Dogo is Likely a Fully Vegan Brand

Brand Highlights

Dogo started selling vegan shoes online at a time when not many people were selling shoes online, and even fewer were making vegan shoes.

About Dogo

Founded in 2006, vegan footwear pioneer Dogo has been focused on using vegan materials since day 1. They also claim to have produced the very first vegan leather printed shoe in the world in 2010 - through "an innovative technique of our own creation." They also claim to ensure there's no harm done to animals anywhere in their supply chain. A policy that takes a stand for production that respects animal welfare around the world.

Are Dogo shoes intentionally vegan?

Dogo appears to be an intentionally vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. They have been designing vegan products and using vegan materials from "our very first day," which was in 2006 - also making them a pioneer in the vegan footwear industry.

What materials are used to make Dogo shoes?

Dogo uses a variety of animal-friendly materials to make their shoes, boots and sandals. The product listings on their website will break this down on a high-level per model (some being more thorough in the information provided than others). In general however, Dogo uses some natural, but mostly synthetic materials, including, latex (insoles), 100% polyester or a 80% cotton 20% mix (lining), thermoplastic (outsoles), and vegan leather (upper material). The Dogo team has also informed us that there are no animal-derived ingredients in their glues.

Are Dogo shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

Some of their models would be considered more eco-friendly than others. For example, Dogo claims that their "Paperworks" collection are recyclable shoes and bags made of durable paper, while other models are made of synthetic leather and latex. However, Dogo's claims to sustainability are also rooted in the fact that they create designs that are built to last, both in terms of their timelessness (which runs contrary to "fast fashion"), and their durability/quality.

Does Dogo use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Dogo uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We have asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Dogo use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if Dogo uses recycled, recyclable, compostable, or other forms of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. We have asked them for details regarding the materials they use for packaging, and are currently awaiting reply.

Are Dogo shoes recyclable or compostable?

Dogo claims that their "Paperworks" collection is recyclable, although it's unclear from the information available on their website how a consumer is supposed to recycle them. It's also unclear if the footwear they make outside of that collection is recyclable or compostable. We have asked for clarification from the Dogo team, and are currently awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out Dogo shoes?

We have asked the Dogo team if they currently have, or are developing, a shoe recycling program, and are awaiting reply. In the meantime, we recommend either trying to have them repaired, donating them to someone in need, or taking them to a clothing recycling depot (if available in your city), which can strip them down to their recyclable components.

Where can I buy Dogo shoes?

Aside from their online store, Dogo footwear and accessories can be purchased from over 200 retailers worldwide (mostly in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States). A small selection of their shoes can also be found on Amazon.

Do Dogo shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - there’s an “Outlet” section of their website, and we noticed sales of up to 50% off when we visited.

Are Dogo shoes ethically made?

On their website, Dogo doesn't specify where their shoes are made, so it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify as to whether or not they ensure their factory enforces all international and local labour laws to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. We have reached out to them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Dogo promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Dogo appears to employ some elements of a circular economy, such as using high-quality materials; creating recyclable collections; creating timeless designs; and speaking up against the ills of "fast fashion" on their website. One area in which they could improve is by using a 'made-to-order' production system, which could cut down on production waste.

Is Dogo a charitable company?

On their website, Dogo says, “We embrace a sustainable policy, supporting it through the projects & collaborations in economic, societal, and environmental areas.” In keeping with this, they have created and participated in a variety of initiatives to help individuals with disabilities to have a part in the fashion industry. For example, they organized 3 workshops with Turkey's National Down Syndrome Association, wherein the designs of kids with Down Syndrome were offered for sale in the local and international DOGO stores along with dogostore.com to support the association, all with the goal of raising awareness about individuals with Down syndrome as well as to show what individuals with Down syndrome can achieve.

Dogo Product Range

Dogo makes men's, women's and children's shoes, primarily in a gender-neutral aesthetic. Their printed designs are playful and unique, with a timeless model of shoe serving as the base. They also have a lineup of accessories and clothing. Dogo's current product range includes: