Vans keeps churning out new styles.  This collection has a little bit of everything: high tops, low tops, slip ons, and boots.  It also includes a various interesting colors and materials.  Fortunately for us, there are a bunch in this offering that are non-leather; mostly Era and Slip-On in canvas or some kind of nylon.

Note that I am not sure whether these are vegan or not.  Based on information I received from Vans, only certain models of Era and Slip-On are completely animal free.  But still, canvas models guarantee that at least they are vegetarian (post on that later).  So I just wanted to offer that disclaimer.

See pics below!  I’ll try to update when I see these available somewhere.

Vegan Kicks is excited to have a guest blogger!  Mitsu is one of the creators of To Happy Vegans, a website/blog based in the UK about all things vegan.  One of my favorite sites around, please give them a visit when you can.  Until then, enjoy this guest post!

Thankfully away from the land of charming princes and fairy godmothers a real life vegan like myself doesn’t have to go to such great lengths as a pair of glass slippers for a vegan shoes.

Dartington Crystal glass slippers. © Glamhag

I can still however feel like the belle of the ball when I finally get to wear these babies out. A very generous Christmas present last year from my lovely friends, I was very excited to see the blue box beneath the wrapping paper.

As with all Melissa shoes they are completely vegan, 100% recycable and smell like bubblegum. These particular shoes (Lady Dragon IIs) are a special collaboration between Vivienne Westwood and the Brazillian shoe brand. Past season designs from the collection have been seen on the feet of Katy Perry and Katie Holmes (hmm perhaps I should change my name to Kate?!). Yes people, vegan shoes can be fashionable and they don’t have to be made out of leather.

Prefer something a little more pratical? I have been waiting a good two years for a decent Ugg alternative to appear on the vegan shoe market and 2010 was the year my prayers were answered.

I have had non sheep skin Ugg style boots before, invariably they are always cheap in comparison to the real thing and only last me mere months. A combination of the flimsy soles and the amount of walking I do are no doubt to blame.

The soles on my new Snug boots from Vegetarian Shoes however are thick and sturdy. Although the lining is not as padded as regular Uggs/Ugg alternatives they still keep my feet nice and toasty. I have even been out in the rain in them and not a soggy sock in sight (it is recommended they be proofed for extra protection). They are made from a fake suede, Vegetarian Shoes also make shoes from a faux leather which is meant to stretch and breath just like the real stuff.

The amount and accessability of vegan products is growing all the time and with brands like Melissa I love the fact they appeal to people who might not even realise that they are making a better, more conscientious choice.

The final shoes on my wanted list are a pair of completely vegan running shoes. The closest I have come so far are New Balances’ 1063.

Whilst the shoes themselves are made from completely synthetic materials, they use whatever glue is available at the time so cannot guarantee any given pair will be completely animal free (I like to think I managed to get a pair with the ‘good’ glue). But, I know all I have to do is be patient and something will come along eventually.

For more animal friendly shoes alternatives check out the shoe section on the To Happy Vegans website. Happy shoe shopping!

Mitsu (one of two happy vegans) x

This new Adidas collection is made from all recycled materials (grün is German for green). Even better, the Nizza Mid comes in canvas, which means it might be vegan. *I will confirm this with Adidas and provide an update* The Nizza Mid uses a grey and blue colorway and has huge embedded Adidas logo on the side. The other shoes are Stan Smith, Forum, Mid, Superstar 2, and Samba. These feature some interesting materials and colors, including felt and multi-colored laces. See Nicekicks for more on these.

If you’re interested in the Original Nizza Hi in Canvas, check out Zappos for black and white.  Check out Amazon for blue.

Here it is, the list of Vans vegan shoes (from the company itself):

Old Skool Vegan:Available at Zappos

Custom Slip-on, Era and Old Skool: available at Vans.com

Classic Slip-on Canvas: Available at Zappos

Classic Authentic Canvas: Available at Zappos

Rowley Shambles – (Canvas/Oxblood & Canvas/Blue)

Sk8-Hi (True White): Available at Zappos

Era (Parra – Limited Edition): Available at Vans store.

Go Green Collection (Organic Canvas Styles)

• Classic Organics Slip-On in White/Kelly Green
• Era Organics in Heliotrope/White

• Authentic Organics in White/Kelly Green

Chukka Low (Canvas styles only)

I was a little worried after not seeing anything on their website and them not responding to my first email.  But there you have it.  Happy guilt free shopping, and I will be posting any new canvas models I come across.

- Henry