Everything vegan and ethical is well and truly making its mark, so it’s no surprise that one of the biggest fashion trends this year is vegan sneakers. With more and more shifts towards living in an environmentally-friendly and ethical world, fashion is also jumping on the bandwagon. Vegan sneakers look just as good as their leather counterparts, but no animals are harmed in the process! What could be better?
From Nike to Veja and everything in between, the vegan sneakers trend is seriously heating up. If you want to join the party, here are the best vegan sneakers for men to get your hands on, or feet in, shall we say.
Table of contents
- Best Vegan Sneakers for Men
- 1. SAYE Modelo ‘89
- 2. New Balance 990v5 Vegan
- 3. adidas Stan Smith Vegan
- 4. Thaely Y2K Pro
- 5. Veja V12 B-Mesh
- 6. Dr. Martens 1461
- 7. Reebok Club-C ‘85 Vegan
- 8. adidas Samba Vegan
- 9. Veja Marlin V-Knit
- 10. Merrell Moab Speed
- 11. Nike SB Dunk High ‘Baroque Brown’
- 12. Clarks Originals Wallabee Vegan
- 13. Converse All-Star Chuck Taylor
- Vegan Sneakers Guide
- Alternatives to Vegan Sneakers
- Vegan Sneaker FAQs
RELATED: Check Out The Best Sneakers for Men to Wear Right Now
Best Vegan Sneakers for Men
Our list of the best vegan sneakers for men goes like this.
- Best vegan sneaker for men overall: adidas Stan Smith vegan
- If you want the best value for money: Saye Modelo 89′
- If you’re looking for a great street-style vegan sneaker: adidas Samba vegan
- If you want a great trail runner: Merrell Moab Speed
- If you’re looking for something more formal: Clarks Originals Wallabee vegan
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites let’s check out the complete list.
1. SAYE Modelo ‘89
SAYE has one of the sexiest collections of vegan leather sneakers with their Modelo 89’ range. Coming in a range of shades, from caramel to green or salmon, they also come in both high-tops and low-tops, so you’re bound to find the perfect fit for you. Every material used is vegan, and the laces are even made from certified organic cotton.
Upper: Corn vegan napa: Cotton 29% + Polyurethane 71% with 68% Bio Based Mass Content
Lining: 100% organic cotton
Insole: 60% recycled thermoplastics recovered from the automotive factories + 40% PU foam and 100% organic cotton cover
Outsole: 30% natural and 70% synthetic rubber mix
Laces: Certified organic cotton
Price: from $160 USD
2. New Balance 990v5 Vegan
New Balance 990v5 Vegan sneakers are some of the best vegan sneakers for men out there right now. If functionality is at the top of your list, these have been crowned the best running shoe on the market. They also look so good you could wear them out day to day. Whilst the series has been around since the 80s, they’ve managed to effortlessly transition into the 2020s by becoming vegan-friendly! The shoe features a synthetic construction made without using animal or animal by-products, the addition of TPU accents, and Ortholite inserts.
Price: $340
Upper: Synthetic crafted without the use of animal or animal by-products
Insole: ENCAP midsole cushioning combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim to deliver all-day support
3. adidas Stan Smith Vegan
adidas’ Stan Smith shoes have always been iconic and are now even more iconic (we didn’t even think that could be possible?!) as they are now more sustainable. The shoe is known for its timeless appeal and simplistic, cool style. Now you can wear them without weighing down your conscience! The shoe is a marker of adidas’ commitment to use only recycled polyester by 2024. With a vegan upper and an outsole made from rubber waste, they still have iconic style but are now made with the planet in mind.
Price: $140
Upper: Primegreen upper, made from a series of high-performance recycled materials
Lining: Synthetic
Outsole: Made from rubber waste
Shop at adidas Shop at The Iconic Shop at David Jones
4. Thaely Y2K Pro
A new vegan sneaker brand that’s just landed Downunder. We had a chance to go hands-on with the latest product, and we have to say, we’re impressed. They find that fine line between formal shoes and sneakers. Each pair is packaged in a reusable shopping tote made from 4 plastic bottles while the box itself is made from recycled paper which is embedded with basil seeds and dyed with waste coffee grounds, you can see it in the picture we took above. Overall, the comfort is solid, the side panelling keeps your foot in place, and the shoe is sustainably made from 10 waste plastic bags, 12 plastic bottles and industrial rubber waste. Overall, it’s a great vegan sneaker for men who are looking for a shoe to wear every day.
Materials: Made from 10 waste plastic bags, 12 plastic bottles & industrial rubber waste.
Price: from $209 AUD
5. Veja V12 B-Mesh
Veja’s are undeniably cool, and what could make them even cooler? Being Vegan, of course! These trendy sneakers are made out of 100% recycled polyester- the plastic is from recycled plastic bottles shredded into flakes and then transformed into fibres! And just in case you were wondering, it takes three plastic bottles to make one pair of VEJA. The B-Mesh is a light, breathable and water-repellent fabric that also looks good and don’t be fooled- The suede is also a 100% vegan synthetic textile.
Price: $211
Upper: B-Mesh (100% recycled plastic bottles)
Panels: C.W.L. and vegan suede
Logo V: Rubber and rice waste (22%)
Insole: Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, recycled E.V.A.* and organic cotton
Outsole: Amazonian rubber (31%), rice waste (22%) and recycled rubber (12%)
Lining: Tech (100% recycled polyester)
Laces: Organic cotton (100%)
6. Dr. Martens 1461
The classic Dr. Martens shoe has been around for longer than we can remember, and its recent comeback is most likely thanks to their new vegan version of the much-loved leather staple. The 1461 3 Eye Shoe is made with black vegan-friendly, synthetic material. It looks just like the traditional shoe we know and love, but just without the harm to the planet or the animals.
Price: $259
Upper: Goodyear welt, synthetic material
Outsole: Goodyear welt, synthetic material
Buy it here Buy it here Buy it here
7. Reebok Club-C ‘85 Vegan
Reebok has jumped on the vegan bandwagon with their new vegan shoe. Their Club-c ‘85 Vegan sneaker retains that traditional retro 80s tennis style look we all love, but this time is free from animal ingredients! If you’re the type that likes to flaunt your vegan pride, there is a debossed “V” on the heel and a “Reebok Vegan” graphic on the sockliner to help you make your statement.
Price: $130
Upper: Vegan material, 100% free of any animal products or materials
Outsole: Natural rubber midsole/outsole
8. adidas Samba Vegan
adidas is at it again with their Samba Vegan shoe, one of the best vegan sneakers for men to grace our stores this decade. The iconic shoe gets a revamp with a 100% vegan design, and it’s getting all the praise it deserves! With the same look and feel as the original style, this version advocates for a better future with entirely vegan materials, even down to the glues and colours!
Price: $140
Upper: PU coated recycled synthetic upper
Lining: Synthetic lining
Outsole: Rubber outsole
Shop at adidas Shop at StockX Shop at Farfetch
9. Veja Marlin V-Knit
Veja is also offering a more practical vegan shoe with their Marlin V-Knit running shoe. Aptly named after one of the fastest and most athletic fishes in the ocean, the Marlin is designed for those who like to move and who like moving fast. The shoe is light and dynamic yet comfortable for everyday users, and you guessed it, it is 100% vegan!
Price: $245
Upper: 100% recycled polyester
Lining: 100% recycled polyester
Insole: 75% bio-based and recycled, 52% sugar cane – 23% recycled polyester
Midsole: 60% sugar cane
Outsole: 61% bio-based, 30% Amazonian rubber – 31% rice waste
Buy it here Buy it here Buy it here
10. Merrell Moab Speed
Another running shoe to add to your collection for the days you’re feeling active and inspired is the Merrell Moab Speed shoe, the vegan hiker of your dreams. One of the best-selling hikers in the world right now, the shoe is known for its comfort, durability and versatility. It is also vegan-friendly- so it will do wonders for both your feet and your conscience.
Price: $199
Upper: Mesh and TPU upper
Lining: 100% recycled mesh lining
Insole: EVA foam insole with 50% recycled top sheet
Laces: 100% recycled laces
11. Nike SB Dunk High ‘Baroque Brown’
One of the best vegan sneakers for those that love high-tops, the Nike SB Dunk High sneaker is one of the most attractive shoes to make the list. A cool baroque brown shade complemented by a white and dark green midsole offers a fresh look that people have come to love. With its authentic leather look, you would never guess that it’s made entirely from vegan leather!
Price: $275
Upper: Vegan leather panels
Outsole: Rubber
12. Clarks Originals Wallabee Vegan
For more of a classic, charter sneaker look, Clarks is now also selling vegan shoes. Clarks Originals gives its iconic Wallabee a makeover by replacing its traditional suede with vegan suede across its uppers. Looks-wise, it’s just the same as the shoe we know and love, but instead, no animals were harmed in its making.
Price: $229
Upper: Synthetic Suede
Outsole: Crepe rubber sole
13. Converse All-Star Chuck Taylor
One of the most iconic sneakers ever made, the Converse All-Star Chuck Taylor’s weren’t originally designed to be vegan, however, they more than fit the bill. With the outer layer constructed from canvas and the glue being synthetic, the most basic model of the classic silhouette is entirely vegan. So, while the brand doesn’t necessarily claim to be a vegan-focused enterprise, a number of its releases are already doing good.
Price: $120
Upper: Canvas upper for lightweight, flexible comfort
Outsole: Vulcanized rubber sole for durability
Vegan Sneakers Guide
As the world continues its slow march towards collective environmentalism, the fashion industry is responding. Recently, the spate of sneaker brands pivoting towards vegan leathers and socially conscious offerings has boosted the market, allowing for independent brands to make a name for themselves while still staying true to their focus. So, what does it all mean? Here’s the rundown on vegan sneakers:
- Material – According to PETA, most vegan shoes contain synthetic leather products made from plants such as mushrooms, bananas, or apples from materials like polyurethane (PU), microfiber, or rubber. The important note is that these materials don’t contain any animal-derived materials—such as leather, suede, or wool
- Eco-Friendly – While there has been some contention over the eco-impact of vegan substitute products, vegan leathers made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PU, and other poly-composite microfibers generally have a far smaller environmental footprint than that of animal-derived materials. Further to that, a number of brands are now offering vegan sneakers crafted from recycled cork, canvas or tires.
- Durability – One of the main reason leather shoes have stood the test of time is thanks to the material’s durability. While vegan sneakers likely won’t have the same robustness, releases from major players such Dr. Martens and Veja have proven to stand the test of time.
Interested in more sneakers stories? Here are a few stories to get you started:
Alternatives to Vegan Sneakers
Best Sneakers for Men by Colour
Best Sneaker Styles for Men
Best Custom Sneakers for Men
Related: For more sneaker styles check out our complete sneakers guide for men
Vegan Sneaker FAQs
Buying vegan shoes is the more ethical choice, as you're not contributing to harm against animals or the environment. According to PETA, most vegan shoes contain synthetic leather products made from plants such as mushrooms, bananas, or apples from materials like polyurethane (PU), microfiber, or rubber.
Yes, vegan leather is just like traditional leather, only better for the planet. Reports have suggested that vegan leathers made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PU, and other poly-composite microfibers generally have a far smaller environmental footprint than that of animal-derived materials
Nike makes a range of great vegan shoes, like their SB Dunk High sneakers.
