Méduse is Likely a Vegan Brand

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Méduse Brand Overview

Based in Beaupréau, France, Méduse has been making sandals (and more recently boots and shoes) since 1946. The primary material they use is a phthalate-free PVC plastic, which is 100% recyclable.

About Méduse

"After WWII, leather resources were at an all-time low, meaning that an alternative material was needed for shoe wear. An innovation in manufacturing process combined with the production of plastic gave its creator just the inspiration to design a shoe made entirely from this revolutionary material. A new technique of injection moulding gave the early Méduse creations their first life. Today, Méduse still produces and sells its original model." - Méduse team

Are Méduse shoes and boots waterproof?

Méduse shoes are made from a phthalate-free waterproof PVC material. So while many of their shoe and boots models are fully waterproof and would be considered 'rain boots/shoes,' their sandals and some of their models feature cut out toes and low-cut styles that would be no match for a rainy day.

What materials are used to make Méduse shoes?

According to the brand, "all the products of the Méduse range are made in 100% recyclable phthalate-free plastics." When we asked them if their glues and other materials are all vegan, they said," Yes, all of out products are vegan-friendly and our glues are also free of ingredients of animal origin."

Are the materials used to make Méduse shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

From an environmentally-friendly materials standpoint, Méduse shoes, boots & sandals are at least somewhat eco-friendly, as the PVC plastic used to make them is phthalate-free and 100% recyclable (according to the brand at least). Some of their models feature additional materials, such as metal buckles, EVA, rope and elastic.

Does production of Méduse shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that Méduse has, and what they do to remediate it. Méduse does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in these areas.

Does Méduse use green shipping methods?

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

Can I recycle my Méduse shoes?

Méduse claims that the PVC used to make their sandals, shoes and boots is "100% recyclable." However, many of their models also involve the inclusion of other materials, such as elastic and EVA. We’ve asked for clarification from the Méduse team as to what components of their shoes, boots and sandals are recyclable, and are currently awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out Méduse shoes?

We’ve asked the Méduse 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 Méduse footwear?

Méduse footwear can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. We've asked them if they work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do Méduse shoes ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for Méduse shoes when visiting their site and perusing their social channels.

Are Méduse shoes ethically made?

Yes! Méduse shoes are made in France, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

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

Méduse gets mixed reviews from us with regard to their promotion/inclusion of circular economy, principles. In the positive column, they employ fair labour, have a lot of timeless models, make their shoes close to their headquarters and main customers, use long-lasting materials, and their plastic is recyclable. On the other hand, they use a lot of virgin plastic to make their shoes, they sell at very low prices, and they follow trends (which promotes over-consumption and creates excessive stock and production waste).

Is Méduse a charitable company?

We’ve asked the Méduse team about any charitable initiatives they're involved with (if any), and are currently awaiting reply, as there is no such information available on their website (which is a rare thing not to have for a company of this size).

Méduse Footwear Range

Méduse makes a variety of sandals, shoes and boots for women, men and children, from European sizes 18 to 48. Having begun in 1946, they still make and sell their original SUN sandal design - a soft plastic sandal, with a distinctive spiked sole, rounded tip and braided strand - although they now add new designs to their collection every 6 months. Their style can be described as 'classic, bright and playful, with options that lean more towards modern and elegant.'