Most Vegan women like myself dread the thought that over 35 million beautiful, intelligent animals are killed just for their fur or leather (and that’s only the wintertime!), but that doesn’t stop us from being every bit as stylish as our carnivorous counterparts. Except for the fact that we only want cruelty-free fashion, we have the same desire to collect dozens upon dozens of sandals, sneakers, loafers, flip-flops, knee-high boots, and other footwear for our shoe wardrobe. Ten years ago, this would have been a challenge, one that would seem almost impossible, as all vegan shoes practically looked the same.
Nowadays, finding cruelty-free shoes isn’t as hard as it sounds. Now more than ever, companies are beginning to cater to those with a cruelty-free fashion sense and are now offering a wider variety to choose from. As this trend continues to emerge, the only challenge you will have is figuring out how many shoes you really do need. You’ll have to begin asking yourself how many of them do you really love, and how many fit well, complement your fashion style, and are versatile enough to serve multiple purposes.
Here are 5 fall/winter fashion shoe styles to help you create a cruelty-free shoe wardrobe so all encompassing, so perfect, that no matter what the occasion is, you’ll have just the right eco-friendly shoe.
1. One pair of weather-protective footwear
If you could only buy one boot in your life, an eco-friendly, air-seal range boot like the 14-Eye Boot from Vegetarian Shoes is the one to go with. If you spend a good amount of time outdoors, go with two pairs. Air-seal range boots sporting steel-tipped toe and a sole made from rubber tires will provide you with that everlasting quality you need and want.
2. One or two pairs of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral
These leather alternative boots are classic enough for work-wear, yet sexy enough to add an edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a flat heel are one of the cold 
weather season’s hottest looks, but are surprisingly in demand even as the weather grows warmer. For those of you who love the Engineer boots, but want something a little more fitted, the Biker boots are perfect! When you’re feeling a little “rebel,” wear them as biker boots. When your style is more classic looking, just take off the buckle, instantly providing you with simple, comfortable boots that go with everything.
3. One pair of chic looking boots
Almost knee high boots like the Aurora give you a chic look with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be worn with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work well with formal and near-formal wear; they add sophistication to jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like nothing else can. You can also get the same look with Alta style that is only 11″ from the top of the shoe to the bottom of this eco-friendly fashion footwear. The upper is made from the highest quality synthetic micro-fibers while the lining is usually comprised of extremely soft synthetic micro-fibers or fleece.
4. One pair of neutral-colored casual boots for the weekend
A woman can never go wrong with classics such as the Amy boot. Your weekend casual cruelty-free boot should have an extremely soft and flexible sole, making it extremely comfortable for all day wear. Make sure your casual eco-friendly boots’ exteriors are made of “leather,” like synthetic micro-fibers, giving you that stylish look, while the interiors are made of a soft cotton lining and a generous foot bed that will accommodate your feet.
5. One pair of attractive non-leather sneakers
The fall is the perfect time to run around the track at your nearby park and enjoy your surroundings. Whether your eco-friendly non-leather sneakers are made from hemp or synthetic micro-fibers, they go well with your tracksuit, yet are hard working enough to perform at the gym. The best athletic/sporty shoes are the pairs that have an extremely supportive EVA sole and a thick padded tongue.
If you follow the above tips, you will create the perfect eco-friendly fall/winter women’s fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is, you will have the perfect non-leather shoe. Remember, no one can have fashion without compassion.
Written by Sarah Kubersky
