USA: First Ever Vegan UGG Boots Launch in Collaboration With Collina Strada

From vegconomist.com 

UGG, the Californian brand widely known for its sheepskin boots, has launched the first ever vegan versions of the shoes in collaboration with New York fashion label Collina Strada.

The boots are available in a variety of styles and colours, in line with Collina Strada’s reputation for bold, contemporary designs. They include everything from tall ruffle boots to mini platform boots, and are suitable for all genders.

The range is made from eco-friendly materials such as sugarcane, TENCEL, and recycled polyester microfiber. While UGG is not specifically marketing the boots as vegan, they have been confirmed to be free of animal-derived materials.

UGG joins a range of shoe brands that have launched vegan products in recent years, including Adidas, Allbirds, and Puma. Last year, it was reported that the vegan footwear market had reached a value of $40.9 billion, with further significant growth expected.

                                                                                                                                          © UGG

“Step in the right direction”

The launch has been celebrated by animal rights charity PETA, which has been campaigning for UGG to remove sheepskin from its boots for years. This has included buying stocks in the brand’s parent company to influence it, conducting viral social media campaigns, a plea by PETA Honorary Director Pamela Anderson, and emails from over 30,000 PETA supporters.

Last year, UGG was forced to remove from its website a statement alleging that its animal-derived materials were humanely sourced, after PETA sent a cease and desist letter stating that the claim was baseless.

“UGG’s new vegan boots are a step in the right direction,” said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is celebrating this victory for sheep and urging UGG to give wool the boot by making all its footwear animal-friendly.”

The boots can be purchased from the UGG website and selected online retailers.

https://vegconomist.com/fashion-design-and-beauty/shoes/ugg-vegan-boots-collina-strada/

Bananatex and Balenciaga Develop Sneakers Made From Banana Fibres

From vegconomist.com

Swiss fashion company QWSTION, producer of the sustainable banana fiber fabric Bananatex®, has announced a partnership with fashion house Balenciaga to launch sneakers made from the material.

The shoes are an eco-friendly version of Balenciaga’s much-loved Triple S sneakers, which have a characteristic chunky shape. They are now available at the fashion house’s physical and online stores in two colors — black and beige.

“This is big news! Balenciaga and Bananatex!” said Hannes Schoenegger, co-founder of QWSTION and Bananatex, on LinkedIn. “The iconic Triple S made with our 100% plant-based, next-gen fabric, available in two colours. Bravo to everyone involved in this project, we are looking forward to many more in the future!”

                                                                                              © Balenciaga

“Really exciting development”

Bananatex is a durable canvas fabric made from naturally grown Abacá banana plants cultivated in the Philippine highlands. The plants require no pesticides, fertilizer, or extra water, and can promote reforestation and biodiversity in areas eroded by palm plantations.

Developed after three years of research and development, Bananatex is plastic-free and fully biodegradable. The material provides a circular alternative to synthetic fabrics, and has won multiple sustainability and design awards.

Bananatex is one of three co-founders of the FIBRAL Material Alliance, a global network of farmers, fiber producers, and value chain partners working with underrepresented plant-based fibers. Last year, the material was certified by The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark.

“Bananatex is one of three brands who have registered fabrics with the Vegan Trademark this year. This is a really exciting development within the textiles industry and we hope registrations like Bananatex ultimately lead to more vegan products being released into the market, which will show just how accessible vegan fashion can be!” said Jodie Brown, certification officer for The Vegan Trademark, in 2023.

https://vegconomist.com/fashion-design-and-beauty/shoes/bananatex-balenciaga-sneakers-banana-fibers/ 

Are your trainers vegan? Here’s how to tell

From veganfoodandliving.com

From wardrobe staple to statement, you’re bound to own at least one pair of trainers. But are they vegan? Charlotte Willis fills us in...

Trainers. Kicks. Sneakers. Creps. Whatever you call them, I’m certain there are at least one or two pairs of them in your closet. Perhaps you’re wearing some right now. Or if you’re anything like me, your eyes get caught by other people’s shiny white or patterned kicks as they walk down the street (especially if they’re Jordan 1s).

Trainers mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For some, they’re an accessory that can make or break an outfit. They can be a symbol, a representation of a culture, or a particular time in recent history.

They’re a status symbol if you want them to be. And for others, they’re a necessary shoe for those moments when neither heels, sandals nor brogues will cut it.

Safe to say trainers are here to stay. But, without sounding like a completely new-age millennial, are trainers vegan?

The evolution of vegan trainers

Whatever your relationship with trainers, we’ve come a long, long way over the past decade in the development of ethical trainers. These days you’ll find kicks with as much ethics and sustainability as style.

Gone are the times when your only vegan-friendly trainer options had you choosing between a hideously expensive pair of near-designer shoes or a pair of trainers that were likely pretty hideous to look at.

As plant-based living began to thrive and grow in popularity with a younger audience in the mid-2010s, big brands such as Nike and Adidas spotted the gap in the market for a vegan shoes with style and substance.

The result? Ethical, plant-based kicks with style flooded into manufacturing. We’ve seen huge sell-out collaborations between Stella McCartney and Adidas, who paved the way when it comes to making vegan trainers mainstream.

In 2021, Nike launched a new collection of pineapple-based leather trainers in collaboration with alternative leather brand Pinatex, which they aptly named the Happy Pineapple Collection – a range that shook the vegan sneaker world online.

Fast forward to today and we’re seeing recycled trainers, made using more sustainable, animal-free materials and dyes, pop up onto the market. These include Nike’s Next Nature collection of classic shoes made using more responsible materials, which their website states are “part of Nike’s commitment to help protect the future of sport.”

A good step forward for the company, and an essential collection for any conscious sneakerhead.

Major brands like Stella McCartney, nike and Adidas have all released stylish vegan trainers. Photo © Antonio Ovejero Diaz

Shopping for vegan trainers

When shopping around for trainers, unless the brand is explicit about their use of sustainable materials and vegan-suitability, it can be pretty challenging to decipher if a trainer is vegan-friendly or not.

If you’re a vegan shopper, you’re already likely to be eliminating the use of leather from your wardrobe. By definition, living a vegan lifestyle involves removing animal products from your diet and lifestyle as much as permissible and possible.

And while the use of second-hand leather and buying secondhand non-vegan trainers is a completely personal choice (which you should not be judged for), I’ll be referring to new trainers when discussing their suitability in a vegan lifestyle.

Some trainers are pretty easy to establish as suitable or unsuitable, but let’s break the investigative steps down:

Vegan trainer shopping tips

1. Check for skins

Firstly, you’ve got to look at the materials they’re made from. This will help you to distinguish those made using leather or suede (animal-based skins) versus those made without. If you’re shopping in-store, look for the animal-material symbol (which resembles a cow’s hide) on the shoe’s sticker or box.

This indicates that the trainers are not suitable for vegans and are made using animal skin. If the shoe is made from synthetic non-animal materials, the symbol will be a diamond shape.

The shoes may also be labelled as being made from “synthetic leather”, which means no animal skins have been used to construct the shoe.

2. Determine if the shoe is made using animal-based glues

Unfortunately, some brands still use glues made using animal-derived ingredients such as connective tissue (yep, really!). Further complicating things, many brands don’t explicitly label whether such glues were used in their shoes.

My best advice is to turn to the internet. Have a search online for the shoe’s manufacturer and design name – e.g. “are Nike Air Force 1 vegan?” – chances are someone has already done the hard work for you.

You can also search for whether the brand uses plant-based glues. Many brands have made a switch to plant-derived glues, but I would encourage you to double check online before you buy.

3. Ask the staff

If you’re still unsure, ask a member of staff in the trainer store for their recommendations on vegan trainers. Chances are they’ll be able to point you in the direction of a range of shoes that are certified vegan-friendly.

The internet offers a wealth of information when shopping for vegan trainers like whether a brand uses vegan glue in its designs. Photo © New Africa via Adobe Stock

4. Shop online

I only ever buy my trainers online these days – and for good reason (other than the discounts – promise). When you’re shopping online, you’re often able to log onto a fashion or shoe website and filter your results by “suitable for vegans”.

This is a really handy way of shortlisting your trainers to make sure you only buy a pair that tick the ethical box. There are also plenty of vegan-friendly trainer companies to check out online such as Veja, while high-street stores such as New Look offer certified plant-based trainers for a lower cost.

Check on social media

Another great way of finding ethical trainers is to head over to social media or check out some sustainable living blogs. I highly recommend following The Air Vegan on Instagram (@theairvegan) who highlights hot vegan releases from bigger brands such as Nike and New Balance.

There are also plenty of vegan running and fitness blogs, such as nomeatathlete.com, and you can find a guide to vegan running on our website as well as a roundup of all our favourite brands and news on upcoming releases as they land.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/vegan-lifestyle/vegan-trainers/

 

The World’s First Biodegradable Shoe is Here, and It’s Vegan

From vegoutmag.com

BLUEVIEW launched their first style of sustainable and biodegradable shoes on March 28 

Eco-friendly applies to many things these days, but shoes are traditionally made with a lot of materials that aren’t exactly good for our planet. Not anymore! BLUEVIEW just launched its first line of biodegradable shoes … and they’re vegan!

The World’s First Vegan Biodegradable Shoe

BLUEVIEW is a sustainable footwear brand that has been working on the newly released fully biodegradable shoe for more than six years. The brand uses only plant-based materials to make the eco-friendly shoe, and every single piece of the shoe is biodegradable when composted.

The polyurethane foam used as the foundation for the shoe was developed over the course of six years. The innovative foam serves as the arch support and cupsole and outsole, while the brand developed a fully biodegradable machine-knitted shoe upper made from hemp and eucalyptus yarn for the main part of the shoe.

Each shoe also comes with a removable organic cotton strap, making the shoe easy to be worn as a loafer or a slip-on. The BLUEVIEW Pacific shoe retails for $135 and is currently available in five colours: Vintage Black, Sand Dune, Denim, Olive, and Overcast Grey. The shoes are available now for pre-order at BlueviewFootwear.com; all pre-orders are expected to ship out April 18-25.

Biodegradable Shoes That Are Better for the Planet

Tom Cooke, co-founder and president of BLUEVIEW, stated that “as a surfer, I’ve seen first-hand how our oceans are being affected by plastic pollution … I am proud to provide our customers with access to the world’s first biodegradable shoe.”

BLUEVIEW’s mission is to lead the global transition to more bio-based materials and more environmentally friendly production practices. To learn more about BLUEVIEW or to browse the full selection of styles, visit BlueviewFootwear.com. To learn more about the biodegradable process and see what the shoes look like when composted, click here.

https://vegoutmag.com/news/worlds-first-biodegradable-shoe-is-here-and-its-vegan/

Manchester United: Paul Pogba is wearing the world's first Vegan football boots

From dailymail.co.uk

Paul Pogba has donned the world's first pair of vegan football boots after the Manchester United star teamed up with Stella McCartney to design the eye-catching, gender-neutral adidas PREDATOR FREAK.

Pogba, 28, has long held an interest in fashion and design and the Frenchman has delighted with a series of striking hairstyles and style choices during his five-year stint at Old Trafford.

Now, the World Cup winner has launched a new vegan football boot - the adidas PREDATOR FREAK - after collaborating with fashion designer Stella McCartney during lockdown. 

The laceless boots are the latest iteration of the iconic PREDATOR brand, using vegan materials to create the white shoe with blue and green leopard spots and orange rubber spikes. 

The limited edition design is priced at £236, while the laced model is £211. It is also made using recycled materials. 

Pogba debuted the boots during Manchester United's dramatic 3-2 victory over Atalanta in the Champions League this week, with the Frenchman coming off the bench to help secure the second half turnaround.  

'I am a footballer first and foremost, but I have a huge interest in fashion and design and I've always wanted to explore this further,' Pogba said. 

'This collaboration has been particularly special for me because I've been a fan of Stella McCartney's work for a long time, so when we came together and had this idea, it felt like the perfect opportunity to create something. 

'It was in the middle of lockdown and I was missing playing football so much, so it was an incredible feeling to be able to focus on something that combines my love for the game with my passion for style. 

'The boots we created with adidas are bold and unique, and I can't wait to wear them when I step onto the pitch.' 

McCartney added: 'Last year during lockdown, adidas brought Paul and I together which is where this idea was first born. 

'Hearing how passionate he was about fashion and learning how much we had in common really sparked the inspiration for co-creating this iconic boot. 

'One comment that stuck with me was how fashion was part of his personality both on and off the pitch, so it was important for this to shine through in the design.'

PETA director Elisa Allen told Sportsmail: 'PETA supporter Stella McCartney, adidas, and Paul Pogba have scored points for compassion with this elite vegan football boot – which is as kind as it is functional. 

'We hope this latest collaboration will inspire adidas Group to kick all animal leather, whether it comes from cows or kangaroos, out of its collections and stay on the ball by using only cruelty-free, planet-friendly vegan materials.' 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10119703/Manchester-United-Paul-Pogba-wearing-worlds-VEGAN-football-boots.html 

Billie Eilish launches vegan Air Jordan sneakers

From totallyveganbuzz.com

The Grammy-winning singer said creating the Air Jordon designs was an “incredible and surreal experience, especially in a sustainable fashion.”

Billie Eilish has launched two pairs of vegan trainers.

The 19-year-old songwriter created the Air Jordon designs in collaboration with Nike.

The sneakers, which are “100% vegan with over 20% recycled material”, come in two colourways – a neutral beige tone and a bright lime green.

While the beige one is an Air Jordan 15 Retro, the lime green pair is a classic high-top Air Jordan 1 KO and features Eilish’s official logo embroidered on the tongue tab.

Image: @billieeilish / Instagram

Taking to Instagram, she posted two pictures to show-off her sustainable footwear, and wrote: “I am SO excited to finally share my two Air Jordan silhouettes with you!! I’ve always loved @jumpman23 and it was such an incredible and surreal experience getting to create these, especially in a sustainable fashion.”

In a separate video, the Grammy-winning singer described the new styles.

She told Nike that the Air Jordan 15 Retro shoes were her “favourite Jordan since I knew what Jordans were”.

Meanwhile, she loved the lime green high-tops because they are the ‘best shape’, and go “with everything, with pants, with shorts, with dresses, I love the way they make your legs look, I love how they feel”.

According to her, the custom- made, gender neutral shoes allowed the wearer to be “whoever and whatever you want with these, and with any shoe, because that’s your right and that’s something I will always talk about with my shoes.”

The sneakers will launch on 27 September on Eilish’s official merchandise website and will be available to shop on Nike’s SNKRS app from 30 September.

https://www.totallyveganbuzz.com/news/billie-eilish-vegan-air-jordan/

These New Sneakers Made From Ocean Plastic Are 100% Vegan—Even the Glue

From greenqueen.com.hk

ME.LAND, a young footwear label recently unveiled Vivace, a new vegan, and recycled sneaker, that is made using plastic waste collected by the SEAQUAL initiative, a community that is working to help clean our oceans.

France-based ME.LAND was founded in 2018 in an effort to provide consumers responsible sneakers and recently it unveiled its new sneakers with the help of the SEAQUAL initiative, due to which each pair is equivalent to 12 recycled bottles collected from the oceans.

ME.LAND, which stands for singularity, and offers a universe created and supported by artists, designed its latest 100% vegan and PETA-approved collection in Montmartre, Paris. It is being developed by Portuguese craftsmen.

Some of the sneakers’ recycled components include breathable leather, a removable shape memory insole, rubber soles, and SEAQUAL nylon canvas. In addition, it has bio cotton laces and is glued with 100% vegan latex.

The brand exceeded it fundraising targets and is now taking pre-orders.

ME.LAND claims to pay a fair price to their artisans and sources materials nearest to the factory to reduce its carbon footprint.

The launch follows the trend in eco footwear. New york-based Thousand Fell unveiled the world’s first completely recyclable shoe, which is developed from biodegradable, recycled waste, and plant-based materials. The company even offers to take used sneakers, and donate them to underprivileged individuals.

Recently, Swiss clothing behemoth H&M joined forces with Good News to unveil sustainable sneakers made from plant-based materials such as banana and grapes. In Finland, where most coffee per capita is consumed compared to anywhere else in the world, Vietnamese duo Jesse Tran and Son Chu started Rens Original that takes discarded coffee beans and upcycles them into plant-friendly sneakers.

To support the project, you can pre-order the Vivace sneakers here.

https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/vegan-sneakers-ocean-plastic-vivace/

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Vegan Sneakers

From vegnews.com

Kick off your sky-high heels and slip into something a little more comfortable with the help of this guide to the best vegan sneakers

Strappy sandals, platform high heels, knee-high boots … While all of these footwear options are great when a special occasion strikes, none beat the versatility of a good pair of sneakers. Lightweight trainers, trendy chunky kicks, and basic slip-ons all add their very own special touch to an everyday outfit. Whether you’re taking on the city streets for a full day of errands or prepping for a night out with your best pals, you can always trust the staple sneaker to solve your wardrobe dilemma. However, for those seeking vegan-friendly materials, it can be tricky to find a pair sans wasteful and cruel materials like leather, plastic, and animal-based glue. Luckily, as the fashion world slowly turns to a more eco-conscious, animal-friendly approach, there are more options than ever to fuel your (vegan) shopping habits. With the likes of Nike, Adidas, and even Gucci creating veganized versions of their iconic styles, it’s time we put the vegan sneaker on the map. Read on for 15 seriously stylish vegan sneakers fit for any mood or event. 

SAYE Modelo ‘89 Vegan Lima, $160

Using corn leather, bamboo, and recycled thermoplastics recovered from automotive factories, Spanish brand SAYE’s first vegan sneaker is a retro dream come true (it even comes in other pastel colours like blue, yellow, salmon, and lilac). The three-year-old brand is focused on becoming a zero-waste brand while fighting for fair work conditions and fighting deforestation by planting two trees for each sneaker sold. 
Shop here.

AVRE Infinity Glide Shoe, $145

Women-owned AVRE (which stands for Authentic, Versatile, Responsible, and Empowered) is taking eco-friendly to the next level with its stylish sneakers made from recycled water bottles. The Southern California-based brand’s slip-on Infinity Glide is uber-comfortable, durable, and washable, to boot, so your next outdoor hike or all-day mall trip will be a breeze.
Shop here.

CARIUMA IBI Knit, $98

Comfort meets style in these unisex lace-up sneakers from Rio de Janeiro-based CARIUMA. The brand’s quality-over-quantity ethos carries over to this easy-to-wear, machine-washable style made with bamboo, cork, and recycled PET, plastic bottles, and sugarcane. And the company even plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest per shoe sold. Now, if we could only decide on which colour to run around in. 
Shop here.

SeaVees Monterey Sneaker Platform, $110

Founded in the ‘60s and revitalized in the ‘00s by Steven Tiller, SeaVees is responsible for positioning sneakers as an everyday shoe in modern American society (it was primarily for the gym or kids-only option back then). SeaVees now offers a variety of vegan styles including these platform lace-up sneakers in adorable prints such as strawberries or planet Earth. It’s almost too cute to wear … almost!
Shop here.

Soludos Yebo Vegan Sneaker, $139

Celeb-favorite Soludos believes every step matters, which is why the NYC-based brand recently launched its first vegan leather sneaker made with recycled rubber and cork. The comfortable, foam-lined Yebo comes in four classic colours including simple white, sophisticated navy, chic wine, and girly pink options. 
Shop here.

Vans Eco Theory Authentic SF, $70

The classic checkerboard Vans gets an eco-friendly makeover in the iconic skate brand’s new Eco Theory collection. With an emphasis on utilizing responsibly sourced materials, Vans uses organically grown cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, anti-microbial hemp that requires less water to grow, and natural, petroleum-free rubber for soles that maintain the same grip as the brand’s older styles.
Shop here.

Ella & Witt Goodall Sneaker, $210.85

Founders Birgit and Torsten Lasar named German label Ella & Witt after two of the residents at their local animal sanctuary, gander Ella and cow Frau Witt. Ethically produced in Portugal, the vegan Goodall sneaker, created with corn leather, is an Instagrammable dream with its bright colour scheme and chunky exterior. Grab your favourite pair of jeans and a white tee for the ultimate cool-girl fit.
Shop here. 

Lane Eight Trainer AD-1, $110

Founded by brothers James and Josh Shorrock, Lane Eight brings stylish footwear for those who are always on the go. With over 10 different colours including a special-edition Pride tie-dye design, this lightweight trainer features an algae-based foam midsole, recycled knit upper, and vegan microfiber overlay. Cycling class or an outdoor run? You’ll only need this one shoe for all of your active adventures. 
Shop here.

Veja V-12 B-Mesh, $140

After a visit to a fast-fashion factory in China, founders Sebastien Kopp and Francois-Ghislain Morillion knew they wanted to create a brand focused on social responsibility, fair trade, and sustainability. Enter, wildly popular, celebrity-favourite French brand VEJA. Add a pop of colour to any basic outfit with these all-vegan kicks made from Amazonian rubber, rice waste, and recycled plastic bottles.  
Shop here.

Adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost Sandal, $210

Iconic eco-conscious designer Stella McCartney partnered with the German sports apparel company back in 2005 and has since created fun, innovative designs meant to inspire anyone wearing them. Case in point: the Ultraboost (made with recycled plastic materials) is functional yet stylish for all the workout fiends out there. The apparel and shoe brand also carries veganized versions of its popular styles, Samba and Continental 80.
Shop here.

Good News Palm Ombre Tie Dye High-Top, $174

Add a bit of fun to your wardrobe with these platform tie-dye kicks from British footwear brand Good News. This pastel-hued pair is crafted with recycled rubber soles, non-hazardous dyes, hemp canvas, and organic cotton which means it’s good news for the planet. Pair a simple white dress with this chunky shoe for an enviable summer uniform.
Shop here.

Gucci Rhyton Sneaker, $790

Iconic fashion house Gucci is finally getting in on the vegan leather game with the release of its first line of animal-free sneakers. Crafted from Demetra, a leather alternative created from 77 percent plant-based raw materials such as wood pulp and viscose, the Rhyton sneaker has the same supple finish as the brand’s leather styles.   
Shop here.

Reed x Løci Vegan Sneaker, $160

Vegetarian actress Nikki Reed teamed up with sustainable luxury brand Løci to launch a line of four vegan sneakers, which were included in this year’s Oscars nominee gift bags. The breathable low-cut sneaker comes in white, beige, sage, or yellow and is made with 100-percent recycled materials including cork, rubber, and repurposed ocean plastic. 
Shop here. 

KUMI Classic KS Sneaker, $121

Tired of their nine-to-five jobs, co-founders Sergio Carvajal de Con and Alexandra Pardo Gómez del Cerro followed their passions to create sustainable vegan brand KUMI. With an old-school skater-inspired design, these lightweight, anti-slip sneakers come in six different colourways and add a sporty-chic look to every fit. Plus, each pair is made with recycled cork and plastic water bottles for an eco-friendly, breathable feel.
Shop here.

Vessi Everyday Sneakers, $135

With its patented waterproof knit material, Vancouver-based Vessi is putting innovation to the test. This weather-proof vegan sneaker features increased arch support and is perfect to pack on vacation or throw in your car for whatever adventure the day may hold. 
Shop here.

So iLL x On The Roam Yaya Lavender Roamer, $109

Climbing apparel brand So iLL partnered with Aquaman and Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa to design these brightly hued vegan shoes. The low-top, lace-up shoe features an organic cotton upper, rubber outsole, and an insole made by BLOOM Foam, a company that turns harmful algae blooms into sustainable materials. 
Shop here. 

https://vegnews.com/2021/6/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-vegan-sneakers

Nike Launches New Sneaker Range Made From Vegan Pineapple Leather

From plantbasednews.org

The sportswear giant has partnered with acclaimed vegan brand Piñatex for its 'Happy Pineapple' collection

Nike is launching a new sneaker range made from vegan pineapple leather.

The sportswear giant has partnered with acclaimed brand Piñatex – which creates cruelty-free leather from pineapple leaf fibers.

Nike’s vegan pineapple leather sneakers

The new collection, dubbed Happy Pineapple, features five models that are available in several colourways.

This includes Nike’s iconic Air Force 1 and Air Max 90 sneakers –  as well as the Aur Max 95 and Air Zoom Type model.

“This summer has just gotten sweeter,” Piñatex wrote on Instagram.

“Nike merges their innovative silhouettes with juicy hues and clever details paying homage to a summertime staple.

“The pineapple Piñatex has been used on the brand’s iconic models in key parts of the shoe together with other sustainable materials such as cork.”

'This summer has just gotten sweeter' Credit: Instagram

Despite Nike’s increasing commitment to vegan sneakers – the brand has come under fire for using kangaroo leather. 

Earlier this year, Hollywood stars released a short film urging the brand to ditch the exotic skin.

Using reverse sequencing, the film begins with a football player’s boot kicking a ball into a goal.

Then, it chronologically looks back through the retail supply chain and manufacturing process. This shows kangaroos being shot and stripped of their skin in Australian wildlands.

Mark Pearson is an Australian politician. He said: “It’s fantastic to see Hollywood heavyweights getting behind the plight of the kangaroo because they urgently need help.

“A lot of people don’t even know that kangaroo populations are declining; let alone that Australia kills its own national emblem for profit.

He also described the short film as an ‘eye-opener for people all across the world’.

You can purchase the shoes via Nike’s SNKRS app here

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/fashion/nike-launches-new-sneaker-range-made-from-vegan-pineapple-leather/

Adidas launch new vegan-friendly Samba trainers range

From birminghammail.co.uk

Trainers have been made out of 100% vegan-friendly materials

One of the most popular trainers in Adidas history has been given a new, ethically-driven makeover.

While most shoes continue to be made using animal-derived products, Adidas is attempting to lead the way by offering an alternative.

Four varieties of their 'Samba' shoes have joined the growing list of Adidas' vegan-friendly trainers, which also includes Superstars, Continentals, and Stan Smiths.

Adidas is also promoting an end to plastic waste, with other sustainable products available on their website

Animal-free products are one of several 'green' alternatives now available on the Adidas website.

Other categories targeting their environmentally-conscious customers include 'Primeblue', with products made from Parley Ocean Plastic, 'Primegreen' made from high-performance recycled materials, and their 'Better Cotton Initiative' made from sustainable cotton farming.

Earlier this year, Adidas released the ZX 8000 'Superearth' in partnership with "legendary sneakerhead" Sean Wotherspoon.

While the unique patchwork design split opinion, it earmarked a new era for Adidas, who appear eager to position themselves as a trailblazer in sustainable fashionwear.

The Adidas Superearth's are priced at £110 and can be found here.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/adidas-launch-new-vegan-friendly-20522622

Air & Grace launch vegan shoe collection

From veganfoodandliving.com

Prepare for autumn in style with Air & Grace's first ever vegan collection

Who doesn’t love a good pair of well-made, ethical shoes? London based footwear brand Air & Grace is launching its first-ever vegan shoe collection coming this autumn.

Approved by PETA, the collection will be made with materials that have no animal derivatives and that are also responsibly sourced. The shoes are designed using materials that are breathable and durable so they not only look great, but they will also last too.

The range includes five different designs of trainer in Air & Grace’s iconic Cru and Alto styles and two different summer espadrilles styles. Prices start at £99 for the Fiesta Multi Leopard Espadrilles, £149 for the trainers and £179 for the Leopard Print High Tops. This new collection is also made using Air & Grace’s Tender Loving Air® Comfort Technology, made up of three different layers of luxurious vegan memory and recovery foam cushioning and adhesives, ensuring luxurious comfort.

Air & Grace also care about who makes their shoes, choosing to partner with family-run factories in Portugal and Spain. These families have passed their skills from generation to generation, ensuring their shoes are of a high-standard.

Air & Grace founder, Claire Burrows commented, “We designed the new Vegan Collection in response to popular customer demand for animal-free products. With veganism moving heavily into the mainstream, it felt only natural and in keeping with the Air & Grace ethos to provide not only vegans, but all women, with an offering that met consumer needs and combined a unique blend of considered comfort, quality and style – and true to Air & Grace, provided women with shoes that look great, feel great, and stand the test of time.”

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/air-grace-launch-vegan-shoe-collection/

Adidas Now Sells Vegan Versions of Their Classic Shoes

From vegoutmag.com

New kicks, who dis? That long-time sneaker favourite adds a couple newbies to its vegan line-up. Plant-based down to the glue, these revamps of fashion classics include the vegan Samba (with Adidas three-stripe signature down the side) and the vegan Continental (classic white with red stripe detailing). Both designs retail for $80.

These looks add to the company’s “Our Icons Go Vegan” line, first initiated in 2018 in collaboration with Stella McCartney with the creation of a leather-free version of the Stan Smith sneaker. That original Stella Stan Smith has seen an update since its debut, now sporting thick rainbow shoelaces and fun rows of stars down the sides.

Adidas is committed to transitioning toward sustainability, incorporating into their brand more products made from recycled plastic beach waste, utilizing more packaging consisting of recycled materials, and, eventually, launching a fully recyclable running shoe.

Move over all you other kicks! These ‘80s fitness favs are the new plant-based craze! Leg warmers, anyone? Big hair?

https://vegoutmag.com/nationwide/news-article.php?id=331

The Vegan Future of Footwear

From livekindly.co

The launch of Sainsbury’s new vegan shoe range follows Marks & Spencer’s own-brand range featuring 350 styles earlier this year. The high street retailer stepped into vegan footwear following consumer research.

“After increased customer interest in veganism and a rise in online searches for related products, we decided to investigate the possibility of expanding our vegan-friendly offering into footwear and accessories,” said Rachel Smith, senior footwear technologist at Marks & Spencer.

Mainstream fashion brands are also paying attention to the rising demand for vegan shoes. Sustainable designer Stella McCartney has partnered with Adidas a number of times, creating vegan version of the iconic Stan Smith sneaker. Adidas has also worked with environmental charity Parley for Oceans to launch shoes made from reclaimed ocean plastic.

Canadian brand Call It Spring launched a new vegan range earlier this year. Later this month, like Sainsbury’s, the brand will embrace sustainable materials. The new collection will feature microsuede, jersey, and “shearling” lining made from recycled water bottles, insoles made from algae, and vegan leather with a lower carbon footprint than polyurethane, a common material used to make faux leather.

According to a report from retail data and technology company EDITED, shoes represent 73 percent of all new vegan fashion purchases. The study also found a 52 percent increase in new products labelled “vegan” across 40 major retailers.

Love Our Planet Footwear prices range from £35-50 and are available online.

https://www.livekindly.co/vegan-shoes-sainsburys/

Vegan Shoes Just Launched at Sainsbury’s

From livekindly.co

UK retailer Sainsbury's just launched Love Our Planet Footwear, a vegan shoe brand featuring sustainable materials like recycled polyester

Sainsbury’s has launched a range of vegan shoes made from sustainable materials.
The new Love Our Planet Footwear brand featured styles from Chelsea boots to hiking shoes and sneakers. Everything is not only free from fur and leather, but also eco-friendly. All polyester materials used in the collection consist of at least partly recycled polyester. The shoelaces are made from plastic bottles and water-based PU. The outsoles are made from 100 percent TRP (thermoplastic rubber).

Additionally, the boxes are eco-friendly. The packaging is made from recycled paper and features soy-based ink. Love Our Planet is also manufactured under full social and environmental compliance for a fair price.

https://www.livekindly.co/vegan-shoes-sainsburys/