Vegetarian Shoes
Vegetarian Shoes (Veggie Shoes/VegShoes), established nearly 30 years ago, is one of the original UK Vegan and Vegetarian footwear designers, manufacturers and retailers. The company is based in Brighton (UK) where it has a shop in Gardner Street (North Laines) the head office in Foundry Street and various local warehouses.
History[edit]
Vegetarian Shoes was started by Robin Webb in 1990. All his shoes were hand-made. Initially there was only one style - a basic lace up skate shoe. Robin taught himself to make shoes four years earlier after leaving Worthing Art College (UK). He was inspired to hear that in parts of Africa, car tyres were recycled into soles. Soon he was making shoes out of anything he could lay his hands on, but being vegetarian he didn't want to use leather. Following the discovery of a synthetic Microfibre material that looked and behaved like supple leather but was breathable (used for upholstery in yachting), and a period of successful experimentation, the Vegetarian Shoes company was created. A range of styles grew, as well as shoes, boots, sandals and belts from also made from the new material. Initially, all products were made to order, however, as the word spread the business got ever busier. This increase in demand led Robin Webb to a UK footwear factory. With a reasonable level of stock the company could mail-order to vegetarians and vegans throughout the UK.
Vegetarian Shoes Today[edit]
Most products are made-to-order, exclusively to specification in European and English factories, including one established as a co-operative in 1881. Vegetarian Shoes is still a small business. It still operates out of the Gardner Street shop[1] and nearby office in Brighton UK. They now send shoes all over the world and a growing number of stores carry a selected range. Vegan Footwear should always provide the more sustainable option[2], and for that to be acknowledged and promoted is always going to be a positive [3]. Today, and hopefully into the future, vegan and plant-based choices in footwear, fashion, diet and lifestyle will increase. [4]
_in_January_2020.jpg)
Notable recent awards[edit]
| Winner | Viva Awards - Best Vegan Footwear | October 2019 |
| Winner | Viva Business Partner Award | October 2019 |
| Winner | Vegfest Awards - Best Vegan Footwear | October 2018 |
| Winner | Vegfest Awards - Best Vegan Footwear | October 2017 |
| Winner | Paper Round re-cycling Award | March 2014 |
| Winner | Vegfest Awards - Best Vegan Fashion and Footwear | October 2014 |
| Winner | Best Vegan Footwear | October 2013 |
| Winner | Vegfest Awards - Best Clothes and Fashion | October 2013 |
Vegan Material Development[edit]
In addition to the many Vegan materials used at Vegetarian Shoes, notably Vegetan (Bucky, fake suede, soft grain, active, patent, micro etc) and Vintage Bucky, Vegetarian Shoes have also been actively exploring Plant-Based materials such as hemp, pineapple fibre (Pinatex), organic cotton and cork.
Why Vegetarian Shoes and not Vegan Shoes?[edit]
Vegetarian Shoes are a Vegan footwear company that was established in 1990 at a time when Veganism was not as widely recognised.
As a small, but long established company, it is now a massive undertaking to get the Vegetarian Shoes name and identity changed worldwide.
Vegetarian Shoes is a Vegan-Friendly footwear company (as the majority of the vegan staff will testify), and endeavour to produce the highest quality vegan footwear possible.
Association[edit]
British Footwear Association[5]
Useful links[edit]
Why Vegan Fashion Is Always the More Sustainable Option Vegetarian Shoes, Shoe Shop - Gardner Street - North Laine Brighton
References[edit]
- ↑ "Vegetarian Shoes, Shoe Shop - Gardner Street - North Laine Brighton". www.northlaine.co.uk.
- ↑ "Why Vegan Fashion Is Always the More Sustainable Option". August 7, 2018.
- ↑ Webber, Jemima (September 30, 2019). "The Best 11 Brands for Sustainable Vegan Sneakers".
- ↑ George-Parkin, Hilary (February 15, 2019). "7 Numbers That Prove Vegan Shoes Are on the Rise".
- ↑ "Vegetarian Shoes Ltd". British Footwear Association.
External links[edit]
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals | Animal Rights in the UK The Vegetarian Society UK Viva! Homepage Home Vegetarian Shoes, Shoe Shop - Gardner Street - North Laine Brighton
This article "Vegetarian Shoes" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Vegetarian Shoes. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
