10 brands of eco-responsible & vegan sneakers
Originally known as sports shoes, sneakers are very popular today thanks to their lightness and practicality. They are more and more present on the sidewalks as city shoes, walking shoes or even running shoes. This is one of the pairs that everyone loves to have in their wardrobe. It is suitable for all occasions.
In France alone, millions of pairs of sneakers are sold every year, all types of heels combined. Whether paired with jeans for a casual look on a city outing or a blazer for going to work, these comfortable canvas sneakers are a must-have.
But faced with the seriousness of the environmental impacts caused by the manufacture of sneakers, you have to be careful what you put under your feet. For some time now, vegan and responsible basketball has been one of the most requested models. Even the major shoe brands are getting into it too. In this article, we select for you 10 brands of eco-responsible and vegan sneakers and trainers.
What are eco-responsible and vegan sneakers?
Also called sneakers, sneakers were born towards the end of the 19th century. They symbolize hip-hop culture at the time. The first Nike Air Jordan appeared in 1984. But the concept has evolved.
The eco-responsible basketball is a pair of shoes, made with ecological materials. The classic models contain elements made of materials derived from petrochemicals and leather. This is the case of the insole and outsole, the lining, the upper, the laces, etc.
Buying eco-responsible and vegan sneakers for men or women means adopting a model made of natural materials, except of animal origin such as leather. The upper is often made of organic cotton, recycled materials, vegetable-tanned or chrome-free leather.
As for the soles, they are made using natural rubber, algae derivatives or recycled tires.
Some brands produce, among other things, original sneakers made of recycled rubber, recycled plastic, upcycled materials or textiles made from grape marc. For leather sneakers, vegetable tanning does not introduce any toxic product either for men or for the environment.
The best brands of eco-responsible and vegan sneakers of the moment
Admittedly, there is no fully eco-responsible and vegan basketball yet. Nevertheless, several brands offer a collection of shoes that limit the impact on the environment.
Veja
This Brazilian brand has been one of the iconic brands of eco-responsible sneakers and trainers for a few years. For its spring-summer collection, it offers different models of 100% vegan women's and men's basketball shoes, made from biosourced materials and with natural rubber soles.
The brand also manufactures ethical sports shoes. With a sleek and timeless style, his sneakers have become a benchmark.
Flamingo's Life
This Spanish brand offers low sneakers for women and men, made with an alternative to leather based on natural and upcycled fibres.
OTA or On The Asphalt
This French brand produces pairs of vegan shoes created from recycled tires and rubber. Its Kelwood basketball model in white vegetable-tanned leather does not incorporate any material of animal origin. Its soles are indestructible, a strong point for a sustainable approach.
There's something for everyone: whether it's low-top sneakers, like Converse or slip-on, or even high-top sneakers, etc.
saola
Saola creates a range of comfortable shoes for women and men from recycled bottles. The soles are made of cork and seaweed, the laces are made of recycled organic cotton. The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of each pair of shoes.
Angarde
Angarde is a committed French shoe brand. It offers very comfortable, chic and casual vegan and eco-responsible sneakers for women and men. The brand mainly uses recycled and 100% recyclable raw materials to manufacture its shoes.
BALT
Launched in 2020, this French brand offers clean, committed and comfortable sneakers, designed in Paris from materials made from recycled fibers.
Its objective is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption and waste production.
The brand also adopts total transparency in its raw materials and practices.
SAYE
It is a rising brand of eco-responsible and vegan sneakers for men and women in vegetable leather (cactus and mango), certified organic cotton and recycled materials (mesh…). The collection of sneakers from the Spanish manufacturer with a minimalist and refined look is available in different colors. With inserts, it will enhance all your looks in the most original way.
Umoja
Combining textile innovation and African know-how, this sneaker brand produces original and colorful shoes. The lacing and the contrasting yoke are exceptional.
Each pair of Umoja sneakers delicately highlights African pictorial art through its vegan fashion accessories. It can be described as eco-friendly, because it is made with biodegradable materials (linen, organic cotton, hemp, natural latex) and a comfortable sole. Different colors are available.
Zeta shoes
This French company offers a wide range of leather sneakers made from grape pomace, which are fully recycled and recyclable. A must-have in your wardrobe, this zero-waste sneaker brings a trendy and casual chic touch to your look. Following the logic of recycling the material, some pairs are made with end of stock material (such as faux suede nubuck in Camel color).
MEEKO
This is a young French brand that offers different models of sneakers in favor of biodiversity. Let yourself be tempted by a collection of timeless, durable and comfortable sneakers, made from biosourced and recycled materials, which respect the living and highlight the wild world. And bonus, it's us. ;)
Put on all vegan and eco-responsible shoes
Trainers and sneakers are not the only eco-responsible items in your wardrobe to help you contribute to the protection and support of global biodiversity. For example, let yourself be tempted by timeless vegetable-tanned leather derbies.
There are also sandals and ankle boots in vegetable-tanned, chrome-free leather. Also discover stylish and eco-responsible flat boots and ankle boots for environmental sustainability.
