Humans Are Vain is a Fully Vegan Brand

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Brand Highlights

“Our vision is to create the most sustainable production methods possible and currently, we’re pioneering new developments in vegan sustainable materials and production methods with several projects currently running including our groundbreaking research in collaboration with Stockholm University to 3D print footwear and accessories from old discarded clothes and textile waste.” - Humans Are Vain team

About Humans Are Vain

"Humans Are Vain is a brand born out of a desire to rebel against the fast fashion industry. Our co-founder Chris Margetts was once part of the fast-fashion cog in London until he became so frustrated by the direction the industry had taken that he decided to take his twenty years of experience, move to Sweden, and start a brand doing things the way he believed they should be done." - Humans Are Vain team

What materials are used to make Humans Are Vain shoes?

Humans Are Vain uses a variety of eco-friendly materials to craft their shoes. They mostly use recycled materials or components, and only use virgin materials where necessary, although they ensure those materials conform to the highest ecological regulations. Some of the materials they use include: water-based adhesives; natural latex (padding); Tencel fibres (footbed); recycled foam (extra padding under-footbed); organic cotton (laces); recycled rubber (soles); microfiber (some uppers - OEKO-TEX Standard 100 class 1); SEAQUAL (recycled ocean trash - ankle collars); recycled PET (borg-style winter lining - REACH compliant); Italian apple leather or Piñatex (heel panels); and others. A more specific breakdown of each shoe’s materials can be found on its listing page on their website.

Are Humans Are Vain shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

According to Humans Are Vain, they "only use recycled materials or components and where we need to use virgin materials we ensure they’ve been made to conform to the highest ecological regulations therefore allowing us to call them eco-materials." Each shoe on their website also has details as to its environmental impact, which are verified by Compare Ethics.

Does Humans Are Vain use green shipping methods?

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

Does Humans Are Vain use eco-friendly packaging?

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

Are Humans Are Vain shoes recyclable or compostable?

According to Humans Are Vain, all of their products have been engineered in a way to ensure they can be recycled again, and even their footwear can be ground down and turned into new shoe soles.

How should I dispose of my worn out Humans Are Vain shoes?

Humans Are Vain has a "Recycle Projekt," which involves turning their old products into new ones. To participate in this project, the brand says that all you have to do is send your end-of-life items to them (or drop them off at participating retail locations), and they will then send you a 25% discount code towards your next online purchase with Humans Are Vain.

Where can I buy Humans Are Vain shoes?

Humans Are Vain shoes can be purchased from their website, from their social channels, as well as from Brick & Mortar retailers in Sweden, The Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and the United States. They are also available through over a dozen online retailers, including The Immaculate Vegan, Shop Like You Give A Damn, and Know The Origin.

Do Humans Are Vain shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - there’s a “Outlet” section of their website, and we noticed sales in the area of more than 50% off when we visited. They also offer a 25% voucher on new products when you participate in their Recycle Projekt, by returning your end-of-life items to them.

Are Humans Are Vain shoes ethically made?

Yes - Humans Are Vain shoes are made in Portugal, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations. According to the brand, they “take ethical manufacturing and quality very seriously which is why we produce everything in Portugal in carefully selected factories that we monitor on a daily basis.”

Does Humans Are Vain promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Humans Are Vain incorporates several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as employing fair labour; using recycled and eco-friendly materials; having an end-of-life program for their old shoes; supporting ocean clean-up causes; and working with an environmental impact verification program. One area in which they could improve in terms of slow fashion however, is by introducing a 'made-to-order' model, which can could down on production waste.

Is Humans Are Vain a charitable company?

Humans Are Vain says that they are "currently collaborating with several (environmental) organisations, including one that removes plastic waste from the ocean on the West Coast of Sweden."

Is Humans Are Vain an intentionally vegan brand?

Humans Are Vain appears to be an intentionally vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. According to the brand, "We have made sure that all our materials and components are vegan friendly and we only use water based glues for production meaning the whole product can be classed as 100% vegan and not just the materials."

Humans Are Vain Product Range

Humans Are Vain makes a small range of unisex sneakers, boots and dress shoes in timeless styles with modern, contemporary twists. Many of their shoes and boots have a leather or suede look, and minimal adornment. Their current range of footwear includes: