By Michael Keevican and Updated by Sina Arnold and Davida Gypsy Breier
COPYRIGHT 2000, Vegetarian Resource Group -- List Updated August 27, 2001.
INTRODUCTION
On many occasions, after turning down a hamburger or hotdog at a summer barbecue and explaining that I'm vegetarian, the next question I'm asked (if I'm wearing my leather-like Birkenstocks) is, "Then why are you wearing leather?" I answer that the sandals are made from synthetic materials that look like leather, and this usually pacifies the inquisitors. They do ask a valid question though, if you are choosing a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons, "How can you stop eating animals, but continue to wear them?" There are many different answers to this question, but if your answer is, "I can't," then what do you do? Like a vegetarian diet, people often choose to "quit leather" at different stages.
Since cowhide is the most common animal hide used, links to the meat industry are undeniable. According to the Leather Industries of America, the leather industry's trade association, very few animals are raised specifically for their hides. But cows are just one of the animals whose skins are used for shoes, wallets, coats, belts, clothing, and accessories. Other animals can be pigs, deer, horse, and sheep. Some articles are even made from "exotic" animal skins ranging from alligator and lizard to sealskin and snakeskin.
You may ask, "Well what should I do with all the leather I have?" Again, just as some people go vegetarian overnight and others do it slowly, taking weeks or months, the same goes for leather. Some people choose to gradually replace worn out leather items with non-leather alternatives. Others donate their leather goods to charities or give them to friends who still do wear leather. Many throw the stuff away, and although you might prefer that no one wear animal hides (besides the animals), most leather is not biodegradable due to the tanning process, so a charity might be the best bet. The damage that has been done can't be reversed.
That brings up the question of which causes less damage to the environment - petroleum-based synthetic leathers or leather treated with multiple chemicals? While petroleum-based products often cause pollution from manufacturing and its waste, leather manufacturers are still dealing with problems caused by the use of chemicals for tanning. Either alternative leads to some environmental damage, but while you're supporting the exploitation of animals by purchasing leather, choosing leather alternatives will at least help alleviate some cruelty to animals.
Maybe we should also ask ourselves if leather- and fur-like materials are always the best choice. Do these materials give the impression that leather and fur are socially and ethically acceptable? As people opposed to animal exploitation do we wish to give this impression to others? Why not go with some other materials such as hemp, cotton, synthetic fibers, or recycled rubber when possible? On the other hand it can be argued that by using leather and fur alternatives we can show others a way of wearing clothes with the look they like that don't require the exploitation animals for it.
In this list we have provided information for such as websites, e-mail addresses, and new product lines. We have also discovered other products that might be of interest, such as non-leather bowling shoes, skate shoes, and ballet shoes.
When choosing a non-leather company, one should also consider the company's reasons for carrying non- leather goods. Although we are pleased that more and more companies offer non-leather items, most large manufacturers and retailers who carry both leather and non-leather offer the non-leather goods primarily for economic reasons. It is cheaper to manufacture non-leather goods, and as a result they usually cost less. Note that many of these companies sell mainly leather items. Some companies may also offer other products that are not cruelty-free, such as cosmetics. Still, by supporting the vegan articles these companies distribute, a clear statement can be made in favor of alternative products. Maybe this will encourage companies to produce more synthetic products, even if their reasons for this decision are not necessarily ethical.
The smaller vegan mail order companies, on the other hand, take a particular interest in avoiding animal and Earth exploitation through the products they offer. Many of these companies employ Earth-friendly manufacturing and working conditions. For instance, Used Rubber USA offers bags, wallets, and other accessories made from recycled rubber products. We believe that it is important to support these companies rather than those that also sell animal-derived or animal-exploitative products. For this reason we eliminated a company that sells rubber boots from our listing after we discovered that they sell hunting gear and animal traps. There are vegan companies, such as Heartland Products, that sell rubber boots.
During the research for this guide we found that many employees at large companies had little knowledge about their products. This is unfortunate for the customer who has questions. But remember, if more and more people ask questions, eventually the companies will meet the demand for non-leather information.
It should be mentioned that of the large athletic shoe companies, Nike was the only one we found to have a fax list of synthetic shoes. You can order this list by calling (800) 344-NIKE. While you are still interacting with their voice-mail computer the list will be coming out of your fax machine.
To make your selection of non-leather goods as effortless as possible, the companies listed are separated into several categories. The Vegan Mail Order section indexes companies that sell only completely animal-free products. The Catalogs, Companies, and Stores section lists companies that sell or manufacture both leather-free and leather goods, so check these carefully to make sure what you're buying is non-leather. A lot of companies suggested that when looking for their products in stores, always examine for the least expensive articles first, because they are most likely to be the non-leather ones. The remaining sections of this guide list specific styles of shoes (athletic, dress, etc.) and the companies who make them or the stores/catalogs that carry them. Note that when looking at the list some company names may be misleading. For instance, Fabulous Furs not only carries fake furs, but also non-leather bags, jackets, and fake wool vests.
We've aimed to be complete and accurate in doing this listing, but if you know of any changes or additions we should make, please send them to:
The Vegetarian Resource Group
PO Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203
E-mail: vrg@vrg.org
VEGAN MAIL ORDER
The following companies have committed to sell only animal-free and cruelty-free products in their catalogs.
Aesop Inc.
PO Box 315, N. Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 747-4466
E-mail: aesop@aesopinc.com
Web site: www.aesopinc.com
Aesop aims to "help promote a more peaceful world," by offering products that are "good to the earth and kind to animals." Their catalog includes footwear, belts, wallets, and other non-leather items.
Ex-tredz
388 Carlaw Ave. Unit 100-D,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4M 2T4
(800) 665-9182
Although this company doesn't sell directly to the public, call this number to find a store in your area that sells their products. They make vests, coats, belts, bags, etc. from recycled rubber.
Fabulous Furs
601 Madison Ave., Covington, Kentucky 41011
(800) 848-4650
E-mail: custserv@fabulousfurs.com
Web site: www.fabulousfurs.com
This mail-order company offers a wide variety of fake fur, leather and wool products, such as coats, jackets, vests, hats, handbags, pillows, and even ear muffs. They also have "Sew It Yourself" kits for most products.
Heartland Products, Ltd.
PO Box 218, Dakota City, IA 50529
(800) 441-4692; Fax: 515-332-4831
Web site: chiana.trvnet.net/~hrtlndp/
Everything in the Heartland catalog is non-leather, from western-style boots and baseball gloves to clogs, watch bands and biker jackets. Rubber boots, named the "Big Ugly," are made by Negev Sabra and may be special ordered.
Pangea
2381 Lewis Ave., Rockville, MD 20851
1-800-340-1200 Fax: 301-816-8955
E-mail: info@veganstore.com
Web site: www.veganstore.com
This mail-order company and store carries all cruelty-free, vegan products, including leather alternative shoes, clothing, belts, and bags.
Planet Hemp
423 Broome St., New York, NY 10013
(800) 681-HEMP
E-mail: sales@planethemp.com
Planet Hemp's mail-order catalog offers hemp products such as women's and men's clothing, back packs, sandals, wallets, bags, some cruelty-free cosmetic and shoes by Deja and Adidas. Check out their retail store in Manhattan, NY.
Tomorrow's World
9665 First View St., Norfolk, VA 23506
(800) 229-7571
E-mail: comments@tomorrowsworld.com
Website: www.tomorrowsworld.com
Distributes the entire Deja line through mail-order. They have non-leather clothing, shoes, belts, bags etc.. They also carry organic hemp products.
Used Rubber USA
597 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 626-7855
E-mail: order@usedrubberusa.com
Website: www.usedrubberusa.com
Recycled rubber inner tubes and tires are used to make wallets, organizers, and bags in a variety of sizes.
CATALOGS, COMPANIES, AND STORES WITH LEATHER ALTERNATIVES
The following catalogs, mail order companies, and stores carry some non-leather products, but also many that are not animal-free. Just like reading food labels, carefully check the merchandise to make sure it is leather-free. If you're not sure, ask customer service or a sales clerk, but beware they can't always answer your questions. This is only a partial listing of the thousands of catalogs and stores with synthetic options.
Active Soles
318 Court St., Plymouth, MA 02360
(800) 881-4322
Website: www.activesoles.com
They distribute several styles of New Balance shoes, made from synthetic materials, for men and women.
American Hemp Mercantile, Inc.
2401 Utah Ave. So. #400, Seattle WA 98134
(800) 469-4367; Fax: 206-264-1492
Through wholesale order you can purchase Kender Gear Bags and wallets made from hemp which are vegan.
Anywhere Shoe Company., Inc.
55 S. Atlantic St., Seattle, WA 98134
(888) 425-0077
Brightly colored man-made, biodegradable, padded clogs that can be thrown in the washer.
The Bata Shoe Company, Inc
4501 Pulaski Hwy., Belcamp, MD 21017
(800) 365-2282
Website: www.bata.com
Bata manufactures industrial footware and protective clothing. They offer non-leather high- and low-top boots suitable for factory or farm work. Note: A few of the boots in the catalog are designed for factory farming and meat processing.
Birkenstock Footwear
486 First St., Solvang, CA 93463;
(800) 824-1228
Website: www.birkenstock.com
The Birki Too, Birki's, and Birki Kids lines of Birkenstocks are made of Birko-Flor synthetic uppers. For a totally animal-free shoe ask for Birkolon synthetic footbed liners. Birki-Clogs are made with all polyurethane and a removable washable footbed. Three styles of Birkinstocks, and 2-3 styles of Betula come totally leather-free. Other styles will require an upcharge to change the suede liner to a Birkolon liner.
Ecolution
PO Box 2279, Merrifield, VA 22116
(703) 207-9001
Website: www.ecolution.com
The briefcase, mini backpack, campus style backpack, and two-pocket fanny pack are made from 100% hemp. New "cork-and-hemp" line with purses, bags, and briefcases.
Heavenly Soles
615 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 822-2169
E-mail: shoes@ibm.net
Website: www.heavenlysoles.com
Heavenly Soles offers shoes from Vegetarian Shoes.
J. Crew
One Ivy Crescent, Lynchburg, VA 24513
(800) 562-0258
Canvas deck shoes and basketball sneakers, nylon sneakers, flannel deck sneakers, rubber thongs, and rubber boots.
L.L. Bean
Freeport, ME 04033
(800) 221-4221; Fax: (207) 552-6821
Web: www.llbean.com
Merrel and Teva sports sandals, Birkis by Birkenstock with synthetic uppers and polyurethane footbed, canvas athletic shoes, NB Walking Shoes with synthetic suede uppers, and north col pri-maloft booties. L.L. Bean also has non-leather handbags, watch bands, and coats.
Masseys
128 W. River St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(800) 462-7739
Masseys carries several canvas and synthetic slip-ons, plus a wide variety of leather-like flats, pumps, and other styles. They carry name brands such as Auditions, Easy Spirit, Selby, Rockford, Keds, New Balance, and Tretorn.
Nike, Inc.
One Bowerman Dr., Beaverton, OR 97005
(800) 344-6453
Website: www.nikebiz.com
Call the 800 number to receive a men's or women's sourcebook that lists all Nike shoes and which are made with synthetic uppers. They also have synthetic children's and baby's shoes.
The Ohio Hempery Catalog
7002 State Route 329, Guysville, OH 45735
(800) BUY-HEMP
Hemp sandals, bags, purses, belts, wallets, and bike-bags.
Payless Shoe Source
(800) 444-7463
This store has one of the widest selections of synthetic leather shoes available in men's, women's, and children's styles. The average store carries about 600 styles, 80% of which are synthetic. Leather shoes are marked on the box. Call for a store in your area.
Premier Sports
938 S. Andreasen, Ste. G, Escondido, CA 92029
(800) 822-7788
Women's running shoes from Saucony, Adidas, Brooks, New Balance, and Avia.
REI
1700 45th St. E., Sumner, WA 98390
(800) 426-4840
Web site: www.rei.com
Adidas Adventure Sandals, Teva sports sandals, Merrell sports sandals, and Nike sports sandals. They also offer non-leather belts and watch bands.
Rider Wearhouse
8 South 18th Ave. West, Duluth, MN 55806
(800) 222-1994
You'll find rubber boots, non-leather jackets, backpacks, bags, and more.
Road Runner Sports
PO Box 910129, San Diego, CA 92191
(800) 551-5558
Carry several non-leather running shoes from Brooks, Asics, New Balance, Saucony, Reebok, Mizuno, Adidas, Etonic, and Aviva. Watches with non-leather bands also available.
Roaman's
P.O. Box 8360, Indianapolis, IN 46283
(800) 274-7130
Several leather-like and canvas casual and dress shoes.
Santana Canada Footwear
3770 Industrial Blvd.
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1L 1N6
(888) SANTANA
Waterproof non-leather boots and shoes in a variety of styles. Call for a store in your area that carries their products.
Sunsports
P.O. Box 180, Stamford, CT 06904
(800) 308-HEMP
This company has hemp clothing, hats and packs. They also carry about 6 styles of light shoes with hemp uppers. The hemp is imported from China.
Unlisted by Kenneth Cole
3342 Melrose Ave., Roanoke, VA 24017
(800) UNLISTED
Website: www.kencole.com
This company offers a line of leather-like shoes, belts, and handbags for women. Carried in department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom. Call for locations near you.
ATHLETIC SHOES
There are now leather alternatives in almost every style of athletic shoe. While some companies offer "classic" styles that remain leather-free, like Tretorn and Converse All-Stars; other styles, especially running shoes, change their look (and materials) frequently. For each company below there may be more non-leather styles than included (or the style listed may be made in the future with leather) so always check to make sure that the shoe you are looking for is still animal-free. Besides some of the mail-order catalogs and stores listed above, national chain stores that carry athletic shoes include The Athletes Foot and Foot Locker.
Women's Athletic Shoes
Adidas: (800) 677-6638 Synthetic sports shoes in a variety of styles. At retail stores the side of the box lists what each part of the shoe is made from -- look for the word synthetic. If you're interested in a specific style, but don't know what it's made of, call for information.
Asics: (800) 678-9435 Several synthetic shoes; call to find out about a certain shoe.
Avia: (800) 345-2842 "535 Aerobis" and "254" running shoes are made from recycled synthetic materials.
Converse: (978) 664-1100 Chuck Taylor All-Stars, high-top and low-top, come in many styles, colors, and fabrics. They also have canvas One Stars.
Etnies: (949) 460-2020 They have two synthetic lines of skate shoes, Vallely and Cyprus.
Keds: (800) 680-0966 Canvas oxfords and slip-ons in a variety of colors and patterns.
New Balance: (800) 934-1022 All styles of running shoes and the 590 walking shoe are made with leather and/or suede alternatives. Call for a catalog.
Nike: (800) 344-6453 Leather-free running, basketball, volleyball, golf, cross-training, and cheerleading styles available. Call to receive a sourcebook that lists all animal-free Nike shoes.
Payless Shoe Source: (800) 444-7463 Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials.
Reebok: (800) 843-4444 Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials. Call to find out what a specific shoe is made of (the materials are not listed on the box).
Saucony: (800) 365-7282 G.R.I.D. Sensation II.
Tretorn: (800) 525-2852 Canvas tennis-style shoes.
Vans: (800) 750-VANS Styles include canvas, linen, and flannel oxfords; mules; and Mary Janes. Call for stores in your area that carry Vans.
Men's Athletic Shoes
Adidas: (800) 677-6638 Synthetic sports shoes in a variety of styles. At retail stores the side of the box lists what each part of the shoe is made from -- look for the word synthetic. If you're interested in a specific style, but don't know what it's made of, call for information.
Asics: (800) 678-9435 Several synthetic shoes, call to find out about a certain shoe.
Avia: (800) 345-2842 "254" running shoe.
Brooks: (800) 2-BROOKS Vanguard.
Converse: (978) 664-1100 Chuck Taylor All-Stars, high-top and low-top, come in many styles, colors, and fabrics. They also have canvas One Stars.
Etnies: (949) 460-2020 They have two synthetic lines of skate shoes, Vallely and Cyprus.
New Balance: (800) 934-1022 Most of the running shoes have all-synthetic uppers. Some of the walking shoes are synthetic. Call for a current catalog that lists which shoes are non-leather.
Nike: (800) 344-6453 Non-leather/suede shoes include running, basketball, tennis, cross-training, cycling, and golf styles. Call to receive a sourcebook that lists all animal-free Nike shoes.
Payless Shoe Source: (800) 444-7463 Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials.
Reebok: (800) 843-4444 Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials. Call to find out what a specific shoe is made of (the materials are not listed on the box).
Saucony: (800) 365-7282 G.R.I.D. Sensation II.
Tretorn: (800) 525-2852 Canvas tennis-style shoes.
Vans: (800) 750-VANS Styles include canvas, linen, and flannel oxfords. Call for stores in your area that carry Vans.
Children's Athletic Shoes
Kids Footlocker: (800) 991-6685 This store sells all major brands of athletic shoes for children.
Nike: (800) 352-6453 Athletic shoes in several styles for children and babies. Call to receive a sourcebook that lists all animal-free Nike shoes.
Payless Shoe Source: (800) 444-7463 Always a great place to find leather-free shoes for children. Athletic styles often feature popular cartoon characters.
DRESS SHOES
Women are probably going to have an easier time than men in finding decent alternatives to leather dress shoes, although men are now getting more options than before. Make sure that the entire shoe is made from synthetic material -- that the lining or sole, in addition to the upper, are leather-free. Value shoe stores like Payless Shoe Source, as well as discount stores like K-Mart and Walmart, often offer a wealth of styles for men, women, and children.
Women's Dress Shoes
Auditions: This brand of shoe comes in leather-like flats and pumps in a variety of colors.
Beacon Shoe Company: Several different styles available.
Daniel Green: Dressy leather-like slipper sandals and flats.
Lane Bryant: Man-made pumps and sandals in a variety of styles.
Life Stride: Pumps.
Masseys: This mail-order catalog carries leather-like flats, pumps, and other styles. They carry name brands such as Auditions.
Naturalizer: Wedge pumps.
Payless Shoe Source: One of the best places to find non-leather dress shoes.
Roaman's: Several leather-like dress shoes.
Unlisted by Kenneth Cole, 1-800-UNLISTED This company offers a line of synthetic leather shoes, belts, and handbags for women. Carried in department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom. Call for locations near you.
Men's Dress Shoes
The best places for men to find leather alternative dress shoes are Aesop, Inc. and Heartland Products, which are all listed in the Vegan Mail Order section of this article. If you're not interested in mail order, the next best place would be discount shoe stores like Payless Shoe Source.
Beacon Shoe Company: This company has several different styles available.
Lyle Richards International: Dress shoes found at large retailers.
Payless Shoe Source: You should have no trouble finding a stylish dress shoes here.
Children's Dress Shoes
Payless Shoe Source: Wow, this store just keeps popping up, but you should have no trouble finding a few styles here -- and at reasonable prices!
HIKING BOOTS
For light hiking there are several boots available that will probably meet your needs, even some of the athletic shoe companies are making rugged shoes for day hikes. Canvas shoes with lug soles will perform well under ordinary hiking conditions. The serious hiker, e.g., mountain climbers and trekkers, have fewer choices, but there are some boots that look like they could take on McKinley or The Himalayas. The Vegan Hiking Boot, Veggie Trekker, and Ranger appear to offer the most ankle support and are made with leather alternatives that appear similar in durability.
Aesop, Inc.: The Vegan Hiking Boot is similar in appearance to the typical hiking boot with all-leather uppers. The Ranger is of a higher quality whereas The Canvas Trekker is more of a light-duty hiking boot.
REI: The Hi-Tec Sierra Sneaker, an all-canvas hiking boot, can be found through their mail-order.
Tomorrow's World: They have a hiking boot by Deja called The Hiker.
WORK BOOTS
Work boots don't have to be leather to keep your foot protected. The following boots should all do the job -- some even have steel-toe protection.
The Bata Shoe Company, Inc.: Low and high boots suitable for working in a factory or farm.
Heartland Products: Carries a leather-like steel-toe safety shoe and a logger boot. See vegan mail order section.
LaCrosse Boots: Several styles of rubber boots: insulated, non-insulated, and steel toe. Available from large retailers. Call (800) 671-BOOT for info.
Lyle Richards International: Found at large retailers.
COATS AND JACKETS
Fabulous Furs: Fake fur, leather and wool coats, jackets and vests.
Heartland Products, Ltd.: Bomber jackets, parkas, riding vests, and touring jackets.
L.L. Bean: Several styles of winter coats made from synthetic fibers, some with synthetic fur ruffs.
Pangea: Several options, including "biker style."
BELTS, BAGS AND WALLETS
Belts
Aesop, Inc.: Several styles of leather-like and military-style belts for men and women.
Heartland Products, Ltd.: Black, tan, and navy web belts, black and brown unisex non-leather belts.
The Ohio Hempery Catalog: Vegan belts made from hemp.
Used Rubber USA: Recycled rubber inner tubes and tires are used to make belts in a variety of styles.
Also check Pangea and Unlisted by Kenneth Cole.
Bags
Aesop, Inc.: Wallets, purses, portfolios, and briefcases for men and women.
American Hemp Mercantile, Inc.: Vegan bags and wallets made from hemp.
Ecolution: The briefcase, mini backpack, campus style backpack, and two-pocket fanny pack are made from 100% hemp. New "cork-and-hemp" line with purses, bags and briefcases.
Fabulous Furs: Women's handbags and backpacks made from fake leather and nylon.
Heartland Products, Ltd.: Vinyl attaches and non-leather "overnighter briefcase", hemp wallets, bags and backpacks.
The Ohio Hempery Catalog: Vegan bags and wallets made from hemp.
Payless Shoe Source: Bags made from synthetic materials in a variety of styles. Call (800) 444-7463 for a store in your area.
Planet Hemp: Back packs, portfolios, wallets and several styles of bags all made from hemp.
Used Rubber USA: Recycled rubber inner tubes and tires are used to make wallets, organizers, and bags in a variety of sizes.
Wallets
Aesop: Synthetic leather, nylon, and even oak bark wallets.
Pangea: Several hemp wallets and checkbooks.
Used Rubber USA: Six styles of wallets.
WHERE DO I FIND...
Balls
Spalding Sports: Offers a syntehtic leather volleyball, basketball, softball, soccerball and football. Call (800) 225-6601 for a store in your area that carries their products.
Baseball Gloves
Heartland Products, Ltd.: Adults and children's sizes.
Biking Gloves
REI: Carries Novara Gloves made from a leather-like material called Nash, to be found in their stores. Call (800) 426-4840 for your nearest location.
Bowling Shoes
Best Bowling Pro Shop: Michelle, Robin, and Maxine are all leather-free.
Dexter Shoes: Liza is entirely man-made.
Ice Skates
L.L. Bean: Bauer hockey skates made with nylon and synthetic leather uppers.
Rock Climbing Shoes
5.10: Makes three non-leather models called VX, Anasazi Velcro , and Anasazi Lace-up. Check out their web site: spelean.com.au/FT/FiveTen.html
Skate Shoes
Etnies: (949) 460-2020 They have two synthetic lines of skate shoes, Vallely and Cyprus.
Snow Boots
Masseys: Waterproof boots by Naturalizer.
Tap shoes
Capezio: Call (800) 234-4858 for information on their non-leather 626 Tapette for women and 626c Tapette for girls, as well as 625 Jr. Tyette for women and 625c Jr. Tyette for girls.
Tool Belts
Nailers, Inc.: Call (619) 562-2215 for information on their non-leather tool belts, nail bags, and knee pads all made from Dupont's Cordura fabric.
Western-Style Boots
Heartland Products, Ltd.: Styles for women, men, and boys.
Additional resources: If you have internet access and are looking for shoe companies and retailers outside of the US try www.musonix.demon.co.uk/faq.
Thanks to Jeanne Bartas for her contributions to this compilation.
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