Choosing a good vegan sustainable sneaker means ones made from quality plant-based (and often recycled or biodegradable) materials. As most good brands are still online, get your feet measured in a shop, to avoid the hassle of returns (Europeans don’t offer half-sizes, so choose the larger size and wear thicker socks!
Vegan sneakers are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth (laundering is not recommended, but if you do, use a microfibre filter) to stop microplastics leaching from the machine, into the sea).
Sneakers were invented over 100 years ago, the world’s first ‘rubber-soled shoes’ in order to play sports, and since then of course, they have become a multi-billion pound industry, especially for designer brands. Now more for fashion than sport, there are many issues.
Leather (not a by-product of meat) is bad for animals and the planet, and often made in countries with poor animal and human welfare. Plastic sneakers are not good (and would give you smelly feet). And children (and their parents) are pressured into buying certain brands (who knows why, as most are made with cheap materials and bad ethics).
The World’s First Waterproof Hemp Sneakers
8000 Kicks has created the world’s first waterproof hemp sneakers, blending nature, innovation and comfort. From the fields to your feet, these shoes stand out for their care for the planet. The waterproof layer keeps your feet dry in puddles and rain, but still lets them breathe.
No need to worry about losing comfort while out walking dogs, or heading to work. Every part, from the laces to the soles, uses plant-based or recycled materials. Even the packaging is recycled and plastic-free. Mud and dirt brush off hemp much easier than most fabrics.
Hemp grows fast, uses little water and soaks up carbon from the air. It’s strong yet soft on your feet and doesn’t trap odours. The fibres hold up longer than cotton or synthetic materials, letting your shoes last through everyday wear and outdoor adventures.
MOEa Fruit Leather Sneakers (from France)
MoEa is a French brand of vegan sneakers (made ethically in Spain and Portugal), which makes their shoes from fruit leathers (leftover waste from the apple, wine and pineapple industry).
The name is short for Mother Earth! They feature recycled rubber soles, recycled bamboo lining and organic cotton laces. Sold in many styles and colours.
Saye Vegan Sneakers (Recycled Fruit Leathers)
SAYE offers Spanish-made vegan sneakers made from rescued fruits and vegetables like mango (brown stripe) or apple (red stripe).
Unisex retro sneakers are made with corn napa and interiors of bamboo and recycled plastic. The insoles are made from leftover waste from a mattress factory!
Zeta Vegan Sneakers (made from grape leather)
Zeta is a European brand that makes its sneakers in Portugal and Italy (not China) using vegan grape leather (from wine waste!), recycled plastic and cork (no trees chopped down, it’s just ‘tapped’ from trees every 9 years).
All their employees receive a living wage, and sneakers are sent in recycled cardboard packaging.
Comfortable Unisex Hemp Sneakers (from Italy)
These unisex hemp sneakers are handcrafted in Italy from one of the world’s most eco-friendly crops (that naturally biodegrades, at end of life). The uppers are in beige hemp, with natural white rubber soles, and cream bamboo lining. The laces are made from organic cotton, and the sneakers are sent in recycled packaging.
Suitable for summer and mid-season (due to the thermoregulatory of hemp). These are extremely comfortable, due to a specially adapted insole. They are made with water-based glue, then the soles are sewn to the rest of the shoe (including an assembly sole) to give structure. Choose from beige or navy.
Comfortable Vegan Suede Sneakers (from Italy)
These vegan suede sneakers are super-comfortable, and handcrafted in Italy. Suitable for mid-season and winter, they feature brown microfiber uppers, and cream-coloured bamboo lining, along with white rubber soles.
The laces are made from organic cotton, and the sneakers are sent in recycled packaging.
Etiko: Fair-Trade Vegan Hi-Top Sneakers
Etiko fair trade vegan sneakers are a one-time purchase from Australia. Made ethically in Pakistan and sent in cardboard packaging, the soles are natural latex rubber and soles have built-in support, with nontoxic dyes and no animal glues. This company also offers low-cut sneakers, and sneakers for children.
The soles are made from natural latex rubber that’s tapped (not chopped) from a tree, with certified organic and Fair trade cotton uppers and laces. The sneakers use non-toxic dyes and non-animal glues, and are sold in a shoebox made from post-consumer waste.
RATION.L (comfy eco-friendly vegan trainers)
RATION.L is a unique brand of trainers in various colours. Like ‘walking on clouds’, these are designed for men or women, and made from recycled materials, nontoxic vegan leather, organic cotton laces and natural rubber soles.
The glue used is water-based and the trainers are sent in sustainable packaging. You can also buy ‘repurposed trainers’ at a more affordable price, due to slight scuffs or marks. And a portion of profits is given to a free helpline for people suffering from brain & spinal medical conditions.
R-Thrive trainer is made with apple leather (from fruit waste) and uses corn waste and recycled tennis balls!
Apple Vegan Leather Sneakers (from Sweden)
Humans Are Vain (Sweden) combines modern design with sustainable ‘apple leather’ and plastic waste. Made ethically in Portugal, they can be recycled at end of use.
