Ballūta is Likely a Fully Vegan Brand

Ballūta claims that their shoes “exclude all animal-derived materials like leather, fur, wool, silk, bees wax, feathers or animal-based glues”. Although they do not currently have any certification to verify it (we are waiting for a response regarding whether or not they are in the process of becoming certified), veganism is built into the ethos and mission of the brand.

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Brand Highlights

Ballūta's mission is to operate a modern and responsible business, by constantly challenging and pushing boundaries to protect and respect nature, animals and people.

Intentionally vegan brand
Female-owned brand
Focused on sustainability
Deep discount sample sales
Luxurious designs

Employ fair labour
Handmade in Portugal
Invests in latest eco materials
High-end pricing
Eco-friendly packaging

About Ballūta Vegan Shoes

Ballūta shoes are sophisticated statement pieces imbued with influences from art and nature. Their shoes are made from high-quality sustainable materials - animal-free and Made in Europe.

Are Ballūta shoes intentionally vegan?

Ballūta appears to be an intentionally vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. They aim to create shoes that respect the wellbeing of animals and protect bio-diversity.

Are Ballūta shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

According to Ballūta, a constant search for the best eco-friendly, man-made and natural raw materials available is embedded in their DNA. In keeping with that, the majority of materials they use are certified and produced in the E.U., helping reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing locally and by being compliant with sustainability and labour standards, as well as producing minimal waste. They also incorporate recycled and natural materials into their shoes where possible.

What materials are used to make Ballūta's shoes?

Ballūta uses a variety of natural, recycled and high quality virgin materials to make their shoes, such as: nickel-free brass; ecological vegan leather (made with no solvents and is crafted from recycled polyamide); PVC-free vegan patent leather (completely recyclable and solvent-free); Italian vegan microfibre (some shoes’ linings); cereal-based renewable microfibre (in some new designs); cork heels (lined with a wood sheet for some heels); ABS (for some heels, a sturdy thermoplastic which can easily be 100% recycled); and beechwood (some heels).

Does Ballūta use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Ballūta uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We have asked them for clarification and are currently awaiting reply.

Are Ballūta's shoes recyclable or biodegradable?

It’s unclear from the information on their website what the end-of-life plan is for their shoes. We’ve asked the Ballūta team if they have any current or future plans as to how their shoes can be diverted from the landfill once they’ve worn out, and are awaiting reply.

Are Ballūta shoes ethically made?

Yes! Ballūta shoes are handcrafted in São João da Madeira, Portugal, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

Where can I buy Ballūta vegan designer shoes?

For the time being it looks like Ballūta shoes can only be purchased from their website. We've asked if they have plans to work with, or are currently working with retailers, and are awaiting reply.

Do Ballūta's shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - their website has a SAMPLE SALE section, which offers steep discounts (upwards of 50%) on some of their models.

Does Ballūta use eco-friendly packaging?

According to Ballūta, all of their materials used for branding and transport purposes are made from recycled and recyclable certified paper, and they use the smallest possible size shoe-box to ensure they also reduce resource consumption.

Does Ballūta promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Ballūta appears to employ some elements of a circular economy, such as using increasingly sustainable, recyclable and high-quality materials; advocating conscious consumption; using eco-friendly packaging; and employing fair labour. One area in which they could improve is by using a 'made-to-order' production system, which could cut down on production waste.

Is Ballūta a charitable brand?

We have asked the Ballūta team about any charitable initiatives they're involved with (if any), and are currently awaiting reply, as there is no such information available on their website.