Veganism, while honorable, isn’t for everyone.
Still, there are undeniable benefits to incorporating veganism in some parts of your life, regardless of your diet.
When it comes to sneakers though, I’m sure a lot of you vegan newbies might have some doubts—maybe a lot of you long-time dietary vegans do too. Perhaps you’ve experienced weak vegan leather or were lied to about just how sustainable a particular shoe model is.
Each of the vegan sneakers here are effective in one way or another (or several).
Keep reading to see which is the right pair, or pairs, for your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
How Did I Come Up With My List?
It can take a lot of digging to find a good pair of vegan sneakers.
Sure, there are new, green-focused brands that advertise their vegan offerings quite loudly. But for every one that does this, there’s also an excellent under-the-radar brand, and several older brands dipping their toes into the vegan world.
The research for this list includes hours of deep-diving. These hours easily accumulated into days: You find a promising shoe model, then you look into how vegan it actually is, then you ensure the promises are met IRL.
To find the best in the market, I relied on my own experience with these shoes, as well as consulting with several colleagues, style and shoe experts, on top of even more hours of scouring through online reviews.
We start with our top selection, then move on to six more that excel in ways we sneakerheads often look for in a shoe.
7 Best Vegan Sneakers Eco Conscious Guys Will Love
Best Overall: Cariuma Canvas OCA Low
Basically every sneaker I’ve worn from Cariuma has been wildly comfortable, but none more so than the Canvas OCA Low. You can wear this shoe immediately out of the box, and that’s due to several components working together.
Starting from the very bottom, the raw rubber outsole is as durable as it is flexible because of its natural tensile strength. Meanwhile, the super soft insole is made from cork and natural memory foam, which allows it to accommodate your foot shape. There’s also Mamona oil in the insole formula, an organic substitute to plastic, which allows the indents of your foot to set while maintaining its pliability.
The upper is built with organic cotton, which is breathable and light, and made without chemicals and pesticides. It’s also a great summer time shoe, since it has that plimsoll look about it.
Overall, this shoe is a quintessential representative of Cariuma. They were founded as an anti-fast-fashion brand with a focus on the casual vibe of the boardsports world.
What I Like
- The canvas style provides a relaxed and breezy aesthetic, providing an effortless kind of stylishness perfect for casual, smart casual, or warm-weather combinations.
- Thanks to its light upper and lithe but strong insole and outsole, this shoe is both durable and comfortable.
- There are a good 17 colorways available, from neutrals like white and gray, to livelier hues like pink and orange.
What I Don’t Like
- Though it’s subtle, I don’t love how the gum sole carries over onto the front tip of the upper like a duck boot. I think a full canvas front would look cleaner.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
In addition to the comfort this shoe offers, reviewers praise Cariuma for offering half sizes and a wide range that goes as small as a size five for men.
Between that and several colorways offered, this shoe has a truly wide range.
The Verdict
The Cariuma Canvas OCA Lows can be worn right out of the box, even for long walks, due to its memory foam insole, natural gum outsole, and lightweight upper. Unlike so many immediately comfortable sneakers though, these flaunt a sturdy build.
Moreover, the 17 colorways provide a level of personalization, accommodating to a range of personal styles.
Most Comfortable: Clae Bradley Vegan Sneakers
The Bradley Sneaker from Clae is a low-profile shoe with a design rooted in the classic court sneaker. It’s streamlined and slick from every angle, showcasing a low incline silhouette from the side, and even a gradual rounding out around the ball of the foot from the bird’s eye view.
Suffice to say, it’s a clean looking shoe that can be worn on a casual Friday with a suit and no tie, or with anything on the weekends.
Clae describes the 100% vegan matter it’s made out of as simply “recycled, traceable” material. It definitely comes off as a leather simulant at first glance. Ultimately, it has the granular quality of leather and the soft matteness of an athletic rubber upper.
This shoe is classic Clae, which was founded in 2001. The LA-based shoe designer focuses on handcrafted, trend-resistant but fun looks, with an emphasis on sustainability.
What I Like
- The 100% vegan construction includes a supple and strong upper which is certified by the Global Recycled Standard, meaning it’s verified as fully recycled from the origin of the material..
- Other than some rubbing on the sides the first time I wore it (which doesn’t even happen to everyone), this shoe gets comfortable fast..
- The classic, low-profile court design is stylish and adaptable, and can go toe-to-toe with any real leather counterpart when it comes to aesthetics..
What I Don’t Like
- There’s a decent amount of colorways, but they stick mostly to neutrals. These are definitely more versatile, but given how much this shoe punches above its price point, adding the brighter colors that exist in their non-vegan lines could add a level of collectibility to the Bradleys..
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the look of the Bradley, many agreeing it makes an effective everyday shoe. It’s classic, has a short break-in time if any, and people generally like the price point.
Strict vegans and environmentalists report back that Clae’s traceability promise is also impressively met. With just a bit of digging, you can find out the origins of each material on each shoe. One example is how Clae often uses recycled plastic bottles for their shoe linings.
The Verdict
The Clae Bradley Vegan goes beyond its price point both on the style front and in the vegan prerequisites. Though it’s based on a time-honored court shoe, the immaculate silhouette at every view and angle up the slickness factor, making it easy to wear with most closet essentials.
Meanwhile, the comfortable cushion is recycled foam and the premium and strong upper is certified by the Global Recycled Standard, making everything on this shoe not only 100% vegan but also sustainable to a high degree.
Best Budget: Voet Milo Sneakers
The Voet Milo Sneaker is definitely a budget shoe, but one that does a creative job of working within that budget. The vegan leather exterior, for example, is well-padded on the inside, which gives it a thicker, lusher look (just don’t focus on the thin lip).
Moreover, the all-white, super minimal design washes out any signs of low-cost materials. At first, and even second glance, I’d say it looks like real leather from the vantage point that most people will see it.
Voet is a super new brand from Jakarta that launched in 2020. Focusing on affordable sneakers, they mostly sell on Amazon. This does make buying and shipping super fast and reliable though.
What I Like
- Thanks to its clever architecture and monotone palette, the vegan leather is pretty convincing.
- The fast shipping and sub-100 price point make this shoe an effective choice for last-minute needs.
- Once you find your right size, the thick padding makes this a comfortable shoe.
What I Don’t Like
- The laces are too short. You’ll definitely need to get new ones if you want to be able to tie them up above the lip.
- There are some sizing inconsistencies. As a new brand that’s had a few customers complain about this, they’ll hopefully pay attention and fix this. That being the case, make sure you keep in close contact with the seller, so that you can return potentially ill-fitting sneakers.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Above all, this shoe gets expressly positive views. People love the style and the comfort, and are shocked at the low price.
As mentioned, however, there are some sizing issues and the complaints aren’t totally consistent. Most say it runs small, which to Voet’s credit, they do recommend sizing up.
Many mention that it isn’t great for those with wide feet and that the toe box is even quite narrow.
On the sustainability front, reviewers are mostly satisfied. Even the packaging is 90% recycled cardboard.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for standard white “leather” shoes well below the $100 mark, and you need them fast, the Voet Milo Sneaker is an easy purchase. The vegan material looks more expensive than it is, while the padded open-mesh interior provides good all-day wear.
Upgrade Pick: Veja Dekkan Sneaker
Filled to the brim with advanced running technology, the Veja Dekkan Sneaker is both stylish and highly functional. Its practicalist aesthetic, exemplified through the strategic mix of mesh and vegan leather as well as the multi-textured topography, gives it that prototypical dad shoe look.
This dadness is tempered by the shoe’s techy qualities, like its polygonic eyestays and lip, and its slimmer profile. It’s a cleaner, more modern look than, say, the Reebok 574s, making it wearable in more places than just the gym.
Speaking of, the performance-forward components include a durable 100% recycled polyester upper, a lithe and flexible insole made of Amazonian rubber, and a rubber heel support insert.
Veja essentially pulls this shoe from nature, so that you can wear it anywhere in nature. Breathability, lightness, and tons of flex mean it can handle jagged terrain, as well as city streets.
What I Like
- The tech-meets-classic upper is distinct enough, but also on-template enough that it’s uniquely stylish yet not intimidating since the shoe is so rooted in practicality.
- The premium materials aren’t just vegan, but natural and many are fully recycled.
- As far as where you can wear this shoe, the running technology makes it highly versatile. You can wear it camping, trail running, or just pub hopping.
What I Don’t Like
- Style-wise, it might be too techy for some people, but I think the monotone versions are everyday-appropriate.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The reviewers are a mixed bag, from actual athletes, to a style audience who love tech wear the same way Wall Streeters love a hunting vest with their tailoring. They praise the look, comfort, and the fact Veja breaks down the materials used with so much specificity on the website.
The Verdict
As the demographic of reviewers exemplify, the Veja Dekkan Sneaker is for you if you’re looking for a multi-terrain shoe that you can run or walk in for long periods of time, and if you like the slimmed-down dad shoe look.
Since it’s made with such high-grade materials and boasts so much athletic tech, even a fashion audience can benefit from its comfort and environmental versatility.
Best High-Tops: Seavees Mariners
The Mariner High-Top from Seavees is a reissue of a shoe model worn by cadets of the US Navy in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. That’s why they have that cool workwear style, like a trusty field watch but in sneaker form.
This also gives it a striking look, since most canvas high-top sneakers are based on old basketball shoes. It takes the lightness of a sneaker (the contoured foam footbed provides topnotch comfort), and adds the function and ruggedness of an army boot.
A cool and reassuring quality about SeaVees is that they’re a small California-based company that batch-makes their shoes. That being the case, they can really implement some detailed QA before sending their products out.
What I Like
- The boot infusion distinguishes this shoe from most standard canvas high-top sneakers.
- With its grippy sole and water resistance, this shoe is highly functional.
- Both the green and navy colorways have a cool military look that’s still neutral and easily paired with most colors.
What I Don’t Like
- There aren’t any half sizes beyond size 12, which is mildly inconvenient for you bigger, taller gents.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
While most reviewers rave about the great fit and the durability, the style of shoe is definitely the star of the show.
Most agree that the infusion look is unique and exciting, several reviewers reporting how often they get complimented when they wear this shoe.
The Verdict
Though the canvas build and silhouette look like vintage basketball sneakers, the Seavees Mariner also sport a military-esque aesthetic and a heavy-duty rubber sole that folds over the upper.
This makes it a truly different kind of high-top sneaker, injected with boot-like function and looks.
Best for Cold Weather: Cariuma OCA High-Top Therma
As every Cariuma shoe is, the OCA High-Top Therma is immediately comfortable. More importantly, it’s specifically built for harsh winters.
The upper is made from vegan suede, which has the same lush and napped surface as animal suede, but is actually three times more resistant to winter elements. It’s even fully water-repellant.
Inside the shoe is an ultra comfortable and insulating shearling lining, made from 100% recycled materials. Mercifully, the insoles are also lined, and the sole is slip-resistant incase you need to walk over some ice.
What I Like
- The suede design, quilted neck, and shearling interior that peeks out from the collar gives this shoe a dimensional and outdoorsy look.
- The insulated interior and water-repellent exterior provide protection from the outside and warmth on the inside.
- With its 100% recycled thermal lining, this sneaker is eco-friendly on top of being vegan.
What I Don’t Like
- This shoe is great for cold weather an.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers confirm that this shoe does a good job of keeping them warm in the winter. One reviewer even claims that he’s a Floridian who visits family in the Midwest every winter and that this is his go-to sneaker for the occasion.
Many agree that this sneaker is good for snow and rain, as well as frigid temperatures.
The Verdict
Cariuma’s OCA High-Top Therma is perfect for cold weather and protection from the elements. The vegan suede exterior is tough, while the shearling interior is cozy and soft.
This shoe is also a great choice if you’re looking for a woodsy-looking sneaker that would pair well with a flannel or a hunting jacket.
Best for Active Lifestyles: Nisolo All-Day Eco-Knit Sneakers
The Nisolo All-Day Eco-Knit Sneaker boasts an eco-friendly build, which includes an upper made from recycled plastic. Its lightness, flexibility, and supportiveness makes it effective for a range of workouts or just long walks, while the knitted style looks great with casual outfits.
Nisolo equips their All-Day Eco-Knit Sneakers with loads of green athletic technology.
The knit upper, which is antimicrobial, looks like yarn but is actually repurposed water bottles. And despite its light airiness, the Green EVA outsole is supportive, whether you’re just walking around town or doing a triathlon.
Green EVA, by the way, is EVA made with sugar cane instead of petroleum, which is more natural and way better for the environment. The shock-absorbing insole is also made with this eco-friendly material.
What I Like
- A high degree of sustainability is built into this shoe, including knitting made from water bottles and a 0% net carbon construction.
- The entire design is made for convenience, with its slip-on capabilities and its soft, well-fitted interior that doesn’t require socks—you can even throw this shoe in the washing machine on delicate.
- The flexible and grippy outsole can accommodate a variety of workout and sport styles. .
What I Don’t Like
- While the colorways have organic, on-brand tones, the choice of three is pretty limiting.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how comfortable and easy it is to move in this shoe. Many mention that they can wear their pair in a range of different workouts, from circuit training to tennis.
Nisolo mentions this on the website, but a few reviewers missed it: Make sure to size up if you’re over a size 10. Below that, just go for your regular sneaker size.
The Verdict
The Nisolo All-Day Eco-Knit Sneaker proves that there’s more than just Allbirds out there when it comes to stylish knit athletic shoes.
From its shock absorbing green EVA outsole and its antimicrobial knit upper that’s made from water bottles, this piece of footwear is a dynamic workout shoe, a good-looking casual sneaker, and a truly eco-friendly product.
What Are the Different Types of Vegan Leather?
Vegan leather simulants can be made from several different materials that aren’t derived from animals. Here are a few common ones:
Plastic Leather or Pleather
This is the most common vegan leather, can be made pretty convincingly, but it isn’t always sustainable. PVC, for example, is made with fossil fuels, softened using chemicals, and takes hundreds of years to decompose.
However, plastic-based leather can also be made using recycled water bottles, which is far more ideal.
Pineapple Leaf Leather or Pinatex
There are a few leaf-based leathers, but Pinatex is pretty strong and is even waterproof like animal leather is. It’s fully vegan and eco-friendly since it comes from unused parts of the pineapple.
Some cons include low heat and abrasion resistance. And unlike animal leather, it doesn’t patinate to incorporate scuffs and scratches into its character.
Mushroom Leather
Mushroom leather matches animal leather when it comes to strength and appearance thanks its naturally earthy tones. A lot of mushroom leathers, however, are combined with plastics, so your mushroom leather bag or wallet may or may not be biodegradable depending on what else is in the formula.
Cork Leather
Using recycled cork to make leather is 100% eco-friendly, fully vegan, and even cruelty-free. Cork leather is likely one of the top options when it comes to environmentally-friendly leather alternatives, but it looks the least like actual leather. Still, it has a unique, textured look paired with its leather-like hand-feel.
Cactus Leather
Started in Mexico as recently as 2019, the softness and malleability of nopal cactuses makes it an effective material to mold into faux leather. It’s fully sustainable, durable, and abrasion-resistant.
And while it looks a lot like animal leather, it’s a new development that we’re still learning about.
Which Is Right for You?
All of our research and testing show that the Cariuma OCA Low scores high on every front. It’s as adaptable and well-designed as any animal leather low-profile sneaker, but is much more sustainable and comparatively lower priced.
Cariuma sneakers have a lot going for them. The quality is certainly better than Converse, plus they have an amazing sustainability mission. They offer a lot of bright and fun colors (I have a pair of the OCA Low in bright yellow, and they’re awesome), but you can opt for something more tame like white or black.
If you want to go even lower in the price factor, the Voet Milo doesn’t even get close to the $100 mark, looks great, and arrives expediently thanks to the power of Amazon.
If you’re looking for standard white “leather” shoes well below the $100 mark, and you need them fast, the Voet Milo Sneaker is an easy purchase. The vegan material looks more expensive than it is, while the padded open-mesh interior provides good all-day wear.
Meanwhile, the Veja Dekkan sports a mix of practical and refined looks, as well as advanced running and comfort technology that can take you from town to country.
Cariuma’s vegan shoes are some of the most comfortable and well-made on the market right now, while Nisolo’s Eco-Knit Sneaker is tailor-made for active lifestyles.
The Nisolo All-Day Eco-Knit Sneaker boasts an eco-friendly build, which includes an upper made from recycled plastic. Its lightness, flexibility, and supportiveness makes it effective for a range of workouts or just long walks, while the knitted style looks great with casual outfits.
You just need to figure out what it is you need specifically based on your personal style and way of life. Of course, budget is a big factor too, though vegan leather shoes will always be more affordable than comparable animal leather shoes.
FAQs
What are vegan leather shoes made of?
Plastic polymers are the most common, though lately brands have developed several more plant-based options.
Do vegan leather shoes last?
Vegan leather is generally less durable than animal leather. However, many eco-friendly vegan shoes are also more sustainable and affordable. So while a few well-built vegan shoes may equal one well-built leather shoe in lifespan, it may also equal it in financial cost and eco cost.
Are vegan shoes worth it?
Some are and some aren’t. They’ll always be cheaper than real leather shoes, but make sure you go for durably-built, eco-friendly vegan shoes. Those qualities are what make vegan shoes worth it.
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