Is it enough to read the shoes label?

The shoes labels are mandatory in the EU

It is pretty easy when it comes to reading and distinguishing the symbols on the label. On the other hand, what’s more complicated is to comprehend the actual materials used to make the products.

What does the law state

The Legislation 94/11/CE by the European Parliament and Council, 23 march 1994 states as follows:

When the materials and shoe parts are described, pictograms need to be used and reported on the EU legislation or a statement written in the corresponding language of the country it’s intended to sell the shoes.

The label needs to describe the materials with which the following shoe parts are made of:

• upper
• lining and insole
• outsole

In any case, the label has to show if the material is made of:

• leather
• coated leather
• fabric
• other materials

People who look for leather-free shoes often rely on the label, and end up choosing the products which do not have the leather symbol, sure that there aren’t any animal products.

Let’s see why it doesn’t guarantee the absence of leather in the shoes.

Art. 4 Legislation 94/11/CE

“1.The labelling shall provide information on the material, determined in accordance with Annex I, which constitutes at least 80 % of the surface area of the upper, and the lining and sock, of the footwear, and at least 80 % of the volume of the outsole. If no one material accounts for at least 80 %, information should be given on the two main materials used in the composition of the footwear.”

Therefore, the law says that labels must report the main shoe components. The ones that are used the most for the material.

If you are looking for leather-free shoes, you won’t have the certainty that they are completely free of animal products by simply relying on the label. This is because glues and inner parts used to strengthen the shoes, are not reported on it. If you want to be sure that what you are buying is cruelty-free and vegan, you need to choose certified shoes.

Our brand Vegan Shoes Italy sells certified vegan shoes for men, women and kids. You can find us online or in Cittadella!

Veronica 🌻