Sneakers, Not Leather: Rocking Vegan Fashion with Swagger

When it comes to styling yourself, your kicks can either elevate your whole vibe or completely kill the look. Sneakers? Yeah, they need no introduction. They’re the unsung heroes of footwear, holding it down from the streets to the runway.
But here’s the plot twist: what if you could rock those dope sneakers and stay 100 percent true to your values? That’s where vegan sneakers come in—the ultimate flex for the conscious sneakerhead. Made with materials as fresh as your drip but free from leather, these kicks serve up swagger without the guilt.

Think plant-based, cruelty-free, and still fly as hell. Whether you’re keeping it low-key with a minimalist design or going full-throttle with a bold statement piece, vegan sneakers are all about that balance of style and sustainability.
The fashion game is shifting, and now you can rep your look while repping the planet. So, ditch the old-school leather and slide into something that’s not only good for your feet, but good for the Earth. Vegan sneakers are more than just a trend — they’re a movement. And trust, they’ll have you stepping out with confidence, knowing you’re looking good and doing good.

Is There Any Collection of Vegan Sneakers?

You might be thinking, “Vegan sneakers? Are there even enough options to make it worth it?” Well, here’s the thing: the game has changed. What you don’t realize is that the market is booming. Veganism isn’t just a trend anymore — it’s a movement, and it’s inspiring brands left and right to step up their game.

Local and international labels have caught on and are dropping collections that are not only cruelty-free but also eco-friendly. And get this — some of the biggest names in the sneaker world have welcomed the vegan revolution with open arms, launching dedicated vegan lines for those who want to rock a look that’s as conscious as it is cool.

The best part? You don’t have to compromise on style. The sneaker scene is now packed with fresh, innovative designs that make it easier than ever to look fly while doing your part for the planet. So, whether you’re an OG sneakerhead or a new convert, trust — the vegan footwear scene has something for you.

Brands That Are Selling Vegan Footwear

Sylven

Sylven New York is a Brooklyn-based sustainable luxury footwear brand founded by Casey Dworkin in 2017. Known for its innovative use of plant-based materials, the brand has stood out for its commitment to sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and vegan principles. Sylven uses bio-based materials like apple leather (made from apple waste), coconut husks, natural rubber, and other renewable resources. These materials are biodegradable, recyclable, and organic.

The brand emphasizes minimizing its environmental impact through ethical manufacturing in Italy, use of recycled packaging, and a plastic-free mandate with its suppliers. Sylven New York’s signature product, The Mel is a vegan sneaker crafted from innovative plant-based materials, including apple leather and coconut husks. It debuted on Earth Day, April 22, 2021, marking the brand’s first Italian-made vegan sneaker and reflecting its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

Veja

Veja is a French sustainable footwear brand founded in 2005 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion. It has gained recognition for its eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing, and stylish designs, making it a leader in the sustainable sneaker market.

Veja uses innovative materials like corn waste leather, recycled plastic bottles, wild Amazonian rubber, and organic cotton to craft its sneakers. The brand avoids advertising to allocate resources toward sustainable production and fair wages for workers.

Veja offers over 45 vegan sneaker styles online, catering to men, women, and children. Popular lines include the minimalist Esplar and the chic CAMPO made from bio-sourced materials. Urca, CAMPO, and Esplar are the signature products of Veja.

Veja sneakers have been spotted on celebrities like Meghan Markle, Emma Watson, and Emily Ratajkowski, contributing to their cult status.

Cariuma

Cariuma is a Brazilian sustainable footwear brand founded in 2018 by David Python and Fernando Porto. The company is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro and is known for its commitment to eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing, and high-quality craftsmanship.

Cariuma includes Organic Cotton, Recycled Materials, Natural Rubber, and Bamboo. It is grown without pesticides, reducing environmental impact, and uses recycled plastics to minimize waste.

Cariuma offers a variety of sneakers, including models popular in the skateboarding scene like the Catiba Pro. It features both vegan and non-vegan options, with a focus on expanding sustainable designs. Cariuma has gained popularity for its durable, stylish sneakers while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and social ethics.

Koio

Koio is a sustainable luxury footwear brand founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York City. Known for its handcrafted Italian sneakers, Koio emphasizes sustainability, regenerative practices, and timeless design.

Koio sources leathers from regenerative farms in the Swiss Alps, which help reverse climate change effects by improving biodiversity and reducing emissions. The brand uses innovative materials like apple leather, recycled plastics, and biodegradable components. Mello & Vegan 01 are the signature products by Koio.

  • Mello: A 99% biodegradable sneaker launched in 2023. It features regenerative leather, a Lactae Hevea sole made from rubber-tree milk, corn, wool, kenaf insoles, and organic cotton laces. Available in three colorways (Castagna, Summit, Onyx) for $395.
  • Vegan 01: Made from apple industry byproducts repurposed into plant-based leather.

Flamingos Life

Flamingos Life is a Spanish brand that’s seriously making waves in the world of vegan footwear. They’re all about sustainability, using plant-based materials like corn waste and organic cotton, while putting an eco-friendly spin on their designs.

The brand prides itself on reducing its environmental impact, with a focus on low-impact dyes and eco-conscious packaging. With a range of stylish vegan sneakers, they’ve got your feet covered for any occasion. Plus, they’re big on ethical practices, ensuring fair working conditions across their production lines.

No major celebrity endorsements here (yet!), but Flamingos Life is gaining traction among influencers who care about looking good and doing good. Their signature product is the Flamingos Life Classic, a versatile sneaker that’s as green as it gets.

Thousand Fell

Thousand Fell is all about innovation with a conscience. These sneakers feature bioleather made from plant-based materials, offering water resistance and durability while staying 100% vegan. They also offer a unique recycling buy-back program, where you can send back your old shoes to help reduce waste.

Talk about closing the loop! The brand’s focus on sustainability extends beyond just the shoes — they’re dedicated to reducing environmental harm at every step.

Their collection of vegan sneakers is both sleek and functional, and while they’re still building their celebrity roster, their designs are turning heads online. Signature product? The “Thousand Fell BioSneaker,” made from upcycled materials, is the crowd favorite for its eco-friendly vibes and sleek look.

Vessi

If you’re into waterproof and breathable sneakers, Vessi is the brand to know. Specializing in vegan footwear made with Dyma-tex technology, their sneakers are the perfect choice for any rainy day, keeping your feet dry without sacrificing comfort.

The brand is committed to sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials to craft shoes that are as durable as they are stylish. While they don’t have a huge roster of models, their minimalist and functional designs have made them a fan favorite, particularly among those who love adventure without the soggy socks.

Celeb fans? Oh yes, Vessi has been spotted on influencers and athletes who want performance and planet-friendly style in one. Signature product is the Vessi Everyday Sneaker, designed to take you anywhere, rain or shine.

Mondarro

Mondarro is making a bold statement in India with its handcrafted vegan sneakers made from sustainable materials. The brand uses upcycled waste plastics to create stylish, comfortable shoes that do their part in reducing plastic waste.

Mondarro’s collection is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, with each pair crafted by artisans who care about the environment. With a growing range of vegan and non-vegan footwear, Mondarro focuses on ethical practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for its workers.

While they’re still carving out their celebrity endorsement game, their sneakers are catching the eye of eco-conscious consumers. Their signature product is the Mondarro Classic Vegan Sneaker, combining classic design with cutting-edge eco-tech.

Komrads

Komrads is the sneaker brand that knows how to keep it fresh and sustainable. These stylish kicks are made from recycled materials, including upcycled apple leather and rubber soles — talk about reducing waste while looking fly.

Their focus on vegan sneakers is clear, with a variety of designs that range from bold to understated. The brand’s commitment to ethical practices is rooted in transparency and fair labor, ensuring their workers are treated with respect.

Celebrities may not be lining up yet, but eco-friendly influencers are all over Komrads. Their signature product is the Komrads Eco Sneaker, made from apple leather and recycled rubber, giving a whole new meaning to “fruitful fashion.”

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement in the world of vegan footwear. Known for their commitment to sustainability, they use recycled plastic bottles and cork to create stylish, eco-friendly sneakers and shoes.

Their vegan collection is vast, with everything from sneakers to boots, all designed with ethical practices in mind. Matt & Nat’s dedication to cruelty-free fashion has earned them a solid fan base, including some celebrity sightings here and there.

Their signature product is the Matt & Nat Vegan Sneaker, combining sleek designs with eco-conscious materials that keep you looking fresh while reducing your carbon footprint. If you’re about ethical fashion, this brand is a must-check-out!

CTA: If you know of any brand offering the best sneakers, and we have forgotten to include it in our blog, please let us know in the comments below!

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