In 2023, it's estimated that carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere will reach 419.2 parts per million. CO2 levels haven't been that high for about 4 million years when global temperatures were much warmer than they are today.
In order to slow down global warming, we need to find a way to reduce carbon emissions. You might think there's not much you can do on your own, but lowering your carbon footprint could help. A great way to do this is by going vegan.
Vegans don't consume or use any animal-based products. This goes beyond food and includes everyday items like shoes.
Many companies sell vegan footwear, including trendy styles like slip-ons. Keep reading to find out what you need to look for when shopping for vegan slip-on shoes.
Vegan Materials
When looking for vegan slip-on shoes, pay attention to the materials they're made from. Anything derived from animals isn't vegan, so this rules out materials like leather, silk, and wool. Below are some common materials used for making vegan shoes.
Vegan Leather
Vegan leather is made from synthetic materials, such as polyurethane or recycled plastic. It can also be made from plant-based materials, such as apple peels, cork, or pineapple leaves. It's a great alternative to traditional leather because it's sustainable and cruelty-free.
Vegan leather is also better for the environment than traditional leather. It takes a lot of energy to turn animal skins into leather. Also, waste from tanneries contains several toxic chemicals and other pollutants.
Cotton
You probably have lots of clothes made from cotton, so it's no surprise that many shoes are also made from this natural material. Cotton is lightweight, breathable, and easy to clean.
The main downside of cotton shoes is that they absorb moisture easily. If you're hiking or doing other activities where your feet might get wet, cotton isn't your best option.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material that is soft and flexible. Many shoes are made from a fabric blend that contains polyester.
Unlike cotton, polyester doesn't absorb much moisture, so it's great for keeping your feet dry. It's also stain-resistant, so shoes made from polyester are a great option for many activities.
Rubber
Rubber is a common material used to make all kinds of products. It's a natural material, but it also has a synthetic form. Both natural and synthetic rubber are vegan since they don't contain animal products.
Natural rubber is made from the sap of certain trees, known as latex. It's most often used to make the outer soles of shoes but is sometimes used for other parts too. Natural rubber is biodegradable and can be recycled to make other products.
Hemp
Hemp is an eco-friendly material used to make a wide range of products. It's durable, breathable, and biodegradable. Many fabrics used to make shoes, such as canvas and muslin, are derived from hemp fibers.
Hemp is sustainable because it grows quickly and doesn't need any fertilizers or pesticides. It doesn't need much water to grow and helps replenish nutrients in the soil. Hemp also has a lower carbon footprint than other materials, such as vegan leather.
Construction
Another thing to pay attention to when looking for vegan slip-on shoes is the construction of the shoes. It's important to make sure that all parts of the shoe, including the soles, tongues, and lining, are vegan.
Even if all the parts are vegan, there's a possibility that shoes could contain animal byproducts in the form of glue. Many manufacturers use synthetic or vegan glue, but some still use animal-based glue.
There's no way to tell whether the glue is vegan by looking at the shoe. If you have concerns, the best way to find out is by contacting the manufacturer.
How to Tell if Shoes Are Vegan at a Glance
You might never have noticed, but many shoes have labels that tell you what materials they're made from. These labels have symbols that show you what materials the outer part of the shoe, the inner lining, and the sole contain.
When checking this label, look for either a square or a diamond. The square, with a woven pattern inside, means that part of the shoe is made from some kind of textile. The diamond means that it's made from a man-made material, such as rubber or vegan leather.
Best Options for Eco-Friendly Shoes
There are lots of great options for eco-friendly shoes, but which ones are the best? We might be biased, but we think that hemp shoes will always be your best bet.
We've already talked about hemp being sustainable, but there are plenty of other benefits to wearing hemp shoes. Hemp fibers are strong and durable, making them a great material for shoes. Hemp is also UV-resistant and water-resistant.
Hemp also has antibacterial properties. This helps keep your feet healthy and your shoes smelling fresh. On top of that, hemp is hypoallergenic, making it perfect for people with sensitive skin.
Shop Our Vegan Slip-On Shoes
When buying vegan shoes, remember to pay attention to a few different things. First, make sure that the materials used to make the shoes are synthetic or plant-based. Next, make sure that there weren't any animal byproducts snuck in there during manufacturing, like in the glue.
At FootHemp, we offer stylish, eco-friendly hemp shoes for men and women. Our mission is to leverage the benefits of hemp to provide quality craftsmanship and great design.
If you're looking for a new pair of vegan slip-on shoes, we've got you covered. Shop our collection of hemp shoes today!