JiiJ is likely a fully vegan brand. Their entire brand had recently been PETA-approved vegan, which means their suppliers and manufacturers had to sign legal statement of assurance forms, stating that no animal by-products (including glues, dyes and solvents) are used in the production of any of their footwear. That certification has since lapsed.
Brand Highlights
"With feet deemed to be a larger than average size for a woman, there were no brands or products on the market that offered Ieva a choice, yet alone, an elegant or feminine solution." - JiiJ team
- Based in London, England
- Large sizes
- PETA-approved vegan
- Vegan founder
- Italian apple leather "Frumat"
- Focused on sustainability
- Promote "One Tree Planted"
- Soles are 50% recycled plastic
- FSC certified packaging
- Made in Portugal
About JiiJ Vegan Shoes
Founded in 2021 by Paris-based designer Ieva Juskaite, JiiJ is a brand that's using the most innovative materials available to make PETA-certified vegan footwear, with a focus on including larger sizes for women.
Is JiiJ an intentionally vegan brand?
JiiJ 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, "ensuring JIIJ was vegan was a natural fit, as this is a lifestyle our founder subscribes to already."What materials are used to make JiiJ shoes?
On their website, JiiJ will give a general overview of the materials used to make each shoe, within that product's description. The primary material for the uppers of JiiJ shoes is FRUMAT patented apple skin leather from Italy, a fabric that's produced from residual fibres as a result of industrial waste of the apple juice industry. The soles of their shoes are made with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic (the brand said it is aiming for, and working hard to achieve, 100% post-consumer recycled plastic soles).Are JiiJ shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?
From an environmentally-friendly materials standpoint, JiiJ shoes appear to be quite sustainable/environmentally-friendly, as their main materials are plant-based bio-leather (apple) and 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. While these materials aren't perfect, their largely considered to be the best available on the market at this time. From a carbon footprint standpoint, water usage, chemical usage, and general natural resource usage standpoint it's difficult to assess, but according to the brand, "for every kilo of apple skin leather, 5.28kilos of CO² is saved." JiiJ shoes are also made in small batches.Does JiiJ use green shipping methods?
It's unclear from their website if JiiJ uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.Does JiiJ use eco-friendly packaging?
One of JiiJ's sustainability strengths is in its eco-friendly packaging. Their boxes are made from 100% recycled materials, and the tissue paper used to protect and line the interior of the box is FSC certified, acid-free and printed with eco-friendly, soy-based inks. It is also fully recyclable and biodegradable.Are JiiJ shoes recyclable or compostable?
It’s unclear from the information available on their website if JiiJ’s shoes are recyclable or compostable. We’ve asked for clarification from the JiiJ team, and are currently awaiting reply.How should I dispose of my worn out JiiJ shoes?
We’ve asked the JiiJ team if they currently have, or are developing, a shoe recycling program, and are awaiting reply. In the meantime, Get it Vegan recommends 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 JiiJ shoes?
It looks like JiiJ shoes can be purchased from their website, from their social channels, as well as from select online retailers. We've asked them if they have plans to work with brick and mortar retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.Do JiiJ shoes ever go on sale?
We haven’t noticed any sales for JiiJ shoes when visiting their site and perusing their social channels.Are JiiJ shoes ethically made?
Yes! JiiJ 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.Does JiiJ promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?
JiiJ appears to incorporate several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as producing in small batches, employing fair labour, using recycled packaging, promoting a re-foresting initiative, and using plant-based bio-leathers leathers.Is JiiJ a charitable company?
JiiJ currently promotes One Tree Planted, a 501 charity with a mission to help global reforestation efforts, by encouraging customers to donate $1 to the organization when purchasing their shoes. We have asked the JiiJ team if they also contribute to this cause, and are currently awaiting reply.Related Brands
JiiJ Product Range
JiiJ makes fashion-forward, futuristic square-toed shoes and boots in the female aesthetic. They have a luxurious appeal, with minimal adornment, and are made in solid colours, currently black or silver. Their current range includes:
- Mary Janes