Posts
Fashion
StellaMcCartney
sustainable fashion
Vegan
The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Vegan Sneakers That Are Stylish & Cool
However, one common problem with sustainable fashion is that most of their products do not score well on style and many times they are not vegan. Eco-conscious sneakers, including most leather-free styles, are not vegan-friendly because the glue used in the construction is derived from animals. It's the same with the dyes. So it can be challenging to find eco-conscious sneakers that are also completely vegan.
Fortunately, some shoes brands have successfully created sneakers that look good, feel good and do good. These sneakers are not only made with vegan materials but also use sustainable materials like recycled plastic & fishing nets, bamboo and organic cotton and pay fair wages.
I've rounded up 5 stylish vegan sneakers that prioritize ethics and the environment in everything from materials to production and comfortable too! Plus, if you have some.
Veja
Ethical Traits: Eco-friendly, fair-trade but not completely vegan. Has a vegan collectionBased in: France
Comfort: 6/10
Price: Starts at $95
The timeless white sneakers from eco-conscious French shoe label Veja are definitely one of the most popular kicks on the market. Handcrafted in Brazil using fair-trade wild rubber from Amazonian forest, organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles, recycled polyester and other sustainable materials, Veja sneakers are as socially conscious as they are stylish. In fact, they are the first brand to focus on sustainability in the sneaker industry and have achieved the "it-shoe" status. Did I mention that Emma Watson and Meghan Markle are also fans of their minimalist eco-friendly sneakers and are often spotted in them?
While not a completely vegan brand, Veja boasts a large vegan sneakers collection that are made using sustainable materials and practices. I have the Veja V-10 sneakers with a green V logo and clean lines and I love them. They can be styled endlessly. One minor gripe? The shoe tongue is too long and digs in my foot, making them uncomfortable to wear for long hours.
They also have a range of running and training vegan sneakers. If you need extra support and stability or have an injury, then wear your sneakers with an ankle support brace and take over the world!
Ships worldwide, and they're available at various online stores (like Net-A-Porter & Farfetch) and also on various sustainable & concept stores worldwide.
Cariuma
Ethical Traits: Eco-friendly, fair-trade, zero-waste and has a vegan collection (not entirely vegan)
Based in: Rio, Brazil
Comfort: 10/10
Price: $98
When style and comfort is the top criterion, then Cariuma may have the most ethical kicks around. I've tried so many sneakers and these are by far my favorite because they're so comfortable.
This widely popular Brazilian brand boasts first-of-its-kind bamboo knit sneaker, called IBI, that is 100% carbon neutral and creates zero waste. It’s crafted from a mix of plant-based materials - the knit upper is made with self-regenerating bamboo, the memory insole with cork and mamona oil and the outsole uses bio-based sugarcane EVA. The best part? They are the most lightweight sneakers ever and provide a great stretch. You can wash them in machine too. No wonder they had more than 5000 people on the waitlist after this vegan style dropped in the market....
Not just the sneakers, even their packaging is recycled and recyclable. Plus, when your shoes are shipped, the transportation is 100 percent carbon-neutral. Cariuma purchases carbon offsets to combat climate change. How cool is that?
I'm absolutely in love with this style because it is incredibly comfortable and undeniably unique, in addition to being super eco-friendly. The shoes come in multiple colors and sizes starting from US 5.
They ship worldwide and offer free returns. Free shipping is available in certain countries including UK, Canada, US and Thailand.
NAE Shoes
Ethical Traits: Eco-friendly, fair-trade, and 100% vegan
Based in: Portugal
Comfort: 9/10
Price: Starts at $80
No Animals Exploited (NAE) is one of the few vegan shoe brands that makes kick-ass vegan shoes that are also eco-conscious, fair trade and affordable. They have a huge collection of sustainable shoes, including great sneakers, and everything is made in their local factory in Portugal. I've met the brand's founders Paula Pérez at a tradeshow in Berlin, and love them both!
These NAE sneakers are crafted with Pinatex, a leather-like material that's made from pineapple leaves - a waste material. My sister and I used and abused these vegan sneakers for almost 18 months, and they did a great job. After about 2 years of rough use, the material chipped but it would happen to any good shoes considering the usage.
In addition to these, NAE has many other great vegan sneakers in their collection including those made from cork and recycled materials.
With a deep rooted environmental commitment NAE brings together quality and design in their animal-free shoes since 2008, and they are my favorite vegan shoe brand.
They ship worldwide, for free!
Stella McCartney x Stan Smith Vegan Sneakers
Ethical Traits: 100% Vegetarian (all accessories are vegan), fair trade and eci-conscious
Based in: UK
Comfort: 9/10
Price: Starts at $360
The hugely poplar Stan Smith sneakers are cut from leather - unfortunate for many vegans who want a pair of these cult pair in their wardrobe. Thank God, Stella McCartney came to their rescue.
Known as the queen of sustainable fashion, Stella McCartney is the only luxury designer who uses no leather, fur or feathers in its collections. So when she partnered with Adidas in 2018 for creating a vegan version of the classic Stan Smith pair, and launched them later that year, I had to get my hands on them.
These versatile pair are one of the best picks for those who love designer brands and Stan Smith. At $360 a pair, they're definitely expensive, but after all they're luxury. These trainers are cut from vegan leather and uses recycled polyester sole. If you love splurging on designer brands, then Stella also has a huge collection of sneakers in her collection, in addition to her Stan Smith style.
They are available online at Stella McCartney store and other other retailers like Farfetch.
In addition to these, I also curate all the amazing vegan sneakers, which I come across, on my Pinterest account on Vegan Sneakers Board, you can check them out here.
Ships worldwide, and they're available at various online stores (like Net-A-Porter & Farfetch) and also on various sustainable & concept stores worldwide.
Cariuma
Ethical Traits: Eco-friendly, fair-trade, zero-waste and has a vegan collection (not entirely vegan)Based in: Rio, Brazil
Comfort: 10/10
Price: $98
When style and comfort is the top criterion, then Cariuma may have the most ethical kicks around. I've tried so many sneakers and these are by far my favorite because they're so comfortable.
This widely popular Brazilian brand boasts first-of-its-kind bamboo knit sneaker, called IBI, that is 100% carbon neutral and creates zero waste. It’s crafted from a mix of plant-based materials - the knit upper is made with self-regenerating bamboo, the memory insole with cork and mamona oil and the outsole uses bio-based sugarcane EVA. The best part? They are the most lightweight sneakers ever and provide a great stretch. You can wash them in machine too. No wonder they had more than 5000 people on the waitlist after this vegan style dropped in the market....
Not just the sneakers, even their packaging is recycled and recyclable. Plus, when your shoes are shipped, the transportation is 100 percent carbon-neutral. Cariuma purchases carbon offsets to combat climate change. How cool is that?
I'm absolutely in love with this style because it is incredibly comfortable and undeniably unique, in addition to being super eco-friendly. The shoes come in multiple colors and sizes starting from US 5.
They ship worldwide and offer free returns. Free shipping is available in certain countries including UK, Canada, US and Thailand.
Saye
Ethical Traits: Bio-based, recycled materials, vegan-certified styles, ethically made in Portugal
Based in: Barcelona, Spain
Comfort: 9/10
Price: €145
If minimal, clean design and sustainability speak to your soul, Saye might just be your new go-to sneaker brand.
This eco-conscious sneaker brand based in Barcelona is best known for its stylish, vintage-inspired sneakers. Saye has made waves with its bio-based vegan collection crafted using corn leather, cactus leather, recycled PET, bamboo lining, and outsoles made from natural and recycled rubber. Their iconic Modelo ‘89 Vegan is not only sleek and versatile but also PETA-approved vegan, making it a guilt-free fashion choice.
The brand is deeply committed to ethical manufacturing and uses factories in Portugal that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. Plus, they plant two trees for every pair sold, supporting reforestation efforts in vulnerable areas. Best part? They ship globally in recycled packaging.
NAE Shoes
Ethical Traits: Eco-friendly, fair-trade, and 100% veganBased in: Portugal
Comfort: 9/10
Price: Starts at $80
No Animals Exploited (NAE) is one of the few vegan shoe brands that makes kick-ass vegan shoes that are also eco-conscious, fair trade and affordable. They have a huge collection of sustainable shoes, including great sneakers, and everything is made in their local factory in Portugal. I've met the brand's founders Paula Pérez at a tradeshow in Berlin, and love them both!
These NAE sneakers are crafted with Pinatex, a leather-like material that's made from pineapple leaves - a waste material. My sister and I used and abused these vegan sneakers for almost 18 months, and they did a great job. After about 2 years of rough use, the material chipped but it would happen to any good shoes considering the usage.
In addition to these, NAE has many other great vegan sneakers in their collection including those made from cork and recycled materials.
With a deep rooted environmental commitment NAE brings together quality and design in their animal-free shoes since 2008, and they are my favorite vegan shoe brand.
They ship worldwide, for free!
Stella McCartney x Stan Smith Vegan Sneakers
Ethical Traits: 100% Vegetarian (all accessories are vegan), fair trade and eci-consciousBased in: UK
Comfort: 9/10
Price: Starts at $360
The hugely poplar Stan Smith sneakers are cut from leather - unfortunate for many vegans who want a pair of these cult pair in their wardrobe. Thank God, Stella McCartney came to their rescue.
Known as the queen of sustainable fashion, Stella McCartney is the only luxury designer who uses no leather, fur or feathers in its collections. So when she partnered with Adidas in 2018 for creating a vegan version of the classic Stan Smith pair, and launched them later that year, I had to get my hands on them.
These versatile pair are one of the best picks for those who love designer brands and Stan Smith. At $360 a pair, they're definitely expensive, but after all they're luxury. These trainers are cut from vegan leather and uses recycled polyester sole. If you love splurging on designer brands, then Stella also has a huge collection of sneakers in her collection, in addition to her Stan Smith style.
They are available online at Stella McCartney store and other other retailers like Farfetch.
In addition to these, I also curate all the amazing vegan sneakers, which I come across, on my Pinterest account on Vegan Sneakers Board, you can check them out here.
Until a few years ago, finding even vegan sneakers was challenging. But today there are many sustainable cruelty-free sneaker brands that have plastic-free shoes and great style. While the above brands are tried and tested by me, you can also explore other options including Purified and Spanish brand Flamingos Life.
Next time you go sneaker shopping, make sure its leather-free and sustainable!
No comments
Post a Comment
Leave your comments, would be happy to hear them!!!