No matter what adventures await our little ones on the playground or out in nature this fall, Dominic & Dempsey vegan cactus leather boots will keep their feet cool or warm, surrounded in the highest quality, sustainable and cruelty-free materials that Austin-based mom and founder Roxanne Peake could find.

Inspired by her family’s adventures in Australia, London, Paris and New York, Roxy found 100% USDA certified organic cactus leather in Mexico, where Dominic & Dempsey boots are handmade with natural rubber soles to bring comfort and safety to our active littles.

I was given the honor to review The Petit Vagabond boots in Beige Sand and Red Earth for my darling granddaughters, Reylin and Charlotte. I knew as soon as I saw these cute boots online, that I absolutely HAD to get a pair for each of my granddaughters, and I could not wait for Christmas! The boots remind me of boots I have always loved and still wear myself! I especially love how stylish the boots are. They go with any outfit, whether a pair of jeans, leggings or a dress- and are perfect for every season!

I truly appreciate that the boots are created from vegan leather, and not from the skins of our animal friends.

Look how cute Reylin looks wearing her Petit Vegabond boots in Red Earth….

Here is Charlotte, rocking her Petit Vegabonds in Beige Sand

Dominic & Dempsey unisex boots are flexible and breathable, yet incredibly sturdy for even the most rambunctious of toddlers. In addition to the high-quality vegan leather and other organic materials, the Petit Vagabond has been designed with a unique ‘no-trip’ feature to help prevent stumbles and falls, keeping children safe and comfortable.

Roxanne Peake designed the luxurious footwear with her son Dominic in mind, as it was difficult to find a stylish, elegant and durable boot made from sustainable products like vegan leather.

“I would always be scouting men’s boots in the hope of finding something elegant and sophisticated for Dominic” says Roxanne. “I was inspired by the men’s and children’s boot collections I would see in New York, London and Paris, but found it challenging to find that same quality and style when it came to a suitable vegan leather product for my own toddler.

“Sustainability was important, but I also wanted to make sure the product had the true look of leather. I’m happy I was able to achieve this while ensuring a fully sustainable production process from start to finish.”

“The artificial leather and Polyurethane products on the market today are bad for the environment, not to mention for our children’s little feet. They’re filled with chemicals and toxins, which led me to create footwear that was not only luxurious, but organic and safe.”

After receiving swatches from vegan leather companies around the world, Roxanne decided on the organic and sustainably produced cactus leather from DESSERTO® based in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

“It was important that the material resemble leather because I love the look, feel and durability of leather, but I also wanted to create something that aligned with our vegan lifestyle. DESSERTO® cactus leather was by far my favorite in terms of sustainability, process, look, feel and quality.”

The cactus leather used in all Dominic & Dempsey products is 100% USDA certified organic, and the cactus crops are grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides on an organic farming system in the fertile and mineral-rich region of Zacatecas, Mexico.

The cactus plantation is cultivated solely with rainwater. Additionally, cactus naturally regenerates soil and it’s a naturally occurring ‘carbon sink’, which together helps to preserve the local biodiversity, making it a much more sustainable alternative.

When harvesting the cactus, only the mature leaves of the plant are cut without damaging the plant itself, which is every six to eight months, allowing the plant to regenerate before the next harvest. Once harvesting takes place, the plants are transferred into vegan leather thanks to a DESSERTO® patented formula.

“Partnering with the right manufacturing company was also important to me. Our manufacturers, who are also based in Mexico, are committed to making a positive difference for the people and community that handcraft our shoes by ensuring fair wages and clean and safe working conditions.”

“To complete the boot, we have incorporated organic cotton laces, a cotton canvas lining, and a 100% natural rubber crepe sole, which is made from naturally coagulated rubber collected off trees in collection cups, providing the bounce and super soft comfort our children need.”

THE DOMINIC & DEMPSEY PROCESS:

In alliance with DESSERTOⓇ, the 2020 Green Product Award winners and inventors of the highly sustainable plant-based vegan leather, Dominic & Dempsey shoes are handmade in small batches in a boutique factory.

To the cactus’ organic origin, organic cotton laces, a cotton canvas lining, and a 100% natural rubber crepe sole made from naturally coagulated rubber collected straight off the trees in collection cups, have been incorporated into the luxurious shoes.

Dominic & Dempsey not only ensure fair, ethical and sustainable practices, but all of their shoes are made using organic, natural or recycled materials, guaranteeing an ecologically friendly and cruelty-free product that is completely safe for children and the planet.

I am in awe of the beauty, style and perfection of the Dominic & Dempsey vegan cactus leather boots that I received to review for my granddaughters. Living in Oregon, we have seasons. These boots will carry the girls throughout the year- from warm summer -to the colder days of winter.  Their parents love the boots, too, and are receiving many compliments on their little girl’s elegant new boots. Both toddlers love parading around in them, like the adventurous little princesses they are. I am so pleased, as their grandmother, to be helping my sweet grandbabies to have comfortable, durable shoes on their feet that were made with such loving care.

I never knew that such high quality footwear could be made from a sustainable plant source, and in an ethical way. I wish all companies would learn from this example, and cease the unnecessary slaughter of animals to create leather goods. As animal lovers, I am sure my granddaughters would share the same sentiment.

Giveaway

Enter to win: One winner will receive a pair of Petit Vagabond Boots in the size and color of their choice from Dominic & Dempsey. (ARV: $100)

Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below for your chance to win. Good luck!

To learn more about Dominic & Dempsey Vegan Cactus Leather Boots please visit: https://dominicdempsey.com