In terms of quality, Vegan leather is known to be less than real leather, which makes many people question its durability, hence the question, “are vegan shoes durable.”
Not everybody can afford to buy real leather heels such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, Prada, etc. Vegan bags are affordable and come in different styles and textures.
This article will explore whether vegan shoes are durable and all you need to know about this excellent leather used for making your favorite fashion accessories.
Are Vegan Shoes Durable? Here’s what we know.
Vegan leather shoes are durable but less than that of real leather. The two most popular kinds of vegan leather, PU and PVC, have a lifespan of two to five years, which is quite manageable, while real leather can last for over 25 years. However, comparing the cost, you can say that the bag is quite durable.
What Is Vegan Leather, and how are they Made?
Vegan leather is referred to as artificial or synthetic leather that is often made from polyurethane and also from innovative alternatives to animal hide, such as recycled plastic, apple peels, bananas, cork, wood, and other fruit wastes.
Most vegans often opt-in for vegan leather bags because they are cruelty-free; you won’t have to kill an animal.
Due to the fact that vegan leather is cruelty-free, it is also harmful to the environment, as it contributes to air pollution in the environment. Microplastic pollution is experienced due to the high level of energy, chemical, and water needed to produce fake leather.
Vegan leather Shoes are’nt only used for making shoes but also for making belts, wallets, or shoes.
How Vegan Leather Is Made
Most vegan leather is called Polyurethane pleather, and they are made by pouring a liquid form of the material of the raw materials into a mold designed to mimic the texture of leather. It is left to cool down, after which the producer takes it, peels off the mold, and attaches it to a fabric material layer. This procedure is mainly used while producing PU.
While PVC is made in almost the same procedure, the chemical is different here. Once it has cooled off, it is molded and added to a fabric layer to give stability.
The most common types of vegan leather in the market are PU and PVC. None is superior to each other, as both last almost the same number of times, three to five years.
Vegan leather in recent times has experienced some improvements. Designers such as Stella McCartney are exploring sustainable materials that will be used for making vegan bags to improve their style and texture.
Nature of the Vegan Leather Shoes
Vegan leather is quite durable, and even if it is less than real leather, it is far more affordable than real leather, which is only afforded by the elites in society.
However, Vegan leather comes in the ranks. Some are better than others; as such costlier. An example is Pinatex. This is one of the most durable vegan leather and looks like real leather.
Pinatex Vegan Leather
Pinatex is a new type of faux leather made using waste products from pineapple farming. The leather is designed using non-woven techniques where the fibers are bound together, resulting in a more durable vegan leather that resists wear and tear. Pinatex is more durable than normal plasticized leather, and it looks more real.
The limitation of the Pinatex is that it is pretty expensive. Pinatex shoes can cost up to $200 or even more. Check out the Amazon listing for one pair if you want to check the current price.
Step-to-Step Maintenance Tips for Vegan Leather Shoes
The proper care and maintenance tips don’t only keep your bag looking new and neat but can also prolong its durability.
The step-to-step maintenance tips for vegan leather include:
Use a soft-bristled brush on the surface of your vegan leather to remove any form of hair or dust on the surface.
Mix mild soap in warm water and take a soft cloth, soak it in the soapy water, and gently use it to clean out any stains or soiled areas. The cloth shouldn’t be too wet.
Please note that the surface of most vegan leather is nonporous, so you should learn how to clean marks on the surface without damaging or staining the leather.
After cleaning, do not store your vegan leather fashion item, be it bag, shoes, belts, and wallets, directly under the sunlight. The sunlight gives out a harsh effect that is dangerous to the leather. Do dry them on a clean and neat surface away from direct sunlight.
Pros and Cons of Vegan leather Shoes
Pros
· Vegan leather is affordable, even to the average leather.
· Vegan leather is cruelty-free, which means no animal is killed to make it,
· No toxic tanning process
· You can get vegan leather in more style and texture, which you can don’t find in real leather
· Offers varieties, which gives you a wide premise to make a selection.
Cons
· Vegan leather is durable enough, as they only last between three to five years.
· Vegan leather such as PVC is not breathable, so it isn’t comfortable when used to make shoes. Most vegan leather shoes are sweaty, which makes your feet stinky.
· Vegan (fake) leather is essentially plastic, a microfiber made from petroleum oil that is a non-renewable resource.
· The combustion process in making vegan leather contributes to air pollution in the environment, which can be toxic to those producing it.
· PVC and PU can’t biodegrade. Which means that it breaks into smaller pieces.
Conclusion
If you want to purchase vegan leather, ensure you go for the quality ones, as they are more comfortable on the feet and durable. Ensure you properly take care of your vegan leather shoe to prolong its lifespan.