How to spot a true vegan sneaker?
With the rise in popularity of vegan sneakers, it has become essential for consumers to know how to identify these animal- and environmentally-friendly shoes.
We therefore seek to explore the different materials, labels, ecological aspects, and a number of other criteria to guide you in your consumption choices.
How to identify vegan sneakers by their materials?
Identifying vegan sneakers starts with examining the materials used in their manufacture.
Here are some key features to look for:
• Synthetic leather - vegan sneakers are often made of synthetic leather, but it is essential to check that they are "cruelty-free materials". Avoid polyurethane (PU) leathers which may be less durable but, more importantly, contain harmful chemicals, even bio-PU vegan.
• Cactus leather and apple leather - more and more brands are using innovative materials such as cactus leather or apple leather, which are both durable and environmentally friendly. This is the case for ME.LAND in its collections of Chelsea boots, Lander derbies and sneakers in collaboration with Mademoiselle Pimpante..
• Recycled plastics - sneakers made from recycled plastic help reduce waste. Check if the brand mentions the use of recycled materials in the manufacture of its shoes.
• Vegan Suede, Faux Suede or Velvet - this alternative to traditional suede can be made from various synthetic materials or vegetable fibers. Make sure it is labeled as vegan.
• Cotton - An alternative to leather is textile, and cotton is at the top. Make sure it is labeled organic cotton.
• Nylons and polyesters - Most performance sneakers are made from nylons or polyesters. They can be treated with products harmful to the skin. Make sure they are recycled and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
• Vegan glue - the glue used in the manufacture of sneakers can also contain animal-derived ingredients such as fish skin. Look for brands that specify the use of plant-based latex glue.
Short-list of materials to check in vegan sneakers
✅ Synthetic leather, "cruelty-free"
✅ Apple or cactus leather
✅ Recycled plastics
✅ Vegan suede
✅ Organic cotton
✅ Recycled nylons and polyesters
✅ Vegan glue
What labels guarantee that a sneaker is vegan?
Certification labels are the best way to ensure that your sneakers are vegan and recognized as such by accredited organizations.
| LABEL | MEANING |
|---|---|
| PETA-Approved Vegan | Guaranteed free of animal-derived materials and cruelty-free. This label is issued by the animal protection organization PETA and guarantees that the product has not been manufactured from animal-derived materials and is cruelty-free. |
| Vegan Society | Fully vegan product. Vegan Society certification - This symbol ensures that the product is completely free of animal-derived ingredients and has been manufactured without cruelty. |
| GOTS | Organic textiles with sustainability standards. Although this label is primarily associated with organic textiles, it also includes criteria for sustainability and ethical production. |
| OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Absence of harmful substances. This label guarantees that the textiles used in the product do not contain substances harmful to human health. |
💡 Pro tip: Before purchasing, always check the certifications on the brand's website or the product label.
Are vegan sneakers always eco-friendly?
Although vegan sneakers are designed to avoid the use of animal products, this does not necessarily mean that they are always eco-friendly.
• Materials used - some vegan sneakers may be made from synthetic materials, such as polyurethane or PU, which have a high environmental impact due to their petrochemical production. It is therefore important to check the materials.
• Working conditions - fashion ethics are not limited to animal protection. Working conditions in production factories must also be fair and transparent. Ensure that brands adhere to ethical standards, whether in Asia, Africa, Europe, or South America.
• Durability of sneakers - vegan sneakers that use bio-based materials, such as cactus or apple leather, tend to have a reduced environmental impact, especially if they are designed to last.
• Ethical production - the durability and environmental impact of a sneaker also depend on its production. Brands committed to responsible manufacturing practices seek to reduce CO2 emissions and use ecological tanning methods. For example, ME.LAND works with materials sourced within 20 to 50 km of its manufacturing workshop to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
What materials to avoid in shoes to ensure they are vegan?
To ensure your sneakers are truly vegan, it's necessary to know these common materials that can compromise their status, and avoid them absolutely
Animal-derived materials to avoid
❌ Animal leather - obviously, any form of animal-derived leather, from suede to smooth or grained leather, should be avoided.
❌ Fur and synthetic fur - while synthetic fur may seem like an alternative, it is often made from plastics that harm the environment.
❌ Animal-based glues - some glues contain gelatin (made from bovine bones) or other animal products (fish skin, etc.). Look for brands that specify the use of plant-based glues.
❌ Poor quality synthetic materials - shoes made from low-quality plastics or PVC can have a high environmental impact and are not always durable.
Shortlist of materials to avoid in shoes if you want to consume vegan:
• Animal leather (full-grain leather, smooth leather, suede, nubuck)
• Animal or synthetic fur
• Animal-based glues
• Poor quality plastics (PVC, PU)
It's impossible to read the label on your sneakers. Shoes rarely have a "vegan sneakers" or "leather sneakers" composition label. It is by researching or speaking with your salesperson that you will find the right vegan sneakers for you!
How does the environmental impact of vegan sneakers compare to that of traditional shoes?
| ❌ Traditional Sneakers | ✅ Vegan Sneakers |
|---|---|
| ❌ Intensive farming — deforestation and biodiversity loss. | ✅ Reduced CO2 emissions — bio-based or recycled materials. |
| ❌ Tannery pollution — harmful chemicals in rivers and soil. | ✅ Less pollution — no chemical tanning. |
| ❌ High CO2 emissions — contributes to climate change. | ✅ Renewable materials — cactus leather, apple leather, circular economy. |
| ✅ Fair working conditions — ethical and sustainable production. |
A responsible assembly of your sneaker guarantees a well-made and comfortable sneaker.
In conclusion, recognizing a truly vegan sneaker requires close attention to material composition, certifications, and production methods. Choosing sneakers made from bio-based materials, checking labels, and avoiding animal-derived materials is making an informed and responsible choice and avoiding sneaker greenwashing!
Want to know more? See the guide "What is a vegan sneaker? Everything you need to know"
It is also important to understand that not all vegan sneakers are eco-friendly. A detailed analysis of materials and their transformation, up to the product's finish, is necessary to assess their environmental impact. By making informed choices, you are committing to more ethical fashion and a more sustainable future.
