Does anybody know if there's a shop in Sheffield that sells a decent range of non-leather shoes?

[Apologies if there's already a thread on this, in which case please let me know where it is - I did try searching for it. But I guess this kind of information changes quite often anyway.]

Hmm well I can't think of any specialist Vegan shoe shops, although theres several websites dedicated to it. Doc Martens make a full non-leather range of their boots and shoes. If it's trainer or casual things you be wanting, canvas sneakers are pretty stylish at the moment anyway so you won't have much trouble getting some - Converse or Dunlops.

Hope this helps?

there used to be a little place (talking 8 ? years ago, so might be gone ) around the back of one of the shops on Ecclesall rd , sorry I can't remember exactly where, but somewhere between, Rustlings Rd, and The Texaco garage-up the hill,maybe some other shop owners around thier may know.As I remember they were made to measure, and quite costly, as mate had some and really loved them .

Originally posted by peakma
there used to be a little place (talking 8 ? years ago, so might be gone ) around the back of one of the shops on Ecclesall rd , sorry I can't remember exactly where, but somewhere between, Rustlings Rd, and The Texaco garage-up the hill,maybe some other shop owners around thier may know.As I remember they were made to measure, and quite costly, as mate had some and really loved them .
I know the one you mean, peakma. It's closed down now :(

if you get in touch with the Vegan Society, here in Sheffield, I'm sure they will be able to assist you in locating somewhere to obtain Vegan shoes from. (googlr for Sheffield Vegan Society)

I seem to remember that there was such a shop down near comonside, in walkley, about 10 years ago, but i could not tell you whether it is still in existence.

I wonder if Rocky Horror, on Division Street might have a contact? it might be worth a try.

PT

Guat Shoes,
221 School Road,
Crookes, S10 1GN
0114-2686364

Q What are Vegetarian / Vegan Shoes? What is Lorica?

A We make shoes in Lorica which are suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans. Lorica is a man made microfibrous material which shares many characteristics of leather. It is light, breathable, waterproof, elastic and flexible. It has excellent wear properties, and "improves with age" like leather. Our Lorica shoes are available in black, navy or brown, with manmade Cambrelle linings.



FRANCIS & REEVES
812b Ecclesall Rd,
Banner Cross, S11 8TD
0114 268 2329

Made to order boots & shoes in folk styles. To get any measure of value for shoes over £100, you'd need to visit for two fittings. Or, spend £60 on shoes and give £40 away.

Or Online: http://www.freerangers.co.uk/index2.htm



All the above by using Google UK with vegan shoes sheffield

There used to be place on school road in crookes, at the junction of cobden view road. Can't remember what its called sorry, but it used to do handmade shoes. A friend of mine had different sized feet so had to have his shoes made there. As far as I know its still there.

Thanks very much folks, several things to try there - though if anybody has further info that would still be useful.

there's a place in the forum, on division street that does Macbeth brand veggie shoes, I have found out today, after popping into Rocky Horrors, for some information.

hope that helps?

PT

Originally posted by Plain Talker
there's a place in the forum, on division street that does Macbeth brand veggie shoes, I have found out today, after popping into Rocky Horrors, for some information.

hope that helps?

PT

Update. The place in the Forum does have some canvas shoes, which is not what I had in mind. The staff were very helpful though, and mentioned a place in the Merion Centre in Leeds that has a good choice. They also recommended the online shop that's based in Brighton, which does look very good. I'm just a bit wary about buying shoes over the web - if they don't fit you have to pay to send them back - but might end up risking it anyway.

Also been meaning to ask at the place in School Road. Looks good from the web page, though maybe the range isn't very wide for the non-leather shoes.

i'm not being argumentative here - but if you visit Jonathan James you probably couldn't buy a pair of leather shoes if you tried.

Hmm. Always one to play devil's advocate. I have tried veggie shoes and found them up to the job, both canvas and other materials. And even tried making some. BUT. If it is cruelty to animals and the planet that is your reasoning, then perhaps we should endeavour to find out more info on the pollutive and ethical background of the material that the shoes are made from?? And which is worse: a pair made in leather from a firm based in Britain, if there are any, or a vegetarian pair made in a sweatshop. Any info anyone uncovers would be useful to the general cause, as we could then support the genuine smaller footprint companies. Thankyou.

Originally posted by ferret
as we could then support the genuine smaller footprint companies. Thankyou.

I'd love to but I have size 10 feet (44 in metric I think) :D

I do agree with you though, - artificial substitutes for leather are likely to be made from petro-chemicals; at least leather is a renewable resource.

And anyway I would have though truly vegan footware would need to be made from vegetable fibres rather than plastic.

Originally posted by Greybeard
And anyway I would have though truly vegan footware would need to be made from vegetable fibres rather than plastic.

Like wooden clogs ?

Originally posted by Greybeard
I'd love to but I have size 10 feet (44 in metric I think) :D

I do agree with you though, - artificial substitutes for leather are likely to be made from petro-chemicals; at least leather is a renewable resource.

And anyway I would have though truly vegan footware would need to be made from vegetable fibres rather than plastic.

At least when you go to buy some then they have them in stock. I'm a nine, the most popular size.
If the leather was from animals that were always to be killed, would it be ok to use the leather for footware?
Yes, it would be useful to have some research on vegetable fibre possibilities. Gives you an excuse when rooted to the spot, also. Hoho.

Originally posted by ferret
Hmm. Always one to play devil's advocate. I have tried veggie shoes and found them up to the job, both canvas and other materials. And even tried making some. BUT. If it is cruelty to animals and the planet that is your reasoning, then perhaps we should endeavour to find out more info on the pollutive and ethical background of the material that the shoes are made from?? And which is worse: a pair made in leather from a firm based in Britain, if there are any, or a vegetarian pair made in a sweatshop. Any info anyone uncovers would be useful to the general cause, as we could then support the genuine smaller footprint companies. Thankyou.
I favour renewable resources over oil based products (plastic derivatives), so Leather is a desirablle product on those grounds. I outlined this philosophy to a veggie friend with a kevlar bier's jacket once, and he bought a second hand leather one :roll:

Originally posted by ferret
Hmm. Always one to play devil's advocate. I have tried veggie shoes and found them up to the job, both canvas and other materials. And even tried making some. BUT. If it is cruelty to animals and the planet that is your reasoning, then perhaps we should endeavour to find out more info on the pollutive and ethical background of the material that the shoes are made from?? And which is worse: a pair made in leather from a firm based in Britain, if there are any, or a vegetarian pair made in a sweatshop. Any info anyone uncovers would be useful to the general cause, as we could then support the genuine smaller footprint companies. Thankyou.

I know the guy in Brighton started by making his own, but I don't know where he sources them now. I think the place in School Road make their own. So probably no worries about sweatshops at least for those two. I'd always go for British-made stuff given the choice, though that doesn't rule out sweatshops.

I guess they'd be no more polluting in production than all the other plastic things we use, and at least you get a lot of use out of them.

When you say you "tried" making some - did you succeed? Would you make them for anybody else? Are you good at cobbling??

Originally posted by ferret
If the leather was from animals that were always to be killed, would it be ok to use the leather for footware? Ah, then is it okay for me to eat the beef left over from making your shoes? ;)

Originally posted by Greybeard
And anyway I would have though truly vegan footware would need to be made from vegetable fibres rather than plastic.

You mean because oil is the metamorphosed remains of animals? Do vegans go that far? Presumably they'd also have to avoid the use of the internal combustion engine, and presumably stuff that's been transported using it?

I'm not a vegan, but I doubt they would go that far.

Originally posted by CaptainSwing
I know the guy in Brighton started by making his own, but I don't know where he sources them now. I think the place in School Road make their own. So probably no worries about sweatshops at least for those two. I'd always go for British-made stuff given the choice, though that doesn't rule out sweatshops.

I guess they'd be no more polluting in production than all the other plastic things we use, and at least you get a lot of use out of them.

When you say you "tried" making some - did you succeed? Would you make them for anybody else? Are you good at cobbling??

Um, well I didnt get that far beyond the 'design' stage really. After some drunken nights many years back with a mate, we were experimenting with the possibility of flexible and repairable wooden soles made in sections. However he went on to do re-enactments so has made his own for a while. Except they'd look pretty odd strollin thru meadowhall I'm afraid.
May look better at Robin Hood airport though.

Originally posted by nick2
Like wooden clogs ?

Certainly. I can remember people wearing these in Burnley in the ealry 1950s. Mostly the mill girls and children; ISTR they had leather uppers, but they could be made with canvas uppers and be truly vegan.

Originally posted by Strix
Ah, then is it okay for me to eat the beef left over from making your shoes? ;)

Well thats just it exactly. Of course it wouldn't. But if the animal was doomed should you waste the leather? In fact, after the world becomes vegan, would it be ok to use the leather from a cow that died of old age, or simply bury her?

Originally posted by ferret
Well thats just it exactly. Of course it wouldn't. But if the animal was doomed should you waste the leather?
If you want to believe your consumerism is only utilising a by product of my survival, then I won't stand in the way of your hypocracy ;)

And this (http://www.geocities.com/spyjaguar/undated2.html) makes interesting reading :suspect:

Originally posted by Strix
If you want to believe your consumerism is only utilising a by product of my survival, then I won't stand in the way of your hypocracy ;)

And this (http://www.geocities.com/spyjaguar/undated2.html) makes interesting reading :suspect:

Hmm. Nice piece, thanks. This confirms my thinking that all of us should do some research on the least polluting and most ethical materials available. If every person who reads these pages could explore one path each, we should know more(obviously). I will consult ' Ethical Consumer' and see what they say on the matter.
For me, its all about minimising yer footprint. So one cow is surely better than a lake full of polluted fish etc..
Have a nice day!

And anyway I would have though truly vegan footware would need to be made from vegetable fibres rather than plastic.
Meaty plastic!? Whatever next.

On a similar vein, would you also say Limestone is not suitable for vegans to build their house out of then?

If you find anywhere - let me know - I just tend to order mine from Vegetarian Shoe company in Brighton

http://www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk/

Though interestingly many New Balance trainers are made in the UK and are vegan (check out their website).

BTW if anyone is after a pair of trad clogs - Walkleys in Hebden Bridge still makes them - I used to have pair about 15 years ago ( i was into New Model Army...)

As far as I know all the Vegetarian Shoes stock are made in the UK. They stopped selling Doc Martens veggie range when they moved production out of the UK.

I dont know of any vegetarain shoe shops in sheffield but there are a few online stores.
alternative soles (.com) in Newcastle
do deliver to my brother in Chapel Town, he likes his vegan boots and
trainers.

veggie girl

Hmm. Nice piece, thanks. This confirms my thinking that all of us should do some research on the least polluting and most ethical materials available...
...of course, it gets a bit tricky when the amount of research that's required outweighs the potential positive outcome...

...maybe we should commission some research into this problem, but of course only if it's ethically justified, and not a waste of time/resources...

...:help:

Try Johnathan James in Meadowhall theres nothing leather in there ! :hihi:

I cant imagine a pair of shoes made of turnips

I cant imagine a pair of shoes made of turnips

*tuts* don't be silly, ;) ;)the shoes aren't made of turnips, they just eat them ! ;) ;) lol

No, seriously, I want to point folks back to the very earliest part of the thread, where the contact info for the makers/ suppliers of "ethical" shoes is given. It's not difficult to find the contact details, if you browse the first few posts on the first page.

I've seen some vegan shoes, which are made of a leather-substitute, and it does seem to act/ wear like leather. I might even be persuaded to go for some myself... an Xmas treat to myself.

No, seriously, I want to point folks back to the very earliest part of the thread, where the contact info for the makers/ suppliers of "ethical" shoes is given. It's not difficult to find the contact details, if you browse the first few posts on the first page.

I've seen some vegan shoes, which are made of a leather-substitute, and it does seem to act/ wear like leather. I might even be persuaded to go for some myself... an Xmas treat to myself.
To add to that, I did eventually get round to buying a pair from Guat in Crookes. Very good they are too - the material is breathable, doesn't require polishing, and wears well - no real signs of wear in over a year, apart from the soles. The range in which they'll do non-leather shoes is also wider than I'd thought - pretty much anything apart from the multi-coloured ones in their range.

Look for a stockists of Macbeth shoes, they're vegan shoes.

Look for a stockists of Macbeth shoes, they're vegan shoes.

as i said on page one og the thread, the macbeth shoes were stocked at the forum, it may be worth a try to see if they still supply them.

try some nice wooden cloggs from the foreign market when it comes

i've worn vegan shoes for the last 15 years... smart black shoes from Vegetarian Shoes in Brighton for work, their hiking boots, and fake suede... as well as all man-made Nike, Adidas shoes.. etc... the Lorica shoes from Veg Shoes in Brighton ... the same material that Guat Shoes in School Road use is a great material... it's breathes, is strong and lasts a long time... first thing to go on my shoes is generally the sole... which can be re-soled ...

I've always visited Brighton to get shoes... don't like mail order... Guat Shoes say it takes 3 weeks to make the shoes? plus i think i read that their whole range can be made with Lorica... i guess since they hand make them there's no reason why they can't...

as for leather... if it were simply a case of skinning an animal and then chucking the hide to the nearest shoemaker ... then yeah ... it would be the more ecological in the choice between Lorica or vegetan and leather... but that's not what happens.

you have to turn a putrescible skin into a non-putrescible leather.... which is a process that is high in energy consumption and waste... .. here are some tannery stats from Tunisia...

Processing 1000kg of raw animal skins produces roughly 450kg of solid waste

Atmospheric pollution - by volatile organic compounds released.. present in organic solvent based chemicals often used for leather finishing...

anywhere between 170 - 1600 cubic metres of water can be used per day by tanneries - this water often has to be treated before it can be used on the leather to avoid damage to machinery... (either filtration or ionic exchange)

Water must be treated after use... either by a physical and chemical method .. or physical, chemical and biological method...

Purification sludge produced can amount to 20 tons per day ... (25% dry matter)... which is generally dumped.

Tanneries require a license to dump the water into streams .. but only 6% meet the legal limits .. and 75% have been fined for having no control on wastewater discharge...

waste products include: SSM, BOD5, pH, sulfates, chlorides and oils/fats, meanwhile, in terms of the discharge to a public waterway, these stricter parameters are pH, SSM, COD, chlorides, sulfates, sulfurs and oils/fats.

source leathermag ... search on google for leathermag tunisia tanneries energy ...

.... the rest can be left up to the imagination ... i left out that 15,000,000 sq ft is used for animal production... which is just a lot of death .. followed by a lot of burning of energy .... to produce leather...

it would be a good idea to look into this further....

my vote goes to non-animal hides... not just for the animals but for the environment too...