Because even if vegan shoes are made of synthetic materials, leather is still arguably worse. Anyway, having more plant-based materials to work with hypothetically means anything made of those materials should be more biodegradable. But you have a point, biodegradability almost kind of by definition means the product in question is one that’s not designed to last. There’s probably a middle ground that can be found, like shoes that break down into soil-enriching materials after 50-100 years.

Did you watch the video?

It’s possible, and if finances are a struggle you just kind of have to make your best guess in some cases, or buy used. Most of the time when shoes have leather, they advertise it pretty boldly, so that helps. Still, you never know - for example, what are the adhesives made out of? That’s why vegan certifications are important, a lot of things can be easily hidden, and a lot of companies aren’t particularly clear on their use of animal products even when reached out to directly.

Going vegan means learning to have to put everything under a microscope. The word ‘vystopia’ exists for good reason.

It depends. For example I just made one quick search, “biodegradable vegan shoes”, and this was one of the first results:

https://blueviewfootwear.com/

Also see here, leather at least as bad environmentally, in addition to being ethically awful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQgcBUGD3g

They’re usually not, at least at this time. More R&D needs to go into plant-based materials for more options. Even so, leather itself is also anything but “organic.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQgcBUGD3g

I got a set of grips for it, but I’m not going to use them unless I’m playing a game using the analog sticks. That’s the only part that’s uncomfortable for me. On dpad-centric games I’m finding it very comfortable on it’s own. Also just want to add that it has probably one of the best dpads I’ve ever used. Very accurate inputs, and just the right amount of tactile feedback without being quite as loud as the Xbox controller.

It’s growing on me very quickly. Been playing a lot of Chrono Trigger on it right now. It’s a lot more comfortable to hold than the Steam Deck too. Plus, it supports both Android and Linux. There are already versions of Rocknix and Batocera available for it. It has one of the best looking displays I’ve ever seen as well.

That said, Steam Deck is still my main go to, because at the end of the day it is a full fledged PC.

I had this thought-process back in December before ordering a Retroid Pocket 5, which was evidently the right call. At this point things are so turbulent that it might be too late. I mean you probably could order right now and the price probably won’t suddenly go up - but more important is that everything is so up in the air that you might need that money in the near future for other necessities.