Guide to Leather Alternatives 2006 Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction
• Vegan Mail-Order or Stores
• Catalogs, Companies, & Stores with Leather Alternatives
• Athletic Shoes
  • Women
  • Men
  • Children
• Dress Shoes
  • Women
  • Men
  • Children
• Hiking Boots
• Work Boots
• Coats & Jackets
• Belts, Bags, and Wallets
  • Belts
  • Bags
  • Wallets
• Ballet Shoes
• Balls
• Baseball Gloves
• Biking Gloves
• Bowling Shoes
• Briefcases
• Computer Carrying Bags
• Fetish Ware
• Guitar Straps
• Ice Skates
• Ipod Holders
• Journals
• Luggage
• Motorcycle Gear
• Rock Climbing Shoes
• Skate Shoes
• Snow Boots
• Tool Belt
• Watches with Non-leather Bands
• Weight Lifting Glove
• Western-Style Boots
  
  

INTRODUCTION

On many occasions, after turning down a hotdog  or hamburger at a summer barbecue and explain-ing that you’re vegetarian, the next question you might be asked (if wearing leather-like Birken-stocks) is, “Then why are you wearing leather?” You’ll  answer that the sandals are made from synthetic mater-ials that look like leather, and this usually pacifies the inquisitors. They do ask a valid question though. If   you are choosing a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons,
“How can you stop eating animals, but continue to wear them?” There are many different answers to this question, but if your answer is, “I can’t,” then what do you do? Like a vegetarian diet, people often choose to “quit leather” at different stages.

Since cowhide is the most common animal hide used, links to the meat industry are undeniable. Accord-ing to the Leather Industries of America, the leather industry’s trade association, very few animals are raised specifically for their hides. But cows are just one of the animals whose skins are used for shoes, wallets, coats, belts, clothing, and accessories. Other animals can be pigs, deer, horse, and sheep. Some articles are even made from “exotic” animal skins ranging from alligator and lizard to sealskin and snakeskin.     

You may ask, “Well what should I do with all the leather I have?” Again, just as some people go vege-tarian overnight and others do it slowly, the same goes for leather. Some people choose to gradually replace worn out leather items with non-leather alternatives. Others donate their leather goods to charities. Many throw the stuff away, and although you might prefer that no one wear animal hides (besides the animals), most leather is not biodegradable due to the tanning process, so a charity might be the best bet. The damage that has been done can’t be reversed.

That brings up the question of which causes less damage to the environment – petroleum-based synthetic leathers or leather treated with multiple chemicals? While petroleum-based products often cause pollution from manufacturing and its waste, leather manufacturers are still dealing with problems caused by the use of chemicals for tanning. Either alternative leads to some environmental damage, but while you’re supporting the exploitation of animals by
purchasing leather, choosing leather alternatives will at least help alleviate some cruelty to animals.

Maybe we should also ask ourselves if leather- and fur-like materials are always the best choice. Do these materials give the impression that leather and fur are socially and ethically acceptable? As people opposed to animal exploitation do we wish to give this im-pression to others? Why not go with some other materials such as hemp, cotton, synthetic fibers, or recycled rubber when possible? On the other hand it can be argued that by using leather and fur alternatives we can show others a way of wearing clothes with the look they like that doesn't require the exploitation of animals for it.

For this update we have been able to add a vegan source for Ipod holders, as well as cell phone pouches. We also discovered new non-leather computer carrying cases.

When choosing a non-leather company, one should also consider the company’s reasons for carrying non-leather goods. Although we are pleased that more and more companies offer non-leather items, most large manufacturers and retailers who carry both leather and non-leather offer the non-leather goods primarily for economic reasons. It is cheaper to manufacture non-leather goods, and as a result they often cost less. Note that many of these companies sell mainly leather items. Still, by supporting the vegan articles these companies distribute, a clear statement can be made
in favor of alternative products. Maybe this will encourage companies to produce more synthetic products, even if their reasons for this decision are
not necessarily ethical.

The smaller vegan mail-order companies, on the other hand, take a particular interest in avoiding animal and Earth exploitation through the products they offer. Many of these companies employ Earth-friendly manufacturing and working conditions. For instance, Used Rubber USA offers bags, wallets, and other accessories made from recycled rubber products. Ethical Wares seeks to “trade in a manner which does not exploit animals, humans, or the wider environment.” We believe that it is important to support these companies. Though beyond the scope of this handout, when making choices, you may also want to research how businesses treat workers and the environment.

During the research for this guide we found that many employees at large companies had little knowledge about their products. This is unfortunate. But remember, if more people ask questions, eventually the companies will meet the demand for non-leather information.

To make your selection of non-leather goods as effortless as possible, the companies listed are separated into several categories. The Vegan Mail-Order or Stores section indexes companies that sell only completely animal-free products. The Catalogs, Companies, and Stores section lists companies that sell or manufacture both leather-free and leather goods, so check these carefully to make sure what you’re buying is non-leather. The remaining sections of this guide list specific styles of shoes (athletic, dress, etc.) and the companies who make them or the stores/ catalogs that carry them. Note that when looking at the list some company names may be misleading. For instance, Fabulous Furs not only carries fake furs, but also non-leather bags, jackets, and fake wool vests.

We often depend on company statements for product information. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, information changes, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your own best judgement about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

VEGAN MAIL-ORDER OR STORES

The following companies sell only animal-free, cruelty-free products in their catalogs and/or stores.

All Vegan
4669 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 299-4669
Website: www.allveganshopping.com
This vegan store carries leather-free shoes, hiking boots, belts, handbags, and much more for men and women.

Alternative Outfitters
408 S. Pasadena Ave. Suite 1, Pasadena, CA 91105
(866) 758-5837 or (626) 396-4972; Fax: (626) 396-4952
Email: CustomerCare@AlternativeOutfitters.com
Website: www.alternativeoutfitters.com
This online store offers non-leather footwear, handbags, accessories (including watch bands and cell phone pouches), and much more. They are opening a showroom, too.
 
Artisan Gear
7605 4th St., White City, OR 97503
(541) 830-4411
Email: info@artisangear.com
Website: www.artisangear.com
Artisan Gear produces a line of classic/casual bags and accessories from hemp canvass. You can order their bags online or visit their website to find stores selling their bags.

Beyond Skin
The Sudio, 20 Cross Lanes, Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks Sl9 0LR United Kingdom; Tel: 0-11-44-1494 871655
Email: info@beyondskin.co.uk
Website: www.beyondskin.co.uk
Here you’ll find stylish shoes handmade in England.

Bourgeois Boheme
PO Box 54214, London, England W14 0SX
Tel: 011-44-2076 029067 
Email: info@bboheme.com
Website: www.bboheme.com
This online vegan boutique offers unique women’s and men’s footwear, bags, wallets, and much more.

Cosmo’s Vegan Shoppe
1860 Sandy Plains Rd., Suite 204-208, Marietta, GA 30066; (800) 260-9968 or (678) 921-0102
Email: info@cosmosveganshoppe.com
Website: cosmosveganshoppe.com
You’ll find a wide variety of bags and wallets here.

DownBound
322 Pacific Avenue, Toronto, ON M6P 2P9
Canada; (416) 604-8552
Email: service@downbound.com
Website: www.downbound.com
This Canadian company offers many products made out of hemp including backpacks, duffle bags, toiletry bags, wallets, fanny packs, and more. They also offer hemp shoes for men, women, and children.

Ecolution -- Pan World Traders
PO Box 697, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
(800) 973-HEMP
Website: www.ecolution.com
This mail-order wholesale company makes hemp products, including shoes, clothing, wallets, bags, etc. Their product line, Ecolution, can be ordered through www.artisanwear. com, www.thevegetariansite.com, or www.mooshoes.com. 

English Retreads
4949 N. Broadway, Suite 147, Boulder, CO 80304 (303) 258-1625
Email: info@englishtreads.com
Website: www.englishretreads.com
English Retreads manufactures totes, purses, bookbags, backpacks, key chains, and belts from recycled rubber inner tubes, seat belts, and fan belts.

Ethical Wares
Caegwyn, Temple Bar, Felinfach, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7SA, Wales, United Kingdom
Tel: 011-44-1570 471155; Fax: 011-44-1570 471166
Email: vegans@ethicalwares.com
Website: www.ethicalwares.com
This company sells shoes and belts. Ethical Wares states that they do not trade with countries that have “repressive regimes or exploitative working practices.” Shoe styles include hiking boots, steel-toe safety boots, dressy shoes, etc.

Fabulous Furs
5 West Robbins St., Covington, KY 41011
(800) 848-4650
Email: custserv@fabulousfurs.com
Website: www.fabulousfurs.com
This mail-order company offers a wide variety of fake “fur,” “leather,” and “wool” products such as coats, jackets, vests, hats, handbags, pillows, and ear muffs. They even have “Sew It Yourself” kits. Inquire about their showroom.

Fast and Furless
294 Snelling Ave. South, St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 698-4585
Email: info@fastandfurless.com
Website: www.fastandfurless.com
This boutique located near Macalester College offers shoes, sandals, belts, bags, wallets, and more. Closed on Mondays.

Freerangers
87 Derwent Street, Chopwell, Tyne & Wear, England 
NE17 7HZ; Tel. 011-44-1207 565957
Email: info@freerangers.co.uk
Website: www.freerangers.co.uk
Online store offering made-to-order handcrafted shoes as well as accessories including wallets, belts, and bags.

Gaelyn and Cianfarani
757 Fulton St. 2R, Brooklyn, NY 11217
(212) 614-6998
Email: info@gaelyn.com
Website: www.gaelyn.com
This company makes modern dresses, corsets, pants, skirts, and tops from latex and recycled rubber.

Heartland Products, Ltd.
PO Box 218, Dakota City, IA 50529
(800) 441-4692; Fax: (515) 332-4831
Website: www.trvnet.net/~hrtlndp/
Carries shoes, western-style boots, and baseball gloves.

Mink
(800) 990-MINK
Email: info@minkshoes.com
Website: www.minkshoes.com
Offers handmade non-leather shoes made in Italy.

MooShoes
152 Allen St., New York, NY 10002
(866) 59-VEGAN or (212) 254-6512
Email: info@mooshoes.com
Website: www.mooshoes.com
MooShoes is owned and run by a couple of vegan gals. Though shoes can be purchased online, customers are encouraged to walk in and try shoes on if they are in the NYC area. MooShoes carries shoes by brands such as Vegan Wares, Vegetarian Shoes, and Ethical Wares. They also sell bags, wallets, and belts.

My Vegan Shoes
c/o Hamsin Ltd, B5 River View, The Embankment
Vale Rd, Heaton Mersey, Stockport SK4 3GN
United Kingdom; Tel: 011-44-1619-755399
Email: megan@myveganshoes.com
Website: www.myveganshoes.com
This online shop offers men’s and women’s shoes.

Otsu
849 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 255-7900
Website: www.veganmart.com/shop/
This boutique is dedicated to providing hard-to-find, high-quality, fairly-made non-leather items including shoes, belts, wallets, and bags.

Pangea Vegan Products
2381 Lewis Ave., Rockville, MD 20851
(800) 340-1200; Fax: (301) 816-8955
Email: info@veganstore.com
Website: www.pangeaveg.com
This mail-order company and store carries only cruelty-free, vegan products, including shoes, clothing, wallets, belts and bags, personal care products, and vegan food. Pangea is also the producer of the No Bull line of leather alternatives.

Queen Bee Creations
1847 E Burnside Ste. 103, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 232-1755
Email: Queenbee@Queenbee-Creations.com
Website: Queenbee-Creations.com
All items from Queenbee-Creations are made out of vinyl. They produce bags, wallets, cases, and more. The website
includes information on retail stores carrying their items.

Sidecar For Pigs Peace
5270 B University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 523-9060
Website: www.sidecarforpigspeace.com
This vegan store is located at a Pig Sanctuary. They offer shoes, belts, wallets, and much more. Closed Mondays.

Sparkle Craft
902 East 5th St., Suite 110, Austin, TX 78702
Email: orders@sparklecraft.com
Website: www.sparklecraft.com
Sparkle Craft offers handmade non-leather accessories including belts, guitar straps, and wristbands.

Splaff Flops
PO Box 7604, San Diego, CA 92167
(619) 221-9199
Email: splaffinfo@yahoo.com
Website: www.splaff.com
This online company offers Splaff Flopps (flip flop sandals) handcrafted in California. The soles are made with recycled car tires, the straps are made with used bicycle inner tubes, the footbed covering and strap linings are made with hemp fabric, and the mid sole is made with regupol (a cushioned material made from used tires which have been chipped and pressed into mats). They also produce bags and a belt.

Tomorrow’s World
9657 First View St., Norfolk, VA 23503
(800) 229-7571
E-mail: cs@tomorrowsworld.com
Website: www.tomorrowsworld.com
They have non-leather clothing, shoes, belts, bags, etc. They also carry many organic hemp products.

Truth Belts
83 Billings Ave., Toronto, ON M4L 2S3 Canada
(416) 778-1597; Fax: (905) 778-9435
Email: info@truthbelts.com
Website: www.truthbelts.com 
Truth Belts offers an innovative and stylish array of synthetic belts for your waist, as well as ones for your wrists (bracelets). Visit the website to find out where Truth Belts are sold retail. You can order the belts online at www.vegetarianbelts.com

Used Rubber USA
597 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 626-7855
Email: questions@usedrubberusa.com
Website: www.usedrubberusa.com
Recycled rubber inner tubes and tires are used to make bags, wallets, and organizers in a variety of sizes.

VeganEssentials
3707 N. 92nd St., Milwaukee, WI 53222
(866) 88-VEGAN or (414) 527-9684
Email: questions@veganessentials.com
Website: www.veganessentials.com
Vegan Essentials is a mail-order company offering goods such as shoes, jackets, wallets, belts, and more.

Veganline
2 Avenue Gds, London, England SW14 8BP
Email: soundsearchers.co.uk
Website: www.veganline.com
Stylish vegan shoes, boots, dress shoes, wallets, and belts.

Vegan Shoes
(800) 247-5748
Website: www.veganshoes.com
Offers sandals, running shoes, clogs, etc.

Veganshoes.us
Planet Shoes Inc.,
135 Second Ave., Waltham, MA 02451;
(888) 818-SHOE (7463)
Email: info@planetshoes.com
Website: www.Veganshoes.us
This online store offers women’s and men’s casual shoes, boots, sandals, etc. They offer the Earth brand.

Veganstore.co.uk
Vegan Store Ltd., PO Box 110, Rottingdean, Brighton BN51 9AZ  United Kingdom
Tel: 011-44-1273 302979
Email: sales@veganstore.co.uk
Website: www.veganstore.co.uk
Veganstore.co.uk is known as “The one stop vegan shop” carrying over 400 cruelty-free items online. They are a licensed distributor of No Bull leather alternatives in Europe. 

Vegan Unlimited
PO Box 248, San Anselmo, CA 94979
(415) 453-1466
Email: info@veganunlimited.com
Website: www.veganunlimited.com
This online company carries non-leather belts, bags, wallets, and men’s and women’s shoes.

Vegan Wares
78 Smith St., Collingwood, 3066 VIC  Australia Tel/Fax: 61-3-9417-0230
Email: vegan@veganwares.com
Website: www.veganwares.com
They offer shoes, boots, briefcases, wallets, and more. They even make-to-order shoes and sell children’s shoes.

Vegetarian Shoes
12 Gardner St., Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UP United Kingdom; Telephone: 011-44-1273 691913
E-mail: information@vegetarian-shoes.co.uk
Website: www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk
Over 50 styles of synthetic leather and synthetic suede shoes including genuine Doc Martens boots and shoes, Birken-stocks, dress shoes, hiking boots, work boots, “leather” jackets, and belts.

Vegetarian Shoes and Bags
14101 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 235-4709
Website: www.vegetarianshoesandbags.com
This online store offers a wide range of shoes and bags.

The Vegetarian Site
PO Box 18699, Tucson, AZ 85731
(520) 529-8691
Email: shopping@thevegetariansite.com
Website: www.thevegetariansite.com
The Vegetarian Site has an online vegan store filled with clothing, footwear, wallets, belts, bags, and much more.

Vulcana
(602) 538-3860
Website: www.vulcanabags.com
Offers all types of bags made from recycled rubber car tires or hemp.

Vy and Elle
867 Valley Rd., Menasha, WI 54952
(888) 285-4367
Website: www.vyandelle.com
Vy and Elle manufactures handbags, wallets, eyeglass cases, totes, shoulder bags, etc. from recycled vinyl billboard material. Each bag has a unique design. You can order their products through various online sites listed on their website.

CATALOGS, COMPANIES, AND STORES WITH LEATHER ALTERNATIVES

The following catalogs, companies, and stores carry some non-leather products, but also many that are not animal-free. Just like reading food labels, carefully check the merchandise to make sure it is leather-free. If you’re not sure, ask customer service or a sales clerk, but beware they can’t always answer your questions. This is only a partial listing of the thousands of catalogs and stores with synthetic options.

Active Souls
318 Court St., Plymouth, MA 02360
(800) 881-4322
Website: www.activesoles.com
They distribute several styles of New Balance shoes made from synthetic materials for men and women.

Anywears Shoe Company, Inc.
(888) 298-0120
Email: customerservice@anywears.com
Website: www.anywears.com
Brightly colored man-made, biodegradable, padded clogs that can be put in the washer. Note: some have leather uppers.

Auditions
1251 1st Ave., Suite 115, Chippewa Falls, WI 54774
(800) 280-0846
Website: www.auditionsshoes.com
They carry name brands such as Auditions, Easy Spirit, Keds, and New Balance, all of which offer some vegan shoes. 

Earth
151 Newton St. Waltham, MA 02453
(877) 372-2814
Website: www.earthvegan.us
Earth offers a line of vegan Earth shoes, featuring Kalso Negative Heel technology. You’ll find both casual and dress shoes, sandals, and boots.

Green Shoes
69 High St., Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5PB, United Kingdom; Tel: 011-44-1803 864997
Website: www.greenshoes.co.uk/greenframe.html
Find men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes, boots, and sandals custom made from non-leather materials. They also make accessories such as bags and belts.

Heavenly Soles
615 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 822-2169
Email: info@heavenlysoles.com
Website: www.heavenlysoles.com
Heavenly Soles offers shoes from Vegetarian Shoes.

J. Crew
One Ivy Crescent, Lynchburg, VA 24513
(800) 562-0258
Email: service@jcrew.com
Website: www.jcrew.com
Canvas deck shoes and basketball sneakers, nylon sneakers, flannel deck sneakers, rubber thongs, and rubber boots.

L.L. Bean
Freeport, ME 04033; (800) 441-5713
Website: www.llbean.com
Teva sandals, canvas athletic shoes, children’s boots, etc.

Montrail
2505 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 621-9303; Fax: (206) 621-0230
Website: www.montrail.com
Montrail offers a variety of outdoor synthetic shoes. The following models are (good for trail running, light hiking) made from synthetics: Vitesse and Leona Divide.

Payless Shoe Source
Website: www.payless.com
This chain has a wide selection of synthetic leather shoes available in men’s, women’s, and children’s styles. Leather shoes are marked on the box. Call (877) 474-6379 for a store in your area.

Pennangalan Dreams
15 Gloucester Avenue, Slough, SL1 3AW,
United Kingdom; Tel: 011-44-1753 678076
Email: dreams@pennangalan.co.uk
Website: www.pennangalan.co.uk
This online store offers fetish boots in varying colors and heights. They have an impressive array of exotic/erotic vegan-friendly footware.

REI
REI, Sumner, WA 98352-0001
(800) 426-4840
Website: www.rei.com
Carry Teva sports sandals, Merrell sports sandals, and more. They also offer non-leather belts and watch bands.

Road Runner Sports
5549 Copley Dr., San Diego, CA 92111
Website: www.roadrunnersports.com
Carries several non-leather running shoes from Asics, Saucony, Brooks, Reebok, New Balance, and Mizuno. Watches with non-leather bands are also available.

Santana Canada Footwear
Email: customerservice@santana.ca
Website: www.santana.ca
Waterproof non-leather boots and shoes in a variety of styles. Email them for a store in your area.

Zappos.com
(800) ZAPPOS
Website: www.zappos.com
Search under the word vegetarian on this website and a long list of sandals and casual, formal, athletic, and other shoes will appear. They carry shoes for men, women, and children.

ATHLETIC SHOES

There are now leather alternatives in almost every style of athletic shoe. While some companies offer “classic” styles that remain leather-free, other styles, especially running shoes, change their look (and materials) frequently. For each company below there may be more non-leather styles than included, or the style listed may be made in the future with leather, so always check to make sure that the shoe you are looking for is still animal-free. National chains that carry athletic shoes include The Athletes Foot and Foot Locker.

Women’s Athletic Shoes
Asics: (800) 678-9435; Several synthetic shoes; call to find out about a certain shoe.
Brooks: (800) 2-BROOKS; Synthetic running shoes.
Converse: (888) 792-3307; Chuck Taylor All-Stars, high-top and low-top, come in many styles, colors, and fabrics. They also have canvas One Stars.
Keds: (800) 680-0966; Canvas oxfords and slip-ons in a variety of colors and patterns.
Montrail: (206) 621-9303; Montrail offers a variety of outdoor synthetic shoes.
New Balance: (800) 253-SHOE; Many styles of     running shoes are made with leather and/or suede alternatives. Call for a catalog.
Payless Shoe Source: (877) 474-6379; Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials.
Vans: (800) VANS-800; Styles include canvas and synthetic leather shoes. Call for stores in your area.

Men’s Athletic Shoes
Asics: (800) 678-9435; Several synthetic shoes, call to find out about a certain shoe.
Brooks: (800) 2-BROOKS; Synthetic running shoes.
Converse: (888) 792-3307; Chuck Taylor All-Stars, high-top and low-top, come in many styles, colors, and fabrics. They also have canvas One Stars.
Montrail: (206) 621-9303; Montrail offers a variety of outdoor synthetic shoes.
New Balance: (800) 934-1022; Most of the running shoes have all-synthetic uppers. Some of the walking shoes are synthetic. Call for a current catalog that lists which shoes are non-leather.
Payless Shoe Source: (877) 474-6379; Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials.
Vans: (800) VANS-800; Styles include canvas and synthetic leather shoes. Call for stores in your area.

Children’s Athletic Shoes
Kids Footlocker: (800) 991-6815; Stores sell all major brands of athletic shoes for children.
Payless Shoe Source: (877) 474-6379; Always a great place to find leather-free shoes for children. Athletic styles often feature popular cartoon characters.
Vans: (800) VANS-800; Styles include canvas and synthetic leather shoes. Call for stores in your area.

DRESS SHOES

Most of the all-vegan stores listed at the beginning of this guide offer a variety of dress shoes for men and women. Value shoe stores like Payless Shoe Source, as well as discount stores like Target often offer a wealth of styles for men, women, and children. 

Women’s and Men’s Dress Shoes
The best places for men and women to find leather alternative dress shoes are Alternative Outfitters, Beyond Skin, Ethical Wears, Moo Shoes, Otsu, Pangea, Vegan Essentials, Vegetarian Site, and Vegetarian Shoes, which are all listed in the Vegan Mail-Order or Stores section of this article. If you are not interested in mail-order try discount shoe stores like Payless Shoe Source.

Children’s Dress Shoes
Payless Shoe Source: Wow, this store just keeps popping up, but you should have no trouble finding a few styles here – and at reasonable prices!

HIKING BOOTS

For light hiking, there are several boots available that will probably meet your needs; even some of the athletic shoe companies are making rugged shoes for day hikes.

Ethical Wares: Weald, Ranger, and Trekking styles.
Pangea: Wanderlust Hiking Boot.
Vegan Unlimited: Carries the Ranger hiking boot.
Vegetarian Shoes: Offers several hiking boots.

WORK BOOTS

The following boots should keep your feet protected; some even have steel-toe protection.

Ethical Wares: Safety Boot with a steel toe.
LaCrosse Boots: Several styles of rubber boots: insulated, non-insulated, and steel toe. Available from large retailers. Call (800) 671-BOOT for information.
Pangea: Offers a unisex safety boot.
Veganline: Offers safety boots and shoes.
Vegetarian Shoes: Safety boots with steel toe caps.

COATS AND JACKETS

Fabulous Furs: Fake “fur,” “leather,” and “wool” coats, jackets, and vests.
L.L. Bean: Several styles of winter coats made from synthetic fibers, some with synthetic fur ruffs.
Pangea: Offers their line of No Bull jackets and women’s pea coats.
Veganstore.co.uk: Offers No Bull jackets in Europe.
Vegetarian Shoes: Wide range of classically styled leather-like jackets.

BAGS, BELTS, AND WALLETS

Bags
All Vegan: Handbags and more.
Alternative Outfitters: Handbags.
Artisan Gear: Classic/casual bags.
Bourgeois Boheme: Unique bags.
Cosmo’s Vegan Shoppe: Various bags.
DownBound: Duffle bags, fanny packs, etc.
English Retreads: Purses, bookbags, backpacks, and more made from recycled rubber inner tubes.
Fabulous Furs: Women’s handbags and backpacks made from synthetic leather and nylon.
Otsu: High-quality bags.
Ecolution --Pan World Traders: Briefcases, back-packs, and wallets.
Queen Bee Creations: Hand, tote, and flapped bags.
Used Rubber USA: Recycled rubber inner tubes and tires are used to make bags.
Vegan Unlimited: Various bags.
Vegan Wears: Handbags and briefcases.
The Vegetarian Site: Various bags.

Belts
All Vegan: Various belts.
English Retreads: Belts made from recycled materials.
Ethical Wares: Stylish unisex belts.
Freerangers: Offers a wide range of belts.
Heartland Products, Ltd.: Black, tan, and navy web belts; black and brown unisex non-leather belts.
Otsu: High-quality belts.
Pangea: Offering belts that are both leather-like and canvas. They have a punk rock/studded belt!
Sparkle Craft: Handmade belts.
Truth Belts: Both leather-like and cloth belts.
Used Rubber USA: Recycled rubber inner tubes and tires are used to make belts in a variety of styles.
Vegan Unlimited: Various belts.
Vegan Wares: Micro-fiber belts in black and brown.
Vegetarian Shoes: Dressy non-leather belts.
The Vegetarian Site: Various belts.

Wallets

Bourgeois Boheme: Unique wallets.
Cosmo’s Vegan Shoppe: Various wallets.
DownBound: Several wallets.
Freerangers: Overs a wide range of wallets.
Otsu: High-quality wallets.
Pangea: Several hemp wallets and checkbooks.
Ecolution -- Pan World Traders: Hemp wallets.
Used Rubber USA: Many styles of wallets.
Vegan Unlimited: Various wallets.
Vegan Wares: Several styles of billfolds, checkbooks, wallets, and change purses.

WHERE DO I FIND...

Ballet Shoes
Cynthia King Dance Studio offers the CKDS ballet slipper with polished canvas uppers and synthetic suede soles in both adult and children’s sizes. Call (718) 437-0101.

Balls
Rawlings offers basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, and baseballs made from synthetics. Call: (866) 660-4151.
Spalding Sports offers a synthetic leather volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer ball, and football. Call (800) SPALDING for a store in your area.

Baseball Gloves
Carpenter Trading Company: Offers custom-made vegan gloves.  www.carpentertrade.com
Heartland Products, Ltd.: Adult’s and kid’s sizes.
Rawlings: Offers baseball gloves made from synthetics. See above for contact information.

Biking Gloves
Aerostich Rider Wearhouse offers ColdPro 2 gloves, characterized as cool and wet weather riding gloves.
REI carries Novara Lifeline Gloves made from a leather-like synthetic material.

Bowling Shoes
Dexter Shoes: Offers some bowling shoes made from 100% synthetics.  www.dextershoes.com

Briefcases
Luggageonline.com offers non-leather briefcases.

Computer Carrying Bags
Tom Bihn: offers many synthetic bags to carry your computer.  www.tombihn.com

Fetish Ware
Gaelyn Designs: a wide range of dresses, bodices, skirts, and pants made from recycled rubber.
Pennangalan Dreams: a multitude of erotic/exotic footwear.

Guitar Straps
Pangea: Offers a guitar strap without the leather ends.
Sparkle Craft: Offers handmade guitar straps.
Vegan Wares: Offers guitar straps made from microfibre and nylon webbing.

Ice Skates
Bauer Pro Shop: offers many non-leather Bauer hockey skates.  www.bauer.hockeygiant.com
L.L. Bean: Skates for children. www.llbean.com

Ipod Holders
Alternative Outfitters carries Ipod holders made from Neoprene.  www.alternativeoutfitters.com

Journals
LeatherBoundJournals.com is run by a guy named Paul. He makes the journals by hand and they are made from 100% synthetic materials. Weathered and worn leather-type journals are his specialty.  www.sysx.net/cgi-bin/thatsanorder_LE

Luggage
Luggageonline.com offers non-leather luggage.

Motorcycle Gear
Cycleport offers synthetic motorcycle apparel. www.motoport.com
Motoliberty sells several styles of non-leather motorcycle jackets.  www.motoliberty.com
Motonation has several varieties of non-leather Sidi motorcycle boots.  www.motonation.com

Rock Climbing Shoes
Evolve Sports and Design offers a number of vegan rock climbing shoes.  www.evolvesports.com

Skate Shoes
Vans: Carries Geoff Rowley’s vegan skateboarding shoes for adults and children. Available in Van’s stores or online at www.shop.van.com

Snow Boots/Snowboarding Boots
Burton Snowboards: You’ll find several types of non-leather snow boots at www.burton.com
Sole Technology (owns “Thirty Two”): offers several non-leather snow boots for men and women. www.thirtytwo.com

Tool Belts
Nailers, Inc.: Call (619) 562-2215 for information on their non-leather tool belts, nail bags, and knee pads, all made from Dupont’s Cordura fabric.

Watches with Non-leather Bands
Alternative Outfitters carries watches with non-leather bands.  www.alternativeoutfitters.com

Weight Lifting Glove
NewGrip offers a weight lifting glove made of neo-rene. Visit www.NewGrip.com for information or call (800) 213-0450.

Western-Style Boots
Heartland Products, Ltd.: Styles for women, men, and boys. 
Veganline: Women’s style.

Additional resources: If you are looking for retailers outside the US try www.musonix.demon.co.uk/faq/.

© COPYRIGHT 2006 The Vegetarian Resource Group

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