Leather Alternatives??
Jim Peri
Leather Alternatives FAQ. I've heard that one exists, but I can't seem to
find it. Is it in this newsgroup and just not currently posted or is it in
another newsgroup?
Thanx...
Jimxxx
Tom Swiss
Ask and ye shall recieve...
Leather Alternatives FAQ list
Compiled by Tom Swiss
Last modified: April 11 1994
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===== Vegetarians and the Use of Leather Goods =====
For the benefit of our "lurking omnivores", and for those new to
vegetarianism, we should start with a few words about the attitude of
vegetarians towards the use of leather goods. We should note that there are
some vegetarians who have little or no objection to the use of leather and
other animal-derived goods; many who adopt a vegetarian diet primarily for
reasons of health would fall into this category, as would some who adopt a
vegetarian diet for its lower environmental impact (but see below). Even
those who are vegetarian for ethical reasons may use some leather goods -
if there is no available alternative, if the goods were gifts, or purchased
before the person became a vegetarian or purchased by mistake. I own a pool
cue with a leather tip I bought many years ago, and I used to have a pair
of leather hiking boots I bought thinking they were synthetic, and that I
was unable to return.
Thus, a vegetarian wearing leather shoes is not necessarily a
hypocrite.
===== Environmental Considerations =====
Some claim that using leather alternatives is harmful to the
environment, as these alternatives usually use plastics which are derived
from petrochemicals, or fabrics like cotton whose production often involves
the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. However, the production of
leather is also damaging to the environment.
From the Nov/Dec 1991 issue of the _Vegetarian Journal_: (much of the
other information presented here is from the same issue.)
<begin quote>
Environmentally, turing animal hides into leather is an energy intensive
and polluting practice. The Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
states, "On the basis of quantity of energy consumed per unit of product
produced, the leather-manufacturing industry would be categorized with the
aluminum, paper, steel, cement, and petroleum-manufacturing industries as a
gross consumer of energy." Production of leather basically involves soaking
(beamhouse), tanning, dyeing, drying, and finishing. Over 95% of all
leather produced in the U.S. is chrome tanned. The effluent that must be
treated is primarily related to the beamhouse and tanning operations. The
most difficult to treat is effulent from the tanning process. All wastes
containing chromium are considered hazardous by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). Many other pollutants involved in the processing
of leather are associated with environmental and health risks. In terms of
disposal, one would think that leather products would be biodegradable, but
the primary function for a tanning agent is to stabilize the collagen or
protein fibers so that they are no longer biodegradable.
Evaluating the relative environmental and health costs of leather versus
non-leather products is difficult to do. It is apparent that they all
involve practices that can adversely affect public health and the
environment. Since leather is intimately related to the exploitation of
animals, it seems most desirable to buy canvas, limit purchases, go
barefoot, and encourage companies to develop more ecologically sound
alternatives.
<end quote>
And this doesn't even take into account the ecological cost of modern
animal agriculture techniques.
===== Mail Order and Catalog sources of non-leather goods =====
Heartland Products and Aesop Unlimited carry only non-leather items:
Heartland Products Ltd., Box 218, Dakota City, IA 50529, (515)
332-3087.
Aesop Unlimited, P.O. Box 315, N. Cambridge, MA 02140, (617)
628-8030. (was: 923-1704.)
_The Compassionate Shopper_ regularly lists companies that sell
non-leather shoes. Contact Beauty Without Cruelty, 175 W. 12th St., #16G,
New York, NY 10011-8275.
The following sources carry both leather and non-leather
products, so read carefully:
Avon Fashions, Avon Lane, Newport News, VA 23630, (800) 322-1119.
Shoes, belts, and other clothing items made from synthetic leather. (I
get the impression that they only carry women's clothing, but I'm not
sure.) I have had a complaint about the quality of the goods sold by
this company; caveat emptor.
Birkenstock, 1339 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, 66044, (913) 841-7027.
The Capri and Nobbi sandals, Birki clogs, and Teva sandals are free of
animal products. Louise-Annette Burgess (burg...@ucs.orst.edu) reports
that "The Birkenstock Store (called Footwise in my region) sizes your foot
(if you do not already know your Birk size) and then can order or make the
shoes that you want with or without leather."
John Blair Co, Warren, PA 16366. Mostly women's shoes, some men's
shoes and work boots.
Brights Creek, Bay Point Place, Hampton, VA 23653, (800)
622-9202. Excellent selection of non-leather children's shoes.
Forestry Suppliers Inc., 205 W. Rankin St., P.O. Box 8397,
Jackson Ms 39284-8397, (800) 647-5368. LaCrosse Timber Boots (see
below).
J. Crew, One Ivy Crescent, Lynchburg, VA 24506-1001, (800)
932-0043. Men's and women's canvas deck shoes and thongs, women's
espadrilles, slip-ons and tie sneakers.
L.L. Bean, (800) 221-4221. Various New Balance shoes (see below),
Canvas Main Canoe Shoes, River Runner Thongs and Sandals, canvas
Sperry Top-Siders, non-leather bags, watch bands and jackets.
Massey's, (800) 627-7397. Canvas and synthetic slip-ons, leather-like
flats, pumps, and other styles. Somewhat pricey.
Old Pueblo Traders (OPT), Palo Verde at 34th, P.O. Box 27800,
Tucson, AZ 85726-7800, (602) 748-8600. Women's shoes, sandals, and
boots, many in hard-to-find sizes. Leatherlike pants, suedelike
skirts, and faux furs.
J.C. Penny, (800) 222-6161. Often carries some non-leather
products.
Pueblo to People, 2105 Silber Road, Suite 101-54, Houston, TX 77055,
(800) 843-5257. Cheryl Stewart (cste...@desire.wright.edu), who gave me
their address, says they are "an alternative trade organization. They have
some leather alternative products, many made of Guatelaman cloth. It is a
nonprofit organization with the philosophy `trade, not aid.' They have
beautiful catalogs."
Real Goods, 966 Mazzoni Street, Ukiah, CA 95482-3471. Voice (800)
762-7325, Fax (707) 468-9486. Deja Shoes; many other groovy products
including a leather-looking backpack made "EKKO" cloth, a non-polluting
combination of natural and synthetic rubbers.
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), (800) 426-4840. REI carries
two non-leather sandals, the Kahala and the Response. They have the
Novara Lifeline Lycra bicycling glove, and non-leather bags,
backpacks, deck booties, and watch bands.
Roaman's, (800) 274-7130. Often has some non-leather shoes.
Sears Roebuck, (800) 366-3000. Several types of synthetic footwear, in
canvas and suedelike materials.
Smith & Hawken, (415) 383-2000. Rubberlike garden clogs for men and
women.
Sports Wave, 5484 S.W. Alger, Suite #G-13, Beaverton, OR 97005, (800)
322-3381. Avia shoes (see below).
The Tog Shop, (912) 924-4800. Women's shoes: canvas sneakers, rubber
rain boots, sandals, slip-ons and slippers.
WearGuard Work Clothes, (800) 388-3300. Walkers in Chukka and Oxford
styles, rubber steel-toe and waterproof boots. "No Sweat" work gloves (see
below).
Salvage, 656 Romero Canyon Rd., Montecito, CA 93108-1527, Voice:
(805) 569-5988, Fax (805) 969-7422. Oxford and High-top covertable to a
mid-top. (I'm not sure if all their products are leather-free or not.)
===== Athletic Shoes =====
Men's: Avia shoes made with hydrolite or HLT2; the 141 crosstrainer;
the 2000 series running shoes; the 333, Arc 351, and Arc 383 walking shoes;
and several basketballs shoes are non-leather. Converse All Stars ("Chuck
Taylors"). K-Swiss canvas sneakers. New Balance 677 running shoes, 320
athletic shoes and cross trainers - read labels. Rob Spray (spray@trojan.
convex.com) likes his Asahi MY-3 tennis shoes. Nike - call (800) 344-NIKE
for a list of animal product-free shoes; many of their non-leather shoes
use a synthetic called Durabuck. Saucony has non-leather running and other
athletic shoes.
Women's: Avia 680 and 525 aerobics shoes, running shoes in the 2000
series, the 333, 383, and 351 walking shoes. Converse All Stars. New
Balance 677 running shoes, 320 athletic shoes and cross trainers - read
labels. Nike - call (800) 344-NIKE for a list of animal product-free shoes;
many of their non-leather shoes use a synthetic called Durabuck. Reebok
canvas sneakers. Saucony has non-leather running and other athletic
shoes. Tretorn canvas tennis and walking shoes.
Children's: Attack Force. Converse All Stars. Nike shoes with Durabuck
(that number again, (800) 344-NIKE). Pro Wings. WJ 900.
Kim Laurie (k...@stallion.oz.au) reports that La Sportiva's Tao
rock-climbing shoes are non-leather.
Thanks to Joe Clark (joec...@scilink.org) for providing a copy of
Nike's list of non-leather shoes. (Tim Tyler (t...@ais.org) also deserves a
mention for providing the Fall 1992 list.) Unless otherwise indicated, all
colors for both sexes are non-leather.
NIKE
Spring 1994 Footwear not containing animal-products
Technical Running, Men's & Women's: Air Max, Air Huarache Plus, Air
Huarache International, Air Huarache Light, Air Structure II, Air Tailwind,
Air Skylon TC, Air Analog, Air Pegasus, Air Pegasus RD, Air Icarus.
Racing Shoes: Air Mariah, Niobe, Zoom waffle.
Track & Field: Zoom D, Zoom S, Zoom Country Long Jump, Zoom
Rotational, Zoom High Jump.
Men's Non-technical running: Pantheon.
Men's Basketball: Air Maestro High, Air Prop Mid, Air Sonic Flight Mid
(number 130176-010 only)
Men's Cross-Training: Air Carnivore (ironic name, no?), Air Trainer
Huarache, Air Edge Mid, Air Edge Low, Air Trainer Vengeance Low (number
173031-012 only), Air Trainer Accel Mid (number 173023-011 only), Air
Diamond Turf (numbers 173022-060 and 173022-160 only), Air Veer (number
173030-011 only), Air Spat (numbers 173026-031 and 173026-010 only).
Men's Outdoor: Air Vulgarian, Air Revaderchi II.
Men's Tennis: Air Supreme Focus, Air Challenge Future.
Women's Tennis: Air Challenge Hurache.
Women's Basketball: Air Flight 3/4, Air Transition Force 3/4 (number
131011-010 only).
Women's Running/Walking: Air Speed RW, Air Current RW, Air Delphina RW.
Women's Fitness/Aerobics: Air Elite Lotus, Brea Canvas (casual).
Women's Cross-Training: Air Hurache VT.
Women's Outdoor: Air Deschutz (sandal), Air Vulgarian Mid.
Cycling: System Ultra (men's), Terramac (women's).
Men's Golf: Hobart.
Football: Strike Force High, Strike Force.
Soccer: Blitz M, Blitz M (Children's), Blitz TR (Children's).
Sandals, etc.: Air Deschutz, Umpqua, Aqua Turf.
Women's Golf: Colwood.
Wrestling: Escape II, Combatant, Air Reversal.
Baseball/Softball: MCS Air Slam, Air Slider, MCS Slam, MCS Keystone
3/4, Slasher, MCS Keystone, Women's MCS, Air Circuit (Women's), MCS
Keystone (children's), MCS Keystone 3/4 (children's).
Boy's Gradeschool/Preschool: Air Pegasus, Air Edge Mid, Air Carnivore
(nuymber 153074-001 only), Air Icarus Extra II, Air Maestro, Air Canvas
GTS, Aqua Sock, Deschutz.
Girl's Gradeschool/Preschool: Air Pegasus, Icarus Extra II, Bria
Canvas.
Baby Shoes: Baby Canvas GTS, Baby Aqua Sock, Baby Deschutz II (sandal).
===== Hiking Boots =====
Hi-Tec Sierra Sneaker: All canvas hiking boot. Available from
Heartland or REI.
Rugged Outback: Leatherlike hiking sneakers. Available at Payless Shoe
Source.
Aesop and Heartland both carry leather-like hiking boots.
The Nike "Outdoor" listings sound promising.
In the U.K., Michael Traub says that the following places carry
non-leather hiking boots:
Cader Idris Outdoor Gear, Eldon Square, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 1PS,
Phone 0341-422195. Access and Visa accepted. Prices 29.50 to 49.99.
Designer Wares, 8 Ashwell Road, Bradford BD9 4AU, Phone 0274-483390.
Price 45.00.
===== Work Boots =====
Heartland Products carries a leatherlike boot with a steel toe.
LaCrosse Timber Boots: Rugged all-rubber boots, 12" high with felt
midsole, foam insulation and knobby soles.
I've seen synthetic steel-toed boots at places like Payless and Pic 'n
Pay.
WearGuard Work Clothers carries rubber steel-toe boots.
===== Dress and Other Shoes =====
Read labels. (Aren't most vegetarians compulsive label readers by
now anyway?) Look for the words "All man-made materials", or for shoes
made from canvas or other obviously non-leather fabric. Try Payless Shoe
Source, Fayva, Kinney, K-Mart, Sears, J.C. Penny, Pic 'N Pay, Woolworth,
Thom McAnn, Wal-Mart, Marshalls, and other inexpensive chains. You may
find at least one non-leather model even at more expensive stores, but
why pay more?
Tom Billings (t...@stat.Berkeley.edu) reports that non-leather
narrow width men's dress shoes are just about impossible to find. Any
information on sources for such shoes would be appreciated.
Shari Dawson (c/o Greg_...@mindlink.bc.ca) tells me that
Naturalizer shoe stores carry a variety of women's shoes in imitation
leather and suede, including narrow sizes.
In the U.K., there's an outfit called "Vegetarian Shoes." Michael
Traub (tr...@btcs.bt.co.uk) says they "make synthetic shoes which will
easily outlast leather shoes. They also require less maintenance (i.e. no
need to polish them)." Vegetarian Shoes, 12 Gardner St, Brighton, BN1 1UP,
United Kingdom.
Real Goods carries Deja Shoes, made from recycled materials. Several
styles.
Val Voorheis (voor...@econs.umass.edu) tells me that Kenneth Cole's
UNLISTED line "has a lot of non-leather shoes. They are all clearly marked
(and the non-leatherness is part of the advertising). They have a toll-free
number, 1-800-UNLISTED, for information on retail locations that carry
these products. In addition, some of them are pretty stylin', they are
pretty good quality, and moderately priced (not Payless prices, but not
terribly out of line."
===== Accessories =====
Belts: Aesop and Heartland are good sources. The belts that sometimes
come with pants are almost always non-leather. Canvas belts with the brass
slide-through buckles (like Boy Scouts use) can be found at any outdoor
sports store. (And they last just about forever!)
Briefcases: Inexpensive briefcases at office supply stores are often
non-leather. Aesop carries both a business attache and portfolio. Land's
End has a canvas briefcase. (Or ditch the briefcase and get a nice backpack
or satchel - they're easier to carry on the bus or subway.)
Handbags and wallets: Most department stores carry some non-leather
bags and wallets. Sporting goods stores often carry nylon or canvas
wallets.
===== Specialty Items =====
Ballet shoes: R.G. Barry Corp., Box 129, Columbus OH 43216.
Balls and gloves: Spalding Sports offers a synthetic leather
volleyball, basketball, and soccer ball. The Vegetarian Resource Group
says that Spalding makes a vinyl baseball/softball glove, but one
netter says he called Spalding and they didn't know what he was
talking about. (800) 225-6601 to find stores in your area that carry
Spalding products. Dudley makes a synthetic softball: (800) 523-5387.
Biking gloves: REI carries Novara Lightning Gloves and Novara Lifeline
Lyrca Gloves, made from Nash - a fabric that looks and feels like leather
but wears even better. No leather palms on these gloves. Cotton/spandex
"skiing" gloves have also been recommended. Joe Clark (joeclark@scilink.
org) found a non-leather brand of winter bicycling gloves called "Paris" at
a store up in Toronto; he also recommends "Pearl Izumi Lobster Therma-
Dores" for warmer weather.
"Leather" jackets: Avon Products carries a leather look-alike dress
jacket. A company called Windbreaker makes a fairly good-looking biker-
style jacket, but I only know one store that carries them. (If you're in my
area, try Ranger Surplus - that's where I got mine.)
Motorcycle gear: In the U.K., I had a listing for Mocatan, producing
non-leather goods including biker jackets and boots. They had relocated to
Manchester from Wolverhampton (the new address, provided by David
L. Jackson (mbh...@hpa.ee.man.ac.uk) was Mocotan, 283 Deansgate,
Manchester M3 4EW, U.K.) - but Michael Traub (tr...@btcs.bt.co.uk) tells me
they've closed down. However, he gave me the address of the Vegan Bikers
Association: 48 Hawkins Hall Lane, Datchworth, Knebworth, Herts SG3
6TE. They provide information (mainly clothing related) to vegan
motorcyclists. If any U.K. bikers get any info from them, I'd love to add
it to the list.
Hein Gericke apparently carries a non-leather motorcycle boot,
according to Mike Johnson (mi...@inmos.co.uk). Their U.K. mail-order phone
number is 0904 679860.
Work gloves: W. Wells Lamont "No Sweat" Gloves.
Drums: Yes, drums. The Earth Art Gallery in Ellicott City, MD (8304
Main Street, Zip Code 21043) has "animal friendly" Native American style
drums made with Kelvar instead of animal skins. I'm going to try to find
out who their supplier is. The drums have a very good sound, and look and
feel a lot like skin drums.
===== General Hints =====
Look at the most inexpensive products - they are most likely to be
non-leather.
Some vinyl shoes may squeak. Try mineral oil, hand cream, or similar
lubricants between the noisy surfaces.
Many patent "leather" looking shoes are synthetic. Again, check the
label for "all man-made materials."
"Leatherette" is a brand name of high-quality vinyl, not a form of
leather.
===============================================================================
Tom Swiss/t...@tis.com | "Born to die." | Keep your laws off my brain!
"What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?" - Nick Lowe
Now at t...@tis.com; same opinions, new address.
"Quick to judge, quick to anger / Slow to understand
Ignorance and prejudice / And fear walk hand in hand..."
-- Rush, "Witch Hunt"
Adam Robey
Compiled by Tom Swiss
Send praise, information, flames, money, etc. to t...@cs.umd.edu
This file, along with many others, is available via anonymous ftp
from
flubber.cs.umd.edu, in directory other/tms/veg.
This list is only as good as the information I get. If you have
comments on any of the stores, catalogs or products mentioned in this
list,
or if you know of other good products or sources, _please_ send them to
me!
===== Vegetarians and the Use of Leather Goods =====
For the benefit of our "lurking omnivores", and for those new to
vegetarianism, we should start with a few words about the attitude of
vegetarians towards the use of leather goods. We should note that
there are some vegetarians who have little or no objection to the use
of leather and other animal-derived goods; many who adopt a vegetarian
diet primarily for reasons of health would fall into this category, as
would some who adopt a vegetarian diet for its lower environmental
impact (but see below). Even those who are vegetarian for ethical
reasons may use some leather goods - if there is no available
alternative, if the goods were gifts, or purchased before the person
became a vegetarian or purchased by mistake. I own a pool cue with a
leather tip I bought many years ago, and a pair of leather hiking
boots I bought thinking they were synthetic, and that I was unable to
return.
Thus, a vegetarian wearing leather shoes is not necessarily a
hypocrite.
===== Environmental Considerations =====
Some claim that using leather alternatives is harmful to the
environment, as these alternatives usually use plastics which are
derived
from petrochemicals, or fabrics like cotton whose production often
involves
the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. However, the production
of
leather is also damaging to the environment.
From the Nov/Dec 1991 issue of the Vegetarian Journal: (much of
<begin quote>
<end quote>
Avon Fashions, Avon Lane, Newport News, Va 23630, (800) 322-1119.
Shoes, belts, and other clothing items made from synthetic leather. (I
get the impression that they only carry women's clothing, but I'm not
sure.) I have had a complaint about the quality of the goods sold by
this company; caveat emptor.
Birkenstock, 1339 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, 66044, (913)
841-7027. The Capri and Nobbi sandals, Birki clogs, and Teva sandals
are free of animal products.
John Blair Co, Warren, PA 16366. Mostly women's shoes, some men's
shoes and work boots.
Brights Creek, Bay Point Place, Hampton, VA 23653, (800)
622-9202. Excellent selection of non-leather children's shoes.
Forestry Suppliers Inc., 205 W. Rankin St., P.O. Box 8397,
Jackson Ms 39284-8397, (800) 647-5368. LaCrosse Timber Boots (see
below).
J. Crew, One Ivy Crescent, Lynchburg, VA 24506-1001, (800)
932-0043. Men's and women's canvas deck shoes and thongs, women's
espadrilles, slip-ons and tie sneakers.
L.L. Bean, (800) 221-4221. Various New Balance shoes (see below),
Canvas Main Canoe Shoes, River Runner Thongs and Sandals, canvas
Sperry Top-Siders, non-leather bags, watch bands and jackets.
Massey's, (800) 627-7397. Canvas and synthetic slip-ons,
leather-like
flats, pumps, and other styles. Somewhat pricey.
Old Pueblo Traders (OPT), Palo Verde at 34th, P.O. Box 27800,
Tucson, AZ 85726-7800, (602) 748-8600. Women's shoes, sandals, and
boots, many in hard-to-find sizes. Leatherlike pants, suedelike
skirts, and faux furs.
J.C. Penny, (800) 222-6161. Often carries some non-leather
products.
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), (800) 426-4840. REI carries
two non-leather sandals, the Kahala and the Response. They have the
Novara Lifeline Lycra bicycling glove, and non-leather bags,
backpacks, deck booties, and watch bands.
Roaman's, (800) 274-7130. Often has some non-leather shoes.
Sears Roebuck, (800) 366-3000. Several types on synthetic
footwear, in
canvas and suedelike materials.
Smith & Hawken, (415) 383-2000. Rubberlike garden clogs for men
and
women.
Sports Wave, 5484 S.W. Alger, Suite #G-13, Beaverton, OR 97005,
(800)
322-3381. Avia shoes (see below).
The Tog Shop, (912) 924-4800. Women's shoes: canvas sneakers,
rubber
rain boots, sandals, slip-ons and slippers.
WearGuard Work Clothes, (800) 388-3300. Walkers in Chukka and
Oxford
styles, rubber steel-toe and waterproof boots. "No Sweat" work gloves
(see
below).
===== Athletic Shoes =====
Men's: Avia shoes made with hydrolite or HLT2; the 141
crosstrainer;
the 2000 series running shoes; the 333, Arc 351, and Arc 383 walking
shoes;
and several basketballs shoes are non-leather. Converse All Stars
("Chuck
Taylors"). K-Swiss canvas sneakers. New Balance 677 running shoes, 320
athletic shoes and cross trainers - read labels. Nike - call (800)
344-NIKE
for a list of non-animal products; many of their non-leather shoes use
a
synthetic called Durabuck. Saucony has non-leather running and other
athletic shoes.
Women's: Avia 680 and 525 aerobics shoes, running shoes in the
2000
series, the 333, 383, and 351 walking shoes. Converse All Stars. New
Balance 677 running shoes, 320 athletic shoes and cross trainers - read
labels. Nike - call (800) 344-NIKE for a list of non-animal products;
many
of their non-leather shoes use a synthetic called Durabuck. Reebok
canvas
sneakers. Saucony has non-leather running and other athletic shoes.
Tretorn
canvas tennis and walking shoes.
Children's: Attack Force. Converse All Stars. Nike shoes with
Durabuck
(that number again, (800) 344-NIKE). Pro Wings. WJ 900.
Kim Laurie (k...@stallion.oz.au) reports that La Sportiva's Tao
rock-climbing shoes are non-leather.
Thanks to Tim Tyler (t...@ais.org) for providing a copy of Nike's
list of non-leather shoes. Unless otherwise indicated, all colors for
both sexes are non-leather.
NIKE
Fall 1992 Footwear not containing animal-products
Technical Running, Men's & Women's: Air 180, Air Verona (Women's),
Air
Max ST, Air Huarache, Air Alpha, Air Anodyne (Men's), Air Skylon 2, Air
Pegasus, Air Icarus, Air Craft (Women's), Air Athena (Women's).
Racing Shoes: Air Mariah, Sarone, The Waffle Racer, Air Pegasus
Racer.
Track & Field: Zoom D, Zoom S, Zoom V, Zoom Extra, Zoom
Rotational,
Javelin, Zoom Rival, Zoom Glide, High Jump, Long Jump.
Men's Basketball: Air Jordan (ONLY Black/Light Graphite/bordeaux
colors are Durabuck! Other colors are LEATHER), Air Flight Hurache Air
Solo
Flight (Black/Black ONLY), Air Bound (Black/Black-Light Graphite,
Black/White-Dark Royal Blue, & Midnight Navy/Midnight Navy-Metallic
Gold
color ways), Air Flight Mid, Air Force 180 Low (Black/white/dark Royal
Blue
color way ONLY!), Air Ballistic Force High (Black/White true-red ONLY),
Air
Magnum Force 3/4 (Black/Black-bronze ONLY).
Men's Cross-Training: Air Trainer Hurache, Air Trainer Lite.
Men's Tennis: Air Challenge Hurache.
Women's Tennis: Air Challenge Hurache.
Women's Cross-Training: Air Trainer Hurache, Air Elite Max, Air
Elite Hurache.
Hiking/Outdoor: Air Revaderchi, Air Deschutz.
Outdoor Volleyball: Foot Digs.
Cycling: System Ultra, Access.
Men's Golf: Hobart, Hobart SL.
Football: Strike Force High, Strike Force.
Soccer: Rio Plus M, Rio Plus M (Children's), Rio Plus Turf
(Children's).
Aqua Gear: Aqua Sock Too3, Aqua Sock, Aqua Surf, Aqua Strap 2,
Aqua
Thong 2
Women's Golf: Colwood.
Wrestling: Escape 2, Combatant.
Baseball/Softball: MCS Air Slam, Air Slider, Air Slider by Bo
Jackson,
MCS Slam, CS Heat, Slasher, MCS Keystone, Air Attack, Women's MC5, Air
Circuit (Women's).
Boy's Gradeschool/Preschool: Air Flight Mid (Black/White-Cardinal
Red
ONLY), Air Pegasus, Aqua Sock (Youth & infant sizes).
Girl's Gradeschool/Preschool: Air Pegasus.
===== Hiking Boots =====
Hi-Tec Sierra Sneaker: All canvas hiking boot. Available from
Heartland or REI.
Rugged Outback: Leatherlike hiking sneakers. Available at Payless
Shoe
Source.
Aesop and Heartland both carry leather-like hiking boots.
In the U.K., Michael Traub says that the following places carry
non-leather hiking boots:
Cader Idris Outdoor Gear
Eldon Square
Dolgellau
Gwynedd LL40 1PS
Phone 0341-422 195, access and visa accepted. Prices 29.50 to
49.99
Designer Wares
8 Ashwell Road
Bradford BD9 4AU
0274-483390, price 45.00
===== Work Boots =====
Heartland Products carries a leatherlike boot with a steel toe.
LaCrosse Timber Boots: Rugged all-rubber boots, 12" high with felt
midsole, foam insulation and knobby soles.
WearGuard Work Clothers carries rubber steel-toe boots.
===== Dress and Other Shoes =====
Read labels. (Aren't most vegetarians compulsive label readers by
now anyway?) Look for the words "All man-made materials", or for shoes
made from canvas or other obviously non-leather fabric. Try Payless
Shoe
Source, Fayva, Kinney, K-Mart, Sears, J.C. Penny, Pic 'N Pay,
Woolworth,
Thom McAnn, Wal-Mart, Marshalls, and other inexpensive chains. You may
find at least one non-leather model even at more expensive stores, but
why pay more?
Tom Billings (t...@stat.Berkeley.edu) reports that non-leather
narrow width men's dress shoes are just about impossible to find. Any
information on sources for such shoes would be appreciated.
Shari Dawson (c/o Greg_...@mindlink.bc.ca) tells me that
Naturalizer shoe stores carry a variety of women's shoes in imitation
leather and suede, including narrow sizes.
===== Accessories =====
Belts: Aesop and Heartland are good sources. The belts that
sometimes
come with pants are almost always non-leather. Canvas belts with the
brass
slide-through buckles (like Boy Scouts use) can be found at any outdoor
sports store. (And they last just about forever!)
Briefcases: Inexpensive briefcases at office supply stores are
often
non-leather. Aesop carries both a business attache and portfolio.
Land's
End has a canvas briefcase. (Or ditch the briefcase and get a nice
backpack
- they're easier to carry on the bus or subway.)
Handbags and wallets: Most department stores carry some
non-leather
bags and wallets. Sporting goods stores often carry nylon or canvas
wallets.
===== Specialty Items =====
Ballet shoes: R.G. Barry Corp., Box 129, Columbus OH 43216.
Balls and gloves: Spalding Sports offers a synthetic leather
volleyball, basketball, and soccer ball. The Vegetarian Resource Group
says that Spalding makes a vinyl baseball/softball glove, but one
netter says he called Spalding and they didn't know what he was
talking about. (800) 225-6601 to find stores in your area that carry
Spalding products. Dudley makes a synthetic softball: (800) 523-5387.
Biking gloves: REI carries Novara Lightning Gloves and Novara
Lifeline Lyrca Gloves, made from Nash - a fabric that looks and feels
like leather but wears even better. No leather palms on these gloves.
Cotton/spandex "skiiing" gloves have also been recommended. Joe Clark
(joec...@SCILINK.ORG) found a non-leather brand called "Paris" at a
store up in Toronto.
"Leather" jackets: Avon Products carries a leather lookalike
dress jacket. In the U.K. there is Mocatan, producing all non-leather
goods including biker jackets and boots. Mocatan, James House, 49a
Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, WV3 OUF, U.K. (Any of our U.K. readers
dealt with these folks?) A company called Windbreaker makes a fairly
good-looking biker-style jacket, but I only know one store that
carries them. (If you're in my area, try Ranger Surplus - that's where
I got mine.)
Work gloves: W. Wells Lamont "No Sweat" Gloves.
Bobbi Pasternak
: Hello. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of the
: Thanx...
: Jimxxx
Hi, Jim--
Here's another article as well.
For questions, comments, or updates to this article, please contact Brad
Scott at 73052...@compuserve.com. This article may be reproduced
intact or with credit given to The Vegetarian Resource Group.
__________________________________________________
A SHOPPER'S GUIDE TO LEATHER ALTERNATIVES
By Sally Clinton
For those who want to follow a vegan lifestyle and try to avoid
the use of animal products in all aspects of their lives,
finding non-leather shoes can sometimes be a challenge. It
does seem that the selection is growing, however, and thanks to
discount shoe stores and mail order catalogs, vegetarians now
have the option to look fashionable or find proper footwear
without significantly compromising their values. Following is
a listing of mail order sources, brand names, national chains,
and catalogs, as well as some tips to help make the search for
non-leather footwear and accessories a little easier. Many of
the companies or resources listed below carry both leather and
non-leather products, so be sure to read labels carefully or
ask questions. Most shoes will say "all man-made materials"
inside the shoe or on the sole if they are synthetic. If not,
there usually is the "genuine leather" sign on the sole. If
you see "leatherette," this is actually a brand name for a high
quality vinyl.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
We all know the importance of considering the environmental
consequences of our actions on a daily basis. Naturally, such
considerations also apply to our clothing choices. Many
vegetarians struggle over the issue of purchasing synthetic
over leather products, since most synthetic products are
petroleum based and pollute the environment in both the
manufacturing process and disposal. Fabric materials are
considered more desirable, since they are commonly made from
natural fibers such as cotton, but the cotton industry relies
heavily on pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Both options
have negative environmental consequences. However, many people
are unaware that the leather industry has its own set of
environmental problems to address.
Webster's Dictionary defines leather as "a material consisting
of animal skin prepared for use by removing the hair and
tanning." According to the Quill Corporation, "top grain
leather is made from the top of the animal skin with the hair
and some imperfections removed. Split leather is from the area
beneath the top grain. Bonded leather contains ground,
pulverized, or shredded leather, and thus is not wholly the
hide of an animal." Leather can come not only from cows, but
other animals such as pigs, deer, elk, buffalo, and lambs.
`Exotic' animals also lose their skin to shoes, bags, wallets,
and belts. These include alligators, crocodiles, lizards,
snakes, and kangaroos, among others. Therefore, many species
are exploited to make leather products.
The leather industry is directly related to the meat industry
and contributes significantly to the profits obtained from
raising animals for slaughter. According to Leather Industries
of America, the trade association for the leather industry,
very few animals are raised specifically for their hides.
Therefore, as meat consumption decreases, the availability of
hides, and ultimately leather, decreases. In 1978, the total
number of processed and tanned hides in the U.S. was 5,328,000,
whereas in 1989 it was down to 3,039,000. While some people
feel it is okay to use leather since the animal is already
being killed, others argue that purchasing leather supports an
industry that abuses and exploits animals.
Environmentally, turning animal hides into leather is an energy
intensive and polluting practice. The Kirk- Othmer
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology states, "On the basis of
quantity of energy consumed per unit of product produced, the
leather-manufacturing industry would be categorized with the
aluminum, paper, steel, cement, and petroleum-manufacturing
industries as a gross consumer of energy." Production of
leather basically involves soaking (beamhouse), tanning,
dyeing, drying, and finishing. Over 95% of all leather
produced in the U.S. is chrome tanned. The effluent that must
be treated is primarily related to the beamhouse and tanning
operations. The most difficult to treat is effluent from the
tanning process. All wastes containing chromium are considered
hazardous by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Many other pollutants involved in the processing of leather are
associated with environmental and health risks. In terms of
disposal, one would think that leather products would be
biodegradable, but the primary function for a tanning agent is
to stablilize the collagen or protein fibers so that they are
no longer biodegradable.
Evaluating the relative environmental and health costs of
leather versus non-leather products is difficult to do. It is
apparent that they all involve practices that can adversely
affect public health and the environment. Since leather is
intimately related to the exploitation of animals, it seems
most desirable to buy canvas, limit purchases, go barefoot, and
encourage companies to develop more ecologically sound
alternatives.
U.S. SOURCES FOR NON-LEATHER SHOES
VEGAN MAIL ORDER
The two standard mail-order sources for vegan shoes are
Heartland Products, and Aesop Unlimited. Both of these offer
only non-leather items. They have shoes, bags, belts, and other
accessories for both men and women.
Aesop Unlimited, P.O. Box 315, N. Cambridge, MA 02140, phone:
(617) 923-1704.
Heartland Products Ltd., Box 218, Dakota City, IA 50529, phone:
(515) 332-3087.
The Compassionate Shopper regularly lists companies that sell
non-leather footwear. For subscription information: Beauty
Without Cruelty, 175 W. 12th St., #16G, New York, NY 10011-
8275.
NATIONAL CHAIN STORES
Baker Shoes often carries various non-leather shoes in con-
temporary styles.
Connie stores have their own brand called Fanfares which
includes a line of shoes from synthetic materials. Women's
shoes only.
Fayva has a variety of non-leather shoes for men, women, and
children. Fayva also carries wide and narrow sizes.
Foot Locker does carry many of the brand names which offer non-
leather athletic shoes such as Tretorn, K-Swiss, Ked's, Nike,
and others.
Kinney Shoes offers a good selection of dyeable dress shoes,
canvas and fabric shoes, and patent "leather" for women, men,
and children.
K-Mart is a standard source across the country for inexpensive
canvas and synthetic shoes.
Naturalizer carries a line of non-leather shoes for women.
Payless Shoe Source is a vegan's dream come true with lots of
fun styles as well as many plain and traditional shoes for men,
women and children.
J.C. Penney often has a good selection of non-leather products
for all ages.
Pic 'N Pay has a great variety of both contemporary and tradi-
tional shoes for the whole family.
Sears often has a good selection of non-leather footwear,
handbags, and belts.
Thom McAnn usually carries some non-leather shoes.
F.W. Woolworth Co. almost always has inexpensive canvas shoes,
as well as belts and handbags.
BRAND NAMES -- WOMEN'S SHOES
Aerosole: Leatherlike flats in many colors.
Auditions: Pumps, flats, & patchwork slip-ons in soft urethane.
Beacon: Wide variety of colorful canvas shoes.
Bees by Beacon: Canvas wedge shoes in different styles.
Career: High heel pumps in soft leatherlike materials.
Charm Step: Classic slip-ons in soft leatherlike materials.
Chesnut Lane: Classic low heel pumps and sandals.
Cloud Climbers: Comfortable stylish shoes.
Cobbie: Sandals, casual and dress shoes.
Colors: Black patent oxfords.
Current Attractions: Fun, stylish shoes. Available at Payless.
Daniel Green: Slip-on casual shoes.
Easy Street: Slip-on wedge dress shoes. Polyurethene.
Esprit: Canvas flats and sandals.
Flings: Stylish patent "leather" tie & buckle shoes and heels.
Grasshoppers: Casual shoes in canvas and velveteen.
Highlights: Flats and pumps.
Hush Puppies: Many sandals, pumps, casual and dress shoes.
Kapers: Colored canvas flats.
K-Swiss: Canvas knockabouts.
Ked's: Classic canvas sneakers in many colors.
Kinney: White oxfords, only at Kinney stores.
Ko'ton: Canvas strap flats in wide range of colors.
L.A. Lady: Open-toe, high-heel sandals.
Life Stride: Pumps and low-heel dress shoes.
Naturalizer: Variety of classic casual and dressy shoes.
Outdorables by Daniel Green: Oxfords, sandals, slip-ons.
Prima: Canvas flats.
Reebok: Nylon boat sneakers in various colors.
Renditions: Casual slip-ons and classic pumps.
Rugged Outback: Docksider look-alikes.
Signals by Beacon: T-strap sandal in synthetic materials.
Studio 6: Patent "leather" flats, dyeables, fabric flats.
Tic Tac Toes: Demi-boot slip-on in polyurethane.
Updates: Black patent and white oxfords. Available at Payless.
Upstage: Classic pumps and skimmers.
Women's Athletic Shoes
AVIA: Excellent selection of non-leather athletic shoes. For
aerobics, the 680 and 525. All running shoes in the 2000
series are synthetic suede and nylon mesh. For walking shoes
try the 333, 383, and 351. For mail order contact SPORTS WAVE,
(800) 322-3381. They carry all AVIA's synthetic shoes.
New Balance: Running shoes, tennis shoes, cross trainers.
Nike: Nike also has an excellent selection of non-leather shoes
using a synthetic material called Durabuck. Call (800) 344-
NIKE for current listing of non-animal products.
Reebok: Canvas sneakers.
Saucony: Running and other non-leather athletic shoes.
Tretorn: Canvas tennis and walking shoes.
Women's Hiking Boots
Women's non-leather hiking boots are difficult to find in
smaller sizes. The men's boots listed below are available for
women's size 8 and above. L.L. Bean does carry both a canvas
canoe shoe, and a canvas hiking boot in women's sizes which has
a rugged sole but not much support.
Women's Work Boots
The work boots listed under the men's section generally run
from size 6 and up. Women should take 1 to 2 sizes off their
normal size to determine what they would take in men's shoes.
Otherwise, at this time, we have not come across any good
sources for women's work boots.
BRAND NAMES -- MEN'S SHOES
Men's non-leather shoes are difficult to find but not
impossible. Both Aesop and Heartland have a good selection of
dress shoes. (Phone numbers previously listed under Vegan Mail
Order section.) Local discount shoe stores are probably the
next best bet. Payless now has an excellent line of synthetic
men's shoes called Rugged Outback. Also try Fayva, Ames, K-
Mart or other discount stores in your area.
Chancellors: Leatherlike wing tip, oxford and other dress
shoes. Available at Payless.
Coasters: Leatherlike loafers & oxford style shoes. Payless.
Giovanni: Stylish patent "leather" loafers and tassel oxfords.
Ked's: Canvas sneakers in various colors.
Rugged Outback: Leatherlike docksider lookalikes.
Sperry Top-Siders: Canvas boat shoes and sneakers.
World Cups: Canvas boat shoes, tie sneakers in colors.
Men's Athletic Shoes
AVIA: Their brand of synthetic material is called hydrolite or
HLT2, and is a washable, lightweight, non-leather fabric. For
crosstraining, there is the 141; all running shoes in the 2000
series are hydrolite; the 333, Arc 351, and Arc 383 are walking
shoes; and several of their basketball shoes are non-leather.
To mail-order contact SPORTS WAVE at (800) 322-3381.
Converse All Stars: The classic canvas high-tops.
K-Swiss: Canvas sneakers.
New Balance: Running, cross trainers, and athletic shoes avail-
able. Read labels. Narrow to wide. Available from L.L. Bean.
Nike: Call (800) 344-NIKE for listing of non-animal products.
Rugged Outback: Leatherlike hiking sneakers.
Saucony: Non-leather running and other athletic shoes.
Men's Hiking Boots
Hi-Tec Sierra Sneaker: All canvas hiking boot. Available from
Heartland Products, Ltd. Also available from REI.
Rugged Outback: Leatherlike hiking sneakers. Available at
Payless Shoe Source.
Aesop and Heartland both carry a couple of styles of leather-
like hiking boots. (Previously listed in Vegan Mail Order
section.)
Men's Work Boots
Heartland Products carries a leatherlike safety boot, with a
steel-toe cap. (See Vegan Mail Order section above.)
LaCrosse Timber Boots: Rugged all rubber boots with foam
insulation and lace front. 12" high. Available from Forestry
Suppliers Inc. Listed in catalog section.
WearGuard: Black walking shoes, and rubber steel-toe boots.
Phone: (800) 388-3300.
BRAND NAMES -- CHILDREN'S SHOES
Brights Creek Catalog carries the widest selection of non-
leather shoes for children we've seen. Very stylish and
affordable. Address listed under catalog section.
Airwalk: Colorful canvas shoes for boys and girls.
Candie's: Girl's patent dress shoes.
Coasters: Canvas sneakers with leatherlike trim for kids.
Converse: Canvas sneakers for boys and girls.
Cutesy: Girl's patent dress shoes.
Hush Puppies: Children's patent "leather" dress shoes.
Kapers: Canvas tie sneakers.
Ked's: Colorful canvas shoes for boys and girls.
Kinney Kids: Patent "leather" dress shoes & canvas sneakers.
Miss Flings: Patent and velvet dress shoes for girls.
Mother Goose: Patent dress shoes.
Qualifiers: Dress shoes.
Rugged Outback: Miniature docksider lookalikes.
Superoos: Non-leather docksider lookalikes & patent "leather."
Susie Q's: Velvet oxfords for girls.
World Cups: Colorful kids canvas shoes.
Children's Athletic Shoes
Attack Force: Variety of styles for boys and girls.
Converse: Wide range of colored canvas hightops.
Nike: Usually a few youth styles using Durabuck.
Pro Wings: Fun and colorful athletic shoes.
WJ 900: Fun and colorful athletic shoes.
CATALOGS
Avon Fashions, Avon Lane, Newport News, VA 23630, (800) 322-1119.
Avon typically carries various items that are non-leather. At
present they have several styles of shoes in suedelike synthetic
materials, and regular polyurethane, as well as patent "leather"
look- alikes. They carry belts and "liquid leather" clothes made
from a soft, synthetic leather. Pants, skirts and jackets in
black and red.
Birkenstock, 1339 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, 66044, (913) 841-
7027. The Capri and Noppy sandals, Birki clogs, and Teva sandals
are free of animal products.
John Blair Co., Warren, PA 16366. Women's classic wedge style
shoes in various colors. Available in wide widths. They also
have carried non-leather men's shoes, and work boots which have
received favorable reviews.
Brights Creek, Bay Point Place, Hampton, VA 23653, (800) 622-9202.
Excellent selection of non-leather children's shoes. Colorful,
adorable, and fun canvas sneakers, and slip-ons. Leatherlike deck
shoes and timberland styles for boys. Non-leather cowboy boots,
loafers, rainboots, and dress shoes for girls also available.
They carry leather as well, so read carefully.
Forestry Suppliers Inc., 205 W. Rankin St., P.O. Box 8397,
Jackson, MS 39284-8397, (800) 647-5368. Rugged all-rubber boots,
12" high, with foam insulation and felt midsole. Knobby bottoms
for good traction.
J. Crew, One Ivy Crescent, Lynchburg, VA 24506-1001, (800) 932-
0043. Men's and women's canvas deck shoes and thongs. Women's
espadrilles, slip-on and tie sneakers
L.L. Bean, Ph: (800) 221-4221. New Balance 677 Running Shoes, 320
Athletic Shoes, and New Balance Cross Trainers for Men and Women,
Canvas Main Canoe Shoe, River Runner Thongs and Sandals. Canvas
Sperry Top-Siders for men and women. L.L. Bean also has non-
leather bags, watch bands, and jackets.
Massey's, Ph: (800) 627-7397. Massey's carries several canvas
and synthetic slip-ons, plus a wide variety of leatherlike flats,
pumps, and other styles. They carry name brands such as
Auditions, Career, Esprit, Grasshoppers, Keds, Life Stride,
Naturalizer, New Balance and Tretorn. Somewhat pricey.
Old Pueblo Traders (OPT), Palo Verde at 34th, P.O. Box 27800,
Tucson, AZ 85726-7800, Ph: (602) 748-8600. OPT carries a large
selection of non-leather women's shoes, sandals, and boots.
Primarily classic and traditional styles. Many of their shoes
come in hard-to-find sizes. OPT has many of the brand names
listed above. Also carry leatherlike black pants, suedelike
skirts, and faux fur.
J.C. Penney, Ph: (800) 222-6161. Penney's often carries some non-
leather products.
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Ph: (800) 426-4840. REI
carries at least two non-leather types of sandals. The Kahala
Sandal is rubber with a massage footbed. The Response Sandal is
nylon and rubber. For bicyclists they offer the Novara Lifeline
Lycra Glove. They also carry non-leather bags, camera bags,
backpacks, deck booties, and watch bands.
Roaman's, Ph: (800) 274-7130. Roaman's catalog will often carry
some non-leather shoes.
Sears Roebuck, Ph: (800) 366-3000. Sears carries several types of
stylish, synthetic footwear, in canvas and suedelike materials.
Smith & Hawken, Ph: (415) 383-2000. Rubberlike, plastic garden
clogs. Red, blue, yellow, and green for men and women.
Sports Wave, 5484 S. W. Alger, Suite #G-13, Beaverton, OR 97005,
Ph:(800) 322-3381. All of the AVIA non-leather athletic shoes are
available through mail order from Sport Wave.
The Tog Shop, Ph: (912) 924-4800 for a catalog. They carry a few
types of non-leather women's shoes. These include canvas
sneakers, rubber rain boots and shoes, as well as sandals, slip-
ons and slippers.
WearGuard Work Clothes, Ph: (800) 388-3300. WearGuard has black
Lightweight Walkers in Chukka and Oxford styles. Black Steel Toe
Rubber Boots in ankle and knee lengths, and Waterproof Slush boots
available in yellow and black.
REGIONAL SOURCES
New England: Bradlees, Ames and K-Mart all offer a variety of
colorful women's flats and pumps in wide widths and half sizes
under the brandname Upstage. These are reportedly very
comfortable and affordable. All these stores often carry other
synthetic and canvas shoes. Payless, a national retail chain, is
found all over the country and is a great source of non-leather
footwear. Marshalls often has non-leather shoes and accessories.
Papagallo carries canvas espadrilles. Stores that carry Nike and
Birkenstock offer other possibilities. The farther north you go,
the more difficult it seems to find non-leather items. But, if
you do find yourself in Ellsworth, Maine (near Bar Harbor) check
out the Grasshopper Shop. They carry several styles of canvas
shoes available in many colors for women and men, as well as
canvas dress boots for women.
New York: Try the following chain stores... Conway: 37 Broad St.;
111 Fulton St., 1333 Broadway; 450 Seventh Ave.; 49 West 34th St.;
225 West 34th St.; 505 Fulton St. (Brooklyn). They specialize in
trendy inexpensive clothing for the whole family, but most
branches do carry some shoes. They carry handbags as well as non-
leather belts for men and women. Broad St. and Fulton St.
location have the best shoe sections. Fayva: numerous locations
including 695 Broadway; 43 West 14th St.; 402 Fifth Ave.; 2230
Broadway. Bloomingdale's: 240 East 59th St. occasionally carries
non-leather styles. They were recently selling a synthetic low-
cut "cowboy" style boot. Strawberry: numerous locations
including 810 7th Ave.; 14 West 34th St.; 258 Broadway; 129 East
42; 490 Fulton St. (Brooklyn). This is a women's clothing chain
which carries a great selection of handbags, belts, and non-
leather shoes. Other options... Joyce Leslie: 20 University
Place. Shoes, belts and bags. America: 50 East 14th St. for the
occasional gems. Mash Army and Navy Store at 721 Eighth Ave.,
which reportedly carries the best ten dollar canvas sneakers in
town! American Value Center at 22 West 14th St. has tons of up-
to-the minute styles and a lot of bags. In addition there is
V.I.M. and Woolworth's. No shortage of possibilities here!
Mid-Atlantic: Various chain stores and discount stores carry a
wide selection of non-leather shoes and accessories. Look for
Payless, Pic 'N Pay, Fayva, Parade of Shoes, K-Mart, Ames,
Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less, J.C. Penney, Sears, Naturalizer,
Connie, Kinney, Foot Quarters, etc. Payless, Fayva, and Pic N Pay
really seem to have the widest variety of styles for everyone in
the family. Most other large department stores often carry a few
canvas or synthetic items as well.
Southeast: The standard national chain stores such as K-Mart, Wal-
Mart, and Payless offer several options for non-leather footwear
and accessories. For those in the Charlotte, NC, area: Wal-Mart
locations are 3209 Pineville-Matthews Rd.; 801 East Arrowood; 3304
Eastway Dr. Try Nike Apparel, 5600 77 Center Dr.; Shoe City at
809 E. Arrowood; Central Sun Storehouse at 1825 E. 7th St.; and
Hamrick's at 3033 Freedom St. Also in Charlotte are Barett Shoes
at 5348 E. Independence Blvd.; 3021 Freedom Dr.; and 4734 South
Blvd.
Midwest/Southwest/Rocky Mountain States: Try chain stores such as
K-Mart, Target, Payless, Sears, Shopco, and Famous Footwear.
These stores offer a variety of non-leather options for the whole
family. For women's boots try Saks, Lord & Taylor, or Neiman
Marcus. Trendier items can be found at Fashion Nation, Imi Jimi,
and Fashion Disaster in Denver, CO.
Pacific Northwest: Sorouse Reitz, Fred Meyer, and Nordstrom
reportedly offer enough possibilities to outfit the whole family.
Also try any local chains and discount shoe stores.
Canada: Animal-Free Trade, 2177 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. V6K
1N7, Phone & FAX: (607) 737-7185. In addition to shoes, there are
cosmetics, cookbooks, t-shirts, curiosities, dogfood, and much more.
Free catalog available. Outside of lower mainland call (800) 565-8595.
Kinney Shoe Stores are located in many cities and carry a vinyl men's
dress shoe under their own brand name, as well as some options for
women and children. Women can also look for casual and dress
shoes under the brand name Tender Tootsies, which can be found in
various stores. Nike athletic shoes made from synthetic Durabuck
can be found in Canadian stores.
Many thanks to the following individuals and organizations for
helping out with our regional listing: Cindy Blum, Terry Carlo,
Mary Clifford, Colorado Vegetarian Society, Roberta Kalechofsky,
Suzanne Havala, Kate Lawrence, Peter McQueen, Judith Miner, NC
Network for Animals, Marcia Pearson, Triangle Vegetarian Society,
and many members who have offered helpful information over time.
Thanks to Michael Traub for converting this article to formatted text.
NON-LEATHER ACCESSORIES
Belts: Aesop and Heartland are good sources. The belts that come
on women's pants are almost always non-leather. Look for cotton,
woven, canvas, synthetic, and elastic belts in department stores.
Nylon webbing belts can often be found at outdoor sports stores.
If you're feeling crafty, make your own!
Briefcases: Office supply stores often carry both leather and
synthetic briefcases. Just check the prices - the more
inexpensive, the more likely they are non-leather. Aesop carries
both a business attache and portfolio. Land's End has wonderful
canvas briefcases.
Handbags/Wallets: Most department stores carry some non-leather
bags and wallets. Bags made from tapestry, velvet, and beads make
it possible to find something to suit almost any occasion. Esprit
often has a line of nylon and canvas bags. Other brand names to
look for are Capezio, Monique and Toledano. Sporting goods stores
often carry nylon or canvas wallets.
THOSE HARD-TO-FIND SPECIALTY ITEMS
Ballet Shoes: R.G. Barry Corp., Box 129, Columbus, OH 43216.
Balls and Gloves: Spalding Sports offers a vinyl baseball/softball
glove in both children's and adult sizes. They also carry a
synthetic leather volleyball, basketball, and soccer ball. To
locate stores in your area that carry Spalding products, call
(800) 225-6601. Dudley produces a synthetic softball. Call (800)
523-5387.
Biking Gloves: REI (see catalog section) carries Novara Lightning
Gloves and Novara Lifeline Lycra Gloves, which are made from
machine washable Nash - a polyurethane fabric that looks and feels
like leather, but wears even better. No leather palms on these
gloves.
Work Gloves: W. Wells Lamont "No Sweat" Gloves available from
WearGuard Work Clothes (800) 388-3300.
TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
O The best selection of canvas and non-leather shoes is available
in spring and summer. If you find something you really like, test
it out, then buy a few pairs. Manufacturers can discontinue an
item at any time.
O When shopping, look at the most inexpensive items and they are
most likely made from synthetic materials! It makes finding non-
leather products a lot quicker and easier.
O Some vinyl shoes may squeak. Often this problem can be
eliminated by adding mineral oil, hand cream, or similar
lubricants between the noisy surfaces.
O Look in the Chinatown section of large cities for the ever-so-
comfortable black canvas Chinese shoes.
O Looking for women's dress shoes and in a bind? Check the
nearest bridal shop. They typically carry white fabric shoes that
can be dyed to any color. They also carry fabric evening bags,
which can be dyed to match.
O Many patent "leather" looking shoes are synthetic. Just look
for the words "all man-made materials." Patent shoes are widely
available for men, women, and children.
O If you're new to an area, call the local vegetarian or animal
rights organizations, and they will probably know the best places
to shop. Call The Vegetarian Resource Group for local contacts.
Ph: (410) 366-8343.
_____________________________________________________
This article was originally published in the _Vegetarian_Journal_Reports,
published by:
The Vegetarian Resource Group
P.O. Box 1463, Dept. IN
Baltimore, MD 21203
(410) 366-VEGE
The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated
to educating the public on vegetarianism and the interrelated issues of
health, nutrition, ecology, ethics, and world hunger. In addition to
publishing the _Vegetarian_Journal_, VRG produces and sells cookbooks,
other books, pamphlets, and article reprints, and does outreach to
professional organizations.
For more information, send a stamped self-addressed envelope to the above
address. Subscriptions to the Vegetarian Journal are $20 per year
(6 bi-monthly issues). All contributions above the $20 subscription are
tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Contributions help VRG
promote vegetarianism.
For questions, comments, or corrections, please email Brad Scott
at br...@clark.net.
--
Bobbi Pasternak <bo...@clark.net> or <nurse...@aol.com>
Vegetarian Resource Group/Vegetarian Journal
PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203 (410) 366-8343
ajo...@evax12.eng.fsu.edu
flesh and raising and killing it for its meat? Hell, raising it for meat is
more efficient cuz you get more use from the body.
AJ
Duke P. Hong
Considering that people are vegetarian for various reasons, I'll
separate my argument into several parts:
(1) HEALTH: If you became vegetarian for personal health, then you don't
care whether or not your clothing came from animals or plants. End of
argument.
(2) ECOLOGY: If you became vegetarian because of the detrimental
ecological effects of raising animals for meat consumption, then it's
fairly alright to wear leather. I'm assuming here that we do not
slaughter cattle specifically for use as leather and throw away the
rest of the carcass but that leather is a byproduct of meat
consumption by others. Since I highly doubt that this country will
approach 100% vegetarian, there will be plenty of hide remaining. The
waste of such a resource is as bad a sin from an ecological point of
view as raising livestock for consumption.
(3) ETHICAL: If you became vegetarian to minimize animal suffering,
then you should theoretically abstain from leather products. However,
since meat consumption is an on-going process while leather clothing
is more of a durable good, begin vegetarian reduces animal suffering
by (insert your favorite number between 1 and 100) percent. Extreme
abstention from animal product use is nearly impossible while maintaining
any semblence of a practical life.
Personally, (2) was my primary reason for becoming vegetarian with
(3) and (1) developing later on. I dont purchase many leather products
except where it serves a functional purpose that substitutes can not,
eg., hiking boots and running shoes. Since hiking boots last for years,
my animal product consumption can be measures in ounces per year,
rather than pounds per week. Most other leather products I own
were given my me as gifts from my carnivorous friends and family
when I was still slightly carnivorous.
*****************************************************************************
* _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ * Duke P. Hong *
* _/ _/ _/ _/ * Dept. of Information & Computer Science *
* _/ _/ _/ _/ * University of California *
* _/ _/ _/ _/ * Irvine, CA 92717-3425 *
* _/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ * 714-725-3097, (FAX) 714-856-4056 *
* * du...@ics.uci.edu *
*****************************************************************************
vineland expatriate
>
>(2) ECOLOGY: If you became vegetarian because of the detrimental
>ecological effects of raising animals for meat consumption, then it's
>fairly alright to wear leather. I'm assuming here that we do not
>slaughter cattle specifically for use as leather and throw away the
>rest of the carcass but that leather is a byproduct of meat
As far as I know, the hides for leather *come from different herds* than
the herds grown for meat. My prime motivation for being veg is
resource conservation, and I avoid leather. I must admit, though, that I
eat dairy products, which are less resource-intensive than meat or
leather, but by no means 'strictly' ok.
("as far as I know" here meaning: a friend who grew up in Arkansas tells
me that this is the case, and I have seen nothing to contradict that
statement in print or on the net)
>(3) ETHICAL: If you became vegetarian to minimize animal suffering,
>then you should theoretically abstain from leather products. However,
>since meat consumption is an on-going process while leather clothing
>is more of a durable good, begin vegetarian reduces animal suffering
>by (insert your favorite number between 1 and 100) percent. Extreme
>abstention from animal product use is nearly impossible while maintaining
>any semblence of a practical life.
Ummmm... I don't know about that last. It is, after all, what many meat
eating folk think of being veggie to start with.
>eg., hiking boots and running shoes. Since hiking boots last for years,
I haven't needed to replace my hiking boots since I became veg. this
is good, and they are definitely worth taking care of! Running shoes I
don't use, but I can get fine canvas court shoes without too much trouble.
And of course, six months of the year I'm in Tevas anyway :+) ....
Josef Schwartz
> (3) and (1) developing later on. I dont purchase many leather
> products except where it serves a functional purpose that substitutes
> for years, my animal product consumption can be measures in ounces per
> year, rather than pounds per week. Most other leather products I own
> were given my me as gifts from my carnivorous friends and family
> when I was still slightly carnivorous.
I just got here, so were/are there any good suggestions re alternatives
to leather for footwear? Synthetic shoes have been unhealthy due to not
"breathing" but I don't want to continue to buy leather ones.
JS Not a real tagline, but an incredible soy substitute.
Adam Robey
Josef.S...@f229.n2613.z1.fidonet.org (Josef Schwartz) writes:
> I just got here, so were/are there any good suggestions re alternatives
> to leather for footwear? Synthetic shoes have been unhealthy due to not
> "breathing" but I don't want to continue to buy leather ones.
>
>
> JS Not a real tagline, but an incredible soy substitute.
>
Well, I have two pair of shoes that I wear regularly. I often wear
non-leather ("Alternatives") Birkenstock sandals. Seeing as how much of
your foot is exposed anyway, they "breathe" pretty well. The other pair
are canvas sneakers; canvas is a natural material and it breathes
pretty well too.
-Adam
Tom Swiss
>
>I just got here, so were/are there any good suggestions re alternatives
>to leather for footwear? Synthetic shoes have been unhealthy due to not
>"breathing" but I don't want to continue to buy leather ones.
Time for a repost:
Leather Alternatives FAQ list
Compiled by Tom Swiss
Last modified: April 27 1994
Send praise, information, flames, money, etc. to t...@tis.com.
Copyright (C) 1992-1994. Please copy, share and enjoy this information.
To get the latest copy of this file, send e-mail to me at t...@tis.com,
or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Tom Swiss, 5713 Utrecht Road,
Baltimore, MD, 21206. (Including a dollar to cover copying costs wouldn't
hurt, but isn't necessary.) (As my current address is less than permanent,
this is actually my parent's address; please make sure any letter bombs are
sent directly to me. B->)
You are encouraged to print this list out and distribute copies to
your non-netting friends or local vegetarian organization.
This list is only as good as the information I get. If you have
comments on any of the stores, catalogs or products mentioned in this list,
or if you know of other good products or sources, _please_ send them to me!
I've tried to give credit where it is due and include the names and
e-mail addresses of people who send me information. This also allows people
who may be curious about a product or supplier to contact the person who
gave me the information. If you'd like to send me information, but don't
want to deal with questions from curious consumers, tell me and I won't
list your name.
===== Vegetarians and the Use of Leather Goods =====
For the benefit of our "lurking omnivores", and for those new to
vegetarianism, we should start with a few words about the attitude of
vegetarians towards the use of leather goods. We should note that there are
some vegetarians who have little or no objection to the use of leather and
other animal-derived goods; many who adopt a vegetarian diet primarily for
reasons of health would fall into this category, as would some who adopt a
vegetarian diet for its lower environmental impact (but see below). Even
those who are vegetarian for ethical reasons may use some leather goods -
if there is no available alternative, if the goods were gifts, or purchased
before the person became a vegetarian or purchased by mistake. I own a pool
cue with a leather tip I bought many years ago, and I used to have a pair
of leather hiking boots I bought thinking they were synthetic, and that I
was unable to return.
Thus, a vegetarian wearing leather shoes is not necessarily a
hypocrite.
===== Environmental Considerations =====
Some claim that using leather alternatives is harmful to the
environment, as these alternatives usually use plastics which are derived
from petrochemicals, or fabrics like cotton whose production often involves
the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. However, the production of
leather is also damaging to the environment.
From the Nov/Dec 1991 issue of the _Vegetarian Journal_: (much of the
other information presented here is from the same issue.)
<begin quote>
Environmentally, turing animal hides into leather is an energy intensive
and polluting practice. The Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
states, "On the basis of quantity of energy consumed per unit of product
produced, the leather-manufacturing industry would be categorized with the
aluminum, paper, steel, cement, and petroleum-manufacturing industries as a
gross consumer of energy." Production of leather basically involves soaking
(beamhouse), tanning, dyeing, drying, and finishing. Over 95% of all
leather produced in the U.S. is chrome tanned. The effluent that must be
treated is primarily related to the beamhouse and tanning operations. The
most difficult to treat is effulent from the tanning process. All wastes
containing chromium are considered hazardous by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). Many other pollutants involved in the processing
of leather are associated with environmental and health risks. In terms of
disposal, one would think that leather products would be biodegradable, but
the primary function for a tanning agent is to stabilize the collagen or
protein fibers so that they are no longer biodegradable.
Evaluating the relative environmental and health costs of leather versus
non-leather products is difficult to do. It is apparent that they all
involve practices that can adversely affect public health and the
environment. Since leather is intimately related to the exploitation of
animals, it seems most desirable to buy canvas, limit purchases, go
barefoot, and encourage companies to develop more ecologically sound
alternatives.
<end quote>
And this doesn't even take into account the ecological cost of modern
animal agriculture techniques.
===== Mail Order and Catalog sources of non-leather goods =====
Heartland Products and Aesop Unlimited carry only non-leather items:
Heartland Products Ltd., Box 218, Dakota City, IA 50529, (515)
332-3087.
Aesop Unlimited, P.O. Box 315, N. Cambridge, MA 02140, (617)
628-8030. (was: 923-1704.)
_The Compassionate Shopper_ regularly lists companies that sell
non-leather shoes. Contact Beauty Without Cruelty, 175 W. 12th St., #16G,
New York, NY 10011-8275.
The following sources carry both leather and non-leather
products, so read carefully:
Avon Fashions, Avon Lane, Newport News, VA 23630, (800) 322-1119.
Shoes, belts, and other clothing items made from synthetic leather. (I
get the impression that they only carry women's clothing, but I'm not
sure.) I have had a complaint about the quality of the goods sold by
this company; caveat emptor.
Birkenstock, 1339 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, 66044, (913) 841-7027.
The Capri and Nobbi sandals, Birki clogs, and Teva sandals are free of
animal products. Louise-Annette Burgess (burg...@ucs.orst.edu) reports
that "The Birkenstock Store (called Footwise in my region) sizes your foot
(if you do not already know your Birk size) and then can order or make the
shoes that you want with or without leather."
John Blair Co, Warren, PA 16366. Mostly women's shoes, some men's
shoes and work boots.
Brights Creek, Bay Point Place, Hampton, VA 23653, (800)
622-9202. Excellent selection of non-leather children's shoes.
Forestry Suppliers Inc., 205 W. Rankin St., P.O. Box 8397,
Jackson Ms 39284-8397, (800) 647-5368. LaCrosse Timber Boots (see
below).
J. Crew, One Ivy Crescent, Lynchburg, VA 24506-1001, (800)
932-0043. Men's and women's canvas deck shoes and thongs, women's
espadrilles, slip-ons and tie sneakers.
L.L. Bean, (800) 221-4221. Various New Balance shoes (see below),
Canvas Main Canoe Shoes, River Runner Thongs and Sandals, canvas
Sperry Top-Siders, non-leather bags, watch bands and jackets.
Massey's, (800) 627-7397. Canvas and synthetic slip-ons, leather-like
flats, pumps, and other styles. Somewhat pricey.
Old Pueblo Traders (OPT), Palo Verde at 34th, P.O. Box 27800,
Tucson, AZ 85726-7800, (602) 748-8600. Women's shoes, sandals, and
boots, many in hard-to-find sizes. Leatherlike pants, suedelike
skirts, and faux furs.
J.C. Penny, (800) 222-6161. Often carries some non-leather
products.
Pueblo to People, 2105 Silber Road, Suite 101-54, Houston, TX 77055,
(800) 843-5257. Cheryl Stewart (cste...@desire.wright.edu), who gave me
their address, says they are "an alternative trade organization. They have
some leather alternative products, many made of Guatelaman cloth. It is a
nonprofit organization with the philosophy `trade, not aid.' They have
beautiful catalogs."
Real Goods, 966 Mazzoni Street, Ukiah, CA 95482-3471. Voice (800)
762-7325, Fax (707) 468-9486. Deja Shoes; many other groovy products
including a leather-looking backpack made "EKKO" cloth, a non-polluting
combination of natural and synthetic rubbers.
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), (800) 426-4840. REI carries
two non-leather sandals, the Kahala and the Response. They have the
Novara Lifeline Lycra bicycling glove, and non-leather bags,
backpacks, deck booties, and watch bands.
Roaman's, (800) 274-7130. Often has some non-leather shoes.
Sears Roebuck, (800) 366-3000. Several types of synthetic footwear, in
canvas and suedelike materials.
Smith & Hawken, (415) 383-2000. Rubberlike garden clogs for men and
women.
Sports Wave, 5484 S.W. Alger, Suite #G-13, Beaverton, OR 97005, (800)
322-3381. Avia shoes (see below).
The Tog Shop, (912) 924-4800. Women's shoes: canvas sneakers, rubber
rain boots, sandals, slip-ons and slippers.
WearGuard Work Clothes, (800) 388-3300. Walkers in Chukka and Oxford
styles, rubber steel-toe and waterproof boots. "No Sweat" work gloves (see
below).
Salvage, 656 Romero Canyon Rd., Montecito, CA 93108-1527, Voice:
(805) 569-5988, Fax (805) 969-7422. Oxford and High-top covertable to a
mid-top. (I'm not sure if all their products are leather-free or not.)
===== Athletic Shoes =====
Men's: Avia shoes made with hydrolite or HLT2; the 141 crosstrainer;
the 2000 series running shoes; the 333, Arc 351, and Arc 383 walking shoes;
and several basketballs shoes are non-leather. Converse All Stars ("Chuck
Taylors"). K-Swiss canvas sneakers. New Balance 677 running shoes, 320
athletic shoes and cross trainers - read labels. Rob Spray (spray@trojan.
convex.com) likes his Asahi MY-3 tennis shoes. Nike - call (800) 344-NIKE
for a list of animal product-free shoes; many of their non-leather shoes
use a synthetic called Durabuck. Saucony has non-leather running and other
athletic shoes.
Women's: Avia 680 and 525 aerobics shoes, running shoes in the 2000
series, the 333, 383, and 351 walking shoes. Converse All Stars. New
Balance 677 running shoes, 320 athletic shoes and cross trainers - read
labels. Nike - call (800) 344-NIKE for a list of animal product-free shoes;
many of their non-leather shoes use a synthetic called Durabuck. Reebok
canvas sneakers. Saucony has non-leather running and other athletic
shoes. Tretorn canvas tennis and walking shoes.
Children's: Attack Force. Converse All Stars. Nike shoes with Durabuck
(that number again, (800) 344-NIKE). Pro Wings. WJ 900.
Kim Laurie (k...@stallion.oz.au) reports that La Sportiva's Tao
rock-climbing shoes are non-leather.
Thanks to Joe Clark (joec...@scilink.org) for providing a copy of
Nike's list of non-leather shoes. (Tim Tyler (t...@ais.org) also deserves a
mention for providing the Fall 1992 list.) Unless otherwise indicated, all
colors for both sexes are non-leather.
NIKE
Spring 1994 Footwear not containing animal-products
Technical Running, Men's & Women's: Air Max, Air Huarache Plus, Air
Huarache International, Air Huarache Light, Air Structure II, Air Tailwind,
Air Skylon TC, Air Analog, Air Pegasus, Air Pegasus RD, Air Icarus.
Racing Shoes: Air Mariah, Niobe, Zoom waffle.
Track & Field: Zoom D, Zoom S, Zoom Country Long Jump, Zoom
Rotational, Zoom High Jump.
Men's Non-technical running: Pantheon.
Men's Basketball: Air Maestro High, Air Prop Mid, Air Sonic Flight Mid
(number 130176-010 only)
Men's Cross-Training: Air Carnivore (ironic name, no?), Air Trainer
Huarache, Air Edge Mid, Air Edge Low, Air Trainer Vengeance Low (number
173031-012 only), Air Trainer Accel Mid (number 173023-011 only), Air
Diamond Turf (numbers 173022-060 and 173022-160 only), Air Veer (number
173030-011 only), Air Spat (numbers 173026-031 and 173026-010 only).
Men's Outdoor: Air Vulgarian, Air Revaderchi II.
Men's Tennis: Air Supreme Focus, Air Challenge Future.
Women's Tennis: Air Challenge Hurache.
Women's Basketball: Air Flight 3/4, Air Transition Force 3/4 (number
131011-010 only).
Women's Running/Walking: Air Speed RW, Air Current RW, Air Delphina RW.
Women's Fitness/Aerobics: Air Elite Lotus, Brea Canvas (casual).
Women's Cross-Training: Air Hurache VT.
Women's Outdoor: Air Deschutz (sandal), Air Vulgarian Mid.
Cycling: System Ultra (men's), Terramac (women's).
Men's Golf: Hobart.
Football: Strike Force High, Strike Force.
Soccer: Blitz M, Blitz M (Children's), Blitz TR (Children's).
Sandals, etc.: Air Deschutz, Umpqua, Aqua Turf.
Women's Golf: Colwood.
Wrestling: Escape II, Combatant, Air Reversal.
Baseball/Softball: MCS Air Slam, Air Slider, MCS Slam, MCS Keystone
3/4, Slasher, MCS Keystone, Women's MCS, Air Circuit (Women's), MCS
Keystone (children's), MCS Keystone 3/4 (children's).
Boy's Gradeschool/Preschool: Air Pegasus, Air Edge Mid, Air Carnivore
(nuymber 153074-001 only), Air Icarus Extra II, Air Maestro, Air Canvas
GTS, Aqua Sock, Deschutz.
Girl's Gradeschool/Preschool: Air Pegasus, Icarus Extra II, Bria
Canvas.
Baby Shoes: Baby Canvas GTS, Baby Aqua Sock, Baby Deschutz II (sandal).
===== Hiking Boots =====
Hi-Tec Sierra Sneaker: All canvas hiking boot. Available from
Heartland or REI.
Rugged Outback: Leatherlike hiking sneakers. Available at Payless Shoe
Source.
Aesop and Heartland both carry leather-like hiking boots.
The Nike "Outdoor" listings sound promising.
I've seen an Israeli desert combat boot made of canvas in catalogs
that offer military surplus equipment, but I don't know of a stable source.
In the U.K., Michael Traub says that the following places carry
non-leather hiking boots:
Cader Idris Outdoor Gear, Eldon Square, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 1PS,
Phone 0341-422195. Access and Visa accepted. Prices 29.50 to 49.99.
Designer Wares, 8 Ashwell Road, Bradford BD9 4AU, Phone 0274-483390.
Price 45.00.
===== Work Boots =====
Heartland Products carries a leatherlike boot with a steel toe.
LaCrosse Timber Boots: Rugged all-rubber boots, 12" high with felt
midsole, foam insulation and knobby soles.
I've seen synthetic steel-toed boots at places like Payless and Pic 'n
Pay.
WearGuard Work Clothers carries rubber steel-toe boots.
===== Dress and Other Shoes =====
Read labels. (Aren't most vegetarians compulsive label readers by
now anyway?) Look for the words "All man-made materials", or for shoes
made from canvas or other obviously non-leather fabric. Try Payless Shoe
Source, Fayva, Kinney, K-Mart, Sears, J.C. Penny, Pic 'N Pay, Woolworth,
Thom McAnn, Wal-Mart, Marshalls, and other inexpensive chains. You may
find at least one non-leather model even at more expensive stores, but
why pay more?
Tom Billings (t...@stat.Berkeley.edu) reports that non-leather
narrow width men's dress shoes are just about impossible to find. Any
information on sources for such shoes would be appreciated.
Shari Dawson (c/o Greg_...@mindlink.bc.ca) tells me that
Naturalizer shoe stores carry a variety of women's shoes in imitation
leather and suede, including narrow sizes.
In the U.K., there's an outfit called "Vegetarian Shoes." Michael
Traub (tr...@btcs.bt.co.uk) says they "make synthetic shoes which will
easily outlast leather shoes. They also require less maintenance (i.e. no
need to polish them)." Vegetarian Shoes, 12 Gardner St, Brighton, BN1 1UP,
United Kingdom.
Real Goods carries Deja Shoes, made from recycled materials. Several
styles.
Val Voorheis (voor...@econs.umass.edu) tells me that Kenneth Cole's
UNLISTED line "has a lot of non-leather shoes. They are all clearly marked
(and the non-leatherness is part of the advertising). They have a toll-free
number, 1-800-UNLISTED, for information on retail locations that carry
these products. In addition, some of them are pretty stylin', they are
pretty good quality, and moderately priced (not Payless prices, but not
terribly out of line."
===== Accessories =====
Belts: Aesop and Heartland are good sources. The belts that sometimes
come with pants are almost always non-leather. Canvas belts with the brass
slide-through buckles (like Boy Scouts use) can be found at any outdoor
sports store; they last just about forever! Military BDU belts are also
canvas but have a different style of buckle; you can often find them at
military surplus stores.
Briefcases: Inexpensive briefcases at office supply stores are often
non-leather. Aesop carries both a business attache and portfolio. Land's
End has a canvas briefcase. (Or ditch the briefcase and get a nice backpack
or satchel - they're easier to carry on the bus or subway.)
Handbags and wallets: Most department stores carry some non-leather
bags and wallets. Sporting goods stores often carry nylon or canvas
wallets.
===== Specialty Items =====
Ballet shoes: R.G. Barry Corp., Box 129, Columbus OH 43216.
Balls and gloves: Spalding Sports offers a synthetic leather
volleyball, basketball, and soccer ball. The Vegetarian Resource Group says
that Spalding makes a vinyl baseball/softball glove, but one netter says he
called Spalding and they didn't know what he was talking about. (800)
225-6601 to find stores in your area that carry Spalding products. Dudley
makes a synthetic softball: (800) 523-5387. Heartland products carries a
non-leather glove.
Biking gloves: REI carries Novara Lightning Gloves and Novara Lifeline
Lyrca Gloves, made from Nash - a fabric that looks and feels like leather
but wears even better. No leather palms on these gloves. Cotton/spandex
"skiing" gloves have also been recommended. Joe Clark (joeclark@scilink.
org) found a non-leather brand of winter bicycling gloves called "Paris" at
a store up in Toronto; he also recommends "Pearl Izumi Lobster Therma-
Dores" for warmer weather.
"Leather" jackets: Avon Products carries a leather look-alike dress
jacket. A company called Windbreaker makes a fairly good-looking biker-
style jacket, but I only know one store that carries them. (If you're in my
area, try Ranger Surplus - that's where I got mine.)
Motorcycle gear: In the U.K., I had a listing for Mocatan, producing
non-leather goods including biker jackets and boots. They had relocated to
Manchester from Wolverhampton (the new address, provided by David
L. Jackson (mbh...@hpa.ee.man.ac.uk) was Mocotan, 283 Deansgate,
Manchester M3 4EW, U.K.) - but Michael Traub (tr...@btcs.bt.co.uk) tells me
they've closed down. However, he gave me the address of the Vegan Bikers
Association: 48 Hawkins Hall Lane, Datchworth, Knebworth, Herts SG3
6TE. They provide information (mainly clothing related) to vegan
motorcyclists. If any U.K. bikers get any info from them, I'd love to add
it to the list.
Hein Gericke apparently carries a non-leather motorcycle boot,
according to Mike Johnson (mi...@inmos.co.uk). Their U.K. mail-order phone
number is 0904 679860.
Work gloves: W. Wells Lamont "No Sweat" Gloves.
Drums: Yes, drums. The Earth Art Gallery in Ellicott City, MD (8304
Main Street, Zip Code 21043) has "animal friendly" Native American style
drums made with Kelvar instead of animal skins. I'm going to try to find
out who their supplier is. The drums have a very good sound, and look and
feel a lot like skin drums.
===== General Hints =====
Look at the most inexpensive products - they are most likely to be
non-leather.
Some vinyl shoes may squeak. Try mineral oil, hand cream, or similar
lubricants between the noisy surfaces.
Many patent "leather" looking shoes are synthetic. Again, check the
label for "all man-made materials."
"Leatherette" is a brand name of high-quality vinyl, not a form of
leather.
===============================================================================
Tom Swiss/t...@tis.com | "Born to die." | Keep your laws off my brain!
"What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?" - Nick Lowe
Now at t...@tis.com; same opinions, new address.
"All men are poets at heart"
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"All poets are mad"
--Robert Burton