Luxury fashion brand Hugo Boss is launching its first-ever line of vegan footwear. The new collection features men’s sneakers made from Piñatex, a special leather-alternative created from pineapple leaf fibers. With this range, Hugo Boss is responding to the growing demand for more cruelty-free, sustainable fashion.

The company describes the new line as “bold steps forward for responsible design” and puts emphasis on sustainability. The leaves used for Piñatex are the byproduct of existing agriculture and their use creates additional income for farming communities.

Each pair of shoes in the collection features lightweight soles made from recycled TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), lining from 50 percent cotton and 50 percent linen, and organic cotton laces. The vegan sneakers are available in four naturally-dyed colors: blue, yellow, brown, and black.

According to PETA, more than one billion animals are killed worldwide for the leather industry every year. Major fashion houses, including Hugo Boss, have already begun the process of phasing out fur, having recognized the inhumanity of the fur industry – hopefully, leather will be the next thing to go. By introducing the new vegan collection, Hugo Boss is making the first small step in that direction!

All image source: Hugo Boss