18 Years of Vegan Footwear. We Celebrate it with a 18% Off

When we founded NAE Vegan Shoes in 2008, the idea of creating a premium footwear brand without animal leather was met with skepticism. In an industry where animal leather was considered the gold standard—the only "quality" option—we set out to challenge the status quo. Eighteen years later, we're proud to celebrate not just our anniversary, but a fundamental shift in how the world thinks about ethical footwear.

From January 7–14, we're marking this milestone with 18% off everything (excluding Outlet) using code BIRTHDAY18. But this isn't just a sale—it's a celebration of progress, persistence, and the growing movement toward cruelty-free, sustainable fashion.

The Challenge: Redefining Quality in 2008

In 2008, launching a vegan shoe brand meant swimming against the tide. The fashion industry was built on a centuries-old belief: that animal leather was synonymous with quality, durability, and luxury. To suggest otherwise was to challenge deeply entrenched norms.

But we saw things differently. We believed that quality didn't have to come at the expense of animal lives. We knew that innovation in materials science was opening doors to alternatives that could match—and even exceed—the performance of traditional leather, without the ethical cost.

Our mission was clear: prove that vegan shoes could be just as beautiful, durable, and desirable as their animal-derived counterparts, while offering consumers a way to make more ethical choices.

Our Foundation: Quality Vegan Materials, Ethical Choices

From day one, our main pillar has been unwavering: use only quality vegan materials that allow us to make ethical choices regarding animal lives. This isn't about compromise—it's about evolution.

We source innovative materials that deliver on performance while respecting our values:

• Sustainable cork and natural rubber for comfort and durability
• Recycled plastics and ocean waste transformed into premium textiles
• Organic cotton and plant-based alternatives that reduce environmental impact
• Microfiber and bio-based synthetics engineered for longevity

Every material is chosen not just for its vegan credentials, but for its ability to create footwear that lasts. Because true sustainability means making shoes that don't need to be replaced every season.

Beyond Vegan: The Sustainability Commitment

Being vegan is our starting point, not our finish line. We've always believed that ethical footwear must also be sustainable footwear. That means looking beyond materials to the entire production process.

Our commitment extends to:

• Low-impact materials that minimize environmental footprint
• Portuguese craftsmanship from factories with rigorous standards for energy efficiency and water usage
• Transparent supply chains where we know exactly how and where our shoes are made
• Circular design principles that consider the full lifecycle of each product

Sustainability isn't a marketing buzzword for us—it's embedded in every decision we make, from the factory floor to the final stitch.

The Industry Is Evolving (Finally)

Eighteen years ago, we were outliers. Today, we're part of a movement.

The fashion industry is finally waking up to what conscious consumers have known for years: it's no longer acceptable to promote fashion where animals are used, exploited, and killed. The modern consumer is more aware, more informed, and more demanding of brands that align with their values.

This shift isn't just ethical—it's inevitable. As awareness grows about the environmental and moral costs of animal agriculture, the demand for cruelty-free alternatives continues to rise. Vegan footwear is no longer niche; it's the future.

We're seeing major brands launch vegan lines, innovative startups push material boundaries, and consumers actively seek out ethical footwear options. The conversation has changed from "Can vegan shoes be good?" to "Why would I choose anything else?"

Portuguese Craftsmanship Meets Vegan Innovation

Our shoes are proudly made in Portugal, a country renowned for its centuries-old shoemaking tradition. By combining this heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge vegan materials, we create footwear that honors the past while building a better future.

Each pair of NAE shoes is handcrafted by skilled artisans who bring the same attention to detail and quality standards that Portuguese shoemaking is famous for—just without the animal leather. The result? Vegan shoes that look, feel, and perform like luxury footwear, because they are luxury footwear.

18 Years, Countless Milestones

Looking back on our journey, we're humbled by how far we've come:

• Thousands of customers worldwide who've chosen ethical footwear
• Partnerships with factories committed to sustainable practices
• Continuous innovation in vegan materials and design
• A growing community of conscious consumers who vote with their wallets

But we're most proud of this: every single pair of NAE shoes represents a choice—a choice to prioritize compassion, sustainability, and quality without compromise.

Join Us in Celebrating Progress

Our 18th anniversary isn't just about looking back—it's about looking forward to a fashion industry where cruelty-free is the norm, not the exception. Where sustainability is standard practice. Where consumers can feel good about every purchase they make.

From January 7–14, 2026, we're celebrating with 18% off everything (excluding Outlet collections) using code BIRTHDAY18. It's our way of saying thank you to the community that's supported us, believed in our mission, and proven that ethical fashion isn't just possible—it's powerful.

Whether you're new to vegan footwear or a longtime advocate, we invite you to explore our collection of sustainable sneakers, boots, sandals, and accessories. Every pair is a step toward a more compassionate world.

The Future of Footwear Is Vegan

Eighteen years ago, we challenged the status quo. Today, we're helping to rewrite it.

The future of fashion is cruelty-free, sustainable, and uncompromising on quality. It's a future where consumers don't have to choose between style and ethics, between luxury and compassion.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to 18 years of vegan footwear—and to many more ahead.

Shop our anniversary sale now with code BIRTHDAY18 and save 18% on sustainable, ethical footwear that makes a difference.