Vegan Materials Explained: V-Leather, V-Suede, V-Nubuck

Quick answer: V-Leather, V-Suede and V-Nubuck are our vegan alternatives to leather, suede and nubuck. Faux shearling and faux fur give the cozy look without animal fur. Corduroy, canvas and raffia are fabric and natural-look textures. Materials vary by style and color, so check the product page.

Why materials vary

Every BC style is designed on its own. One style may have a synthetic upper, a fabric lining and a rubber or EVA sole, while another uses canvas or woven raffia. The same style can also change by color: for example, Evolution is offered in finishes that include faux fleece, corduroy and vegan suede, depending on the colorway.

So always read the material line for your exact style and color.

The terms you will see

V-Leather

Our vegan leather. It is a synthetic material made to look and feel like leather without using animal hide. You will find it on loafers such as Fiction and on accents such as toe caps and heel counters on boots.

V-Suede

Our vegan suede, with a soft, brushed surface. It appears on styles such as Smooth Landing and some sandals. Like real suede, a brushed surface can show marks, so read our care guide.

V-Nubuck

Our vegan take on nubuck, a fine-grained, velvety finish. Check the style page to see which colors use it.

Faux shearling and faux fur

Soft, fluffy linings and uppers made from synthetic fibers. You will see them on cozy styles such as Teddy and on mule linings. They provide the warm, plush look without animal fur.

Corduroy

A ribbed fabric with a soft texture, found on some mules and slides.

Raffia

A woven, natural-look texture that gives sandals such as Ocean Mist a relaxed summer feel.

Canvas

A sturdy woven fabric, used for sneakers such as Winnie.

Stretch fabric and stretch knit

Used on sock-style and tall boots, such as Koko and Carmen Tall, to help them fit around the foot and leg.

Reading a product page

Look for these lines:

1. Material – the upper, such as synthetic, fabric or a combination.
2. Fit – true to size, runs large or runs wide.
3. Heel and platform height – see heel vs platform height.
4. Colorway notes – some colors use different materials.

What we say, and what we do not

We design 100% vegan, cruelty-free footwear, and we use recycled and repurposed materials where possible. We do not claim that every material is recycled, that a style is waterproof, or that every pair has the same cushioning or insole technology. Some pages mention cushioned insoles or molded footbeds. When they do, that detail belongs to that style.

Related guides

• Are BC Shoes vegan?
• How to clean BC Shoes
• What are BC Shoes?