6 Best Vegan Sneakers for Men: Cruelty-free Styling in 2024

I get it. You want to wear beautiful, premium, and trendy shoes but can’t stomach the idea that they might be made from animal hide and other non-sustainable materials.

The practices in sourcing full-grain leather aren’t always cruelty-free, and, sadly, such methods are still mainstream.

Luckily for you, the future is now and the number of eco-friendly products and companies that create them are on the rise, including footwear.

I dedicated all my resources to finding the best vegan sneakers for men, whether you want options that feature modern comfort or pairs that have cool designs.

Keep reading to find the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Key Takeaways

Locating the best vegan sneakers requires reading through tons of brands across multiple online stores. I judged the top six based on their size, fit, material, and color.

The KOIO Vegan 01 Sneakers stand at the helm for their premium and ethically sourced leather uppers and minimalist design. They’re followed by the Levi’s Men’s Drive Lo 2 Casual Sneakers, which are affordable pairs that have extra paddings for added foot comfort.

Why they’re great: Made from apple leather, the KOIO Vegan 01 Sneakers are the brand’s first sneakers from their Pale Blue Dot initiative, dedicated to creating eco-friendly, cruelty-free footwear. These kicks have a sleek, minimalist design lined with soft recycled materials from top to bottom. The laces are sewn from organic cotton, which makes them soft and easy to tie in.

The insoles of these vegan sneakers are crafted from natural latex and cork. They’re durable and offer enough cushion and support to keep your feet comfortable when you walk. The KOIO Vegan 01 is also USDA Certified Biobased, further proving that these sneakers are good for you and the environment.

Who are these for? Perfect casual sneakers for the eco-conscious guys.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: You need to break them in before they get comfy.

Material: 100% Apple leather | Sole Material: 100% Recycled rubber | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 4

Why they’re great: The Levi’s Men’s Drive Lo 2 Casual Sneakers come as budget-friendly pairs with extra padding and cushioned footbeds to keep your feet comfortable and free from pain. The soft mesh lining of these vegan sneakers also provides lasting breathability that allows you to stay dry while controlling odor.

Their rubber outsoles give you the right stability and traction to walk on any terrain without slipping. The classic, laid-back design also gives these kicks a timeless appeal great to pair with any casual clothes from shorts to jeans. The best part is that they cost less than $40 and are made from vegan leather.

Who are these for? A great choice for people looking for economical pairs of trainers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re a bit heavy for sneakers.

Material: 100% Vegan leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 1

Why they’re great: The Voet Men’s Milo Vegan Leather Fashion Sneakers feature open mesh technology on the padded tongue, collar, and ankle, which ensures that your feet stay cool all the time. The removable cup heel and cushioned insoles limit the stress points you get on your feet, allowing you to travel without worries.

The Voet Milo also comes with sustainable vegan leather uppers which require no breaking in when worn. They’ll fit snug, and the waxed cotton laces allow you to make adjustments when necessary. The casual rounded toe box provides adequate wiggle room, and the rubber outsoles are non-slip and durable enough to stride against any surface.

Who are these for? Anyone who wants sleek shoes to wear with their smart-casual clothes will enjoy these vegan sneakers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Men with wide feet need to order a size up so they’ll fit properly.

Material: 100% Vegan leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 9.5–13 | Colors Available: 2

Why they’re great: If you’re looking for luxurious vegan sneakers, then try the Veja V-10 CWL. The white and black color gives these trainers a versatile and timeless appeal. Made from organic cotton canvas uppers, they also offer extraordinary softness and breathability. Their cotton laces don’t just help you adjust the fit, but they blend perfectly into the shoes’ design.

The perforated holes offer adequate airflow to keep your feet cool and dry throughout the day. Their insoles are crafted from Amazonian rubber, which gives you the cushion and impact resistance you deserve. The V-10 CWL gives you premium and stylish trainers without the harmful consequences of using animal hides.

Who are these for? These are for the guy who likes to keep it relatively casual, without compromising quality and who is willing to pay a bit more for the best men’s vegan sneakers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These have strict maintenance procedures, but the instructions are on the website.

Material: 100% Organic cotton canvas | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 4–12 | Colors Available: 1

Why they’re great: Built for day-in and day-out use, the Thousand Fell Men’s Lace Up Sneakers have durable and breathable uppers made from recycled vegan leather. They also feature stain- and odor-resistance properties, making them cozy to wear every day. The PET flat laces and the embossed logo on the rubber back heel also add understated elegance to the overall design.

The rubber insoles keep your feet cushioned and supported. Another neat feature of these vegan sneakers is that the mesh liners are coated with Aloe vera, giving them a soft texture. They might look like dress sneakers, but they have all the flexibility and comfort of athletic kicks.

Who are these for? Men who want versatile and durable sneakers will love these.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Wearing them the first time might cause a few discomforts at the heel, but they get better over time.

Material: 100% Vegan leather | Sole Material: 100% Recycled rubber | Sizes Available: 8–13 | Colors Available: 14

Why they’re great: Designed for sustainability, the LØCI Classic Bio Leather Sneakers have uppers made from bio leather, which is composed of recycled plastic bottles. The linings are crafted from reused bamboo, which give the shoes adequate softness and breathability.

The foam midsoles can effectively absorb impact, and the cork insoles provide your feet a soft cushion, preventing aches and problems from occurring, giving you premium comfort in every stride. They also have water-resistance, and odor control properties, making your outdoor adventures hassle-free. These classic kicks don’t need to break in time as they’re already cozy right out of the box, as long as you get the proper size.

Who are these for? Ideal for men who love the design of classic sneakers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These vegan sneakers offer minimal arch support.

Material: 100% Bio leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 2

Buying Considerations For the Best Vegan Sneakers

Size & Fit

More than the build and type of sneakers, they need to fit you properly. You should prioritize getting pairs that are in line with your measurements or at least closest to them. Some brands aren’t true to size, and you can always check the reviews if you need to order a size up or down. It’s also important to check their return and exchange policy in case you make a mistake.

Material

Vegan sneakers should be free from unethical materials like animal hides. Always check the products’ features, especially the uppers. Vegan leathers offer a luxurious appearance but come at a high price, whereas those made from polyester and rubber are more affordable and durable. Your needs determine which of these fabrics suit you more.

Color

Naturally, you’ll want your trainers to match your clothes. If you want a pair that goes well with everything, then try black or white kicks. Brown sneakers can elevate your casual clothes and are dressy enough for formal outfits. If you find them boring, then try shoes that have dual hues and see how they work with your streetwear or athleisure garments.

How We Chose

A lot of brands will claim that they have the most sustainable shoes made of recycled materials, but their assertions aren’t always true, especially if they offer little proof. To give potential buyers accurate information, I selected the best vegan sneakers based on the following factors:

Brand Reputation: Is the brand certified by the right organization for using ethically sourced materials? A brand’s reputation allows you to quickly judge if it aligns with your environment-friendly ideals.

Shoe Design: Do you need low-cut trainers with modern functionality, or do you want stylish dress sneakers to wear to corporate parties? I made sure that each pair had attractive designs alongside comfortable fits.

Customer Reviews: Customer reviews help you gauge the product’s performance and quality. Their opinions based on first-hand experience give credibility to the handpicked footwear on this list.

Price: Spending on the most expensive kicks isn’t a wise move, more so if the affordable option is more than enough. I balanced quality and price when making these suggestions.

Why Trust Us?

Identifying the best vegan sneakers requires expertise and meticulous research methods. Joe Niehaus’ strong background in men’s fashion comes from his years of experience as a lifestyle blogger and product reviewer. He’s covered similar categories like finding loafers for guys with wide feet and locating top-quality wingtip boots, so he has a strong familiarity with picking out the right footwear people can invest in.

His approach includes studying the products’ features and judging their materials and construction. He also adds customer reviews as part of the assessment process, so readers will gain information based on expert knowledge backed by real-life testimonials. This allows them to make informed decisions about their purchases.

Final Verdict 

The best vegan sneakers are more than just footwear made from eco-friendly fabric. They need to have breathable comfort and attractive styles. The KOIO Vegan 01 Sneakers feature apple leather uppers and organic cotton laces that blend well together, giving you minimalist elegance that matches well with any clothing. Their sustainable materials, versatile design, and modern functionality prove that they’re worth a try.