The best brands of sustainable vegan sneakers

MoEa vegan pink and yellow sneakers are made from a blend of eco-friendly materials including pineapple leather, a waste by-product of the fruit industry. An ideal vintage streetwear design!

As most good brands of sustainable vegan sneakers are sold online, get your feet measured in a shop, to save 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 microfiber filter) to stop microplastics leaching from the machine).

MoEa vegan grape skin sneakers are made from a blend of eco-friendly materials including grape skins, a waste by-product of the wine industry.

MoEa vegan mushroom skin sneakers are made from a blend of eco-friendly materials including mushroom leather, made from the waste of the food industry. Also in pink and pineapple.

Iné (stylish vegan sneakers from Paris)

Iné is a brand of stylish vegan sneakers from Paris, France. These unisex sneakers are handcrafted in Portugal under fair working conditions, with materials sourced from Italy, Spain and Portugal. Most are made with non-GM corn waste and recycled plastic bottles.

The founder grew up in Brittany and witnessed the impact of coastal pollution. Raised by a mother with over 25 years in the garment industry, she decided to blend her knowledge with her passion.

This brand is based in Paris’ 9th arrondissement, known for being the centre of ballet. It’s home to 19 Metro stations and the energetic region of Pigalle, home to the Moulin Rouge!

These sneakers are unique in that they feature lovely colour schemes, from cream and lemon to beige and black.

Vaer (Danish sneakers from upcycled materials)

Vaer is a unique brand of Danish sneakers, which makes footwear from upcycled materials including discarded workwear, jeans and tablecloths! The mission is to reduce textile waste to give ‘imperfect’ materials a secondlife.

Once the sneakers have reached the end of their life, they can be sent back to recycle into new soles. Sneakers are made ethically in Portugal using eco materials, built to last for many years of use.

This shoe brand has a retail shop in Aarhus (Denmark’s second city). Known as ‘the city of smiles’ due to its friendly atmosphere, it’s the oldest city in Scandinavia but with a young student population.

It’s also home to the world’s largest public library (with a giant bell connected to the local hospital – which rings every time a baby is born!)

Bamburista (vegan sneakers from three Dutch sisters!)

Bamburista is a brand of vegan sneakers, founded by three sisters in The Netherlands. Based in The Hague, it takes inspiration from the coast of Scheveningen, home to open sand, sea air and swaying dune grass.

Each pair features bamboo uppers and natural rubber soles. With help from their father (who has 30 years experience in the shoe trade), these are quality items designed to last years.

Fancy visiting Scheveningen? You can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Central (4 hours), take a 50 minute train and then a tram for 15 minutes, to drop you off at the beach!

8000 Kicks (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.

V.GAN vegan t-toe sneakers (from London)

These vegan t-toe sneakers are super-stylish and feature a refined and minimalist look. The low-top sneaker features a sleek design and distinctive side strip. For a touch of class to everyday wear. Also in dark brown.

Use this discount code for automatic £10 off orders.

V.GAN is a London shoe brand worn by tens of thousands of people worldwide. All their shoes are top quality, and also designed to be affordable enough to compete with retail store brands. It’s fast becoming one of the most happening vegan footwear brands around!

Leather is not usually a by-product of the meat industry. And most leather shoes are made in the Far East, where there are few animal welfare laws. Instead, just invest in a couple of good pairs of Microfiber vegan shoes, easy to clean with a damp cloth.

Etiko (hi-top organic fair trade sneakers)

Etiko (Australia) offers one-time purchase of Converse-style sneakers. The difference is that these are made ethically in Pakistan from organic cotton, with latex rubber soles, non-toxic dyes and no animal glues, sent in post-consumer cardboard boxes.

These sneakers are also available in styles for children. See the site for correct sizing advice.

This brand also offers low-cut, hemp and ballet flat sneakers. This brand is recommended due to offering something unique, but of course there are additional shipping charges for ordering from Australia (you may also be asked to provide ID, to avoid fraudulent orders).

What would make things easier is for small wholesalers to order from them, to sell them in the UK, which would encourage more purchases, due to reduced shipping costs and times.

Etiko is an Aussie company, so not local. But one pair should last you a long time, and there are presently no similar alternatives in the UK. This company does wonderful work in Australia promoting the fair trade fashion cause, and also sells organic cotton t-shirts.

Hi-top sneakers are very popular with young people, so these make a great zero waste gift for your forward-thinking teenage son or daughter! Or any other relative who likes to look cool, while doing good for the planet!

Ration.L vegan trainers (recycled materials)

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.