Updated: January 2024
Vegan sneakers are the hottest trend in footwear right now. We are seeing new plant-based sneaker brands popping up almost daily, and even big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Superdry have recently launched their own cruelty-free shoe lines.
So if you are looking for a new pair of vegan kicks, we have selected the best brands for the job. Check our guide for the trendiest and most eco-friendly vegan sneakers on the market and take your picks!
Affordable Vegan Sneakers
Top Vegan Skate Shoes
Top Vegan Chunky Sneakers
Aren’t All Sneakers Vegan?
Some of you have asked whether sneakers are vegan by default. The answer is no. Sneakers are often made with non-vegan materials such as animal leather, suede, and wool. In addition, sneakers might use shoe glue and dyes that include animal ingredients.
If you want to avoid animal products of byproducts, go for brands that are either 100% vegan or have a certified vegan range. Since the leather industry is causing a lot of environmental damage, buying vegan sneakers is one of the nicest things you can do for the planet.
Best Vegan Sneakers 2024
We have listed the best vegan sneakers for men and women available in the USA. Discover trendy sneakers, trainers, skate shoes, and slip-ons made sustainably from vegan-friendly materials. These brands and sneaker lines are 100% cruelty-free.
8000Kicks
8000Kicks is one of our favorite vegan sneaker brands. Made with strong hemp fibers, the shoe is naturally durable and waterproof while at the same time lightweight and breathable. The beautiful shoe is 100% cruelty-free and comes in light beige and black colorways.
I bought the exlporer v2 and have enjoyed it ever since. It has great design, it is lightweight, flexible, comfortable and truly is waterproof. What it falls short with is that the shoe is not machine washable, it can get hot in the summer and the toebox is a bit tight, at least for our feet.
What should also be mentioned is that it runs a bit small, i’m usually 39 (US 8.5) but 40 (US 9) was the right fit. Read my 8000Kicks review.
Specifications: Made from hemp & Algae, natural dyes, waterproof, lightweight: 240g (0.50lb)
Pros:
✓ Lightweight
✓ Waterproof design
✓ 100% vegan brand
✓ Flexible
Cons:
X Not machine washable
X Can get hot
X Runs small
Psst! Get 10% off your first pair with the code TOPVEGAN.
Immaculate Vegan
Immaculate Vegan is an online marketplace with a wide selection of vegan sneakers from hot new footwear brands like Elliott, Humans Are Vain, Yatay, and Beflamboyant.
Their selection is beautiful and well-curated featuring only the most ethical and sustainable vegan brands. As Immaculate Vegan does not hold stock, the product is sent directly by the brand straight to you.
✓ Collection of vegan sneakers
✓ Bestselling vegan styles
✓ Ethical and sustainable
SHOP IMMACULATE VEGAN SNEAKERS HERE
Will’s Vegan Store
Famous for vegan boots, Will’s Vegan Store has also got a great range of vegan sneakers. This British brand uses eco-friendly materials, carbon-neutral production, and plastic-free packaging. The shoes are produced in the EU under fair and ethical conditions.
We especially love their new vegan chunky sneakers and their bestselling vegan suede sneakers.
✓ Eco-friendly materials
✓ Carbon neutral
✓ Ethically made in EU
Ration.L
If you are looking for a simple, straightforward and sleek vegan sneakers, head to Ration.L. They produce fantastic shoes. Founded by Kavita Basi, a brain hemorrhage survivor, these sneakers are based in UK and produced in Vietnam. Even better, they are certified by the vegan society.
Pros
✓ Certified by the Vegan Society
✓ Good design
✓ Non-toxic PU
✓ Soft
Cons
X Narrow toe-box
X Not machine-washable
X Not a wide variety of designs
Vessi
Vessi’s vegan sneakers are designed to keep your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And they’re completely waterproof. By utilizing a patented knit technology, the minimalist shoe is also eco-friendly and uses 600% less energy compared to regular sneakers.
✓ Waterproof design
✓ Sustainably made
✓ 100% vegan brand
Ecoalf
Sustainable vegan fashion label Ecoalf uses primarily recycled and upcycled materials. Along with apparel, they have a great collection of vegan sneakers made with recycled nylon and EVA rubber soles for an ultralight and flexible fit.
✓ Recycled materials
✓ Sustainable and ethical
✓ 100% vegan brand
Native Shoes
Canadian-based Native Shoes designs cruelty-free sneakers and rubber shoes for men, women and children. Made with hi-tech vegan materials, the shoes are breathable and light as air. Plus, the brands turns worn shoes into matting for children’s playgrounds.
✓ Lightweight design
✓ Lifecycle-managed
✓ 100% vegan brand
SHOP NATIVE SHOES HERE
SHOP NATIVE APOLLO 2.0 SNEAKER
Saola
Saola vegan sneakers are made with recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton, cork, and algae biomass. Produced in a fair factory in Vietnam, the earth-friendly sneakers are soft and comfortable with a gorgeous natural look.
✓ Natural & recycled materials
✓ Sustainably made
✓ 100% vegan brand
Veja
Dubbed as the most ethical sneaker brand in the world, Veja sneakers have reached iconic status among shoe lovers. Though not a vegan brand, the company has a great-quality vegan line made with premium vegan leather and canvas, such as this retro-inspired SDU vegan sneaker.
✓ Ethically made
✓ High-quality materials
✓ Bestselling vegan style
Nae
Nae from Portugal pairs natural plant-based materials with recycled ocean plastic. The shoes are trendy, elegant, and made sustainably in Europe. Their new line of vegan trainers features an upper made of 100% recycled plastic bottles along with carbon-neutral microfibre.
✓ Recycled & natural materials
✓ Carbon netural
✓ 100% vegan brand
Ahimsa
From Ahimsa, you will find vegan leather sneakers in classic, timeless designs. The shoes are made with premium faux leather that is naturally waterproof and breaks in beautifully. Being a fair and ethical company, the shoes are made in a 100% vegan shoe factory in Brazil.
✓ Quality vegan leather
✓ Sustainable & ethical
✓ 100% vegan brand
Astral
Astral is a vegan brand from North Carolina famous for high-performance trail and hiking shoes. By fusing casual styles with expert techniques, they’ve made these amazing sneakers made from industrial hemp that is extremely durable and breathable. The perfect travel sneakers.
✓ Made with natural hemp
✓ Promotes balance & agility
✓ 100% vegan brand
Divadi
Divadi women’s vegan sneakers are eco-friendly and built on the philosophy of mindful living. The shoes are PETA-certified vegan and use mainly natural materials, including locally raised rubber in Vietnam. Love the nature-inspired designs.
✓ Natural materials
✓ Sustainably made
✓ 100% vegan brand
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney’s vegan label shows how luxury brands can push the boundaries to make products that are beautiful, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Discover stunning vintage-inspired trainers made with recycled polyester and other sustainable vegan materials.
✓ Recycled materials
✓ Sustainably made
✓ 100% vegan brand
Ethletic
German brand Ethletic is the go-to choice for sustainable vegan canvas sneakers. Made with organic cotton and Fairtrade certified rubber, the company designs eco-friendly sneakers in many different shapes and colors – all cool as cucumber.
✓ Organic and fair trade
✓ Fair and ethical
✓ 100% vegan brand
Etnies
Etnies is a well-known sneaker brand from Lake Forest, California. Their vegan shoe range includes lots of fashionable skate shoes, trainers and slip-ons made with recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and other eco-friendly materials.
✓ Recycled materials
✓ Durable design
✓ Sustainably made
Steve Madden
Steve Madden also offers vegan sneakers at affordable prices. Their Gills-C vegan slip-on sneaker features a canvas upper with synthetic soles and lining. The company has assured us this style is 100% free from any animal products or byproducts.
✓ Wide fit
✓ Comfy slip-on design
✓ Affordably priced
SHOP STEVE MADDEN GILLS-C HERE
MATT & NAT
Vegan brand Matt & Nat boasts a contemporary collection of vegan sneakers. Inspired by the hues and textures of nature, Matt & Nat uses mainly natural plant-based materials like cork and rubber as well as recycled plastic bottles, car tires, and glass.
✓ Recycled & natural materials
✓ Minimalist design
✓ 100% vegan brand
Simple Shoes SLO
Old school inspired Simple Shoes offers currently one vegan shoe SLO that is available in four different colors: white, black, red, and navy. Made with organic cotton, the sneakers are durable with a simple, classic look.
✓ Organic & natural materials
✓ High-quality design
✓ Comfortable fit
Vivaia Collection
Vegan brand Vivaia is mainly known for vegan flats for women. Recently, they also launched a beautiful vegan sneaker for women. The upper uses a knit from recycled plastic bottles. Paired with a Natural Artemisia Argyi herbal insole, the sneakers are super lightweight and soft. Read my vivaia vegan shoes review here.
✓ Recycled materials
✓ 100% vegan brand
✓ Comfortable fit
New! Reebok Forever Floatride Grow
Reebok‘s Forever Floatride Grow was the most awaited vegan shoe launch of last year. Featuring an eucalyptus bark upper, castor bean oil cushioning, and algae footbed, the shoe is as natural and eco-friendly as it gets.
✓ Biobased, natural materials
✓ High-quality design
✓ Great for running
New! Gucci Off The Grid
Gucci has also surprised us with its new Off The Grid sneaker collection that uses recycled, organic, sustainable, and bio-based vegan materials. Made in Italy from GG-jacquard canvas, the luxurious vegan sneaker looks ravishing.
✓ Sustainable & natural materials
✓ High-quality design
✓ Comfortable fit
New! Nike Space Hippie
Nike offers a wide variety of vegan shoes and we only have good things to say about their new, sustainable Space Hippie trainer. The shoe is 100% vegan and features an upper made from recycled plastic bottles, T-shirts and yarn scraps.
✓ Recycled materials
✓ High-quality design
✓ Comfortable fit
New! Adidas Vegan Samba
With its new initiative ‘Our Icons Are Going Vegan’, Adidas has started to veganize all of its bestselling shoes, including the Vegan Samba, Vegan Superstar, and Vegan Continental 80. The revamped shoes use synthetic leather that is soft and wears in beautifully.
✓ Timeless design
✓ High-quality materials
✓ Comfortable fit
Puma CELL Dome Galaxy
Puma has currently two certified vegan shoes, this gorgeous chunky CELL Dome Galaxy for men and the new Neon Rise line for women. The 90s inspired vegan trainers have a stable cushioning and mesh upper with vegan leather and textile overlays.
✓ Great cushioning
✓ High-quality materials
✓ Comfortable fit
SHOP MEN’S CELL DOME
SHOP WOMEN’S NEON RISE
Converse All Star
Converse‘s Classic All Stars are also by default vegan and made with a canvas upper, rubber sole, and synthetic vegan glue. Choose from high-top and low-top style and enjoy timeless, unisex sneakers that make the best wardrobe staple.
✓ Quality vegan materials
✓ Comfortable fit
✓ Classic unisex style
Superdry Vegan Basket Lux
Superdry has an amazing vegan selection for men and women in awesome, bright tones. The shoes are certified vegan and use quality vegan leather long with recycled materials. Discover stylish high-top and low-top vegan styles you will love.
✓ Recycled materials
✓ Quality vegan leather
✓ Unique design
Tommy Hilfiger x Lewis
In collaboration with vegan athlete Lewis Hamilton, Tommy Hilfiger has introduced an epic vegan sneaker and apparel collection for the environmentally-conscious shopper. Discover high-top sneakers that are 100% vegan.
✓ Eco-friendly materials
✓ Comfortable fit
✓ Quality design
Hugo Boss Piñatex
These men’s vegan sneakers by BOSS are crafted from vegan materials including linen, cotton, and Piñatex – a sustainable vegan leather made from pineapple leaves. Shop the limited edition collection presented in a recyclable and biodegradable box.
✓ Natural vegan materials
✓ Sustainable design
✓ Soft & cozy fit
New Balance Fresh Foam
New Balance‘s topselling Fresh Foam collection is fully vegan and cruelty-free. Perfect for both running and everyday wear, the sneakers feature a mesh upper and a signature midsole for plush, cloud-like comfort. Choose from a variety of trendy colours.
✓ Supreme cushioning
✓ Comfortable fit
✓ Great for running
Affordable Vegan Sneakers
If you are on the market for cheap vegan sneakers, check out our top picks below. Discover affordable vegan sneakers from TOMS, Superga, Skechers, and other reliable brands.
‣ TOMS Affordable Vegan Sneakers
‣ SUPERGA Cotu Classic Vegan Sneaker
‣ SKECHERS Women’s G Bronaugh
‣ SKECHERS Men’s Cessnock
‣ SAUCONY Jazz Pro Low
‣ STEVE MADDEN Gills-C
‣ BLOWFISH MALIBU Women’s
‣ BC FOOTWEAR Women’s
‣ GOLA Women’s Vintage
‣ GOLA Men’s Vintage
Top Vegan Skate Shoes
Looking for vegan skate-style shoes? Check out brands like Ehtletic and Etnies that offer amazing vegan skate sneakers made with cotton canvas that both looks and feels great.
‣ Ethletic Vegan Skate Shoes
‣ Saola Vegan Skate Shoes
‣ Etnies Vegan Skate Shoes
‣ Simple SLO Vegan Skate Shoes
Vegan Chunky Sneakers
Vegan chunky sneakers elevate you both actually and well, morally. Here are our favorite chunky trainers that are 100% vegan-friendly. Choose between bestselling, most sustainable, and affordable styles.
‣ Humans Are Vain – sustainable
‣ Will’s Rio Sneaker – sustainable
‣ Stella McCartney – sustainable
‣ Nike Vista Lite Women’s – bestseller
‣ Reebok Premier – bestseller
‣ Lucky Step Women’s – affordable
‣ Fila Disarray Women’s – affordable
Why Trust us?
I launched my own vegan shoe brand from scratch. Through that process I learned everything what goes to produce quality vegan shoes. I negotiated materials and production to ensure a quality product.
Through that learning process I am confident I can transparently offer a great and trustworthy review.
Also, I have operated this site since early 2020, almost daily keeping up with the market to keep my eyes open for new innovative materials, production styles and new players in the market.
I also buy many of the shoes and actually try them, wear them to create even better review. In addition, we scour feedback online to see if other people’s experience of the shoes are similar to ours.
Read more how review here and about us here.
What Makes Sneakers Vegan?
Vegan sneakers are free from leather, fur, wool, or any other animal ingredients. When opting for vegan shoes, you want to make sure that the glue and dyes used are also not animal-derived.
Instead, vegan sneakers are made from plant-based materials like hemp or cotton or from synthetic leather. Vegan sneakers use plant dyes and the shoes are bonded with synthetic glues.
If you want to know which sneakers are vegan, you can look for a certified vegan label or send an email to the producer and ask them directly. As we have done the research for you, you can be rest assured that if you purchase any of the sneakers listed here, it is confirmed to be vegan.
FAQ About Vegan Sneakers
Not as a rule, no. Many sneakers have a leather upper or linings, and they might be bonded with non-vegan shoe glue. Thus, you should always look for a vegan label or check with the producer before buying.
For vegan sneakers, we recommend brands like Vessi, Ethletic, Native Shoes, Will’s, and Bleed. Big shoe producers like Nike, Adidas, and Converse also have some vegan-friendly styles.
Vegan sneakers are typically made with synthetic mesh, cotton, or vegan leather. Hemp is also increasingly used for it is naturally strong, waterproof, and antibacterial.
Not all Nike shoes are vegan but Nike offers great vegan styles. In recent years, the company has also been using vegan glue, so you can trust that their leather-free styles are vegan
Adidas is not a vegan brand but the company has started to veganize many of its iconic shoe styles such as the Superstar and Samba.
Veja sneakers also use animal leather. But Veja does have a fantastic vegan selection that is made sustainably from quality vegan materials.
Summary
We hope you found your new favorite vegan sneakers from this guide. We keep updating the list with new brands all the time, so you would not miss out on anything new. Make sure to also check out our list of vegan running shoes.
Though not all brands in our list are 100% vegan, these companies are key players in popularising the vegan movement by producing high-quality sneakers to a wider fan base. We especially love the Reebok’s new plant-based shoe made from biobased materials.
For the future, we hope to see more vegan sneakers made in the USA. And Allbirds, we are looking at you – drop the Merino wool and launch a vegan shoe already!