World Vegan Day
Vegan sneakers: These shoes do without leather – and are still modern
© Maksym Azovtsev / Getty Images
The renouncement of animal products is not only reflected in the diet of many proponents of the vegan lifestyle, but also in their wardrobe. As a result, leather-free sneakers are experiencing a real hype.
Leather is bad for the environment. Conventional cattle breeding releases vast amounts of greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals are used in the further processing of the animal skins – both of which contribute to a poor ecological balance. Now comes the big but: artificial leather is not environmentally friendly either. It’s usually made from plastic, which in turn pollutes our oceans. For this reason, vegan sneakers are not automatically “better” than leather shoes. Unless they are made from sustainable materials such as canvas, organic cotton, cork or natural rubber. Nevertheless, one must of course not deny that it is still better to wear a sneaker for which no animal had to suffer or die in agony. In addition, there are more and more manufacturers who make their shoes at least from recycled materials. So the bottom line is that vegan sneakers do more to protect animals and the environment than sneakers made from real leather. You can find out what they look like at the end of the assembly line here.
1. Veja
The French label is one of the hippest brands that vegan sneakers Manufacture: After a total of five years of development, the company has succeeded in manufacturing sneakers from environmentally friendly materials. And although over 60 percent of the substances are biodegradable and the sneakers can therefore be described as eco shoes, they look stylish and modern – and almost feel as if they were made from real leather. And even if the shoes are not the cheapest, investing in vegan sneakers from Veja is always worthwhile.
2. Ethletic
The German label is also known for its sustainable shoes made from fair trade and sustainable materials. The sneakers made from organic cotton and natural rubber (FSC-certified) are reminiscent of well-known brands such as Superga or Converse – from a purely visual point of view. That makes them particularly popular as well fashionable shoesthat are in no way inferior to their competitors. With the additional FSC seal, you can be sure that the materials come from sustainable management of forest areas and plantations and that the vegan sneakers are ethically produced.
3. Two good
Cork is an often underestimated material – the manufacturers of Zweigut have also recognized this. Although the Hamburg label also makes high-quality shoes from old leather from car seats (which is still better than using new leather), it also has vegan sneakers in its range. Those made from natural cork from the cork oak and canvas shoes are particularly robust and yet pleasantly soft. In addition, the material is water-repellent, but still breathable. If you are interested in the vegan sneakers, you will find a nice example here.
4. Vans
The American sports shoe manufacturer opened its doors in March 1966. To this day, Vans is one of the most famous sneaker brands around the world. Even though the company makes shoes from leather, it offers its customers a wide range vegan sneakers made of canvas for men, women and children. Responsibly funded and sustainable materials are used here for the production of the vegan sneakers – because Vans also works with various environmental organizations.
5. Divadi
The shoe manufacturer Divadi has been awarded the “PETA approved vegan” label and stands for leather-free sneakers. Translated, the name means “go and go” – it is intended to express that one should always go on in order to discover new things. There is no better way to describe a pair of new shoes. Especially not when it comes to this copy is about: The sneakers made from vegan materials and natural fibers, viscose and locally drawn rubber from Vietnam are very trendy with their velvet look.
6. Converse
The Converse brand is also a long-established company that has been making shoes since 1908. The most famous model to this day is the Chuck Taylor All Star – better known as Chucks – and has sold over 600 million. In fact, it is also the only specimen that can be described as “vegan friendly”. In other words, the sneakers do not contain any animal materials. You don’t have to, because Chucks are by far the most comfortable shoes you can wear (in summer!).
You might also be interested in:
This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.