Vegan leather: a maker's term, and two FTC Guides
What the Leather Guides say about leather-look materials, and the Green Guides on environmental claims.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It does not change our guidance. Affiliate Disclosure
A maker's term
Vegan leather is a term makers and retailers use. Part 24 does not use it. The Guides say that if non-leather material "appears to be leather," that fact "should be disclosed," with examples such as "Not leather; Imitation leather; Simulated leather; Vinyl; Vinyl coated fabric; or Plastic."
No environmental claims
We do not say that any material, leather or not, is better for the environment. The Green Guides say: "It is deceptive to misrepresent, directly or by implication, that a product, package, or service offers a general environmental benefit."
Why general claims are hard
The Green Guides say "marketers should not make unqualified general environmental benefit claims."
Whose words these are
Material words on a shoe are the maker's label, not ours. We never say any shoe is leather.
This is general information, not legal or medical advice.
Sources: eCFR, 16 CFR Part 24, Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products; eCFR, 16 CFR Part 260, Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (Green Guides).
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. Material labels are the maker's: check the label for each part of the shoe. Fit varies by maker and by person, so check the maker's size chart and the return policy. If you have foot pain or a foot or health condition, talk to your doctor or a podiatrist.
Next: green guides
We make none. The Guides explain.
