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An Arched Doorway
A friend suggested that I write about vegan shoes that are orthopedically-sound, so this week I went searching for such shoes, to little avail. There are a few shoes available, but for the most part the only options are sneakers (which are by default going to have more support) and shoes that are only going to be hitting the Spring 2009 runways for nursing homes worldwide.
It seems that designers focus on the aesthetics of shoes or on comfort. Rarely do the two unite and create a lovechild of practicality. I’d like to see this in the future and have a feeling others feel this way too. Wouldn’t it be great to find the perfect pair of shoes for the outfit you’re wearing next weekend and know that you wouldn’t be dying to take them off two hours later?
I do understand that at times it is difficult to add much support, especially when high heels are concerned, but with flat shoes it’s much easier to do. A few thin layers would at least provide a more solid barrier between your foot and the surfaces on which you walk.
In the coming weeks, I will be getting in touch with various shoe companies to discuss their missions and what they would be willing to do to make shoes that are comfortable and supportive of your lovely arches. I’ll then periodically report back to let you know when more selections are available.
As vegan consumers, it is sometimes important to remember that our lifestyle is still one that many are not even aware of and often even those who know about veganism don’t realize the extent to which it affects every aspect of our lives, not just with food. As awareness spreads, options will open and together we can shape the future of products that we can purchase while feeling good that the company has strong ethical standards and that the products are benefitting us not only in materialistic ways, but also in health.
So I say, toss the granny shoes (I love you grannies out there, but work with me) that you only wear for comfort and grab a pair of fashionable shoes which nurture your feet. I know they will be available in the coming months and years – it’s only a matter of making our requests known. In fact, I am willing to compile a list of names to send to various vegan shoe companies and show them firsthand where the demand is. To start this, please post a comment if you’re interested and then I will provide a method for contacting me to get this rolling.
Until next week,
A Saucy, Soulful (and Determined) Vegan
Tags: comfortable shoes, comfortable vegan shoes, fashion, orthopedic vegan shoes, orthopedically sound shoes, orthopedically sound vegan shoes, shoes, specialty shoes, specialty vegan shoes, vegan fashion, vegan shoes Discussion
5 comments for “An Arched Doorway”
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Wow, I see you wrote this last year, I wish I had seen it sooner.
Well, it is 2009 and I am a vegan in need of vegan orthotically sound shoes…I have searched for years on end and it is so difficult.
I have a flat foot and in need of proper foot support but all the vegan shoes I find are “one-offs” and are usually as you say the “granny shoe”.
I refuse to give up my values as a vegan and wear the dorky shoes — and typically wear the same shoe every single day until it wears out.
Comfortable, chic, vegan shoes are so needed by many of us!!!
Great to see I am not alone!
Lisa in NJ
I have been vegetarian for +20 years. MY first two years I was a strict vegan- no leather- and ruined my feet wearing cheap shoes from Payless. Since then, I do buy leather shoes. I continue to search for vegan shoes that are also considered orthopedic to no avail. I don’t have a lot of shoes but when I do purchase a shoe I spend $200-300 for fashionable orthopedic shoes and the pair last me years. I hope quality manufacturers such as Memphisto, MBT, Munro will see a need and fil this niche so I can stop supporting animal cruelty in this area.
I ditto what the other two ladies have said. Not all vegetarians are young, girls who wear the cutesy type shoes with little support. I’ve been vegetarian for 10 years and vegan here of late. I’ve tried to find vegan shoes that will support my being on my feet all day at work with NO luck. I’d love to hear from you with your findings.
I too need to find some vegan comfortable shoes that are nice enough to wear to work! Please update this site - there is a HUGE need out there! For now I wear payless shoes and I have also found great fashionable shoes at Rainbow stores but the wedge shoes I got there are gone (they were comfortable) but I often check back there to see what they have as almost all their shoes are vegan.
I have bunions and low arches and want an attractive, sturdy shoe that will allow me to walk without pain and will halt or slow of the “decay” of my feet. I have worn leather shoes because of the removal insoles, but this year when I buy shoes I desperately want to get away from leather. I’m thinking of trying vegan Earth shoes for now to see if the lower heel is enough to help my feet. I probably won’t say anything to my podiatrist.
I know it’s late, but I hope not too late.