Wearing leather shoes

[Clo]

Hi everyone,
I haven’t bought leather since I turned vegan 12 years ago, but my mom just bought me new shoes as a gift and they’re made with leather. I feel very guilty wearing them but I don’t want to refuse her gift (it’s too late to return them and tbh I really needed new shoes). My question is : have you already experienced this kind of situation and if so did you actually use the gift ? How do you deal with the guilt of wearing something that led to animal abuse ?

 

[silva]

Your mom knew you were vegan and still bought you leather? I'd be more angry than upset, that's awfully disrespectful, and puts you in a very awkward position of what to do with the shoes. That's not a 'gift'--have you asked her why she did that?

I strongly feel that those with means should be held to higher accountability than those who struggle, and if those shoes are a need then I wouldn't fault you for wearing them. The real question I have is how to deal with your mother?

 

[Tom L.]

I'm sorry you were put in this position, Clo. After 12 years, I'm assuming almost everyone close to you knows what "vegan" means, but I might be wrong.