Ethical Wares is Likely a Fully Vegan Company

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Brand Highlights

Founded in 1993 by committed vegans, Ethical Wares is a true pioneer in the vegan footwear industry. What started with a modest offering of 2 styles of boots has grown into a product offering of dozens of styles of dress shoes, casual shoes, boots, slippers, sandals, clothing, soap, lifestyle and music accessories, and much more. Here are some things that stand out to us about this brand:

About Ethical Wares

"Despite the pressure of cheap imports from the Far East which has decimated much of the footwear industry in Europe, at ethical WARES much of our own branded footwear is still made in the UK. The balance is made in Europe where employment legislation and independent trade unions give at least the opportunity of decent and safe working conditions." - Ethical Wares team

What materials are used to make Ethical Wares' footwear?

Some of their soles are made from EVA, and many of their shoes contain "soft, skin-like vegan microfibre." Aside from that, Ethical Wares doesn't provide much information on their website with regards to the materials used in their shoes. When we asked if their glue contains any animal-derived ingredients, they responded that "All our footwear is suitable for vegans.” On their website, Ethical Wares also sells shoes from other vegan brands, such as Ethletic, and listings for those products tend to have a little more information as to what materials they're made of.

Are Ethical Wares' shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

Given the lack of information available about the materials used to make Ethical Wares' shoes, boots, sandals and slippers, it's difficult for us to comment on how sustainable they may or may not be, from an eco-friendly materials standpoint.

Does Ethical Wares use green shipping methods?

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

Does Ethical Wares use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if Ethical Wares 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 Ethical Wares shoes recyclable or compostable?

It’s unclear from the information available on their website if Ethical Wares’ shoes, boots, sandals and slippers are recyclable or compostable. We have asked for clarification from the Ethical Wares team, and are currently awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out Ethical Wares shoes?

We have asked the Ethical Wares 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 Ethical Wares shoes?

For the time being it looks like Ethical Wares shoes can only be purchased from their website, or from their social channels. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do Ethical Wares shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - there’s a “Sale Shoes” section of their website, and we noticed sales in the area of 25-75% when we visited. Ethical Wares also offers a 10% discount code for subscribing to their newsletter. Also of note, is that they offer a loyalty points system, although the details of it aren't made clear on their website.

Are Ethical Wares' shoes ethically made?

Yes! Ethical Wares brand shoes are handcrafted in Europe (the UK, Italy), which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

Does Ethical Wares promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Ethical Wares appears to employ some elements of a circular economy, such as employing fair labour. One area in which they could improve is by using a 'made-to-order' production system, which could cut down on production waste.

Is Ethical Wares a charitable company?

Yes! According to Ethical Wares, the income from their business operations "goes to fund the care of the 50 or so animals living here with us at Caegwyn. A motley crew if ever there were one; consisting of goats, sheep, pigs, 2 old horses, cats, dogs, rabbits and Aunt Dotty the cow." They also have a section on their website dedicated to selling items that support the Tibetan refugee community.

Ethical Wares Footwear Product Range

Ethical Wares has a wide, wide selection of men's, women's and unisex footwear in a variety of styles, including punk, dress, work/safety, outdoors, casual, industrial and timeless. They also have many vegan versions of popular footwear styles, as well as styles of shoes that are hard to find for vegans, such as UGG-style boots, Timberland-style boots, certified safety boots, and Latin dance shoes. Their current range includes: