5 years ago

10 Eco-Friendly Sneakers for Cozy, Stylish Feet

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Chelsea Debret is an author, freelance content writer, and bookseller. Her work has appeared in... Read More

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Animal products and byproducts can be super sneaky. In fact, there are tons of household items that you would never guess contained them. Take, for instance, your shoes.

Alright, so maybe those leather boots aren’t so sneaky, but how about those sneakers you wear almost every day? Along with leather, suede, cashmere, down, sheepskin, silk, and wool, — to name just a few! — many times the glue that is used to make shoes was sourced from animal products and byproducts. Turns out that “animal proteins like casein from milk or collagen from flesh, bones, skins, tendons, ligaments, and other body parts are used to make animal-based glues,” which may be used to hold together your most precious comfy kicks.

On the flip side, if you’re conscious and careful with your selections, you find all-natural, vegan-made shoes to feel good about!

In fact, there are some companies using plants such as “mushrooms, bananas, or apples,” as well as synthetic materials like “polyurethane (PU), microfiber, or rubber.” When seeking out that perfect sneaker, it’s great to have a reference list of vegan-friendly materials! Thanks to PETA, the following are listed as some “safe” material alternatives:

Canvas
Corduroy
Cork fabric
Cotton
Cotton flannel
Down alternatives
Faux suede/microsuede
Polyester
Satin
Thermoball
Synthetic Materials
“Manmade” materials

Plus, along with being vegan-friendly, most non-animal-based shoes also happen to be eco-friendly! Shoes made from synthetic and manmade materials generally leave a smaller environmental footprint than those sourced from animal-derived materials. On that note, many vegan-friendly shoes are also made from recycled materials such as plastic, tire, canvas, cork, or even pineapple or coconut waste.

Looking to switch up your footwear? Here are a few to start out with!

1. Biankina St. Tropez Sustainable Sneakers for Women

Biankina St. Tropez Sustainable Sneakers for Women/Amazon.com

Simple, yet sleek, stylish, and comfortable! These Biankina St. Tropez Sustainable Sneakers for Women are 100 percent vegan, cruelty-free, and were made with sustainable and ethical materials and standards. They are made from 100 percent breathable, organic cotton — including cotton laces — with a durable bond rubber sole and are perfect for everyday wear — from walking to shopping to hiking! The neutral color palette means they will pair well with pretty much any outfit. These sneakers costs between $35.00 and $54.95.

Carol A. Whalen says “I love,love,love them. I can machine wash them. They are a perfect fit. I did order it one size up. I’m usually a 9 and I ordered 10. They fit like a 9. Perfect! They are from Spain so the size is expected to be a little different than the USA. Love, love, love them!”

2. Astral Unisex Hemp Loyak Barefoot Hemp Shoes

Astral Unisex Hemp Loyak Barefoot Shoes/Amazon.com

These Astral Unisex Hemp Loyak Barefoot Shoes source sustainable hemp canvas with zero chemicals! While they may be earth-friendly, they’re also very durable, highly breathable, and washable in a standard washing machine. With a flex-grip outsole — designed with extra-grippy G.15 rubber — these sneakers will keep you grounded and comfortable even on the slickest surfaces. These sneakers are 100 percent vegan, eco-friendly, and are made with sustainably sourced materials. These sneakers run from $56.22 to $100.00.

Who, me? says “I already had a pair of these shoes in a different color so I knew what to expect. The original pair has held up well but I wanted a pair in blue. Luckily the manufacture has good quality control so this pair fit just like the first. Now that I’ve had the second pair for a while I can say I’m just as please with it as with the original.”

3. Sanuk Women’s Donna Hemp Sneaker

Sanuk Women’s Donna Hemp sneaker/Amazon.com

Hemp is a game-changer in the sustainable sneaker world! These Sanuk Women’s Donna Hemp sneaker source hemp canvas as the primary material along with a rubber synthetic sole. While these shoes may carry the label of “sneaker,” they’re super lightweight and are equated to feeling like a sandal with more Support and protection. These sneakers range from $24.95 to $64.95.

Amanda Johnson says “First ordered these in my regular size 8 and was disappointed to find that they were too big. I sent them back and re-ordered in a size 7. They have stretched to the perfect size since I have been wearing them. Highly recommend, but keep in mind that they stretch so order a size down.”

4. Astral Men’s Hemp Donner Casual Minimalist Shoes

Astral Men’s Hemp Donner Casual Minimalist Shoes/Amazon.com

Astral makes vegan, sustainable shoes for everyone! These Astral Men’s Hemp Donner Casual Minimalist Shoes have it all in the name. These sneakers are environmentally-friendly, extremely durable, breathable, and form to your foot the more you wear them making them age incredibly gracefully. Astral uses industrial hemp and G.15 grip rubber outsole, which is also super flexible for maximum comfort. Wear these rain or shine as hemp naturally dries quickly, is rot-resistant, and the polygiene-treated insole eliminates any odor. These sneakers are not only vegan, but also made from cotton that is free of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These shoes range from $109.95 to $110.00.

L says “Ok, these shoes are absolutely awesome!!!! They have an orthopedic shape with zero height on the hill, which make them extra comfortable for walking. The extra thickness on the sole is absolutely perfect for walk-in and urban exploring. I bought mine for a two-week Spain trip … lots of walking … I have developed the first stages of capsulitis on the middle metatarsal knuckle and I was afraid of aggravating it and getting swollen… this shoe took care of the problem. They come with two sets of shoelaces which is outstanding to dress them up or down. Also, for those complaining of sizing issues…. know your European size… I’m a 45… I looked at the chart size and it was a 12… They fit exactly as expected… Think ECCO, UGGs, or Born….that’s all I can say … These shoes are better than expected and I can’t wait for these to wear out so I can buy another pair… maybe light gray this time around.”

5. Astral Women’s Loyak Everyday Outdoor Minimalist Sneakers

Astral Women’s Loyak Everyday Outdoor Minimalist Sneakers/Amazon.com

Another Astral sneaker makes the list! These Astral Women’s Loyak Everyday Outdoor Minimalist Sneakers are the women’s version of the minimalist vegan sneaker that is growing in popularity. These sneakers are designed with a flex grip, — max grip on the highest friction smooth surfaces — are water-resistant, — treated with a polygiene liner and hydrophobic, quick-dry canvas — and provide a balanced, lightweight feel with a wide toe box. These sneakers are vegan and sourced from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester. A pair costs between $50.60 and $90.00.

Joseph Rusyn says “rock climber, crossfiter, and runner: I’m a fan of minimal shoes and have been wearing primarily vivobarefoot shoes so I can’t help but compare them. the astral are lighter, have grippier rubber, and most importantly way cheaper, but don’t feel quite as finished in the stitching and fabrics, etc. I wear these without the insoles and they are super comfortable for work or all kinds of activity, they might be my new favorite shoe.”

6. Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker

Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker/Amazon.com

These Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker have the sleek design of a pro-sneaker without sourcing unethical or animal-based materials. These sneakers are made with synthetic materials, — such as canvas and hemp — mesh, and rubber. Yet, Saucony doesn’t sacrifice durability or design as these sneakers are still comfortable and durable enough for high activity. These sneakers contain zero animal products, by-products, or derivatives making them 100 percent vegan-friendly! These sneakers cost from $36.77 to $70.00.

thethirdheat says “These are the only shoes I’ve been buying for a decade. I have flat feet and over pronate into plantar fascia. These shoes work out great for me after switching out the insoles for Dr Scholls plantar fascia inserts. They are classic and stylish and extremely comfortable. I always have 2-3 available to wear at any time. These are my favorite product I’ve bought in the last 10 years. I wanted Converse One Star and Reebok Classic to work but they were not wide enough and looked goofy on my feet. The Saucony Jazz are perfect for me and have the exact classic/retro look I want. Plus the price is extremely affordable!”

7. Veja Women’s Nova High Top Vegan Sneakers

Veja Women’s Nova High Top Vegan Sneakers/Amazon.com

These Veja Women’s Nova High Top Vegan Sneakers are the epitome of style without sacrificing ethical standards! These sneakers are made with a rubber sole and canvas body. They are incredibly cushioned, — providing maximum comfort for all-day wear — with a rubber toe guard and a back heel pull tab. Imported from Brazil, these sneakers are truly one-of-a-kind and are designed to be unisex. These sneakers cost $110.00.

8. Jambu Women’s Free Spirit Encore Vegan Synthetic Slip-On Sneaker

Jambu Women’s Free Spirit Encore Vegan Synthetic Slip-On Sneaker/Amazon.com

If you’re looking for the perfect slip-on shoe for long walks, yard work, or travel, then these Jambu Women’s Free Spirit Encore Vegan Synthetic Slip-On Sneakers are a perfect option! Made from vegan-friendly materials, — such as synthetic melange neoprene — these sneakers have terra traction, a low-top for ankle-friendliness, memory foam footbed for maximum comfort, and bungee lacing with a hook and loop strap for ease of wearing. These sneakers cost $64.97.

9. Sanuk Men’s Vagabond Lace Sneaker

Sanuk Men’s Vagabond Lace Sneaker/Amazon.com

These Sanuk Men’s Vagabond Lace Sneaker are a great casual sneaker that will last! They’re made with synthetic materials, including a synthetic sole, lightweight linen around the lace-up closure, and are 100 percent vegan. The Vagabond promises to provide a laid-back look that will round out any style without sacrificing ethical standards or quality. These sneakers cost between $24.95 and $60.00.

Thomas Park says “They fit perfectly. I have been wearing them now for several weeks. I primarily stand at my job and they are very comfortable. They look really good whether I am wearing chinos or Jeans, socks or no socks (however when I wear them with no socks it makes me wish I was at the beach sipping some alcoholic pineapple cocktail while my skin turns dark brown under the baking sun instead of stuck at my boring ass job.”

10. Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II Recycled Women’s Vegan Lightweight Sneakers

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II Recycled Women’s Vegan Lightweight Sneakers/Amazon.com

Have you heard that white sneakers are back on trend? These Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II Recycled Women’s Vegan Lightweight Sneakers were designed with a vision — to create the lightest movement shoe possible. Yet, Vivobarefoot’s vision goes further! While creating a super lightweight sneaker, they also upheld a natural shape with foot health in mind. This leather-free, vegan-friendly sneaker is incredibly durable and made from the yarn of recycled PET. These sneakers range from $100.00 to $108.00.

Nathan says “Usually wear a size 6 but I order a size 7. On their website, they recommend you size up for these shoes. I use them to workout and I love them! Can’t go wrong with these. It’s a little pricey but you’re investing in your health and well-being. Can’t put a price on that.”