It's a rule that the existence of vegan shoes implies the existence of carnivorous shoes

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.