Going vegan is the most selfless decision you could ever make, owing to the fact that good vegan products are not the easiest to find.
However, you can still save animals’ lives and look elegant if you opt for vegan heels. While the options are quite limited, especially when compared to non-vegan ones out there, you can still find an amazing pair without breaking the bank.
For that, I’ve decided to create this list of the best vegan heels on the market. I tried to be as inclusive as possible and added options with various shapes, types, and colors, so you have a huge range to choose from.
Without further delay, here are my top vegan heels.
List of the Best Vegan Heels
- Marco Republic Rome – Best Overall
- Dream Pairs Luvly – Runner-Up
- J. Adams Daisy – Best Open-Toe Heels
- Marco Republic Johannesburg – Best 5-inch Heel
- J. Adams Skippy – Most Versatile
- BC Footwear Terrace – Best Casual Heels
The 6 Best Vegan Heels in 2022
Throughout this section, I’ll walk you through an in-depth description of my top six picks and why I love each of them so much. Let’s jump right in.
1. Marco Republic Rome – Best Overall
My top choice is the Marco Republic Rome because it blew me away when I first found it. The Rome model is quite comfortable, classic, durable, and, most importantly, vegan.
First of all, the Rome is made from two derivatives of vegan leather: patent and nubuck. Both kinds are extremely elegant; it just depends on what kind of look you’re going for. Also, both are a lot like real leather but without the guilt of actually harming an animal.
One of the main reasons I love the Rome so much is its memory foam cushioning. If you know a thing or two about memory foam, you’d know that it responds to heat and pressure. In other words, the shoes’ insole will take the shape of your feet, so you’re guaranteed comfort like no other.
Moving on to outsoles, you know what it’s like when your heels are slippery. You’ll find yourself not moving freely and just feeling anxious all day long. Luckily, the Rome’s outsoles are textured so that they can grip the floors well.
Now, let me tell you about this pair’s design. Firstly, its heels are 3.5 inches high with a 0.5-inch platform, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, providing you with a boost of confidence.
Secondly, it boasts a very elegant almond toe shape that reduces pressure on your toes. Not to mention, the color options are quite perfect. Even though it only comes in black and beige, these two colors can match almost any outfit and occasion possible.
Whether you’re looking for day-to-day heels or ones for very fancy occasions only, the Rome is perfect for you.
Lastly, regarding the Rome’s fit, I’d say it runs a little bit small. I’d definitely recommend sizing up, or if you’re between two sizes, opt for the larger one.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
Marco Republic did an excellent job creating Rome for how elegant, durable, and comfortable it is. For one, it boasts memory foam insoles that can take the shape of your feet, guaranteeing your comfort. Also, its soles are textured to prevent slipping. Just make sure to order half a size larger than your regular fit, and you’re good to go!
2. Dream Pairs Luvly – Runner-Up
Coming in second place is the Dream Pairs Luvly, another excellent choice if you’re looking for comfort. This low heel pick is incredibly comfortable, especially if you’re not used to wearing heels. Not to mention, it looks classy and elegant effortlessly.
I have to start off with the pair’s impressive range of materials and colors. Whether you’re looking for a matte, shiny, or glittery finish, or straight-up rhinestones, the Luvly has a model for you.
It has three different kinds of vegan leather options: nubuck, patent, and PU, in addition to faux suede. You can go for a very basic, everyday look with the black or nude faux suede options, or a very fancy, glittery one with the silver or gold.
Additionally, the Luvly’s 2.5-inch heel is very easy to get used to if you don’t wear heels often. You can look elegant and feminine without having to deal with wearing a 5-inch heel all night long.
The low heel is incredibly professional, making the Luvly a perfect option for work, professional events, or even wedding parties. It’s outstandingly versatile and fits any occasion you can think of.
In order to further guarantee your comfort, the Luvly comes with latex-padded insoles that don’t trap heat inside, as memory foam does.
Sadly, there’s one major disadvantage. After a while, the adhesive might fail, causing the sole to separate from the shoe itself. Fortunately, that’s easily fixable; just be prepared.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
If you don’t like high heels and they feel very uncomfortable for you, you’ll love the Dream Pairs Luvly. It comes in an incredible range of colors and textures that ensure you’ll find the perfect model for your occasion and style. Not to mention, the 2.5-inch heel is outstandingly comfortable.
3. J. Adams Daisy – Best Open-Toe Heels
Open-toe heels are perfect for any occasion. You can wear them during the day with a pair of jeans or dress them up with a cute dress. They’re also quite versatile. So, if these sound like the features you’re looking for, you need the J. Adam Daisy.
The Daisy has multiple material options, including faux suede, PU leather, patent leather, velvet, and some glittery options that are all vegan-friendly! So, you can have the cutest pair of heels possible without hurting an innocent soul.
You can go for a casual day-to-day look with one of the lighter colors, including pink, white, or nude, or you can go for an elegant one with the black or red. Not to mention, if you’re looking for a fun-colored pair, you should opt for the yellow, gold, or silver options. The possibilities are endless!
Moreover, its insoles are padded enough to ensure your feet’s comfort. Even through long hours of wear, you won’t feel any pain, especially considering its chunky heel.
Speaking of the heel, the Daisy has a 2.25-inch one, which is just the perfect length if you’re not used to wearing high heels often. You’ll get the look and feel of wearing high heels but without the discomfort.
For security, the pair comes with an ankle strap that’ll keep your heels tightly bound to your feet without applying any pressure.
Sadly, the foot band might be a little too narrow if you have wide feet. I recommend ordering half a size larger than regular if that’s the case.
Lastly, the pair comes at a very affordable price point, meaning you don’t have to worry if a budget bounds you. You can look stylish and elegant without breaking the bank with the J. Adams Daisy.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
Whatever kind of heels you’re looking for, the J. Adams Daisy is every woman’s dream pair. First of all, it comes in an amazing range of colors that you can choose from. It also boasts a low, chunky heel that’ll keep you well-balanced, along with an ankle strap for added security.
4. Marco Republic Johannesburg – Best 5-inch Heel
This is yet another Marco Republic product; this time, it’s the Johannesburg model. If you’re looking for the highest pair of vegan heels, maybe this 5-inch one will satisfy your needs. It looks exquisite, stylish, and feminine; the best combination possible.
The Johannesburg is made from faux nubuck leather, which gives it a matte finish. It’s incredibly eye-catching and fits well with any outfit, whether a casual or a formal one.
Additionally, like the previous Marco Republic model, this one has textured soles and cushioned insoles in order to guarantee two things: comfort and stability. You can forget all about slipping on floors or constantly feeling unstable throughout your day.
To be fair, it’s still a 5-inch heel with a 1-inch platform; you can’t expect it to be as comfortable as flats, even with all the padding in the world. For such height, it’s considered comfortable when compared to other options that are in the same price range.
Going back to the design, the Johannesburg’s almond-toe shape, along with its nubuck leather, make it perfect for fancy nights out, weddings, formal events, and any other occasion that might cross your mind. Its height alone would give you an incredible boost of confidence, automatically making you look more feminine and chic.
Lastly, the Johannesburg runs a little small, meaning you’d be better off if you order a size larger than your usual one.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
5-inch heels are as feminine as can be, and when you combine that with the Marco Republic Johannesburg, you get the perfect blend of elegance, longevity, and stability. Not to mention, its rich black color is ideal for any occasion.
5. J. Adams Skippy – Most Versatile
J. Adams makes it to the list once again. The very chic Skippy is the most versatile pick, and here’s why: you can literally wear it for any occasion, and it’ll be perfect. Speaking of chicness, you will love its ankle strap that gives a little playful twist to the very classic design.
The adorable Skippy is made from vegan leather or suede, depending on the color you decide to go for. Personally, I think each material has its own unique look, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Like all J. Adams shoes, the Skippy has cushioned insoles, and when combining that with its 3.5-inch block heel, you can say goodbye to foot pain. You know how comfortable block heels are, thanks to the fact that they provide you with stability that standard, thin heels can’t match.
Furthermore, the pair comes in a unique range of colors. They’re mostly neutral like beige, black, and white. However, if you want a more playful, stylish color, the red is exceptionally gorgeous. It’ll look perfect on simplistic outfits because it’ll complete the look by giving it a fun edge.
Unfortunately, there are two disadvantages that I have to mention. Firstly, the pair’s sole doesn’t have the best grip, meaning it’s not the best option if you’ll be walking on slippery, ceramic floors. Secondly, the ankle strap is not as durable as you’d expect. Just make sure not to apply too much pressure on it, and you should be good to go.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
If you’re on the lookout for a pair of heels that can fit any occasion, from a wedding party to a business meeting, or a casual day out, the J. Adams Skippy is the one you’re seeking. Its selection of colors is quite beautiful, including basic beige and black ones and a very bright, eye-catching red if you’re trying to make a fashion statement.
6. BC Footwear Terrace – Best Casual Heels
Who said heels couldn’t look casual on a summer day? Not BC Footwear! They created the Terrace pair, which is incredibly trendy and fun rather than serious and sophisticated. If you’re trying to find a good vegan pick for shopping or a girls’ day out, this is the one for you.
Made from faux suede, the Terrace would perfectly fit with any casual-chic outfit and take it to the next level.
Its 3.75-inch block heel is incredibly comfortable on the feet. For stability, you don’t need to worry about tripping or falling because the thick heel will keep you safe.
Speaking of falling, the Terrace boasts non-slip soles that have excellent traction, even on slippery floors like ceramic.
The PETA-certified pair has a cushioned footbed and cut-outs, so you can rest assured that your feet will be comfortable and airy on hot summer days.
While we’re on the subject of summer, the pair comes in beautiful colors that will boost your outfit and give it a fun twist. The Terrace is incredibly cute, colorful, and fun that it will complete any look you style it with. For example, when styling it with a simple white dress, you’ll get that little touch of color that’ll look so feminine and adorable.
However, I strongly recommend you size up when ordering these shoes because they run a little small.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict
The BC Footwear Terrace is the perfect summer, casual pair. With its unique colors, faux suede construction, and comfortable block 3.75-inch heel, you can wear it all day long and not experience any pain or discomfort. Just make sure you size up, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
How to Pick Vegan Heels
While some similarities exist, picking vegan heels is quite different from non-vegan ones. For example, in vegan heels, you need to look out for all the materials used, including upper, soles, and even adhesives, in addition to the standard factors like comfort, color, and height.
For that, I’ve created this simple guide that you can follow, and you’ll end up with the best vegan heels possible.
Material
The most commonly used material is vegan leather, with all its derivatives. Vegan leather is excellent thanks to its durability, longevity, and the fact that it causes no harm to animals.
If you love a glossy finish that looks as close to real leather as can be, you should opt for patent leather. It’s waterproof and not too harsh on the foot, making it the first choice of most people.
Moving on, there’s also PU leather, which some people believe is even better than real leather because it doesn’t fade or crack like the latter. Additionally, it’s lighter and more waterproof.
The last derivative of leather I’m touching on is nubuck. It’s quite durable and looks elegant with any shoe. Its matte finish fits seamlessly with any outfit or event.
Lastly, there’s also faux suede, which is even more durable than natural suede. It also has a matte finish, which looks beautiful. Just be careful not to get it wet.
Heel
There’s a lot more to the heel than just its height. Thick, block heels give off a completely different vibe from standard, thin ones.
Firstly, block heels are significantly more comfortable, and they’ll make you feel stable thanks to their large surface area. However, many women believe that thin heels look more feminine and elegant.
It just depends on personal preference and how much comfort you’re willing to sacrifice for classy heels.
Going back to the subject of height, the higher your heels are, the more confident you’ll feel. It’s also quite obvious that more height translates to more discomfort.
It mostly depends on the setting or the event itself. For work, I recommend going for kitten heels that are around 2 inches. On the other hand, if you’re trying to get all the height possible, you should opt for 5-inch heels. They’re like a guilty pleasure because of how uncomfortable they are, but they just look incredible on any lady.
Lastly, if you want to get the best of both worlds, you can opt for a 3.5-inch heel. It’s both elegant and feminine but nowhere near as painful as 5-inch ones. It’s just the perfect middle ground.
Insole and Outsole
The soles are the factors that slip everyone’s mind, and you don’t notice how good or bad they are until it’s too late.
Make sure your heels’ outsoles are textured or made from a material with enough grip to keep you stable on slippery floors. The last thing you want is to slip and fall during your important night out.
Additionally, double-check that the pair’s insole is cushioned or padded. While heels are still heels and they’ll always be painful, a padded footbed could be a life-saver.
Color
Lastly, the heels’ color could make or break your entire outfit. If you want a safe option that can fit all colors and occasions, a nude or a beige pair should be your best bet. Additionally, black and white are safe colors that you can’t go wrong with.
On the contrary, if you like your shoes to make a statement, you can go for something as daring as bright red. Red shoes are incredibly trendy and fashionable, but they’re also hard to style with other clothes. If you want a bit of a challenge, by all means, go for it.
You can also go for more specific colors to match a certain outfit you have in mind, and that’s completely fine. However, I always recommend going for a more generic color that you can wear more than just once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vegan Heels Last?
Yes, they definitely do. Vegan heels are just as durable as non-vegan ones. Not only that, but some vegan materials are even more durable than animal-based ones, like PU leather and faux suede. Don’t let anyone make you doubt the durability or longevity of vegan heels.
What is the Best Material for Vegan Heels?
That heavily depends on personal preference. If you want something as close to real leather as possible, you should opt for PU or patent leather. On the other hand, if you prefer the more matte look, faux suede or nubuck leather should be your best bet.
Are Closed-Toe Heels Better Than Open-Toe Ones?
While I wouldn’t necessarily say better, closed-toe heels are certainly more versatile. They’re suitable for any weather, occasion, and outfit. However, open-toe ones don’t really perform well in the rain because your feet will immediately get wet. Most importantly, it just depends on which style you prefer rather than functionalities.
Final Words
By this point, you should be able to confidently say that vegan heels are much better than non-vegan ones in multiple aspects. First and foremost, both kinds are quite close in terms of durability, longevity, and even looks. In addition to all of that, vegan heels really pioneer because they don’t harm any souls in the process.
My top choice is easily the Marco Republic Rome. The pair is as comfortable as can be with its memory foam insole and as durable as can be with its high-quality materials. You can’t go wrong with the Rome model.
In second place is the Dream Pairs Luvly, which is an excellent pick if you love short heels. It’ll provide you with elegance and comfort without breaking the bank.
Lastly, if you prefer open-toe heels, the J. Adams Daisy is the one for you. It’s incredibly comfortable with its chunky 2.25-inch heel. Speaking of J. Adams, the Skippy model is the best vegan 5-inch heel out there.
