Updated: January 2024
Yup, New Balance is cool again. Once dubbed as the classic dad shoe, millennials are now emptying the shelves from all the 990s they can get their nostalgia-stricken hands on.
On top of making cool sneakers and notoriously durable running shoes, New Balance is also a relatively ethical brand.
Unlike most big companies, New Balance has committed to manufacturing in the USA where workers are guaranteed fair pay and safe conditions. But whilst being people-friendly, we’d love to know: Are New Balance shoes vegan?
NB! Since early 2023 we are receiving differing reports that New Balance have started to reply with more vague language regarding the glues they use. We are still investigating the matter.
Full list of New Balance Vegan Shoes
Top Vegan Shoes for Women
Top Vegan Shoes for Men
Are New Balance Shoes Vegan?
New Balance is not a vegan brand but many of their shoes are vegan, i.e. made without animal products or byproducts. New Balance vegan shoes also include their bestselling models such as Fresh Foam and FuelCell.
As their media team elaborates:
Many of our products are made with synthetic or plant-based materials that typically do not contain animal materials. We have worked closely with our top adhesive suppliers to ensure that they are not using animal byproducts.
Since New Balance does not use animal-based glues, dyes, or any other cruel byproducts, it is easy to identify their vegan shoes based on the material composition.
To be fair, animal leather is still often found in New Balance’s shoe uppers and overlays. But you can still find great vegan shoes made with quality synthetic materials instead.
Which New Balance Shoes Are Vegan?
New Balance offers a fantastic range of vegan shoes for running, hiking, and everyday wear. Their most vegan-friendly collections are Fresh Foam and FuelCell that include a variety of shoes for both men and women.
Most of New Balance’s running shoes are cruelty-free since synthetic materials like mesh ensure better performance than animal-based ones. However, a few of their top streetwear styles, like 574 and 720, are not vegan.
Full List of New Balance Vegan Shoes:
Here is a list of New Balance vegan shoes that are made from animal-free materials. All of these styles are also part of the brand’s top-selling category.
New Balance Women’s Vegan Shoes
- Fresh Foam Roav – bestseller
- Fresh Foam 1080v10 – bestseller
- Fresh Foam 880v10
- Fresh Foam Arishi v3
- Fresh Foam More v2
- Fresh Foam 1350 Trail
- FuelCore NERGIZE
- FuelCell 890v8
More great styles: NB Nergize SPORT, OMN1S Basketball, Rubix, 577v5, 696v4, 850, 847v4, 928v3
New Balance Men’s Vegan Shoes
- Fresh Foam Roav – bestseller
- Fresh Foam 1080v10 – bestseller
- Fresh Foam 880v10
- Fresh Foam Roav NXT
- Fresh Foam Arishi Trail
- Fresh Foam Arishi v3
- Fresh Foam More v2
- FuelCell Echo
- FuelCell 890v8
More great styles: Made in US 1540v3, OMN1S Basketball, 4040v5 Turf, 4040v5 Metal Soccer Shoe, 412 ESD Work Shoe, 847v4, 940v4
Top New Balance Vegan Shoes 2024
To give you a better taste of New Balance’s vegan shoes, we picked out our favorite styles for men and women. Whether you are looking for durable vegan running shoes or a trendy pair of vegan sneakers, these kicks are bound to impress.
New Balance Vegan Shoes For Women
For ladies, New Balance offers a wide selection of beautiful vegan trainers and sneakers. We love these lightweight designs and bright colors designed to give you that extra bounce in your step.
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav – bestseller!
Fresh Foam Roav is New Balance’s number one running shoe that is also 100% vegan. The shoe uses a mesh upper that delivers a breathable fit whilst the signature Fresh Foam sole provides great cushioning. The shoe comes in many different colors.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10
Fresh Foam 1080v10 is another bestselling vegan running shoe that offers incredible support with a strong rubber outsole. The upper is made with synthetics and mesh for a soft and breathable comfort.
New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10
Fresh Foam 880v10 is Roav’s slightly sturdier sister with a promise of lightweight-yet-secure fit. Perfect vegan trainer for long runs. The shoe is available in different shades of blue and black.
New Balance FuelCore NERGIZE
FuelCore NERGIZE is another fantastic vegan shoe that has a clean, minimalist look. Features a snug textile upper and memory sole insert for your all-day slip-on comfort.
New Balance FuelCell 890v8
This bright New Balance running shoe has a lightweight design with a gusseted tongue for a snug midfoot fit. A great running shoe that is also cruelty-free.
New Balance 850
The synthetic 850 is a real gem of a find. The stylish 90s inspired shoe uses a synthetic and mesh upper with a stabilizing Rollbar posting system.
New Balance 696v4
This fun and bright vegan tennis shoe has a durable synthetic and mesh upper. Super comfy and breathable design with a herringbone-pattern outsole for added traction during lateral movements.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1350 Trail
For hiking and trail running, we recommend the Fresh Foam 1350 vegan trail shoe. This top-quality shoe boasts a signature Fresh Foam midsole and a highly weather-resistant synthetic and mesh upper.
SHOP FRESH FOAM 1350 TRAIL HERE
New Balance Vegan Shoes For Men
New Balance’s vegan selection for men includes kickass running shoes as well as work shoes, basketball shoes, and even soccer shoes. Here are the bestselling men’s vegan styles:
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav
Fresh Foam Roav – New Balance’s number one running shoe – is fully vegan and cruelty-free. Enjoy the lightweight comfort and support of the Fresh Foam cushioning and mesh upper. Choose between many bright colorways.
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10
The bestselling New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10 is incredibly plush and responsive, making it a supreme vegan running shoe. The shoe features a mesh and synthetic upper along with signature Fresh Foam cushioning.
New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10
The 880v10 vegan running shoe has the signature Fresh Foam cushioning but it comes with added support. Love the electric blue model accentuated with mint. Also available in other colorways.
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Trail
Arishi Trail is another great high-performance vegan shoe from New Balance. The shoe features a light textile upper, Toe Protect technology, and the AT Tread outsole for versatile traction.
SHOP FRESH FOAM ARISHI TRAIL HERE
New Balance FuelCell Echo
Made with advanced knit technology, Fuelcell Echo is perfect for both indoor and outdoor running. The vegan shoe uses a full-length rippled rubber outsole for a resilient grip and traction. Available in 8 trendy colors.
New Balance Made in US 1540v3
1540v3 is the only vegan shoe from the Made in US line. Love the classic look and durable design made to ensure excellent support and motion control. Features a synthetic and mesh upper.
New Balance OMN1S
OMN1S is a premium vegan basketball shoe that takes your game to a new level. This fierce shoe is made using 3D Ultra Heel construction and FitWeave upper for the perfect locked-in fit.
FAQ About New Balance Vegan Shoes
No, it is not. New Balance has some great cruelty-free styles but it is still using animal leather and suede in many of its products.
Yes, indeed they do! New Balance has ensured us they are not using any animal-based adhesives in their shoes.
No, sadly the 574 shoe is made with pigskin and suede. Fingers crossed there will be a vegan version available soon.
Generally yes. With the small exception of the Cruz and 574 Sport, most shoes in the Fresh Foam collection are vegan.
Summary
New Balance has shown some great developments in its selection of vegan shoes. While we are yet to see leather-free additions to its 574 and 720 families, we hope you found something awesome from their existing vegan lines. We’ll keep the list updated as we go.