Spring is here, and so are the renewed resolutions to keep fit (hands up if you’ve already forgotten your New Year’s resolutions!).
So, what exactly are vegan running shoes? First and foremost, they contain no animal-derived materials—meaning no leather, no suede, no animal-based adhesives, and no synthetics with animal-derived components. Secondly, a truly ethical vegan shoe brand prioritises recycled and repurposed materials, reducing environmental impact, supporting social welfare and community values, and—most excitingly—actively pursuing new technologies to enhance comfort and athletic performance.
In this week’s edit, we’ve selected five outstanding and innovative pairs of vegan running shoes. After all, vegans always stay ahead of the game, don’t they? You’re all welcome.
Infinite Running (Germany)
Infinite Running specialises in high-performance running shoes, designed to meet the highest standards of veganism, social responsibility, and environmental consciousness—at least as far as a sports footwear brand can. Its soles are made from high-energy polyurethane foam, which is recyclable and requires less energy to produce than conventional ethylene-vinyl acetate.
VFR’s pick: Runzzer Pink
Regular price: €149,99
ID Eight (Italy)
ID.EIGHT is a brand founded by Dong Seon Lee and Giuliana Borzillo, two seasoned footwear industry professionals, that creates trainers using materials derived from food industry waste (such as corn, apple, and grape) alongside recycled materials (plastic and cotton), all with a distinctive 1990s aesthetic. This particular model features a coloured sole with an orange spoiler for both support and comfort, with the antibacterial and anti-odour insole.
VFR’s pick: Samji Bitter Licorice
Regular price: € 189.00
Newton Running (USA)
Newton Running’s patented Action/Reaction™ technology delivers dynamic shock absorption, energy return, enhanced ground feel, a minimal heel-to-toe drop, and lightweight comfort. Newton Running is dedicated to corporate responsibility, demonstrating its commitment through sustainability initiatives and support for numerous charitable organisations, including Soles 4 Souls, Trickle Up, and One World Running.
VFR’s pick: CF1 Carbon Racer
Regular price: $230.00
8000Kicks (Portugal)
Founded by Bernardo Carreira and his grandmother Otilia in 2017, this impressive duo spent an entire year developing the world’s first waterproof hemp shoe—pioneering an entirely new category. Hemp is the world’s most sustainable natural fibre, boasting anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, as well as a naturally porous structure, making it an ideal material for footwear. 8000Kicks running shoes are designed with performance soles featuring a Carbon Speed Board, providing runners with an extra boost in every stride.
VFR’s pick: Hemp Runners in Black and White
Regular price: €145,00
Ccilu (Taiwan)
Ccilu has earned acclaim for its advanced material innovations. The Horizon collection incorporates both CCILUCELL® nanotechnology, which provides exceptional abrasion resistance and shock absorption, and SKIVE-ON® technology, featuring outsoles composed of over 100 individual cubes. This design ensures extreme flexibility for a full, natural range of motion and optimal traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
VFR’s pick: Horizon Saturn Women
Regular price: $74.00
Explore more vegan shoes in our Directory.