So you’re looking to live a compassionate life and want to up the game by building a cruelty-free wardrobe? Let’s start with some awesome, high performing vegan kicks. Think of it as a wise investment to a better environment and planet that your feet and animals will appreciate.

Now it’s important to note here that since the plant-based lifestyle and vegan fashion is still gaining momentum, ticking off all ethical and eco-friendly requirements such as fair-trade certifications and organic certifications is hard to come by. Nevertheless we believe the industry will develop and improve as more vegans put pressure on brands to be more transparent with their supply chains and as the business world becomes more conscious generally.

So without further ado, here a list of brands developing vegan running shoes for you to choose from:

Brooks

This brand is renowned for their cruelty-free runnings shoes for men and women. When most people find running as therapeutic, Brooks provides you the best running mate – Brooks vegan running shoes! Their goal is to produce running gear that seems to have been tailor-made for you; following your feet’s every groove to improve your stride and create a running experience for you that gets better and better with every use. Simply use their shoe finder tab and be directed to quality pair of trainers that’s right for you.

The brand’s sustainability goals are well worth a mention here, as it aims to reduce of greenhouse gas emissions which and overall carbon footprint through the use of sustainable materials, actively minimising waste and reduce chemical usage.

Visit brooksrunning.com to view their range and make sure to read this page for a list of non-vegan styles to ensure that the pair you choose are 100% free of animal derivatives.

Astral

Astral footwear is made from hemp and recycled polyester. The combination of these materials result in an adventure-worthy pair of shoes that you can rely on for both long hikes or just walking short distances.

Hemp particularly is not only a high quality, durable material but it is comfortable as it is breathable and most importantly, rot resistant which means the plant-based fabric is known for its longevity.

Check out astraldesigns.com to view their entire range.

Merrell

Merrell’s line of vegan running shoes for men and women uses no animal byproducts and they’re also built for comfort and style. Offering the perfect running experience for all vegan and vegetarian runners – from beginners to advanced. These kicks are also kind to earth as it’s made up of high quality synthetic materials which are built to last and produce minimal waste.

To browse Merrell’s vegan runners, visit this page.

Newton

Newton is one of the world’s first athletic footwear brands to offer vegans suitable footwear that aligns with their cruelty-free lifestyle and philosophy. Newton also has a quality shoe technology that provides a unique combo of comfort and stability your feet will absolutely love.

To shop their vegan runners, visit newtonrunning.com.

Topo

Topo is a newborn compared to all other brands in the vegan shoe department, but they definitely do not lack experience or quality. They offer a range of cruelty-free running shoes that allow your feet to perform just as an athlete should. Topo running shoes are built to allow your toes to spread whilst allowing your feet to remain secure from your mid-foot to heel. They have low drop platforms and lightweight materials that make for a perfect fit. Their products do not use latex or contain animal products, either as materials or adhesives.

Browse the Topo vegan runners collection here.

ASICS

ASICS trainers aren’t all vegan-friendly however, most of their products are heading towards sustainability and cruelty-free. They use waste products from organic fibers through to wood pulp and sugar cane and they use water-based glue to minimise environmental impact.

Aside from saving the world, runners and athletes have come to love Asics running shoes as it has shock-absorbing, gait fixing qualities that maximise their performance on field and off.

Visit asics.com to browse entire vegan range.

Xero

Xero manufactures vegan running shoes that give importance to the foundation of your body aka your feet and particularly focusses on the soles. Their running shoes enable you to move freely and naturally such as flex, bend or even feel the earth with maximum comfort. While the founders of Xero runners are not vegan, they are committed to offering running shoes suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

To view the men’s and women’s vegan range of runnings shoes, visit xeroshoes.com.

Shopping with the environment and animal welfare in mind is becoming more and more popular these days. With conscious consumerism on the rise, companies are recognizing the demand and are providing more sustainable options for us. Hopefully this guide of vegan runners kick starts your conscious fitness routine!

Disclosure: This curated list does not fully take into account all the ethical considerations that are unique to each individual. Before making a purchase, we encourage you to do your own research paying particular attention to the supply chain and your own particular set of ethics. You can also check out online tools and apps that provide product reviews and brand ratings here. This list also includes affiliate links. Click here to read more about our policies.

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Feature image via Shutterstock.