DocumentationAre BC Shoes Vegan? Our 100% Vegan Footwear Promise
Yes, we design 100% vegan, cruelty-free BC Shoes. See what vegan means for our materials, packaging and recycled content, and what we do not claim.
Quick answer: Yes. We design 100% vegan, cruelty-free footwear, so BC Shoes do not use leather, suede or other animal-derived materials. Instead we use materials such as V-Leather, V-Suede and V-Nubuck, plus fabrics like corduroy, canvas and raffia. Our shoe boxes are recycled cardboard printed with plant-based ink.
What "vegan" means for BC Shoes
"BC shoes vegan" is one of the questions we hear most. For us the answer is simple: every pair of BC Shoes is designed to be 100% vegan and cruelty-free. No shortcuts, no compromises.
That means the visible materials, such as the upper and lining, are made without animal leather, suede, wool or fur. Where you see a cozy look, such as faux shearling or faux fur, it is a synthetic material made to resemble the real thing. Learn what each term means in vegan materials explained.
What we use instead of leather
| What you see | What it is |
|---|---|
| V-Leather | Our vegan leather |
| V-Suede | Our vegan suede |
| V-Nubuck | Our vegan nubuck |
| Faux shearling and faux fur | Synthetic, soft and warm |
| Corduroy, canvas, raffia | Fabrics and natural-look textures |
Because these materials are not leather, they feel and wear differently. They can give shoes bold colors and playful textures, which leather does not always achieve. Check the material line on each product page, because it varies by style and sometimes by color.
Cruelty-free
Being 100% cruelty-free is part of the same promise. We want to prove that conscious choices can still be stylish.
Beyond the shoe
Recycled-cardboard boxes
Our shoe boxes are made from recycled cardboard and printed with plant-based ink.
Recycled and repurposed materials
We use recycled and repurposed materials whenever possible, which helps us reduce waste.
What we do not claim
We want to be accurate, so here is what we do not say:
- We do not say every material is recycled. We say we use recycled and repurposed materials where possible.
- We do not say our shoes are biodegradable or carbon neutral.
- We do not make medical or orthopedic claims.
Vegan does not mean the same thing as environmentally perfect. It means no animal-derived materials, and it is a choice we are proud to make.
Frequently asked questions
Are BC Shoes made of real leather?
No. Our footwear is designed to be vegan, so we use V-Leather and other non-animal materials instead.
Is the fur on boots real?
No. Fur and shearling looks in our collection are faux.
Do all BC Shoes have the same materials?
No. Each style uses its own mix of uppers, linings and soles. Read the details on the page for your pair.
Keep reading
Heel vs Platform Height: Real Lift of BC Shoes
Actual lift is heel height minus platform height. See the heel, platform and real lift of 16 BC Shoes styles, from Winnie to Peace Train.
Vegan Materials Explained: V-Leather, V-Suede, V-Nubuck
What V-Leather, V-Suede, V-Nubuck, faux shearling, corduroy, raffia and canvas mean on BC Shoes, and how to read the material line on each style.