Vans has released another interesting color variation to the Era, this time in bright plaid in the toe and heel, accompanied by solid colors in the midfoot. The colors are such – purple canvas + yellow plaid, yellow canvas + pink plaid, & navy canvas + red plaid. Coming soon. See more pics on Nice Kicks.
Also, if you like the sk8-hi, they’ve also released a plaid pack in that model.
Just wanted to share with you guys something a little more personal. I mean, it’s only fitting that a vegan/vegetarian shoe blogger would reveal what is in his own stash sooner or later right? So here’s one of my all time faves: the Converse Chuck Taylor low top in cream (picture me rollin’, uh, in my backyard). Yeah, it’s obvious. But they never go out of style. I got hooked on these circa 2004, in my post-Dunk era. Cream was and is my favorite color, and I always thought the white would get dirty too easy. I also rocked a bright red pair that I had to abandon a little while ago. Despite the Wizard of Oz jokes that came my way, I always got a lot of compliments, and they stood out. But yeah, these pair are so classic. Look how dirty they are. It’s like the more beat down and worn out they get, the sweeter they become. I wish I could post a link to some right now, but I couldn’t find any!
ALSO, I would like to take this opportunity to ask you guys to send me pics of YOUR VEGAN KICKS. Yes, I know some of you would like to share, and it’d be great to see what you guys are sporting these days. Please email them to me, or share on Facebook, or Twitpic or whatever. Holler at your boy!
*I know Converse are not vegan. I actually bought these before I found that out, but I admit that I still wear them and still like them. But I probably won’t buy a pair of Converse again until I know that they make 100% animal free shoes. In the meantime, there are plenty of fresh kicks to go to, more than I’ll ever need, right on this blog.
Huh, this is something a little different from those of us used to seeing the elevated running sole on New Balances. Here, the V74 is jumping on the vulcanized sole bandwagon, with the top covered in all canvas. Still, it keeps distinctive NB marks, such as the side “N” and the tongue tab. Solid. But keep in mind, that New Balance does not guarantee their synthetic or canvas shoes to be vegan. They don’t necessarily know what their glues are made from. You’ve been warned.
See the original post at Nice Kicks. Click for more pics.
These are available in Black, Navy, Grey, and White at Zappos.
Normally I like to stay clear of bright colors and patterns, but who am I to presume to be an authority of style? I like to keep an open mind, and as long as what I am posting is not so egregiously wack, I think I’ll be okay. If you guys stop visiting, I’ll get the hint.
Anyway, here’s something a little funky for you (sorry I got that song stuck in my head today). Nike 6.0 is a line of footwear and clothing catering to the “extreme” crowd. Well, this Balsa shoe, not so much. I wouldn’t go BMXing in these. But it is fun looking, and comes in a variety of colors. This slip-on is a play on the boat shoe a la Sperry, but without the preppy vibe. As far as I have examined, the colorways posted above and below are 100% canvas or some other textile. Look out for the other ones, there are some suede accents here and there, but they are mostly canvas. If you see some leather on the one’s I’ve pictured let me know. Click for more pics below.
These are available at Zappos.
Okay, I’ve never seen a restaurant sneaker collabo, but whatever, these kicks are sweet. Cafe Habana is a spot in Malibu, CA, and Gourmet makes some choice selections for the connoisseurs of footwear. Together they have come up with these new limited hi-tops, at only 24 pairs! Damn, they keep it simple though, with 100% blue canvas plus white accents. Also, they keep it real with the food, serving only organic and local ingredients. Unfortunately, it looks like the only way you can get them is if you stand on line at the restaurant on Memorial Day. Whatever, it’s not so bad, I mean come on, it’s Malibu, you’ll be waiting on line to get hangover brunch? Get over yourself.
Anyway, if anyone happens to make it there, let us know… and also let us know if they have any vegan food! Thanks!
Oh man, I just realized that this Cafe Habana place is in New York too! And I’ve been there! I wouldn’t recommend the one in Manhattan because the wait is absurd, but check out the one in Ft. Greene Brooklyn… I haven’t been at that one but I hear it’s great when the weather is nice. Grilled corn, Coronas, that’s what I’m talking about!
I usually really enjoy black/gum colorways, and so far I’ve managed to avoid the Supra Skytops, but these may be the feather that tips the scales….ehh, probably not. Available soon?
Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. I was on a little vacay in Montreal. If you want to go to a laid back city, check it out. Good food, nice people, and right now the weather is nice. Anyway, onto the shoes. I picked The Jack Purcell Ox because it’s just so classic, but it’s often overlooked by the Converse crowd. It offers the classic Chuck Taylor look but with some distinct details, such as the “smiley face” on the rubber toecap. Also, I featured some different colors outside of the classic black/white/blue… here are some summery shades in canvas with cotton liner, in a bunch of colors, like tan, green, navy, and green. Click for more pics.
Keep in mind of course Converse does not guarantee these shoes are vegan. They do not monitor the types of glues they use, so it’s possible that some of these may contain animal products.
These are all available at Zappos
Keds brings us another style for the ladies that is perfect for summer. Reminiscent of the Vans E-Street, the “Not Too Shabby” is laid back, made with lightweight breathable cotton, no laces (elastic straps), and a slim silhouette. Available in Olive, Taupe, and Black.
PLUS, Keds non-leather shoes are vegan. See this message I got from them:“Our current styles listed on our website will state leather if the shoe is manufactured with leather. We use plant based (rubber) or polymer (oil) based glues and rubber or ESO soles.”
The Not Too Shabby is available at Wish and Bows and Arrows. For more pics, click below!
Some more good news for you runners out there. I found a dealer in New Balance and have a special little link for synthetic shoes… as this site confirms, there are no guarantees regarding the glues in NB’s and that is too bad. But still, if you are comfortable just knowing that these are not leather, then check these out. These are two of my fave ones out of their offering – the M587NV for men and WR883CU for women. There are a lot of features in each shoe, and as a person whose had a few pairs of NB, you know you’re going to get a solid runner with good cushioning and breathability. Peep Pics below (click for availability).
Here’s a slightly dressier shoe that is super versatile, but still animal friendly. Made by Slow and Steady Wins the Race, these sandals come in a natural color or black, in a cotton canvas material with a comfy wedge heel that gives some height but lots of support for running around at summer picnics or biking around the city. They will go with lots of cute summer outfits, from colorful rompers to sundresses to cutoffs and shorts. These are a perfect complement to the relaxed vibe of summer, with an elastic in the front part to allow easy slip on and off, without much fuss.
Available at Oogaboogastore… (?)
