100% Synthetic Materials
- Water Repellent
- Non-Animal-Based Adhesives
Cons:
- Only One Color Option Available
- Made In Brazil
- Can Be A Little Warm
Faranzi Tuxedo Oxford Formal Business Shoes
As soon you lay your eyes on these fantastic Tuxedo Oxford-style shoes, you will understand how this Italian brand built up its reputation.
Sometimes quality can be seen with the naked eye, even by amateurs, and when it comes to these shoes, this is one of those times where that happens.
If you are invited to a formal event that requires you to wear a tuxedo, you might have difficulty finding vegan-friendly shoes to go along with it unless you decide that these issues are right for you.
While they may not match every outfit you own, they will be the most stylish pair of footwear at any formal event where tuxedos are required for attendance.
Take a chance and go out on a limb to see how impressive these shoes look in person.
Pros:
- Faranzi Tuxedo Brand Reputation
- 100% Premium Quality Synthetic Vegan Materials Are Used In The Shoe Construction
- 100% Handmade
Cons:
- Expensive
- High Heel Arch
- Not The Greatest Return Policy
The process used to make this synthetic leather that is entirely animal-free is also a carbon-neutral process.
The design process for these shoes makes the manufacturing one of the most environmentally friendly out of all product options in the entire shoe industry.
If you are serious about buying some low-impact shoes for the environment, there is no other choice than these by Will’s vegan shoes.
Pros:
- Very Comfortable Cushioned Insole
- Closed Lacing Design
- Carbon Neutral Production Process In The Creation Of The Patented Synthetic Vegan Leather
Cons:
- Imported Product
- Not The Most Secure Fit
- Limited Range Of Outfits Will Match These Shoes
Ferro Aldo Martin MFA19602L
The first thing we noticed about these vegan dress shoes is the textured design on the synthetic shoe material.
Most dress shoes have a relatively smooth appearance, but these particular shoes break the mold with a rough look that still manages to appear somewhat professional.
These are a great pair of shoes for people who want to have an Oxford-style dress shoe that has not used any animals to produce the product.
You will always be able to stand out from the crowd with these rather unique yet stylish vegan dress shoes.
Pros:
- Sleek Black Or Brown Color Options
- Oxford-Style Dress Show
- Animal-Free Synthetic Materials
Cons:
- Could Be More Comfortable
- Limited Warranty Coverage
- Not Washer Safe
Check out more men’s dress shoes proposed by Ferro Aldo
Polar Fox Alexander MPX19610L
The black and brown versions of these vegan dress shoes by Polar Fox are an incredible deal for the newly converted vegan looking to upgrade their wardrobe.
You could always get one of each color to never have an outfit without a matching pair of dress shoes.
The vegan leather used in these issues’ construction is so close to the real thing that if you did not read the tag, you probably would not notice it was not animal-based leather.
The only major problem is that they scuff rather quickly, and the marks are permanent, so you must be careful when wearing them.
Pros:
- Handmade Design
- Vegan Leather
- Insulated Rubber Sole
Cons:
- Heavy To Wear
- Waxed Laces
- Scuff Easily
Check out more men’s dress shoes proposed by Polar Fox
Unlisted by Kenneth Cole Men’s EEL Monk-Strap Loafer
The Kenneth Cole brand name carries a strong reputation in America for making high-quality professional clothing products.
Their new vegan dress shoe is a perfect example of this commitment.
Its monk strap design makes it stand out amongst all Oxford addresses to competitors.
You will never need to worry about lacing up when you buy these shoes because they do not have laces.
The heel arch is a little large, so be prepared if you have not worn shoes with thick heels before. It can take a little adjustment before you can comfortably walk in them.
Pros:
- Kenneth Cole Brand Name
- Monk Strap Dress Shoe Design
- 100% Handmade
Cons:
- Expensive
- High Heel Arch
- Not The Greatest Return Policy
Deer Stags Men’s Apt Memory Foam Dress Casual Comfort Oxford
You can support a world where humans do the work again, and animals are not subjected to needless cruelty by getting these shoes, which are 100% man-made.
The heels on these shoes are a little bit less thick than the previous ones, which makes them perfect if those are not comfortable enough for you.
The close lacing design brings together these Oxford address shoes to create a sleek yet understated look available in two colors: black and brown.
You can easily match your professional and business attire with either of these colors.
The shoe’s insole is made with high-quality professional-grade memory foam to provide a faster pressure relief response from the shoe’s sole when standing in them.
The memory foam insole is particularly beneficial if you have a job where you need to stand on your feet for extended periods.
The relief is quite noticeable and will easily make a difference at the end of a long day.
Even though the shoe has a close lacing design, it will not necessarily fit the most securely, especially if you are typically used to wearing domestically made shoes.
Experiment with the sizes before making your final purchase because they may differ from what you are generally used to wearing with other shoe brands.
Once you have found a good fit for your foot, these dress shoes have everything you could ever want in a dress shoe.
Pros:
- Very Comfortable Cushioned Insole
- Closed Lacing Design
- Oxford Dress Shoe
Cons:
- Imported Product
- Not The Most Secure Fit
- Not The Most Stylish
Rockport Toloni Boots
Rockport Toloni Men’s BootsThe Rockport Toloni men’s boots are made using Trutech technologies. These boots are not 100% leather. The upper is leather, and the sole is synthetic.
The outsole is made of thermoplastic rubber. Wearing comfort is achieved with a removable EVA ortholite footbed and a heel cup. The Rockport men’s Toloni boots feature a side zipper for convenience. Weighing in at 3 pounds, they are not light.
Pros
- Practical;
- Won’t squeak if walked on smooth areas;
- Has a comfortable fabric lining.
Cons
- Intended for dry weather;
- The standard width is a bit narrower than expected.
The Rockport Toloni boots would probably work just as well when worn in casual clothes as they would with formal wear.
The Making Of A Quality Dress Shoe
You need to look at four different areas when comparing new dress shoes. The first will be the overall style of the dress shoe. The second will be the style of the shoe’s toe, the third will be how the laces are organized, and finally, you will look at the shoe’s Brogueing.
Once you have considered all these factors, you can decide which shoe looks best. If you decide before you answer all of these questions, you could regret it in the long run.
Dress Shoe Style
Dress shoes have been popular for literally hundreds of years. In all of that time, several different styles have emerged and gained popularity. Each style has a unique and distinctive look. Here are a few of the most commonly encountered styles in the industry today.
Oxford
The Oxford dress shoe is perhaps the most well-known terrestrial of them all. They are a minimalistic design that is usually comfortable for everyday use or business. They commonly feature closed lacing.
Derby
The Derby dress shoe looks very similar to an Oxford. The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the laces. Derby dress shoes always have open lacing.
Loafer
Loafers are another type of dress shoe that does not feature any laces. They are commonly seen on docs and in marinas around the world.
Monk Strap
Monk strap shoes do not feature laces at all. They are generally seen as more formal than a Derby dress shoe but less formal than an Oxford.
Dress Shoe Toe Style
Dress shoes can feature different styles for their toe designs as well. Below are the most common five types of toe designs in dress shoes today.
Standard Toe
The standard toe design does not feature any unique patterns. It can be round or square around the toes.
Cap Toe
Cap toe shoes have an additional piece of material stitched horizontally across the part of the shoe that covers the toes. These can feature designs or be featureless.
WingTip
Wingtip shoes have a camp that goes over the toes and peaks in the center of the shoe.
Apron Toe
Apron toe shoes have stitching that circles the edge of the top of the shoe around the foot’s edges.
Split Toe
Split toe shoes have a stitching piece that runs vertically from the shoe’s sole to the shoe’s heel.
Lacing Styles
Lacing on dress shoes does not have to be present, but if it is, it can appear in one of the two following styles.
Closed Lacing
Closed lacing shoes have both the quarters and the facing secured underneath the shoe’s vamp. These generally provide a snug and tight fit around the foot that is commonly seen as more formal.
Open Lacing
Open lacing on a dress shoe means that the shoe’s quarters are sewn on top of the shoe’s vamp. This creates a flap that can be opened up to the tongue. This can make it easier to put the shoe on and off because it is more flexible but is seen as less formal.
Shoe Brogueing
Brogueing is the term that refers to the decorative stitching that is embroidered on specific dress shoes, and it can come in several different styles.
Full Brogues
Every piece of the shoe will feature decorative stitching with this type of Brogueing.
Semi Brogues
Nearly every piece of the shoe will feature decorative stitching with this type of Brogueing.
Quarter Brogues
Only the cap Of the shoe will have Brogueing with this style.
Longwing Brogues
There will be decorative perforations stitched around the shoe’s edges near the top.
How Do You Know If A Shoe Is Vegan Or Not?
To determine whether a shoe is vegan, you will need to look at the materials used in its construction. If you see any leather or fur products, you will note that it is not a vegan product. Instead, look for the following two types of materials.
Textile Shoe Materials
Many textile materials, such as cotton and wool, are used in shoe construction today. Any textile material will be made without animal products.
Synthetic Shoe Materials
New synthetic materials are being developed nearly daily to make high-quality shoes without using animals. Rubber is one example of a synthetic material made without animals.