With the rising demand for cruelty-free and sustainable fashion, vegan shoes have become popular with consumers. The latter are made from plant-based or synthetic materials; thus, they are a cruelty-free alternative to genuine leather.
The material for vegan shoes is called as vegan leather, as it resembles genuine leather to a high degree. Such material is much less damaging to the environment in contrast to the chemicals used in traditional leather tanning. Also, vegan leather does not involve the slaughter of animals and is thus a more humane choice.
Vegan leather is also as durable and stylish as traditional leather, making it a great choice for those who wish to discourage animal slaughter and reduce harm to the environment without compromising on style or quality.
Vegan leather can be made of a wide range of raw materials, mostly plastic treated with polyurethane (called ‘pleather’) but can also be made of sustainable materials like fruit peels, pineapple leaves, cork, recycled plastic, etc.
Vegan leather or faux leather, resembles genuine leather to a high degree. Thus, it is ideal for consumers who wish to wear leather without harming both animals and the planet.
Shoes made of vegan leather are not as long-lasting as real leather and need proper care for a long life. Following are some tips to care for vegan leather shoes:
Selecting shoes of high quality
The first step in taking care of vegan shoes begins with your initial purchase. Choose high-quality vegan footwear made by brands of good repute. Seek footwear made of durable materials like recycled plastic, synthetic microfiber, and organic cotton. Good-quality vegan footwear is both easy to maintain and comfortable to wear.
Regular cleaning
Vegan footwear must be cleaned in a regular fashion. In order to keep these looking spanking new for a long time, it is good to clean them in a regular way. The cleaning can be conducted in the following step-by-step manner:
- Remove all loose debris and dirt by gently tapping the shoes together or through the use of a soft brush.
- Make a solution of a dedicated cleaner of vegan footwear or a mild soap with lukewarm water.
- Wet a soft sponge or piece of cloth with soapy water and gently wipe the surface of the shoe. Take care not to saturate the shoe since excessive moisture can damage some vegan material.
- Ensure that you rinse the sponge or cloth with clean water. Do not leave any residue or soap on the shoes.
- Permit your shoes to dry in the air, storing them away from direct sources of heat since too much heat can deform synthetic materials.
Removal of stains
Stains are a common threat since accidents cannot be avoided. To remove stains from vegan leather shoes, begin by discovering the nature of the stains. Then, use a suitable stain remover or a mix of mild soap and water to treat the stain. Sponge gently or dab the stain using a soft cloth. Do not rub excessively, since it may further spread the stain. Finally, rinse the spot with water and dab with a piece of cloth till dry.
Conditioning
Certain vegan footwear lacks natural oils found in leather, so it is vital to condition them to maintain their suppleness. Begin by buying a conditioner meant for vegan footwear, or use a natural substitute like coconut oil. Take a tiny amount of conditioner and spread it on a soft, clean piece of cloth.
Now, gently rub this cloth on the surface of the shoes, focusing on areas that tend to dry out, like heels and toes. Allow the conditioner to stay on the shoes for a few hours to ensure proper absorption. Get rid of any excess conditioner by using a dry cloth to wipe the shoes.
Water-proofing
In order to protect the vegan footwear from the elements and moisture, consider using a water-proofing wax or spray. Follow these steps to keep the shoes dry and clean: shake the spray or wax in a good manner. Next, a fine coat of the product is applied to the surface of the shoes. Do not wear the shoes until they are thoroughly dry. You can re-apply the product as required, particularly after being exposed to heavy wear or water.
Storage
To prolong the life of your vegan footwear, you need to practice proper storage. To keep the shoes in good shape, consider investing in shoe trees. Ensure that the shoes are stored in a dry and cool place. Protect them from direct sunlight. Store the shoes in shoe bags for protection from dust. Not that you may invest in a shoe bag after deciding to buy vegan shoes online.
Rotation
If you wear the same pair of shoes frequently, it could lead to quick wear and tear. Therefore, it is a good practice to rotate your shoes at regular intervals. This provides them room for breathing and recovery. It can also help mitigate the build-up of odour.
Repairs
When your vegan footwear develops loose stitching or small tears, consider repairing them by giving them to a professional cobbler. They can mostly mend the shoes and prolong the life of your footwear.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat
Heat can cause vegan leather to fade and distort. Fading is also caused by exposure to direct sunlight. If you are forced to store vegan leather shoes in a sun-lit space, consider covering them with a piece of cloth or storing them in a shoe box.
Protect from elements
Similar to real leather, vegan leather can suffer from exposure to the elements. Sunlight can cause cracking and fading, while snow and rain can make them brittle and victims of mildew and mould. To keep vegan leather in good condition, store it in a dry and cool place.
Take care with sharp objects
Though vegan leather is durable, it can be easily punctured or scratched by sharp objects. Take care while handling keys, knives and other sharp objects close to your vegan leather shoes. But if you puncture or scratch them accidentally, it is possible to repair them with super glue or a leather patch kit.
Caring for vegan shoes is a worthy task that not only preserves the shoes but also helps them align with ethical fashion choices. With a little effort, you can keep your vegan leather shoes looking new for a long time. Follow the above tips to make your vegan leather shoes last long time.
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