The Vegan Curator: In Daddy’s Summer Shoes

Agazi uses low-impact natural materials and innovative technology to move towards “zero impact”. Most models are made using the Strobel method – a technique that results in footwear that is far more flexible, durable, and comfortable than traditionally constructed shoes. This method also optimises material use, significantly reducing production waste, and requires 70–80% less adhesive. Their shoes are crafted by local artisans in Central-Eastern Poland, where over 90% of the team are women.

VFR’s pick: Jacob sneakers (apple leather, corn leather, bamboo fiber, cork)

Regular price: €160,00

Recykers focuses on repurposing post-consumer plastics into sneakers, slippers, and sandals. Using clean, renewable energy, all products are manufactured in Spain through a proximity economy and fair trade. The brand’s materials include recycled polyester for canvas and laces, and its signature “Recykers Fluid” sole, crafted from recycled PET material.

VFR’s pick: Orange Man (recycled cotton, rPET)

Regular price: €49,90

Each of Shoevenir’s models is designed in collaboration with local artists, capturing the essence of a specific place through custom colourways and cork insole illustrations. Made in Portugal, these shoes combine thoughtful design with ethical production, using materials such as 100% recyclable synthetic rubber, vegan suede, vegan leather, recycled cork, and recycled polyester.

VFR’s pick: Porto sandals (recyclable synthetic rubber, vegan suede, vegan leather, recycled cork, and recycled polyester)

Regular price: €109,00

Founded in 2017 by Bernardo Carreira and his grandmother Otília, this remarkable duo spent a year developing the world’s first waterproof hemp shoe – pioneering an entirely new category. Hemp is the world’s most sustainable natural fibre, with anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, as well as a naturally porous structure, making it an ideal material for products requiring enhanced performance.

VFR’s pick: Seeker (hemp)

Regular price: €119,00

Bohema Clothing gained a loyal following as the first brand to manufacture shoes from cactus leather. This particular pair, however, is made from Vegea® – a grape leather created using waste from wine production and bio-based polyurethane. The shoes are produced at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains by a brand that takes pride in being part of a fashion revolution where values like animal welfare, sustainability, recycling, and social responsibility are never sacrificed for profit.

VFR’s pick: Men White sneakers (grape leather)

Regular price: 499,00 PLN

Vesica Piscis designs and manufactures products for a more conscious and circular economy, using recycled and organic cotton, bamboo, cork, rubber, recycled polyester, and thermoplastic polyurethane. The brand draws inspiration from ecosophy – a philosophical approach that recognises the wisdom of nature and advocates for a harmonious relationship between people and the planet – and biomimicry, the science of learning from nature to solve human challenges.

VFR’s pick: Srinivasa sandals (recycled cotton, natural latex, recycled cork, recycled EVA rubber)

Regular price: €44,00

The Rice Society‘s sneakers are made using waste from the European food industry – valuable materials are repurposed and given new life. To minimise waste, low-waste cutting techniques are employed, and even offcuts from the sole production are melted down and reused. Products are made under fair working conditions in Portugal and Spain.

VFR’s pick: Open21 beige/ecru sneakers (corn leather)

Regular price: €159,00

Greet and Mark – both ‘world lovers and sneaker addicts’ – revived Komrads, a historic brand with anti-capitalist roots. Originally created by the Czech Boot Company during Soviet times as a response to the Western shoe revolution, Komrads ceased production in 2009. Today, it’s reborn as a bold eco-rebel brand, with shoes made entirely from reused and recycled materials – a perfect match for its no-waste ethos.

VFR’s pick: OCNS Slip-On (recycled ocean plastic, recycled rubber)

Regular price: €59,00

Thaely, founded by Ashay Bhave, addresses the problem of plastic waste while promoting ethical practices and supporting marginalised communities. Inspired by his mother’s work at a local waste management facility, Ashay developed ThaelyTex – a leather alternative made entirely from discarded plastic bags. Each pair is crafted using ten plastic bags and twelve plastic bottles, with soles made from recycled rubber – a powerful step towards reducing waste and environmental impact.

VFR’s pick: Shadow Black Y2K Pro (recycled plastic and industrial rubber waste)

Regular price: $99,00

A shoe brand operating with ambitious SBTi-approved, science-based targets to reduce its climate impact, Native Shoes leads with its flagship initiative, The Native Shoes Remix™ Project. This recycling programme repurposes well-loved (but no longer needed) shoes into new community projects, such as playground surfaces, furniture, or sound panels. It does not get more circular and community-focused than that!

VFR’s pick: Paolo Wanderfoam™ (Wanderfoam™ + Sugarlite™[sugar cane + EVA])

Regular price: $84.00 CAD