Philosophy: what about wearing leather shoes?

Sitting inches away from Prabhupada on the beach blanket, Satsvarupa asked a question on behalf of the devotees in New York. “Swamiji, is wearing of leather shoes permissible?"

“No."

“What if someone has given us some leather shoes?" “Leather means violence," Prabhupäda said. He pointed to Satsvarüpa's shoes of inexpensive man-made material. “Your country is very nice. By your technology you can get these shoes easily without wearing leather." For Satsvarüpa and the others the question was answered for a lifetime; and the time and place became a reference, like a chapter and verse number in the scriptures. (Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta 25: Long Branch, New Jersey, 1967) When a newcomer asked whether he should renounce wearing leather shoes, His Divine Grace politely deferred from dictating a strict policy but did gently explain that avoiding leather was preferred.

Ian Polsen: There is another question, Your Grace. I wear leather shoes, and I know they come from animals... Prabhupäda: Huh? Ian Polsen: ...which have been slaughtered for this. Should I stop wearing leather shoes? Prabhupäda: Well, that also you can continue. That is not... Just like we are using so many things made of skin. But as far as possible, you avoid. There are many shoes without skin, nowadays they are available. First of all try to understand the philosophy. (Room Conversation and Interview with Srila Prabhupada -- London, July 31, 1972) To a disciple preaching in a cold German climate, His Divine Grace permitted the wearing of leather shoes, yet his overwhelming preference was to avoid wearing leather at all costs. In 1972 one of Srila Prabhupada’s personal slippers was stolen by a monkey who chewed holes in it. His Divine Grace continued to use is however until two weeks later in Hyderabad when Mr. Pithi, a very wealthy life member, noticed Srila Prabhupäda's slippers.

Srutakirti Prabhu explained to him what happened and Mr. Pithi sent his servant out to purchase sandals. When the new pair was presented to Srila Prabhupäda he accepted them graciously, but later told his servant, "I cannot wear these. They are made of leather." He continued to wear his damaged sandals for weeks until he arrived at another temple where devotees bought some non-leather sandals to Srila Prabhupäda's liking and he released the others.