FAQ: Leather-free, wool-free shoes
Every so often, we get phone calls and emails from fans looking for vegan shoes; i.e. products without animal products (wool, leather, silk, down/feathers, or fur).
To start with—we never use fur, silk, or down. However, there’s a lot of nuance to labeling something as vegan-friendly. Shoes can have up to 40 components that all need to be verified as vegan, and the sources of these components can change season to season. For us, our glue source is usually in flux, and we cannot always guarantee the glue is not free of animal products.
That being said, we do have many wool-free and leather-free shoes, sandals, and boots. Here’s an overview of our fan-favorite non-leathers for women, men, and kids. (Please note that some styles listed below may not be available on our website due to fluctuating inventory.)
Top picks for him, her, them, and all
The Newport Collection
Many styles of our iconic adventure sandal are made with a washable polyester webbing upper. This includes most of our water-friendly styles, plus unique styles like tie-dye and Garcia, and our kids’ styles. Leather versions will be clearly marked in the materials section.
Newport styles to check out:
• Newport Hydro sandal
• Newport H2 sandal
• Newport H2 x Garcia sandal
• Newport Retro sandal
The UNEEK Collection
The tagline is, “two cords and a sole,” and the majority of our UNEEK collection are built with just that: polyester cord, micro-fabric upper, and a super comfortable PU midsole. These may become your go-to shoe. The collection offers endless color combinations and a variety and styles, including sandal, slide, sneaker, and more. Leather versions will be clearly marked. (Intrigued? Check out our employee blog post, How we wear it: UNEEK X Portland.)
UNEEK styles in men's & women's sizing to check out:
• UNEEK
• UNEEK x Garcia
• UNEEK SNK Sneaker
• UNEEK SNK Shoe
• UNEEK SNK Waterproof Chukka
• UNEEK SNK II Waterproof Chukka
• UNEEK SNK Slide
• UNEEK II Slide
The Howser Collection
The Howser II, Howser III, and Howser II chukka (and Howser Wrap for kids) are made with microfleece lining (not wool). With a sturdy rubber outsole and outdoorsy upper, this indoor/outdoor "shoe" collection is perfect for dry, cool days. The non-marking outsole and cozy fit also make it a great slipper.
SOLR
This high-performance water sandal in men's and women's sizing is Consciously Created with recycled plastic fibers, and it has the serious grip of our Aquagrip outsole with zonal siping to help keep things less slippery when wet. Find our more about how we put recycled plastic bottles in our shoes.
Top picks for women
The Elsa Sneaker
While there is a felt version of this classically comfy sneaker (made with 50% recycled wool), the canvas versions of the Elsa Lite and Elsa V sneakers are wool-free and they use a glue-free, direct-attach construction so they're even more vegan-friendly.
The Terradora Collection
This wide collection of breathable hikers with knit fabric uppers were built specifically for a woman’s foot, which means a better fit. They come in tons of colors and multiple leather-free styles, including low and mid-height sneakers (Terradora II Waterproof Shoe, Terradora II Waterproof Boot), a vented hiker sneaker (Terradora II Vent), two open-toe sandals for summer trails (Terradora II Strappy Sandal and Terradora II Open Toe Sandal), and two winter boots (Terradora II Wintry Pull-On Waterproof Boot and Terradora II Wintry Waterproof Boot). Leather versions will be clearly marked.
More leather-free, wool-free styles for women:
NXIS EVO waterproof shoe
NXIS EVO waterproof boot
Tempo Flex waterproof boot
Tempo Flex waterproof shoe
Astoria West sandal
Astoria West Open Toe sandal
Kona Flip II Retro sandal
Yogui Arts sandal
Ravine H2 sandal
Whisper sandal
Venice H2 sandal
Clearwater CNX sandal
CNX II sandal
Zerraport II sandal
Top picks for men
NXIS
This is a light, fast hiker sneaker with a waterproof mesh upper and KEEN's iconic comfort fit with room for your toes to splay. The rugged outsole and toe bumper protects feet from tree roots and rocks on the trail.
Clearwater CNX sandal
This extra-minimal sandal is a fave for water-based adventures and everywhere on land, too. Low-profile CNX soles with razor-siped grip give you the protection you need without sacrificing the flexy feeling of being barefoot.
More leather-free, wool-free styles for men:
Tempo Flex waterproof boot
Tempo Flex waterproof shoe
Venture waterproof boot
Venture waterproof shoe
Targhee III Open-Toe H2 sandal
Kona Flip II sandal
Yogui sandal
Clearwater CNX sandal
CNX II sandal
Zerraport II sandal
Eldon Sneaker
Top picks for kids
Kids' Knotch Collection
Our newest collection of play sneakers (Knotch Peak and Knotch Hollow) and sandals (Knotch Creek and Knotch River) features the low-profile, flexible outsole that kids love because it gives them loads of ground feel for added dexterity. Parents love the machine-washable design, and the notched rubber toe bumper that helps protect kids’ feet from the slips and stumbles that come with open play.
Kids' Lumi Waterproof Winter Boot
With insulation rated to -40°F/-40°C, this is our warmest and lightest winter boot for kids yet. This boot is wool-free, featuring a durable waterproof EVA shell design and textile upper. With its ultralight design with cold-weather traction, little legs can move easily through winter weather. For big and little kids.
Kids' Chandler CNX
The streamlined, flexible, and light sneaker features a lightweight, quick-dry performance mesh and synthetic upper. It's breathable and grippy with multi-directional traction, allowing kids to be fast and sure on their feet. Available in toddler, big kid, and little kid styles.
More leather-free, wool-free styles for kids:
Howser Wrap
Howser II Waterproof Chukka
Seacamp II CNX sandal
Stingray sandal
Winterport NEO boot
Verano sandal
Leather- & wool-free faves for all
