What Is Vegan Leather & Bamboo Lining? Best Choice for Shoes

Veganism is no longer a rare and challenging lifestyle to follow. Thanks to Veganuary, people all over the globe now realize the vast benefits of becoming vegan.

There are endless ways to adopt this lifestyle. You can switch the meat in your burger or the milk in your latte. When it comes to food, we have a plethora of plant-based options available to us.

But what about clothes?

You may have heard of faux fur, but have you heard of faux leather? How about bamboo lining?

Faux leather is what we now call vegan leather. It’s a fake material that looks and feels the same as the real stuff but without harming any animals in the process.

Bamboo lining is an alternative to cotton that feels just as comfortable while also being more sustainable.

Keep reading to learn more about these unique vegan materials.

What Is Vegan Leather?

This is where it gets interesting. Vegan leather is super versatile and made out of some unusual yet innovative sources.

Imagine wearing a jacket made out of pineapple or mushroom. Yes, that's right. There are people out there rocking 'leather' jackets made of fruit and veg.

Cork and recycled plastic are other materials also used to create vegan clothing.

When it comes to shoes, it’s better to have a pair made from a blend of durable recycled plastic and cork, including a natural bamboo lining.

LØCI always takes a sustainable approach. We use recycled plastic that's been floating around the Mediterannean ocean and repurpose it into a distinct and unique material that's both stylish and durable.

What Is Bamboo Lining for Sneakers?

If you haven’t heard of bamboo lining for your shoes, then you’re in for a treat. Not only is bamboo environmentally friendly, but it’s super comfy, too.

We all know cotton is the most common material used for lining shoes, and maybe you assume it's sustainable.

Although cotton fibers are natural, the conventional cotton industry has a ginormous carbon footprint.

This is where bamboo comes in. This carbon-neutral material is harvested in the most environmentally friendly manner. It’s way more sustainable than cotton and could be the future of the fashion industry.

The bamboo plant is abundant, grows super quickly, and doesn't emit greenhouse gases when produced. The harvesting process and fabric manufacturing process can dramatically reduce damage to animals and the environment.

As well as being conscious about animal welfare and the environment, you also want your shoes to look great and feel comfortable. This versatile material is both breathable in summer while keeping your feet warm and insulated during winter.

Benefits of Bamboo Lining in Footwear

There are many benefits to using bamboo fibers in footwear. The most important is bamboo's antibacterial properties, without the use of harmful toxins. You'll keep your feet fresh and odor-free the natural way.

You'll never have to worry about sweaty feet when wearing sneakers lined with bamboo. This natural fabric is significantly absorbent, keeping your feet dry and fresh all day.

Bamboo fabric is softer than regular cotton. When you wear sneakers lined in this lush material, your feet will experience superior comfort like never before.

Never again experience sore skin from wearing shoes made from synthetic materials. Bamboo fibers are gentle, don’t irritate the skin, and are a natural solution for sensitive skin.

LØCI uses only the most premium bamboo in its sneakers. We give you a luxurious yet sustainable experience when it comes to fashion. Vegan, eco-friendly materials and manufacturing are our number one priority.

Cork Insoles for Sneakers

Cork is both solid and light, making it the perfect component for the materials in your sneakers.

For ultra comfort and support, cork is the best material to use for insoles. This natural material provides just as much shock absorption as a synthetic insole, which is excellent for walking and running without pain.

So, what is cork? This 100% natural and organic material is extracted from the cork oak tree. The bark is removed without harming the tree, which simply grows a new layer and restores itself to the original thickness. Cork production is highly eco-friendly!

Why Cork Insoles Are the Best for Shoes

This unique material is popular for its breathable properties. Rigid yet resistant, this natural plant tissue retains pockets of natural gas, giving it that subtle bounce.

This signature bounce is what makes cork an excellent material for shoes. Flexibility is essential when it comes to wearing sneakers for maximum longevity and comfort.

Cork also boasts a natural 'memory foam' that has a fantastic property called elastic return, which means no matter how much it's compressed, it'll always return to its natural shape.

Cork leather has other notable characteristics. Although it comes from a tree, this material isn't wood, which means there aren't any odors or bacterial growth.

In fact, this natural fabric is ultra-hygienic without having to use any nasty chemicals to make it that way. Nature's way is the best way!

Cork is also waterproof and impermeable to any water damage, making it the best alternative to animal leather. This is due to naturally occurring fatty substances in the cork membrane, which gives superb protection and durability.

For all-year-round comfort, choose cork insoles. Natural low thermal conductivity keeps your feet at a comfortable base temperature at all times.

Cork’s Orthopedic Properties

The use of cork in shoes gives them a natural orthopedic quality, which is the perfect eco-friendly solution for people who suffer from foot problems.

With its natural elasticity, cork offers support to your ankles, shins, and knees, promoting overall health and well-being.

There are many advantages to wearing sneakers with a cork footbed, both for fashion and our environment. Thehard-wearing fashion industry is beginning to notice this renewable and incredibly durable material - but there's still a long way to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vegan Leather Made From Recycled Plastic?

Traditional vegan leather made from plastic is the usual go-to for conscious fashion-goers who are prioritizing animal welfare. This doesn't mean it's eco-friendly.

The plastic from these vegan leather materials is manufactured using harsh chemicals and usually ends up in landfills due to mass production and overflowing inventory.

You're probably wondering how recycled plastic is transformed into lux material. The process begins by clearing up oceans and coastlines saturated with PET plastic bottles. Once the plastic is gathered, it is heated and reduced to small pellets, which can then be spun into long strands of yarn.

Plastic can be recycled to create vegan leather sneakers, but there are a plethora of other sustainably used materials in the production of clothing.

“One man's trash is another man's treasure” rings true when committing to a conscious and non-polluting lifestyle. Reusing and repurposing materials that usually go to waste is both innovative and necessary.

For instance, recycled corn is used as vegan and sustainable suede, and cardboard can be recycled into durable material for many purposes. Rubber is another culprit in polluting our land and oceans and can easily be recycled into footwear.

Is Vegan Leather Durable?

This is usually the first question someone would ask when buying an item made from vegan leather.

Genuine leather is known for its solid and long-lasting properties. That’s why it’s the material we choose for our hard wearing shoes.

But, if you care about the environment, you should prioritize sustainable materials more.

And that’s not to say vegan leather is inferior. Absolutely not!

Not all are created equally. Most fast fashion vegan leather is of poor quality. But premium vegan leather is made of the best natural ingredients and is almost as sturdy as genuine leather.

If you decide to purchase vegan leather shoes, you're making a conscious effort to save our planet.

You prioritize the well-being of innocent animals whose natural habitats are damaged due to toxic materials and fashion waste.

Choose items made from sustainable and durable materials like lightweight cork, soft bamboo, and eco-friendly recycled ocean plastic.

If you want shoes that'll last for years to come, choose a high-quality, environmentally friendly option.

Is Vegan Leather Waterproof?

Just like fake leather, or pleather, vegan leather is also highly water-resistant.

Vegan clothing and shoes made from 100% recycled plastic, in particular, give you maximum protection from the elements.

Does this also apply to natural vegan material? Whether your vegan leather is made from plants or leftover veggies, there are many ways to coat these fibers with safe, organic wax-like substances to keep you protected.

The fashion industry is a massive fan of pleather due to its durable and waterproof factor. This type of faux leather benefits fast-fashion brands who design clothing quickly to adapt to fast fashion trends.

Demands for vegan leather garments are at an all-time high. Who doesn’t want to contribute to the well-being of our planet and look great doing it? Let’s make sure we choose the most sustainable vegan leather material to boost veganism’s mission.

Does Vegan Leather Stretch?

Stretchable leather is essential, especially when it comes to shoes and sneakers.

You might be wondering, can you also stretch vegan leather?

Yes, of course! But only if the product is designed and manufactured well.

Most vegan leather clothes, including shoes, are incredibly comfortable. Especially if they're made from soft, breathable fibers from natural sources.

Vegan leather clothing is fast becoming the number one item to have in your closet. Whether you adore fashion trends or prefer to express your individuality, go vegan for a comfortable style that protects our earth's future.

Is Vegan Leather Toxic?

Genuine leather can be harmful due to the residual chemicals left on the material after the tanning process. Due to industrial textile development and mass production of leather goods, buying leather contributes to water pollution, climate change, and deforestation.

But what about vegan leather? Some faux leather blends are created using plastic that's unsustainable and non-biodegradable. Yet, there are many vegan clothing products, including vegan leather sneakers, that are non-toxic.

Luxurious buttery soft vegan leather is usually manufactured from natural sources like plants. Leather that isn't from animals is the future, and our little planet relies on it.

Here at LØCI, we use a blend of recycled plastic mixed with natural materials from premium bamboo and cork. Our mission is to save our sea life, and we start by removing plastic waste from the ocean to protect vulnerable marine species.

Choose conscious fashion not only to look stylish but also to save our planet from pollution.

Is Vegan Leather Eco-Friendly?

True vegan leather is eco-friendly. But you need to do your homework to ensure what you’re buying is really sustainable.

Just because a brand dubs itself as 'environmentally friendly' doesn't mean it is.

Many fast-fashion companies boast about using vegan leather and think they're automatically sustainable.

Although vegan leather and fashion are merging, some brands continue to use harmful materials in their clothes and shoes.

You may think you’re buying a vegan leather jacket made from PU material, yet find out it's Bicast, which is a blend of genuine animal leather and vegan leather.

Even if it is vegan, PU is terrible for the environment. We have an abundance of natural and sustainable materials at our fingertips. PVC leather and PU leather shouldn't be the only option for vegan materials.

An honest look into polyurethane PU vegan leather shows it hurts the environment. Some people think wearing leather not made from animals is enough.

The industry is embracing cruelty-free fashion but neglecting eco-friendly fashion.

Many eco-friendly vegan fashion brands make high-quality, truly sustainable vegan leather shoes, vegan leather purses, and even vegan leather trousers fit for Vogue.

It's our responsibility to seek out fashion from brands that have a personal mission to clean our planet and protect animal life. These brands should be totally transparent about their mission.

What Are the Effect of Plastic in Our Ocean

Plastic is killing our wildlife. With over 8 million pieces of plastic being dumped into the ocean every day, this is especially true for marine life.

Sea animals are mistaking plastic as food, leading to choking and poisoning. With the opportunity to transform current plastic waste into vegan leather, we can clear up the ocean and prevent further pollution.

LØCI understands that our ocean is the largest ecosystem on earth.

The ocean absorbs 90% of the earth's heat, and sea life keeps our oceans alive. With global temperatures rising due to climate change, this is arguably the most crucial entity in combating the damage a hotter climate can cause.

Not only this, but the ocean provides a substantial amount of protein for our population. It’s essential to make sure this food source is thriving and not infused with toxic materials.

As a sustainably-minded vegan brand, we're taking action to conserve our oceans and marine life.

Our mission is to remove one million plastic bottles from the sea in one year. It’s a huge feat but it’s one we’re excited to pursue.

For one pair of sneakers, we use five plastic bottles that have been removed from the ocean and skillfully crafted into sustainable footwear.

Is Synthetic Vegan Leather 100% Cruelty-Free?

No animals may have been killed and skinned for you to don vegan sneakers, but the plastic and toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing process harm their environment.

It's crucial to choose vegan shoes and clothing made from 100% recycled plastic. Ideally, the plastic that's polluting the ocean and killing marine life.

This affects us, too! The toxins from ocean plastic end up on our plates through the fish we're eating. It makes sense to have vegan leather in our closets made from recycled plastic to look great and stay healthy.

As well as 100% recycled plastic, there's an abundance of natural ways to produce vegan leather.

• Mushroom leather. This super versatile fungi vegetable is not only delicious and healthy but also amazingly wearable. This sustainable material has been used by conscious brands, including Stella McCartney and Hermes. It's made by drying out oyster mushrooms and blending the fibers with other natural materials, such as hemp, and is fully compostable. It's a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to PU and PVC leather.

• Pineapple leather, AKA Pinatex, was discovered by Dr. Carmen Hijosa, who wanted to create a carbon-neutral leather material. He found the answer in this tropical fruit. Using leaves from the pineapple blended with polylactic acid fibers (PLA) produces a top rival for animal leather without any added cruelty.

• Cactus leather. This vegan leather is exceptionally durable. It's generally used as an animal-friendly leather alternative for furniture and car interiors. So just think about what it can do for your shoes.

• Corn leather. There's so much waste in the corn industry, so some footwear brands decided to commit to environmental sustainability and fashion shoes out of vegan corn leather. Corn leather is a waxed base canvas coated in resin and can be highly reliable as a leather alternative.

You may be wondering what the best vegan leather is. You can figure this out based on its effect on the environment. The best vegan leather is one that has a blend of natural fibers, together with durable recycled materials.

PU and PVC leather are still in use and will probably blend with natural vegan leather for a while. However, the world is closer to using 100% sustainable, eco-friendly vegan leather than before.

Is Packaging Important for Sustainability

It's also vital to keep packaging in mind when a brand commits to a sustainable philosophy.

LØCI uses smart packaging to protect your sneakers and minimize waste.

You can't ignore the use of non-biodegradable and non-recyclable packaging materials to be a cruelty-free and eco-friendly brand.

Package waste is a massive contribution to our oceans and landfills. Brands need to ensure they're using innovative packaging for future deliveries to limit and reduce pollution.

Why Does LØCI Loves Recycling?

Here at LØCI, recycling is our main focus. Giving plastic a second life allows us to repurpose it into beautiful sneakers to fit every style and make a profound difference to ocean life.

You’d never know our sneakers were made from recycled plastic if we didn’t announce it. Our stylish footwear mimics traditional leather in both look and wearability.

We’re loud and proud when it comes to our recycled plastic vegan leather, and why not? It’s highly fashionable yet climate-friendly.

Can sneakers made from recycled plastic save our planet?

Absolutely! Some big footwear companies like Adidas and Veja are already incorporating recycled plastic into their sneakers. We hope to see more brands and businesses join us in putting purpose over profits to give our planet the best chance of a brighter future.

Vegan Leather and the Fashion Industry

Vegan clothing is gaining momentum in the fashion industry. From the not so eco-friendly fast-fashion to high-end couture, designers worldwide are finally waking up to cruelty-free style.

Back in the '90s, some people would wear 'pleather' shoes as a cheaper alternative to genuine leather. Pleather is made from synthetic materials, mainly plastic, which are bad for the environment.

More people are taking up the vegan lifestyle, yet some only stick to eating a plant-based diet. Others may also continue to use makeup and skincare products that have been tested on animals. However, true veganism is eliminating all products that have exploited animals through their production process. Not just in what you eat, but across your whole lifestyle.

The vegan philosophy also includes clothing. Whether it's jackets, bags, or shoes, there are animal-friendly items available.

Fast-Fashion Sneakers vs. Made-to-Order

Producing just one pair of sneakers generates a large amount of CO2 emissions. From materials used to the manufacturing process, the typical way of making sneakers is no longer sustainable for our planet.

Switching materials to something more sustainable such as recycled plastic, cork, and bamboo, can dramatically shrink your carbon footprint.

Giant sports corporations and fast fashion companies play a considerable role in the destruction of our environment.

Their manufacturing methods and non-stop transportation all contribute to climate change.

LØCI produces high-quality sneakers that are handmade in Portugal. Made-to-order production is the way forward for brands to contribute towards healing and restoring our planet.

Our sneakers will never end up in landfills like most wasteful mass-produced sneakers. We waste virtually nothing. This dedication to both craftsmanship and our environment is what drives our business.

Is Veganism an Industry Trend?

You may think that fashion brands are capitalizing on veganism by offering vegan leather. Some might yell “greenwashing!” when top brands and businesses use the Veganuary challenge as a strategy to boost profits. After all, veganism is considered a trend by their marketing departments.

We need to remember that the fashion industry is a business. If they’re going where the money is, and that’s veganism, then the world is moving in the right direction!

Vegan leather could save the environment. The global fashion industry negatively impacts the environment, so it must be fixed sooner rather than later.

The energy used to make and transport fashion goods generates huge amounts of greenhouse gas.

A whopping 1.5 trillion liters of water is used every year. Approximately 23kg of greenhouse gases are released for each kilo of fabric produced, and 23% of all chemicals produced worldwide are used for the textile industry.

And, there's more! If we're not careful, degraded soil caused by non-biodegradable fashion products will decrease food supply by 30% in the next decade. Massive carbon emissions from this industry alone are helping to accelerate climate change.

So is disaster pending? Not if the fashion industry majorly reduces its carbon footprint and goes vegan!

If we all buy high-quality vegan leather boots this winter, it could be a huge step forward. Let’s make anti-leather the next anti-fur!

In the past few years, luxury fashion brands declared they were going fur-free. Designers like Gucci, Burberry, Victoria Beckham, and the like pledged to turn their backs on the barbaric fur trade.

This anti-fur campaign was a giant step forward for animal welfare, yet there's still more to be done. Leather is next on the list of things to change, and we're not just talking about animal leather.

There are fashion labels that call themselves vegan yet don't use sustainable materials. We can make natural recycled vegan leather our favorite fashion commodity. Then, the fashion industry is sure to follow.

How to Choose Sustainable Vegan Leather

Not all vegan leather is equally sustainable.

Brands are putting a focus on being cruelty-free and ending the exploitation of innocent animals. But are all fashion brands using vegan leather doing enough?

Prioritizing animal welfare is amazing. But, a lot of brands need to level up for sustainability and eco-friendliness, too.

Many pleather garments contain plastic which takes years to biodegrade. Micro-plastic pollution is a massive threat to the health of our planet and sadly destroys the environment of the animals we intend to save.

Synthetic fibers from clothing, including polyurethane vegan leather, are the most significant source of micro-plastic pollution in our ocean. This type of clothing poses a threat before, during, and after its lifespan. It doesn't biodegrade and usually ends up in a landfill.

Traditional PU vegan leather could be heading for the same controversial reputation as genuine leather. With animal welfare and the environment at stake, access to more sustainable vegan leather is now rising.

For vegan leather to be truly sustainable, it must be both animal and environmentally friendly.

As consumers, many of us are taking the responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint. We do this by following a plant-based diet, using animal-friendly skincare products, and purchasing 100% vegan clothing.

The problem is that 100% vegan clothing isn’t easy to find. Most vegan brands are only producing plastic-based materials.

People are unaware of the materials used or the manufacturing process. The main culprits are fast fashion, but even high-end brands sell this kind of vegan leather.

There are some designers out there, though, who choose to use recycled plastic in their garments. This uses up the current overload of plastic instead of adding more pollution to the planet.

By doing a little extra homework and opting for brands like this, you do your bit for the planet and the animals.

Vegan Leather Shoes

Looking for new shoes can be both exciting and confusing. You probably know your style and budget, but do you know what materials are used and where they come from?

This won’t be confusing if you buy from a brand that’s transparent about its resources and manufacturing.

Responsible vegan brands are getting easier to come by. LØCI is committed to making buying sustainable sneakers super easy.

Comfort is usually top of the list when you're on the hunt for the perfect shoes. People are quick to dismiss vegan leather as inflexible and weak, which is simply untrue.

Vegan leather can be one of the most hard-wearing materials on the market. Their versatile blend gives a soft stretch that matches genuine leather.

The result? Comfortable and protected feet without toxic materials.

The Future of Vegan Leather

The vegan leather industry is expected to be worth $90 billion by 2025. According to animal rights organization PETA, many brands are also aiming for zero animal by-products in manufacturing clothing and accessories.

The world is heading in a positive direction. As a civilization, we're more aware than ever of the cruelty and exploitation of innocent animals for the sake of food, beauty, and fashion. Sustainability is on the rise, too. Many consumers are looking out for natural, organic products that produce as little waste as possible.

The ultimate goal is to reuse, recycle, and consciously consume eco-friendly products and items.

To make a change, we must all take individual responsibility and accountability.

Earth is our only home and our actions today impact our future. Let’s make the future generation proud by choosing vegan. Not just for what we eat, but also for what we wear.

Choose vegan leather and bamboo lining for your shoes. Not all vegan materials are created equally. Vegan leather that’s just imitation leather pollutes our planet. Cotton sneaker lining comes with a huge carbon footprint.

Choose vegan leather and bamboo lining for sneakers that are robust, long-lasting, comfortable, and most importantly, good for the planet.

You can help animals exist and assist the planet in its recovery, too. It all starts with your sneakers.