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.)
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 Smokey Bear, and our kids’ styles. Leather versions will be clearly marked in the materials section.
Newport styles to check out:
• Newport H2 sandal
• Newport H2 x Smokey Bear sandal
• Newport Retro sandal
• Newport Slide
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 story, How we wear it: UNEEK X Portland.)
UNEEK styles to check out:
• UNEEK
• UNEEK Canvas
• UNEEK NXIS Shoe
• UNEEK II Open Toe
• UNEEK II Slide
• UNEEK SNK Sneaker
• UNEEK SNK Slide
• UNEEK SNK Waterproof Chukka
• UNEEK SNK II Waterproof Chukka
The Elsa Sneaker
While there are felt (made with 50% recycled wool) and upcycled car seat leather versions of this classically comfy sneaker, the canvas versions of the Elsa Lite and Elsa V sneakers are wool-free and they use a glue-free, KEEN.FUSION 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 waterproof hiking sneakers (Terradora II Waterproof Shoe, Terradora II Waterproof Boot), and waterproof hiking sneakers with built-in flex (Terradora Flex Waterproof Shoe, Terradora Flex Waterproof Shoe). Leather versions will be clearly marked.
More women's leather-free, wool-free styles:
WK400 walking shoe
NXIS EVO waterproof hiking boot & shoe
NXIS Speed hiking shoe
Mosey Canvas Derby
Mosey Canvas Chukka
Howser III Slide (quilted versions)
Howser Ankle Boot
Astoria West sandals
Yogui sandal
Shanti sandal
Elle Backstrap sandal
Elle Strappy sandal
Whisper sandal
Rose sandal
Clearwater CNX sandal
Drift Creek H2 sandal
Zerraport II sandal
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 men's leather-free, wool-free styles:
WK400 walking shoe
Mosey Canvas Derby
Mosey Canvas Chukka
Howser III Slide (quilted versions)
Targhee III Open-Toe H2 sandal
Yogui sandal
Clearwater CNX sandal
Zerraport II sandal
Eldon Slip-On
Eldon Sneaker
Drift Creek H2 sandal
Waimea H2 sandal
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' 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:
Snow Troll winter boot
Howser II Waterproof Chukka
Howser Wrap
Elle Backstrap sandal
Moxie sandal
Seacamp II CNX sandal
Stingray sandal
Venice H2
Verano sandal
