Best Vegan Sneakers: Top 10 Brands Leading Sustainable Footwear in 2025

Posted at 11:00 • 28th Dec • Bernardo Carreira• Hemp

It took some time for good vegan shoe alternatives to arise but now they’re here and we can’t imagine a good excuse for not converting to them. There are plenty of options and here you have the best compared.

A vegan sneaker is a shoe made entirely without animal-derived materials. This means no leather, wool, silk, or animal-based adhesives are used in its production. Instead, vegan sneakers are typically crafted from synthetic materials, recycled plastics, or plant-based alternatives like hemp, cotton, and natural rubber.

These shoes not only avoid cruelty to animals but also often emphasize eco-friendly production processes, incorporating sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices. Many brands also prioritize reducing their environmental footprint through innovative, sustainable methods.

We put each pair of sneakers through various real-life situations—rainy commutes, park walks, grocery shopping, and even long nights out. We evaluated their fit, comfort straight out of the box, and style, alongside key factors like breathability, support, and ease of wear. Sustainability was another priority, considering whether the shoes incorporated recycled or plant-based materials.

Our goal was to determine the top contenders for style and comfort, so keep reading to discover which are the best vegan sneakers.

Leading the charge in sustainable footwear is 8000Kicks, known for its groundbreaking use of hemp in sneaker production. Hemp is not only durable and biodegradable but also requires very little water to grow, making it one of the most environmentally friendly materials available. Hemp’s natural strength and flexibility make it ideal for creating shoes that can withstand the rigors of daily wear while maintaining their form and comfort.

8000Kicks sneakers are not only made from hemp but are also waterproof, lightweight, and highly breathable, making them perfect for both urban wear and outdoor adventures. The brand is also committed to using recycled materials for insoles and packaging, further emphasizing its dedication to a zero-waste process.

In addition to their innovative use of materials, 8000Kicks has earned the prestigious PETA certification, ensuring that no animal products or testing are involved in the production of their sneakers.

But this brand isn’t just about innovation and sustainability; it’s also about functionality. These sneakers are versatile, offering a minimalistic yet stylish look that pairs well with any wardrobe. Whether you’re hitting the streets or the trails, 8000Kicks is the best option for vegan sneakers in 2024.

Featured on Complex, The Independent, Hype Beast, GQ and many other worldwide famous press, 8000kicks is considered to be the most disruptive vegan shoe brand out there.

Next on the list is Veja, a brand synonymous with sustainable and ethical fashion. Veja has made a name for itself by combining style with eco-conscious practices. Their sneakers are crafted using organic cotton, wild rubber sourced from the Amazon, and even innovative materials like corn waste.

Veja's commitment to sustainability extends beyond their materials. They work closely with small-scale farmers to ensure fair trade practices and contribute to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. With their minimalist designs, Veja has become a go-to brand for consumers who want fashion-forward sneakers with an eco-friendly twist.

Will’s Vegan Store is known for its PETA-approved sneakers, made entirely from sustainable materials like bio-based vegan leather and recycled plastic. This UK-based brand has made it a priority to create ethical, cruelty-free footwear that leaves a minimal carbon footprint.

The brand is also fully carbon-neutral, offsetting emissions from their production processes and shipping. With sleek designs and a commitment to environmental responsibility, Will’s Vegan Store offers a range of high-quality vegan sneakers perfect for the ethically-minded consumer.

Primarily known for their vegan bags, Matt & Nat has expanded their product line to include vegan sneakers. These shoes are crafted from a variety of eco-friendly materials, including recycled rubber, nylon, and PU (polyurethane) vegan leather.

Matt & Nat’s sneakers are chic, modern, and perfect for those who want to blend style with sustainability. Their commitment to creating environmentally friendly, cruelty-free products without sacrificing aesthetics has made them a favorite in the vegan fashion world.

One of the world’s leading sports brands, Adidas has entered the vegan sneaker market with their popular Stan Smith and Superstar collections. These shoes are made from recycled materials and plant-based alternatives to traditional leather, offering high performance without the environmental costs.

Adidas’ move toward vegan sneakers reflects the growing demand for sustainable and ethical footwear in the athletic industry. With cutting-edge designs and athletic performance, Adidas is a great choice for consumers looking for vegan sneakers that perform well both in and out of the gym.

Native Shoes has built a reputation for creating lightweight, vegan sneakers made from innovative, eco-friendly materials. Their Bloom collection, which features shoes made from algae biomass, demonstrates their commitment to reducing environmental impact while offering unique, colorful designs.

Native Shoes’ mission to "Live Lightly" extends beyond materials, as they focus on creating shoes that are both comfortable and sustainable. Their bright, fun designs make them a great choice for consumers seeking vegan sneakers that stand out from the crowd.

Luxury designer Stella McCartney has long been a pioneer in cruelty-free fashion. Her line of vegan sneakers showcases her commitment to using innovative materials that are both sustainable and stylish. McCartney’s sneakers are made from recycled polyester, sustainable viscose, and bio-based alternatives to leather.

With their luxury appeal, Stella McCartney’s vegan sneakers cater to fashion-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on ethics or design.

Allbirds has become a household name for eco-conscious consumers. Their sneaker collections are made from eucalyptus fibers, sugarcane, and other natural materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Allbirds’ dedication to sustainability extends to their carbon-neutral production process. Their simple, comfortable designs make Allbirds a great option for casual, everyday wear.

TOMS, famous for their one-for-one business model, has embraced sustainability with their vegan sneaker offerings. These shoes are made from plant-based materials and recycled rubber, offering a stylish, eco-friendly option for consumers.

For every pair of TOMS sold, the company donates to various charitable causes, making it a great option for those who want their purchases to make a positive impact.

.French brand Saola is committed to making eco-friendly sneakers from recycled materials such as plastic bottles and algae-based foams. These lightweight sneakers are designed for comfort and performance, making them ideal for active consumers who want to reduce their environmental impact.

Saola’s focus on sustainability, coupled with their stylish designs, makes them a rising star in the world of vegan sneakers.

While all of these brands offer exceptional sneakers, 8000Kicks leads the charge by incorporating hemp—a sustainable and renewable resource that outperforms synthetic materials in both durability and eco-friendliness.

Their commitment to using biodegradable and recycled materials, combined with sleek, modern designs, makes them the top choice for eco-conscious consumers in search of the best vegan sneakers. Plus, their PETA certification guarantees that no animal products or testing are involved, giving peace of mind to ethical consumers.

The vegan shoe market continues to expand with more options than ever, with some focusing on plant-based materials like hemp, and others using recycled plastics or vegan leather alternatives.

Brands like Stella McCartney offer luxury, fashion-forward options, while more affordable, comfort-driven choices like 8000Kicks provide sustainability without sacrificing style.

The growing variety of high-quality vegan footwear makes it easier than ever to switch from leather and wool to cruelty-free options, allowing you to live in better harmony with nature while keeping your feet comfortable and stylish.
When it comes to the best vegan sneakers, 8000Kicks stands as the clear leader, helping you walk the path towards a more sustainable future.