Vegan Suede vs Real Suede: Which Is Better for Dance Shoes?

Vegan Suede vs Real Suede for Dance Shoes

Dancers today are more conscious than ever about what their shoes are made of. One of the most common questions is whether vegan suede performs as well as traditional suede.

The short answer is yes, and in many cases, it performs even better.

Much of this comes down to the engineering behind modern suede dance heels, especially those made with advanced microfiber materials.

Real Suede

Derived from natural leather, real suede is breathable and soft but requires more intensive care and animal-based production.

Vegan Suede

Vegan suede is a high-performance microfiber designed to replicate the texture of real suede. It offers consistent texture, easier maintenance, and a more sustainable production process.

Performance Benefits of Vegan Suede

Vegan suede is lighter, more breathable, and often more resistant to moisture than real suede. For dancers, this means:

• Reduced foot fatigue

• Faster break-in

• More reliable sizing

Sustainability Without Sacrificing Performance

Vegan suede avoids the chemical-intensive tanning process used in animal suede and typically requires less water to produce. It offers dancers a more ethical option without compromising function.

Why Many Dancers Prefer Vegan Suede

• Consistent stretch and recovery

• Lighter weight

• Lower environmental impact

• Cruelty-free manufacturing

At Burju shoes we prefer to use vegan suede materials whenever possible.