Leather Alternatives

Many people who are vegetarian search for footwear and clothing that is not made from leather or any animal products. As a result there are many alternatives to leather being used in the manufacture of footwear. One of the most commonly used of these materials is hemp. This is a soft material that will fit your feet snugly, giving you the comfort you need when you are on your feet all day. The styles range from boots to shoes to sandals and athletic footwear. Hemp is very strong and when it gets wet the fibres knit more closely together.

Some of the other alternatives to leather for use in clothing and footwear include cotton and canvas. Both of these materials are long lasting and are available in a wide range of colours. Pseudo leather materials give you the look and feel of leather and the peace of mind knowing that no animals were harmed to give you this style. One example of this type of material is vegan microfibre, which is actually stronger than leather. Other materials of this nature include vinyl, Pleather, Duraback, Nusuede and Hydrolite. In addition to knowing that it is not real leather, these materials are also less expensive, giving you the opportunity to have more stylish clothes for the same amount of money.

With leather alternatives, you still have to follow the directions for keeping them clean and maintaining the materials. With most of the Vegan materials, all you have to do is wipe them off with a damp cloth. You do not have to apply any neutralizers or waterproofing as you do with leather because these materials are waterproof.