The Future of Footwear: Zero Waste Vegan Sneakers
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 green suede sneakers are made from vegan corn leather. The low-top design and clean silhouette offers comfort with a slightly wider forefoot, a low-cut collar around the ankle and handcrafted expertise. Made in Portugal, they have natural/recycled rubber outsoles, partly recycled polyester lining, and laces made from a blend of organic and recycled cotton.
MoEa 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!
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.
V.GAN t-toe sneakers
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 your orderachine).
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.
Nae Vegan sneakers
NAE Vegan Dan Amarelo Sneakers are unisex sneakers made from the same materials, but with vegan microsuede panels in a warm burnt yellow tone. Also in blue.
NAE Vegan (stands for ‘no animals exploited’) is a Portuguese shoe brand founded by a couple, which offers a wide array of beautiful footwear that is all kind to animals. All shoes offer free worldwide shipping (and returns) over 90 Euros, and free automatic discount for orders over 200 Euros.
8000 Kicks 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.
Will’s Vegan sneakers
Will’s Vegan Sneakers (also for men) make quality sneakers (there are never sales, this brand just focuses on quality. Everything is ethically made in Europe, sent in zero waste packaging and sold with a whopping 365-day guarantee. The range includes vegan suede and biodegradable trainers.
Ration.L 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!
Etiko high-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!
