Dress shoes are the most critical part of any formal outfit. If your shoes are scratched, worn out, or uncomfortable, they could really ruin your entire day.
Fortunately, you don’t have to walk around with the guilt of knowing you’ve indirectly harmed an innocent soul because vegan materials are developing by the day. Some would even argue that vegan leather is better than real leather.
Either way, it can be hard to tell whether a pair is vegan or not by just looking at them. It would be best if you double-checked that all the materials used are not animal-based, including adhesives.
Well, I’ve decided to save your time and effort by creating this list of the best vegan dress shoes on the market. All the mentioned brands are entirely vegan and as sustainable as can be, so you’ll be saving the ecosystem in the process.
List of the Best Vegan Dress Shoes
- Will’s Vegan Shoes Slim Sole Brogues
- Ahimsa Edward Canvas
- Bourgeois Boheme Miles
- Will’s Vegan Shoes Slim Sole Boots
- Ahimsa Arthur
- NOAH Damiano
The 6 Best Vegan Dress Shoes in 2022
There are hundreds upon hundreds of vegan dress shoes on the market, so it can get a little challenging to settle on one. So, here are my top six picks with their pros, cons, and why I included them on this list, to begin with.
1. Will’s Vegan Shoes Slim Sole Brogues
Will’s Vegan Shoes is a very popular Portugal-based brand that makes the best vegan dress shoes on the market. Their Signature Brogues is an excellent choice in every way possible.
The very classic-looking pair is made from Italian vegan leather, one of the best kinds of faux leather in terms of durability, look, and breathability. They’re totally unlike real leather shoes that’ll trap air and moisture inside and make your feet hot and sweaty.
What’s more, your shoes will be durable enough that you can wear them every day and they’ll stay as good as new for years.
Additionally, suppose you live in a rainy area. In that case, its Italian leather is water-resistant so you can walk in the rain without having to worry about damaging your fancy dress shoes.
In order to ensure your comfort at all times, the Slim Sole Brogues come with cushioned insoles that are also incredibly eco-friendly. They’re made from recycled rubber, so not only are you saving an animal’s life, but you’re also contributing to saving the ecosystem.
Even the Brogues’ packaging is eco-friendly as it doesn’t include any plastics, so you’ll be leaving no waste behind!
The brand itself is carbon-neutral, meaning the manufacturing process has no carbon dioxide emissions, so you’ll also be helping the ozone layer. Honestly, Will’s Vegan Shoes is a great, noble brand that’s worth supporting.
As for the design, I would describe it as classical. The shoes will be perfect for fancy dinners, work meetings, or any professional setting.
The main downside to having a lightweight sole on your shoes is that they might not provide as much stability or balance as you need. However, they are perfect for extended hours of wear since they won’t weigh your feet down and cause discomfort.
Also, you need to be careful around ceramic floors because the pair is a little slippery.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
The Slim Soled Brogues by Will’s Vegan Shoes is an excellent option for those who like classic dress shoes. In addition, the pair is made from Italian faux leather that’s known for its high durability and water resistance. It’s a pick you can’t go wrong with.
2. Ahimsa Edward Canvas
Another famous vegan brand is Ahimsa. The Brazil-based brand focuses on using sustainable materials, not just vegan ones. Their Edward Canvas model is of excellent quality, so you can look elegant without harming the environment or the wildlife.
First and foremost, the pair is made from 100% cotton, so you can rest assured no non-vegan materials were used. Also, Ahimsa claims to have an ethical work environment, which is an essential factor to consider when buying any cotton product.
It’s worth mentioning that the Edward Canvas has a soft cotton lining that guarantees your foot’s comfort even during long days of back-to-back meetings.
Additionally, to further ensure your comfort, it boasts a bio-latex insole. Moreover, the insole is covered in cork that prevents bacteria’s growth and feels soft and comfortable on your feet.
Regarding the fit, just order your regular size, and you should be good to go, considering they’re mostly true to size.
I have to address the design and take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous it looks. The cotton construction provides it with a matte finish without taking away from its elegance. You can easily dress it up with a suit or style it with jeans for a more casual look, and it’ll fit both outfits effortlessly.
Besides, it comes in two color options: black and brown, so you can choose whichever best matches your wardrobe.
However, I do have to mention that the pair’s cotton construction is not everyone’s favorite. Some people don’t enjoy the matte finish, while others just don’t like cotton shoes in general. If you’re one of those people, I recommend avoiding this one.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
Ahimas’s Edward Canvas is for all the cotton lovers out there. The pair is incredibly comfortable, durable, and sustainable, so you don’t need to worry about harming either the ecosystem or any animal. Additionally, its cork-covered insole prevents the growth of bacteria.
3. Bourgeois Boheme Miles
The Bourgeois Boheme Miles is another option that’s made from Italian vegan leather. It’s quite comfortable and sturdy with a very classical design and color.
I have to start this review by mentioning its construction. Being made from Italian leather that is PVC-free guarantees not only the pair’s durability but also its eco-friendliness. By committing to this one, you’ll be saving an animal’s life as well as participating in helping the ecosystem recover.
Additionally, it boasts breathable lining that’ll allow some airflow into the shoes to prevent your feet from getting hot and smelly.
The James comes with a 1-inch heel that’ll give you a small boost in height. Not to mention, it looks incredibly elegant.
Being made in Portugal, the Miles has a very classical design that’ll look perfect with any dress pants and will take your entire outfit to the next level. You’ll look elegantly smart effortlessly without sacrificing your feet’s comfort.
What’s more, the James has an incredibly comfortable cork insole that doesn’t cause any harm to the environment.
Lastly, I have to mention that this pick’s price is a little high. In fact, this is the most expensive option on the list. So, unless you’re willing to splurge on your next pair of vegan shoes, you can find other, much cheaper options.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
Bourgeois Boheme did an excellent job creating the Miles. Firstly, it’s exceptionally comfortable with its cork insole and breathable lining. Secondly, Italian vegan leather makes for a highly durable pair. Lastly, the 1-inch heel will give you a nice boost of height and elegance.
4. Will’s Vegan Shoes Slim Sole Boots
On the lookout for dress boots that’ll be able to handle environmental conditions and still look ultra-chic? Fortunately, Will’s Vegan Shoes has come to the rescue! The Slim Sole Boots are genuinely one of a kind when it comes to vegan dress shoes.
Much like the previous Will’s Vegan Shoes choice, the Slim Sole is made from Italian vegan leather that is perfect for any weather. Being water-resistant, you can walk in the rain without having to worry about ruining your shoes. Additionally, the breathable leather upper prevents hotness and sweat, even during summer days.
Regarding the boots’ design, it’s more or less traditional, but with a more modern twist, which is quite versatile and will complete any outfit you style it with. Whether you’re going for a classical, fancy outfit or a more casual one, the Slim Sole is a great option!
On top of that, the outsoles look like wood, giving them a little edge without taking away from their modernness, a beautiful contrast, to be honest.
As for comfort, the insole is made from recycled rubber, which is incredibly beneficial to the ecosystem, especially considering that the Will’s Vegan Shoes brand is carbon-neutral and comes in sustainable packaging.
To be fair, the boots could be a bold choice. They’re not the easiest to style, especially with fancy pants. They look much better with tight-fitting pants rather than loose dress ones, which isn’t what everyone likes. If you’re looking for traditional dress shoes to wear with a suit, I recommend steering clear of boots in general.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
If a pair of vegan dress boots is what you’re seeking, the Will’s Vegan Shoes Slim Sole is the one for you! Not only is it comfortable, but it’s also made from high-quality Italian vegan leather that looks as elegant as can be. Not to mention, it’s water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about walking in the rain.
5. Ahimsa Arthur
Ahimsa does it again, this time with its Arthur model. If you love classic, traditional shoes, the Arthur is perfect for you thanks to its capped toe that provides it with an exquisite look. Arthur can make any outfit look fancy.
First of all, the Arthur is made from high-quality vegan faux leather. The leather looks shiny, which significantly adds to the shoes’ elegance.
The Brazil-made pair has reinforced heels that’ll provide you with support and comfort, even during extended hours of wear. Additionally, it has a soft cotton lining that’ll feel incredibly soft on your feet.
It also boasts a durable rubber sole that’ll prevent you from slipping on smooth floors. What’s more, it has an organic latex and cork insole that is naturally antimicrobial in addition to being incredibly comfortable.
Ahimsa is a brand that uses sustainable materials, so you don’t need to worry about harming the ecosystem. In fact, Ahimsa recycles any waste that’s created at their factories. Not to mention, the brand guarantees a fair work environment and uses water-based adhesives. It’s definitely a brand that’s worthy of your support.
The Arthur model is a very classic pair of dress shoes with a capped toe design. To be honest, it can get a little difficult to dress down because of how fancy it looks.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
The Ahimsa Arthur is the perfect choice for if you’re trying to look voguish and fancy without hurting animals, the environment, or your bank account. With cork and latex insoles, a vegan leather upper, and soft cotton lining, you’re guaranteed comfort and support at all times.
6. NOAH Damiano
NOAH is another popular vegan brand. Being based in Italy, you can already guess that NOAH products’ quality is out of this world, and the Damiano model is no exception.
To start off, the Damiano is made from Micro-Nappa, a microfiber material that’s close to leather. It’s quite durable yet soft enough to provide unmatched comfort to your feet.
Additionally, you can easily walk through rainy days without having to worry about damaging your Damiano because the Micro-Nappa material is water-resistant.
The pair comes in brown and black color options, and I can’t help but recommend the black one. It has a unique texture and finish that’s not too shiny or too matte; it’s somewhere in the middle, which would look perfect with dress pants as well as jeans.
As for the design itself, it’s quite simple with a rounded toe shape that’ll look elegant without adding unnecessary pressure on your feet or toes.
What’s more, the Damiano’s sole is made from natural rubber that will provide you with enough grip on floors so you wouldn’t slip. Also, its insoles are made from a microfiber material that’s soft on your feet.
Sadly, the Damiano is a little pricey, especially when compared to other dress shoes on this list. However, I would definitely say it’s worth the investment for how unique and durable it is.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
The NOAH Damiano is one of a kind with its unique finish and materials. Being made from Micro-Nappa, the pair is quite durable, comfortable, and water-resistant. Additionally, its rubber sole will provide you with enough grip, even on slippery floors.
How to Pick Vegan Dress Shoes
Dress shoes are a critical part of anyone’s wardrobe. You must have high-quality shoes lying around for any sudden event that might come up, or you might even wear them to work on a daily basis. Either way, you need a durable pair that is also comfortable without breaking the bank. For that, here’s everything you might need to know before buying your next dress shoes.
Material
The most popular vegan material that’s used in the manufacturing of dress shoes is faux leather, as you’ve seen throughout the previous section. However, it’s not the only option out there.
First of all, let’s discuss faux leather. The reason why it’s so popular is that it keeps developing by the day until it’s as close to real leather as can be. Additionally, it’s water-resistant, so it’s perfect for rainy areas.
What’s more, most vegan leather has a shiny finish that looks super elegant and fancy, exactly what you need in dress shoes.
On the other hand, if you like the matte finish, you can opt for a cotton pair. On top of that, cotton dress shoes can be dressed down with jeans for a more casual, day-to-day look.
Soles
Most outsoles are made from rubber, which is a good natural material because it can really grip the floors beneath you to prevent you from slipping. Also, if you want to go that extra mile, you can go for recycled rubber outsoles to help the ecosystem.
Moving on to insoles, the best material you could go for is cork, considering it has antimicrobials that’ll ensure your foot’s coolness and comfort while keeping any odors at bay. Also, some insoles are made from recycled rubber like Will’s Vegan Shoes’ ones.
Fit
If you’re shopping online, it can be nearly impossible to determine whether a pair is true to size. Make sure you read other buyers’ reviews and always check the brand’s size chart to find the best fitting shoes for you.
Sustainability
While sustainability is not a critical factor per se, it’s still a noble decision to help save the environment as well as animals.
It’s better to go for shoes that use recycled materials or sustainable, biodegradable ones whenever possible.
Design
Most dress shoes have a shiny finish, a leather upper, and a small heel. However, you can opt for more modern designs that’ll still look good on dress pants.
For example, you can go for dress boots as they look elegant but with an edge, making them suitable for more casual, everyday outfits as well.
My main advice here is to choose a pair that is as versatile as possible. Make sure your choice looks elegant enough for business meetings, but without looking too formal so you can wear it for nights out, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vegan Dress Shoes any Good?
Vegan dress shoes are more than good; they’re excellent. Vegan leather has developed enough to be very similar to real leather in look, feel, and durability. So, not only are you getting high-quality shoes, but you’re also not hurting animals in the process; it’s a win-win situation.
How Do I Know if my Shoes are Vegan?
The safest way to make sure is to directly as the manufacturer or to go for a vegan brand.
There’s more to vegan shoes than meets the eyes, meaning you need to make sure all the materials used are vegan, down to the adhesives. This can be quite difficult to track without a direct statement from the brand itself.
Do Vegan Shoes Last?
Yes, they do. However, I have to be honest and mention that real leather shoes can last a while longer. Nonetheless, it’s not worth torturing and killing animals for a pair of shoes that you can replace at any time. Besides, if you take good care of your vegan shoes, they’ll last as long as real leather ones.
Final Words
After walking you through my top six picks and a small guide on how to pick your next pair of vegan dress shoes, you should be able to come to the best decision possible by now. In case you’re in need of a quick recap, your wish is my demand.
First and foremost, Will’s Vegan Shoes Signature Brogues is an excellent option for anyone, really. Its Italian faux leather upper provides the shoes with durability, breathability, and water resistance. Honestly, I wouldn’t ask for more.
Additionally, there’s a pair of boots by the same brand called Slim Sole Dress Boots that are of exceptionally high-quality and rock a modern, chic design.
Another excellent brand is Ahimsa, which is Brazil-based. Two of its products have made it to this list: Edward Canvas and Arthur. Firstly, the Edward Canvas has a more matte finish thanks to its unique cotton construction. Secondly, the Arthur has an exquisite, classic design, especially with its capped toe shape.
Lastly, if you’re looking for premium-quality vegan dress shoes, you can opt for either the Bourgeois Boheme James or the NOAH Damiano.
