Updated: January 2024
Japanese brand ASICS is no stranger to runners. Anyone who has even thought about signing up for a marathon has probably been recommended to get a pair of ASICS running shoes.
ASICS actually consists of three different shoe labels: ASICS, ASICS Tiger, and Onitsuka Tiger. Each label has its own unique style and approach while maintaining unmistakable ASICS characteristics.
As vegans, we would like to know, can you find any ASICS vegan shoes? Or Onitsuka Tiger’s vegan shoes?
Are ASICS Shoes Vegan?
Generally speaking, no. ASICS and Onitsuka Tiger’s shoes are not vegan. The company often uses animal leather and suede, and we don’t know whether their glue is vegan. Unfortunately, ASICS Corporation does not give us any clear answers.
Which ASICS Shoes Are Vegan?
No one really knows. ASICS has some synthetic shoes but the company has not been able to verify whether their shoe glue is vegan. And that is a problem since shoe glue is often made with animal bones.
While Nike has confirmed their shoe glue to be 100% synthetic, ASICS has made no such statement. And correspondence with the company yields different and very confusing results every time.
ASICS loves to emphasize their adhesives are water-based though. Sadly, that says nothing about the presence of animal ingredients. Water-based glues can be formulated with vegetable proteins, synthetics, or animal products such as blood, fish, milk, or bones.
Which Onitsuka Tiger Shoes Are Vegan?
Finding out which Onitsuka Tiger shoes are vegan has been even trickier.
Until recently, Onitsuka Tiger even had a vegan-friendly collection in their online store. But this collection was suddenly just removed. What’s worse, the styles once listed in the vegan range (such as the Ultimate 81) now apparently include leather or suede overlays.
If you are looking to buy vegan shoes, we would suggest you steer clear from ASICS and Onitsuka for now. Instead check out our selection of vegan sneakers and vegan running shoes.
But Some Companies List ASICS Vegan Shoes?
The sites currently promoting ASICS vegan shoes, list shoes made with synthetic materials. Whilst it is helping those who want to avoid leather and suede, we still think it is important not to use animals in the shoemaking processes at all.
FAQ About ASICS & Onitsuka Tiger Vegan Shoes
No. ASICS is not cruelty-free since it uses animal leather and it might also use non-vegan adhesives.
Sadly no. According to ASICS customer support, their glue still contains animal-based ingredients. Here is to hoping this will change soon.
No. Since ASICS might use non-vegan shoe glue, none of the shoes in the GEL-KAYANO range can be considered vegan.
Onitsuka Tiger is a label owned by the ASICS Corporation. Many of ASICS vintage styles are sold under the Onitsuka Tiger name.
Onitsuka Tiger is not vegan. It used to have a vegan collection but it has currently been removed altogether.
ASICS has never confirmed using vegan shoe glue. Until they do, we cannot trust that any of their shoes is vegan.
Summary
It’s is a shame that ASICS does not take the vegan consumer seriously and withholds information about how their products are made. Vegan running shoes from ASICS would be great to have.
We cannot wait for ASICS to join other big sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas that have already switched to vegan adhesives. Once that happens (and we are sure it will), we will update the list with the brand’s best cruelty-free sneakers.
Meanwhile, we hope you find yourself a pair of quality vegan shoes from our other articles.