Updated: January 2024
Adopting a vegan lifestyle can be challenging when you do not know which companies adhere to ethical, vegan practices. Thankfully, numerous organizations follow sustainable business methods that help make a positive change for the environment and every living thing within it.
Will’s Vegan Store is one of these positive organizations in the industry that strives for change and produces genuinely vegan shoes. Read on for our genuine review of Will’s Vegan Shoes.
I have had Will’s for over four years now and a couple of different models, so I know the ins and outs.
Go to Will’s Vegan Store (US) Will’s (UK) or take a look at other vegan sneakers, vegan boots, or vegan shoes.
Background
Sustainability
Materials
Ethical Practices
Will’s WVSport
Will’s Vegan Chelsea Boots
Will’s Vegan Work Boots
What I Like: Pros
What I Don’t Like: Cons
Final Verdict
A Comprehensive Will’s Vegan Shoes Review
If you are new to the vegan community or want to know more about Will’s Vegan Store, this guide can shed some light on the benefits of their products and how the company operates. Read more how we review vegan shoes.
Background
Will Green launched Will’s Vegan Store in 2013 as an ethical shoe company that relies on offering sustainable fashion choices for everyone. In two short years, Will’s began to provide ethically-made vegan accessories. Will’s Vegan Store’s country of origin is the UK and they are still based there.
As they grew quickly in the fashion world, their operations became certified carbon-neutral in 2016, ensuring all packaging is plastic-free. The journey to better vegan choices continued in 2017 by introducing bio-based content to their vegan leather products.
In 2019, Will’s Vegan Store made more positive changes to include natural and recycled options in its footwear components. In addition, they further expanded into the fashion market by establishing ethically made vegan clothing from Italy using sustainable materials.
Will’s achieved the milestone of creating their first fully biodegradable sneaker as part of their product line in 2020. Soon, their store began to include grocery and lifestyle items for customers who seek a more sustainable lifestyle that is kind to the environment.
In 2021, Will’s Vegan Store opened a warehouse in the Netherlands to help reduce the amount of shipping throughout Europe. This addition helped minimize the resources used to provide products to customers and minimizes their total carbon footprint.
Will’s Vegan Store ships from the Netherlands and from UK.
In addition, customers can now return worn out and unwanted items back to Will’s through their recycling service. These items are then made into outsoles and uppers for future products, reducing the waste in landfills and minimizing the environmental effect.
Sizing, Fit & Comfort
Will’s Vegan Shoes run true to the size, but they tend to be a bit narrow. So if you have wide feet, will’s might not be the most comfortable choice. My partner has a bit wide feet, and the shoes are a bit snug, but not so narrow that they would be uncomfortable.
Scouring through online reviews, some reviewers have found the shoes uncomfortable, mainly due to them being narrow.
Sustainability
Right from the beginning, Will’s is a company that feels even small changes can make a substantial difference in the world. As a result, their approach to business is cruelty-free for all animals and living things on the planet.
If Will’s cannot find what they believe is a suitable natural material in their manufacturing process, they strive to choose recycled products as a better alternative. Some of the substitutes they incorporate into their footwear and clothing products are recycled polyester, polyurethane, nylon, and rubber.
These materials help to follow their goal of making the least impact on the environment during production.
Not only are their products ethical and vegan, but Will’s Vegan Store also strives for optimal sustainability in its packaging and shipping choices. They avoid using plastics in their bags or packaging and select untreated cardboard, paper bags, and paper tape when shipping their products.
Will’s continuously evaluates their manufacturing processes and business practices to ensure they remain carbon neutral in all that they do. They are aware of their yearly carbon emissions and make this report available to their customers for viewing through the website.
By investing in nature-based projects to avoid deforestation in Columbia and Papua New Guinea, Will’s carbon emissions offset to zero, bringing their optimal sustainable business practices to fruition.
Materials
Will’s Vegan Store follows the highest standards for all its products, including using bio-based Italian vegan leather items made from cereal crops. In addition, they are continually seeking to find better alternatives for vegan clothing and lifestyle products.
The vegan suede materials Will’s vegan products contain 100% polyurethane, and they never use PFCs or PVCs in their production. Some current materials consist of 69% bio-oil and natural material from eucalyptus trees, known as viscose for the backing fabric.
Materials they use in fully biodegradable shoes are also available in manufacturing other clothing items they offer. These alternatives include compressed cardboard for clothing buttons, toe puffs on shoes to counters, and organic cotton mix linings. Will’s Vegan Store makes every effort to use materials with the least environmental impact.
Ethical Practices
All of Will’s Vegan Store’s business practices are optimal for the environment and its employees. They believe there is more to manufacturing cruelty-free products than harming animals. Therefore, everything they do ensures that it does not harm the environment or humans during the process.
Will’s Vegan Store strives to allow everyone to make a positive choice in the world that will inspire positive change. These policies create a work environment that provides equal pay, worker protection, benefits, paid leave, and more.
Where Are Will’s Vegan Shoes Made?
Will’s Vegan Store produces their in shoes in Italy and Portugal. They followa high standard of employment standards and ethical practices. In addition, they adhere to the European Union employment, discrimination, and health and safety laws for an ethical workplace.
Where To Buy Will’s Vegan Shoes?
You can buy Will’s Vegan Shoes from their own store (US), (UK), Amazon and from Immaculate Vegan.
WVS Active Wear Shoes Review
Vegan hikers are not technically new. Man-made or synthetic leather and fabric goods became popular in the mid-1960s, though they were invented a century earlier. WVS athletic cross-trail shoes, hikers, and sandals fit many lifestyle choices.
Will’s WVSport Waterproof Hikers Review
Will’s WVSport Waterproof hikers are excellent for any upcoming adventure. Check out everything you need to know below:
- Dependable and durable hikers made in Italy to EU employment standards
- Designed to meet tough terrain, provide traction, stability, and comfort
- Vibram rubber soles with advanced grip and traction technology
- Waterproof testing
- Scuff-resistant made from Lyliane 3DMX materials
- Neutral color scheme
- Removable EVA insoles
- Lightweight (2.65lbs/size 40)
- Ideal for long-distance, off-trail hiking
Environmental Footprint
- End of shoe life recyclable
- Made in 70% solar-operated plant
- Responsibility-sourced materials
- Carbon neutral product and product ordering and delivery method
What’s Appealing
- Attractive design for men and women
- Wide size range (room for socks)
- Superior grip and traction
- Ankle support and long laces
- Insoles provide better foot support
- Unbeatable waterproofing
What to Consider
- The durable and hard Vibram sole prevents getting a feel for the terrain
- Warm/sweaty feet (may not be ideal for summer temperatures)
- Price (just under $200)
Overall, WVSport Waterproof Hikers are an excellent investment if your lifestyle warrants a solid pair of hiking boots that meet the demands of versatile terrain.
The hiking boot is designed to meet waterproofing standards and may make someone with naturally warmer feet have a problem with foot perspiration. A good set of wicking socks might help.
For winter hiking, try WVSport Insulated Waterproof Hiking Boots.
Will’s Vegan Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are slip-on ankle boots with an elastic insert. WVS makes these styles with several heel types to match consumer preferences and fit men and women.
Chelsea boots became a unisex shoe during the Victorian era and made a resurgence in the mod fashion scene during the 1960s. They’re still popular today. Popular Australian workboots are an offshoot style to the classic Chelsea boot. Famous Beatle boots for men are Chelsea boots with higher Cuban heels and less rounded toes.
- Style versatile classic boot cut
- Made from vegan leather
- Traditional heel and design
- Breathable
- Water-resistant
- Elastic gusset for improved fit
- Slip-guard soles
- Crush-resistant, rubber (recycled) insoles
Environmental Footprint
- Made from bio-oil
- Italian Vegan leather from organic cereals
- Carbon neutral certified
- Recycled rubber components
- Carbon neutral delivery and return method
What’s Appealing
- Timeless style
- Seasonable models (insulated option)
- Comfortable
- Made in Portugal
What to Consider
- Wear & tear on some models
- Not ideal for long-distance walking & standing
- The look is not exactly the same as a non-vegan Chelsea
Chelsea boots are a comfortable and stylish option that easily pairs with casual or business attire.
See Will’s Chelsea Boots selection here.
Will’s Vegan Work Boots
While good looks aren’t a necessary style requirement in a work boot, WVS work and dock style boots are stylish, comfortable, and durable. Depending on your work boot style requirements, WVS accommodates hiker style, classic dock style, and dressier leather look for both men and women.
For anyone looking to meet USA safety ASTM standards and qualifications, please note that WVS workboots do not comply.
This work boot is a long overdue workboot that meets sustainability, is ethical, and remains 100% vegan. The WVSport Safety boot meets European PPE-certified safety standards.
Check out everything you need to know about Will’s Vegan Work Boot below.
- Protective (200 J) toe cap
- Puncture resistant
- Waterproof, high grip & traction
- Preventative anti-static qualities (sends charges underground) for sensitive manufacturing and chemical warehouses
- Heel support and weight distribution
- Slip-resistant (tested on several surface scenarios)
- Insulated
- Prevents hydrocarbon and heat contact
- Lightweight work boot made in Italy
Environmental Footprint
- Certified carbon neutral product and delivery method
- Material components are ethically sourced and derived using advanced CAD design technology
- The manufacturing plant uses 70% of the power from a solar source
- Durable and long-lasting quality delays replacement
What’s Appealing
- All day, long-distance comfort
- Lightweight and ballistic weld to prevent seam splitting
- Scuff-resistant Lyliane 3DMX & Cordura (off-road versatility)
- Fun lace replacements
- Vibram injection soles provide patented body support
What I Like About Will’s Vegan Store: Pros
After analyzing their business practices and manufacturing policies, I can honestly say that I like the transparency of the Will’s Vegan Store brand.
They are upfront with their pricing, stating that they do not fall into the fast fashion category. Although the products never go on sale, their higher-cost items, like the waterproof hiking boots, are made with ethical and sustainable practices that ensure you are happy with your product and fulfill your need to buy less.
You can expect these boots to last you and hold up against even the most avid hiker. Similarly, their safety work boots are comfortable but durable.
So, whether you are searching for a fashionable Chelsea boot, sneakers, or sandals, you will surely have vegan footwear made from materials of the highest durability from Will’s Vegan Store.
What I Don’t Like About Will’s Vegan Store: Cons
Will’s Vegan Shoes’ design might not be for everybody. They don’ splash with color, and are quite conservative in their looks.
Also, after wearing my chelsea boots for two years, they started to leak. I use them heavily walking my dog, so it isn’t such a problem, but was disappointing when that started to happen during the third winter.
They also run quite narrow. My partner has wide-ish feet and they were a bit snug. But they still were usable, so they are only a bit narrow. small amount of reviewers also have complained that they are not very comfortable.
Finally, it seems Will’s doesn’t operate with a large warehouse, since some of their rarer sizes seem to be running out often.
Should you buy Vegan Shoes from Will’s: Final Verdict
I would absolutely recommend buying vegan shoes from Will’s: they are durable, good quality, stylish and well made.
A sustainable brand like Will’s Vegan Shoes provides consumers with an ethical choice, allowing them to impact the environment with their sustainable alternatives. It is hard not to champion a company that continuously looks for better, sustainable methods.
Go to Will’s Vegan Store (US) or Will’s (UK) or take a look at other vegan sneakers, vegan boots, or vegan shoes.