Guide to the Best Vegan Sneakers: Stylish, Sustainable, and Comfortable
Are you ready to kick it up a notch with your sneaker game? Going vegan doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. In fact, vegan sneakers and shoes have come a long way since the days of Birkenstocks and Crocs!
Shoe materials like leather and suede are frequently derived from animals, as are glues and dyes. In addition, chemicals used to treat sneakers are often tested on animals. Vegan sneakers are made without any animal ingredients or testing. Thus, no living creature are harmed for the sake of a pair of kicks.
Best Vegan Sneakers
Lems Primal 2
Colorado-based shoe brand Lems makes all-terrain footwear that’s comfortable and stylish. They are ideal for people with foot issues like bunions or fallen arches. Lems have an extra large toe-box and zero drop heels, to strengthen the foot arch and encourage healthy posture.
Features:
- Flat sole
- Extra grip traction
- Water-resistant upper
- Zero-drop heel
- Natural shape foot box
- Microfiber upper, open-weave mesh, water-resistant polyester lining.
- All of the materials used in the sneaker are synthetic, including the shoe laces and glues.
Does the company sell all vegan products?
No, Lems also carries leather and suede based products.
8000Kicks Explorer
8000Kicks hemp shoes are waterproof sneakers made of cannabis hemp. The Explorer V2 is their flagship sneaker, with an aerodynamic, form-fitting design similar to Nike Fly Knit running sneakers.
Features:
- Waterproof upper made from hemp fibers
- Bouncy, extra cushion midsole
- Bottom sole made from algae BLOOM foam
- Antimicrobial / odor resistant
Does the company sell all vegan products?
Yes, 8000Kicks shoes are all made from hemp.
Veja Condor 2
Veja, based in France, has designing sneakers for almost 20 years. They create shoes that are stylish, environmentally friendly and socially responsible. The Condor 2 is the newest version of their flagship vegan running shoe and comes in styles for both men and women.
Adidas Samba
Adidas iconic “Samba” classic shoe made its debut more than 50 years ago. The sneaker was originally developed for football (otherwise known as soccer in the US) players to train on frozen outdoor fields. The company has reinvented the timeless style into a sustainable version that is 100% cruelty-free.
Features:
- Flat midsole
- Minimal heel elevation
- Grippy traction
- Made from PU-coated recycled polyester upper.
Does the company sell all vegan products?
No, while Adidas’ vegan shoe line is expanding, the majority of their products are non-vegan.
Adidas x Parkey Ultraboost 22
Adidas has teamed up with environmental group Parley to clean the oceans, including removing thousands of pounds of plastic bottles. These fashionable, durable and sustainable running shoes are also created using an eco-friendly low energy and low water usage process.
The collaboration of Adidas and Parley has resulted in the creation of “Primeblue”, a high-performance recycled material derived of up-cycled plastic waste from remote islands, beaches, and coastal communities. The companies have also created targets to reduce their carbon emissions and made progress in removing toxic chemicals from their products.
Features:
- Snug fit
- Firm midsole
- Optimized instep
- Upper made of 50% recycled ocean plastic
HOKA Rincon 3
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HOKA running shoes are designed with ultralight materials, including compression-molded EVA foam midsoles, breathable mesh uppers, and asymmetrical tongue for the perfect fit.
Features:
- Thick, plush sole
- Extra shock absorption
- Extra foot and ankle support
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole
ON Cloud X Shift
When you travel around Europe, you’ll notice a consistent trend – a huge percentage of people are wearing ON shoes. While they haven’t caught on as big in the US, they are gaining momentum. ON was founded in the Swiss Alps with one purpose in mind: to change the running experience. The architecture of the sneakers revolves around the concept of gentle landings followed by ferocious takeoffs, also known as “running on clouds”.
Features:
- Thick, bouncy midsole
- Extra grippy sole
- Extra ankle and support support
Lunge Classic
German-based Lunge are specialists in ergonomic, environmentally friendly, handcrafted running shoes.
Lunge’s footwear is 100% vegan brand and also makes non-toxic shoes without the use of harmful chemicals or dyes. Their products follow Öko-Tex Standard 100 specifications to verify that products are free of toxins and harmful pollutants.
Features:
- Midsole with significantly more EVA support
- 9mm heel to toe lift
- Midsoles are 80% EVA, which is significantly more thank other running shoes
GGDWL Running Shoes
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Good Guys vegan sneakers creates cool street footwear, is 100% cruelty-free, and holds fair trade labor practices as a top priority. Good Guys sneakers are made from synthetic leather for the upper body, brown rubber outer sole.
Features:
- Thick midsole
- Bouncy support
- Removable insole
- Odor resistant lining
- Synthetic suede upper, microfiber antibacterial lining, rubber sole
Merrell Siren Edge
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Merrell shoes, sneakers and hiking boots have been at the forefront of shoe technology for decades. The Siren Edge is their foray into a style of shoe that works for both hiking and trail running.
Features:
- Mesh TPU upper
- Stiff midsole
- Kinetic Fit™ TRI removable insole
- Molded arch support
- Elevated heel with cushion
Soala Tsavo
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Named after one of the rarest mammals on Earth, Saola slip on sneakers have a similar rare design. Saola are experts of sustainable shoe architecture. Their innovative design techniques enable their shoes to be flexible, lightweight and well-ventilated.
The “Mindo” series is one of our favorite sneakers collections they are slip-on and can be worn with or without socks.
Features:
- Slip on
- Water resistant
- Breathable
- Well-cushioned midsole
Etiko
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Australia-based Etiko creates clothing and sneakers that expresses their commitment to cruelty-free products, environmental sustainability and equitable labor practices.
On top of all this, Etiko also has a sneaker recycling program! Send them your discarded sneaks to be re-purposed into a new fabulous pair. Etiko’s Vegan Hi-top sneaker is based on the Converse’s legendary “Chuck Taylors” of the past.
Features:
- Eco friendly organic cotton upper
- Flat midsole
- Minimal heel elevation
- Minimal arch support
Vegetarian Shoes
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UK-based Vegetarian Shoes creates modern versions of classic sneaker styles.
Materials:
Their nostalgic sneakers are made with fake-suede, nylon mesh, microfiber and organic cotton.
Fair Trade Policies:
Vegetarian Shoes manufactures in Portugal under fair trade labor conditions.
EKN Footwear
EKN footwear evokes the style of classic 1990s basketball sneakers, such as Adidas, Nike and Reebok. Handcrafted in Portugal, EKN was founded on the ethos that footwear should be made with high-quality, organic materials free of harmful chemicals or dyes.
EKN sneakers are made from synthetic leather suede, GOTS-certified bio-canvas, and recycled rubber soles. Recycled neoprene and mesh is used to create removable insoles.
Features:
- Breathable mesh upper
- Thick, vibram sole
- Grippy traction
- Handmade
POZU
POZU synthesizes sustainability and pop-culture in their organic cotton High-top Sneaker, featuring the Star Wars Rebel Alliance emblem. They have a large collection of Star Wars themed sneakers.
Features:
- Removable insole
- Flat, cushiony midsole
- Minimal arch support
- Minimal heel elevation
Straye Venice
Designed like a classic 80s pop song, Straye’s high-top sneaker pays tribute to 80s style skater fashion. The company sells a large selection of skater gear, including shoes, apparel and accessories. The company also sponsors a professional team of skateboarders.
Features:
- Removable insole
- Upper body made from heavy gauge canvas fabric
- Extra grippy traction
Native Nova
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Canada-based Native shoes are leading the footwear industry in creating sustainable, eco-friendly, fashion forward shoes, sneakers and boots. Their Nova HydroKnit is one of the first waterproof sneakers on the market.
Materials:
Crafted from 50% recycled PET Yarn, stain resistant knit on the upper body and a waterproof lower body, the shoes are lightweight and push the boundaries of footwear technology. Most of Native’s products are created from microfiber vegan leather, so the HydroKnit are a standout in comparison with other shoes in their line. Artificial leather for the upper body, black rubber lower sole.
GGDWL Hi-Tops
Good Guys’ black faux leather sneakers are sleek, minimalist, yet provocative. The style of the sneakers remind me of Doc Marten, with a late 80s / early 90s vibe.
Materials:
Artificial leather for the upper body, black rubber lower sole.
FAQs
How did we create this list?
When testing vegan sneakers, we look at a variety of key features, including
- Type of Material: The textiles used to construct the sneaker’s upper, toe cap and collar to provide protection, breathability and water resistance.
- Design Purpose: We identify what activities the sneakers are designed for.
- Activities to Avoid: We list activities that are not recommended based on the sneaker’s features and attributes.
- Type of Support: A solid foundation is essential for every movement, whether you’re walking, leaping, jogging, or performing stationary exercises like weight training. Shoe support is provided by sole, midsole, outsole, collar and tongue. We also look at the elevation of the heel above the front of the foot, known as “heel drop”.
- Type of Cushion: A shoe’s cushion may vary from flat, dense, and less bouncy to thick, plush, and highly springy. The midsole and sole provide the shoe’s cushion.
- Type of Sole: The outsole provides agility, speed and traction. This allows the user to move in all directions quickly, and avoid slipping or sliding as they move.
What are vegan sneakers?
Vegan sneakers are shoes made without any animal products or by-products such as leather, suede, wool, or fur. Instead, these shoes are made using materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and synthetic fabrics that imitate the look and feel of leather. These materials are cruelty-free and more sustainable than animal-based materials.
What are the most well known vegan sneaker brands?
- Onitsuka Tiger/Asics
- Humans are Vain
- Ration.L
- Stella McCartney and adidas by Stella McCartney
- Will’s Vegan Store
- Ethletic
What are the best colorful vegan sneakers?
If you want to add a pop of color to your wardrobe, consider these colorful styles:
- Cariuma Catiba Pro Low Pantone Very Peri/Off-White
- LØCI NINE Mustard Sneakers
- Inkkas Joey Jogger
- Matt & Nat AAHANA Sneakers
What are the best vegan grape leather sneakers?
- Alexandra K makes high-end vegan sneakers made from Italian grape leather.
- PANGAIA has a zero-waste vegan sneaker made from repurposed grape leather sourced from the Italian wine industry’s waste.
What other vegan leather options are available for sneakers?
- Grape leather
- Synthetic leather
- Corn leather
- Recycled plastic bottles
- Recycled rubber
What are the benefits of choosing vegan sneakers?
1. They are animal-friendly and don’t contribute to the exploitation of animals.
2. Better for the environment and have a smaller environmental footprint than shoes made from leather or suede.
3. They offer an ethical alternative to align fashion choices with living an ethical lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that vegan sneakers are here to stay. They’re stylish, versatile, and offer a sustainable solution to fashion-forward individuals who want to make a positive impact on the world. Whatever you’re looking for, vegan sneakers can help you express yourself while doing good at the same time. Plus, with a range of options made from cutting-edge materials like grape leather and recycled plastics, you’re sure to find a pair that fits your personal style.
And let’s not forget the best part – no animals were harmed in the making of these shoes, which means you can wear them with a clear conscience. As the not-so-old saying goes, “If the shoe fits, wear it…especially if it’s vegan!”
Related posts:
- 8000Kicks Biodegradable Sneakers: The Perfect Combination of Style and Sustainability
- The Best Vegan Waterproof Shoes for Any Adventure
- The Best Vegan Sandals Brands
- Exploring the Ethical and Environmental Impact of Vegan Sneakers
- Step Up Your Style Game: 19+ of the Best Fair Trade Sneakers Brands
Lems Primal 2
Lems Primal 2 are minimalist shoes with an extra large toe-box to give your toes plenty of space to move. They also have minimal, zero drop heels, which reduces the elevation between the heel and front foot. This is meant to strengthen the foot arch and encourage healthy posture.
4.8
Pros
- Foot shaped, wide toe box
- Ergonomic design
- Minimal heel drop
- Optimized for bunions or hammer toes
Cons
- Heel is not completely zero-drop
- Limited color options
