Michael UK
Newcomer
In a similar vein, I know that many types of glue that are used in running shoes are from animal products. And I choose to research that and look for vegan running shoes. There are running shoes that don't use leather but most of the manufacturers aren't even sure of the source of their glues and resins. I try to buy shoes from the best sources I can but I'm also not going to worry about it too much.
I know you'r only using this as an example Lou, but we have a shop that sells vegan shoes in the UK. This is what they say about the glue they use:
We use different glue for different shoes & different factories. Some shoes like the Airseal have little glue in them, just some bits of rubber cement. Otherwise they are stitched and the soles are Heat-welded onto the shoe. Other styles will use mostly synthetic Contact-Cement type glue for the soles and some rubber ‘tacking’ glue. Most shoes use a plastic hot-melt glue for the toe-lasting process.
Also there are more water based glues being used in European Community factories now to reduce solvent emissions into the atmosphere. (Something factories in the far east do not have to comply with).
SPECIALIST VEGAN BOOTS by Vegetarian Shoes (UK)
www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk
They ship worldwide if you are interested.