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Vegan sneakers and where you can buy them online

Making the switch to vegan sneakers? Here's what you need to know. Finder's list features brands like VEJA, Superga and adidas.

Marina Tatas
Marina Tatas

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vegan sneakers

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Just like the rise of vegan diets, it's hard to deny the buzz around vegan clothing and footwear. There's currently a huge focus on sustainability within the fashion space.

Many sneakers are made out of leather. Vegan sneakers are usually made from materials like canvas and rubber. Some companies have even taken the next step and created shoes out of recycled water bottles.

So maybe your current kicks are looking a little worse for wear? Or maybe you're just keen to give something new a go? Whatever the case may be, why not check out these vegan and non-leather kicks?

What makes a product vegan?

According to Vegan Australia, a product that carries the Vegan Australia Certified logo, means it meets the following guidelines:

  • Free from animal products
  • Not tested on animals
  • No animal products have been used in the production process
  • If a product has been made in a facility that also handles animal products, the manufacturer has taken all reasonable steps necessary to avoid any cross-contamination
vegan sneakers

1. VEJA

Introducing the V-10 – this shoe is one of VEJA's bestselling styles, so creating a vegan option was probably a no-brainer.

While this style doesn't use any leather or animal products, it's important to note that we can't find conclusive evidence on whether there's any cross-contamination in VEJA's manufacturing facility.

This shoe is made out of CWL (cotton coated with polyurethane and resin from corn waste), vegan suede, jersey (33% organic cotton and 67% recycled polyester) and Amazonian rubber. The style is neutral and minimal, making it a perfect white sneaker.

vegan sneakers

2. Superga

Superga's 2750 Cotu Classic just so happens to be THE ICONIC's bestselling item of 2019. This tennis shoe is loved by many and it's vegan.

It's made out of an extra-strong and breathable cotton canvas, on top of a rubber outsole. According to the website, the latex glue is classified as vegan. So if you combine all those materials together, you've got yourself a sneaker made out of vegan-friendly materials.

Not only is the design simple and timeless, but it also comes in a multitude of fun colours.

vegan sneakers

3. Vans

If you're looking for a signature skate shoe, Vans is your go-to. One of Vans' most popular picks is its original silhouette, called the Authentic. It's made from a durable canvas upper, as well as a waffle outsole.

Vans carries both leather and suede options, so the brand can't be considered 100% vegan. That's why we recommend always checking the product details to be sure, as it should be listed there. You can also check the brand's UK site for more information.

vegan sneakers

4. Toms

Toms is all about social responsibility. So much so that with every purchase made, the brand gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

While we can't find any official vegan certification, TOMS advertises a number of styles as being "100% vegan". The Heritage Canvas shoe arrives in an array of colours and prints. It's also super lightweight and comfortable. Like other plant-based sneakers, the upper is made from canvas and it has a rubber outsole.

And if that's not your style, Toms has a whole section on its website dedicated solely to 100% vegan shoes, which you can check out here.

vegan sneakers

5. Converse

Converse is one of the most well-known footwear brands in the world. Finder reached out to the company and a spokesperson said that while the brand does offer vegan-made styles, its shoes aren't 100% certified vegan. Many of its shoes could be manufactured in the same factory as leather/suede products.

In terms of the individual shoes, though, there are no animal products or by-products used in the production of the Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas. It's made from just canvas and rubber. And the good news is that there's an array of colours to choose from in this style, including high-top and low-cut iterations.

vegan sneakers

6. adidas

We can't find any 100% vegan-certified sneakers from adidas, but it does have some options that aren't made from leather.

In particular, the Stan Smith rainbow editions are designed by Stella McCartney, in collaboration with adidas. The shoes are made of a high-quality and plant-based white leather.

You can also choose between funky coloured laces or the plain white versions if you feel like playing it safe.

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Image source: Instagram

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