I See Leather for Me
As a veg*n (20% veg*, 80% *an~ and for a variety of reasons), I haven’t bought leather since 1996, and that included leather-free shoes, belts and gloves.
I have received a few leather gifts… a pair of old-school quad skates from Marc that I love but so rarely use (anyone like to go skating with me?)… a “see” no evil AIDS awareness necklace from Santos…
Consequently, shoes are always difficult for me, only compounded by the fact that I have size 11 feet. But once I am within walking distance of a good shoe store, I may reluctantly turn my back on my leatherless stance and buy leather shoes once more.
Veg shoes tend to be very ugly and very “sensible” looking. My lovely ladies at the station don’t wear ugly old shoes, and I don’t want to either! Why punished because I’m trying to live in a way I feel is sustainable and right for me?!
I’m 28 (almost) and not quite ready for orthopedic-looking shoes, and I’m not interested in birkenwannabes just because I’m veg. I’m betting my girl Candace would agree that these boring, patched-up flat veg shoes are a look she is not lovin’! The few cute vegan shoes I have found in stores feel like you’re fitting your feet into hard plastic missiles, destined to give you corns and bunions. Yay.
BAH!
Though some leather shoes hurt/are ugly too, sadly, many are very comfortable and right up my style alley!
Further, just about any vegan shoes you find, you have to order online.
What??!! With all my foot-shoe issues, someone expects me to purchase shoes I can’t even try on first? Give me a break!
My long-term solution involves opening my own shoe store (and eventually even designing my own line, perhaps) in Durham ~ the Triangle’s premiere location for hundreds of cute, sensible or otherwise veg*n shoes, from size 4 – 13 in womens and all sizes in men. Hoorah.
Until then, unless you send some Rockstar suggestions my way (and I’ve already checked out the Marshalls, DSW, SRI and Wide Shoe Warehouse), I see the short-term solution of dreaded leather back in my life. 
… in other words, PLEASE send me some really Rockstar suggestions, and I’m driving there now!
I think thats a great idea!! I will def buy shoes from your shoe store! Until then I guess I’ll keep wearing my shoes I got on sale at Belk!
some “pleather” can be comfy…in fact Nine West has had a few. There is an outlet store at the airport mall and off 70 in the plaza near the old Best Buy. good luck!
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