If I'm considering being a Vegan, what should I do with my leather shoes?

Question

If I'm considering being a Vegan, what should I do with my leather shoes? I've been blogging about being a vegan and yet I have three pair of leather dress shoes for work and for formal occasions ( www.theveganexperiment.com ). I also have a leather belt. Should I bury them like a family pet and say a prayer for them? Should I give the shoes to charity? Should I hold a mock auction on Ebay as a way of promoting my blog and bringing awareness to Veganism? Give me some advice and check out my blog too.

Thanks!

:)

www.theveganexperiment.com

Answer 1

At least for now, personally I still use my hiking boots, belts, and gloves. My going vegan wasn't a political statement. It's a personal choice to do my best not to hurt animals. The deed is done on my leather goods. I will simply not buy any more.

Answer 2

Don't throw them away. Don't bury them.

Sell them or give them to charity.

Maybe someone out there wants some leather shoes. Would you rather have them buy your pre-owned leather shoes (buying them from you or goodwill would not be supporting the leather industry) or do you want them to buy them new (where the leather industry will get a portion of the profits)?

Answer 3

Some vegans will use up the leather items they had before going vegan and then replace with animal-friendly alternatives.  Others will donate their leather or sell it.  If you can't stand wearing your leather shoes anymore, please, please don't bury them, but give them to charity or sell them.  It's better someone get use out of them if they're still in good condition.

Other folks have mentioned spots where you can get some cute vegan items with which to replace the leather if you decide not to use it anymore.   Pangea (www.veganstore.com) also has vegan business suits and ties.

Answer 4

I asked this same question about a pair of suede boots i have, after MUCH consideration, I've decided to wear them until their no good anymore. I don't want the cow to die for nothing + waste my money (plus their REALLY cute lol jk).  I did however give away my leather belt and my wool sweaters, but the boots were more expensive, and harder to replace.

Answer 5

try this link...they offer lots of different vegan friendly products and accessories...

http://www.veganessentials.com/?OVRAW=ve...

as for the shoes you have, after you have replaced them then I would donate them to the goodwill to help those who may be in need of shoes and can't afford to be choosy....

no need in throwing them away if someone else can use them and appreciate them....think of it as recycling....lol

:)

Answer 6

I've been a vegetarian for many years and have worn both manmade and leather shoes. Sure there's a confict, but vegan shoes have not always been convenient for me to get (and besides, if rubber, like from my bike's wheels,  has animal by-products, as do photographs, then I am not 100% anyway. I never buy leather coats, nor new down jackets). If it makes you sick to wear  them now, I'd give them to charity.

Answer 7

It's only up to you.

You can wait until they are won out and buy new stuff or you can replace it now and donate the used items to charity for sale at a thrift store.

Answer 8

If you have other shoes to wear, wear them instead.  If you are short on money and can't buy any new shoes to replace them, wear them until you need new ones or can afford to replace them.  

It's simple really.  It's up to you.  The important thing is that you don't buy anymore.  All vegans are faced with this issue when they convert.  I didn't have any leather anyway, so my transition was smooth.  I would have done what I stated above if I had been faced with it.

Answer 9

I recommend looking for some awesome shoe leather recipes, those boogers aren't cheap, and should be grilled immediately.

A sweet and sour pineapple glaze is a shoe in with guests...

Answer 10

I'd wear them till they fall apart.  I feel that vegans would want the leather to be used rather than sold.

Answer 11

Congrats on becoming Veg!! :)

They sell vegan shoes and belts.. I'll show you some sites where you can buy them.

http://zeta.zappos.com/search/vegetarian...

http://zeta.zappos.com/search/vegetarian...

Maybe you should give your old shoes to charity... to some people who might not have enough money for shoes, or need new ones..

Good luck!

Answer 12

Eat them before it's too late.

Answer 13

you can donate them

you can keep them as a reminder of everything your doing

you can give them to a friends

you can throw them out

Answer 14

Don't eat them.

Answer 15

The best sort of giving is anonymous giving, so why not drop them in a Goodwill box located in so many parking lots around.  You could also give them to the Salvation Army or a thrift store.  There are just too many needy people around to bury good & usable shoes.  I'll check out your vegan site straight away.

Answer 16

donate them to a used store. if someone wants a pair of leather shoes they wont go out and buy new ones leading to the killing of another animal

Answer 17

Give them to charity!!

Impressive blog, by the way, congrats-it looks like you're doing great.

I've been vegan for the past 3 months (lost 25lbs so far), I am transitioning into the whole vegan experience. Not only am I not eating anything with a face or from a face, I've started cleaning only with natural cleaners. My next step is to get into the clothing (it's kind of a waste of money until I loss more weight though, but I will do it).

I may be checking your blog every so often to see how you're doing and inspire myself....

Answer 18

keep wearing them unless the thought bugs you. if it does bother you then give them to charity. the damage is already done so there's no reason to get rid of your shoes. i know it's bothersome. i have a pair of uggs from my pre-vege days but i don't know what else to wear during ny winters since i get cold really easily.

if you really want animal products out of your life give/sell them to a non-vege you know so they won't buy new leather shoes.

Answer 19

Take them to the local PETA office, and let THEM deal with it.

Answer 20

if you like them, just keep it. it isnt like your going to be tempted to eat them. but you can sell them.

Answer 21

No, they aren't alive, so don't bury them. Give them to a goodwill or some other place that collects clothes for poor people. They will be appreciated elsewhere.