Karine Laudort With an ever-growing amount of vegans in the UK, studies show that their numbers have quadrupled in the previous five years – up to 900,000, according to the Vegan Society. The UK alone counted 600,000 vegans back in 2018 and more than 250,000 people took part in “Veganuary” in the UK in January last year. Veganism extends beyond food, and materials such as silk, leather, or even wool – which originate from animals – are therefore out of bounds for vegans. Animal-free fashion is booming and growing exponentially every year. As a sneakerhead and sustainable fashion lover, I decided to find the coolest and hottest vegan trainers out there.
UNDER £110
Puma: Rise Glow Neon Pink Sneakers £64 £80
There’s only one way: up. Rise is made for those with the hustle and high hopes. Its silhouette is inspired by clouds with soft, opulent lines and an oh-so-comfortable construction. Materials are premium and plush. Overlays are smooth and supportive. And with fresh neon colourways, these kicks refuse to be ignored. Vegan certified product.
Adidas: Originals Sleek Vegan Trainers £70
Minimalist trainers with a vegan built. When it comes to the future, there is a lot to think about, but these Adidas shoes help you keep stepping in the right direction. Made with vegan materials to advocate for a better future through the elimination of animal products. Look good. Feel good. Do good. Material: 100% synthetic.
Reebok: NPC UK Cotton & Corn shoes £62
From the ‘Cotton + Corn’ collection, these are a 100% cotton upper and a biobased sole derived from corn to offer comfort and durability. Altogether the NPC UK Cotton + Corn is the first-ever 75% USDA certified biobased shoe so you can feel good about what you are wearing. This product is only available in whole unisex sizes, for tighter fit order a size down & for a roomier fit order a size up.
Vegetarian Shoes: Olive Vegan runners £84.95
Lightweight lace-up quality vegan trainer. Made with our tough, soft and breathable fake-suede and nylon mesh panels. Simple classic old school styling. Material: Vegetan Fake Suede. Super soft to touch, breathable but like real suede, not water-resistant. It can be proofed with a spray-on waterproofer and can be brushed as real suede/nubuck.
Victoria Utopia white & black trainers £60
Free of animal components, the Utopia boasts a chunky silhouette composed of a clean white upper and a 3.5cm, off-white, Victoria-embossed sole. Features a perforated version of the Barcelona brand’s classic side V and a contrast heel overlay made of synthetic hair to bring a touch of colour to proceedings. Complete with tonal lace-up closure and tongue branding. Material: Synthetic (rubber soles)
EcoAlf: Vegan Sneaker £70
EcoAlf’s Yalesneaker is a sustainably made athletic sneaker with recycled nylon upper and partially recycled outsole. Its timeless design makes it the perfect choice for everyday use. Material: Upper: recycled nylon. Outsole: EVA, recycled rubber.
Veja:Campo leather and vegan suede sneakers £105
Veja is a French company with a strong focus on transparency, fair trade and social and environmental responsibility. It collaborates incredibly closely with the factory that produces its sneakers to ensure the best work practices. Veja updated its signature ‘Campo’ sneakers in fresh, neutral hues. Material: Durable ChromeFree calf leather, trimmed with panels of vegan suede and set on rubber soles sourced from the Amazon rainforest.
DESIGNER VEGAN SNEAKERS
between £110 and £500
Stella McCartney: Eclypse Sneakers £455
All of Stella McCartney’s shoes and accessories are made from non-leather materials as part of their cruelty-free ethos. From basics to sophisticated evening wear, she set the standard for sustainably-made clothing that exudes confidence and femininity. The Chloé alumna launched her eponymous fashion house in 2001 with a fur and leather-free brand ethos dedicated to using recycled, organic and forest-safe textiles.
Material: 60% Polyurethane. 40% Polyester.
My sneaker CRUSH!!!
Stella McCartney: Rose Gold Eclypse Sneakers £267 £445 40% off
These rose gold Stella McCartney Eclypse sneakers are made from faux leather and feature a round toe, lace-up front fastening, logo heel pull tabs and chunky rubber sole. Material: Polyurethane 70%. Polyester 30%.
WILD CARD: Men’s sneakers I would happily wear
Tommy Hilfiger & Lewis Hamilton: Shearling High-Top Trainers £140
In collaboration with vegan athlete Lewis Hamilton, Tommy Hilfiger has introduced an exciting vegan trainers collection. Lewis Hamilton brought his distinctive aesthetic and created a bold collection of streetwear with an urban edge. Straight from this season’s Lewis Hamilton and Tommy Hilfiger collaboration, these trainers feature warm shearling at the ankle and elevated branded accents. Material: 47% polyurethane. 38% polyester. 15% cotton.
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian or an environment friendly fashionista, you are now able to buy animal-free trainers whilst remaining stylish and trendy. There is a plethora of options between small indie brands, high-street retailers and high-end designers who are now making a conscious effort in creating sustainable, eco-friendly products and/or vegan goods. If you do not know where to start when it comes to shopping for vegan sneakers or shoes for that matter, I highly recommend Vegan Kicks which is a blog which references vegan shoes & products for men, women and kids and will give the Vegan shoes 101.
