Vegan Sneaker

For some, the choice of what to wear and where to buy simply comes down to a price tag. Too often that price tag is tangled up with moral repercussions like slave labor and animal cruelty. For the group of people who are Vegans, like the estimated 1 million Americans who call themselves so*, the choice of what to eat has very real moral basis. How many Vegans, however, look below the waistline and examine their footwear to see if they are animal and cruelty free? At vegansneaker.com they have thought this issue through and created a line of sneakers made without animal glues or fat and fair trade to boot. Each 100% Vegan Friendly Sneaker bears the tag ‘Vegan? Wear it’ It is a line of sneakers made to inspire their consumers to think about their footwear and their choices. Ray Pasteur a representative of 100% Vegan Friendly Sneakers took the time to answer a few of our questions.

Why Vegan?
Vegans have been around since British Donald Watson founded the vegan society back in 1944. Since that day and to present, Vegans have stood for animal rights and justice. At Vegan Friendly Sneakers we believe vegans form part of our core belief that justice is everything, hence why vegan options are the best.

How was 100% Vegan Friendly Sneakers born?
We, like a hen laying an egg, were born from the creative idea of animal justice. For some time now some of our vegan mates have been parading on about them being vegan and all, yet wearing shoes that contain animal glues or fats. This was not on, we talked with a few veggies and vegan supporters and realised a real need in the marketplace for sneakers that were cool to wear, lasted but went along the belief and budget of vegans worldwide.

What is ThinkAbout Slavey about?
Think About Slavery is one of our many campaigns revolved around raising awareness of issues with big brands and sweat shops. Vegan sneakers are vegan, but also made in a Fair Trade factory. Unlike many of our counterparts and competitors, we do not allow forced labour, unpaid overtime or child labour for that matter. Our producers work in the best factory in Pakistan, in conditions better than the majority of factories in the country. We are also very proud to donate back to the local community in the form of our Fair Trade premiums.  Thus, Think About slavery encourages people to become aware of what they buy and to understand the consequences of supporting sweat shop or big brands that take advantage from developing nations.

How are VEGAN sneakers made?
Our sneakers are made in a Fair Trade co-operation factory in Pakistan. We are very proud of our sneakers from the sole made from FSC certified rubber to the Fair Trade cotton laces and upper. The sneakers are made using adhesives without any animal glues or fats. We can 100% guarantee that no animal traces or materials are used in our products.

Why should a consumer choose Vegan sneakers?
Consumers can choose what they like. However, we are a brand focused on delivering equality and justice for all – including the animals. Our typical consumer can be avegan, vegetarian or just a normal person. There is no way to stereotype the people who wear our footwear, simply because everyone finds a way to love our stylish and affordable range. Whether it is Fair Trade, FSC certification, style, vegan or organic cotton – we have a lot going for people to choose us. The choice is up to them.

Your sneakers are more than Vegan, they are Fair Trade and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. What is the importance of this distinction?
Our core focus is being vegan. That said we are a brand that is Fair Trade and FSC certified. We believe these elements play an important part in our ethics and corporate responsibility. However, we will always continue to market our “vegan” sale pitch as this is our strategy and our main target market. The extra features and benefits of buying our product are just added pros.

What’s your favourite pair?
Honestly all of them! Only kidding, we all have different styles and colours that we love. For me the 80′s low cut sneaker is the best. I usually wear it every day. I don’t mind the classics either, but for some reason 80′s shoes do it for me.

For more info visit: vegansneaker.com

* statistic on Vegans in America cited from http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/vegetarianism-in-america/ a 2008 study on vegetarianism in America