Best Vegan Shoe Brands for Men's Sneakers, Boots & Dress Shoes

Want to find stylish men’s footwear that aligns with your vegan values? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for vegan sneakers, boots or dress shoes, you’ll find a wide variety of options to suit all of your lifestyle needs.

A growing number of consumers are looking for shoes that are vegan and sustainably made, because they do not want their footwear to cause animal suffering or environmental damage. Happily, an increasing number of shoe companies are responding to this demand with ethical footwear that is vegan, cruelty-free, and more sustainably manufactured.

Vegan footwear is made without any animal-based materials, such as leather, suede, and wool, and it is cruelty-free. Most vegan shoe brands also tend to prioritize sustainable production processes, such as minimizing textile waste, and the amount of chemicals, water and waste water used in manufacturing, though some companies are further along in these improvements than others.

Once a very niche market, there are now many brands that carry men’s vegan shoes – including sneakers, boots, dress shoes, sandals, and more. Some smaller brands offer exclusively vegan footwear, while several major brands now offer either a few vegan options or an entire vegan collection.

In this article, we will cover the leading vegan shoe brands as well as some “not strictly vegan” brands that offer vegan options.

Many of the vegan shoe brands covered are based in the United States, while others are based in Europe. Several of the European brands sell their shoes on Zappos, which makes it easier for U.S. customers to order and return. Outside of Zappos, some of the European brands do offer free shipping and returns to the U.S., while others do not. You should always check their policies.

What are vegan shoes made of?

Vegan shoes are made with a variety of materials that do not contain any animal products. These include canvas, microfiber, textiles, synthetics, and plant-based materials. Many brands use modern technology to produce sustainable vegan materials that look and feel like real leather but are entirely cruelty-free.

Some common vegan leather materials include:

Piñatex: Cellulose fibers extracted from pineapple leaves and other natural ingredients
Apple skin: Eco-friendly bio-leather made from apple waste
Mushroom leather: Made from a combination of mushroom mycelium and other natural materials
Cork fabric: A sustainable, water-resistant material extracted from the cork oak tree
Palm leather: A vegan leather made from oil palm tree waste
Polyurethane (PU) – Made from polymers derived from petroleum products, which are combined with other materials to create the finished product. While it might be vegan and help recycle some of that pesky plastic, it unfortunately isn’t the most sustainable material.

Keep in mind that some vegan materials, such as PU, aren’t the most environmentally friendly. So if sustainability is a priority for you, be sure to check the materials that your shoes are made from before you make a purchase.

What are the benefits of vegan shoes?

Vegan shoes are better for your heart and soul because you’ll feel happy knowing that no animals were harmed in the production of your shoes. Vegan shoes are better for the environment because the materials used tend to come from more sustainable sources. Some materials are made from renewable sources like bamboo or cork, while other materials are made from recycled sources like recycled plastic bottles and rubber tires. This reduces the amount of waste going into landfills, which is great for the planet. Additionally, vegan shoes tend to be produced with less energy and water during their manufacture than their counterparts. For shoes that are manufactured without harsh chemicals (always good to check), wearers can rest easy knowing there won’t be chemicals absorbed into their skin.

Now, let’s take a look at the best vegan brands for men’s shoes!

100% Vegan Shoe Brands for Men

These brands sell exclusively vegan shoes.

1. Will’s Vegan Store

Offers: Boots, hiking boots, dress shoes, sneakers, sandals
Sizes: Men’s US 7.5 – 14
Price: $$ – $$$
Location: London, UK (with US carbon-neutral shipping and 365-day free returns and exchanges)

Will’s Vegan Store is a popular British vegan shoe store that carries an impressive selection of stylish men’s shoes. They have everything from formal dress shoes to laidback sneakers – all made without animal products or byproducts. Most of their footwear is made from Italian bio-based vegan leather made from cereal crops.

The company has constantly been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability, becoming certified carbon neutral and plastic packaging free back in 2016. Components of their vegan footwear were also replaced with natural and recycled options in 2019. Will’s Vegan Store consistently looks at ways they can make their company more green, so they can conserve our planet.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They invest in nature-based offsetting projects like avoiding deforestation in several South American countries.
Through ReBOUND, you can donate or recycle your Will’s shoes when you’re finished wearing them.
Workers are protected by anti-discrimination laws, agency worker protection, and health and safety law. As well, they get parental leave, maternity leave, equal pay.

Read all about Will’s Vegan Store’s sustainability practices, here.

2. NAE

Offers: Boots, sneakers, sneaker boots, cork shoes, dress shoes, sandals
Sizes: Men’s US 5 – 12
Price: $$ – $$$
Location: Porto, Portugal (but offers free worldwide shipping + easy returns!)

Meet NAE – an eco-friendly footwear brand from Portugal. NAE stands for No Animal Exploitation, and they are on a mission to provide comfortable and stylish Portuguese-inspired footwear that doesn’t harm animals or the environment.

Their shoes are made with natural, recycled, and synthetic materials such as vegan leather, apple skin, corn, and Piñatex. Nae has a wide selection of stylish vegan shoes for men – from casual sneakers to dressy oxfords and loafers.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

All shoes are manufactured in certified and ethical factories locally in Portugal
Every packaging element is 100% recyclable
NAE has a strict ethical code that preserves the integrity of their employees

Find out more about each of the materials NAE uses in their products, here.

3. Thousand Fell

Offers: Sneakers, slip-ons
Sizes: Men’s US 8 – 14
Price: $$ – $$$
Location: New York, NY
Buy on Zappos

Thousand Fell is a vegan shoe brand that specializes in stylish and comfortable sneakers made from sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles, coconut husk, and corn waste. Their shoes are designed to last for years with minimal wear and tear and are fully recyclable once you’re done with them.

Want more bonuses? The stain-proof fabric repels liquid and stains, and your feet get great support with recycled yoga mat insoles.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

Thousand Fell shoes are made in a small family-owned factory in Brazil which helps keep excess inventory low
They partner with organizations like Soles4Souls, which helps provide shoes for those in need
They are a member of 1% For The Planet, which funds projects and non-profits that give back to the environment

Thousand Fell’s mission statement can be found here.

4. Mooshoes

Offers: Boots, dress shoes, loafers, sneakers, sandals, and wider fit shoes
Sizes: Men’s US 6 – 14
Price: $$$
Location: New York, NY

Mooshoes is a vegan shoe store that has been in business since 1996. They offer stylish, ethically produced shoes of all types – from dress and work boots to casual sneakers. Mooshoes also carry wider-fit shoes, perfect for those with wide feet! They famously hold lots of events at their brick-and-mortar locations for the vegan community.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

All their products are 100% animal-free and made with eco-friendly materials such as recycled rubber, cork, and synthetic leather.
They have an extensive collection of shoes from the best vegan shoe brands, like Will’s Vegan Shoes and BEARPAW.
A portion of their profits is donated to animal rights organizations.

Mooshoes has a whole lot of ethics and sustainability practices you can learn about, here.

5. Brave GentleMan

Offers: Boots, sneakers, dress shoes, sandals
Sizes: Men’s US 10 – 15
Price: $$$ – $$$$
Location: New York, NY

Brave GentleMan is a luxury vegan shoe company based in New York City. They offer stylish and sophisticated shoes for men, made with eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic bottles, pineapple leaves, and apple waste. Brave GentleMan also carries an impressive selection of dress shoes that are perfect for the office or special occasions.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They use innovative materials like Piñatex™ (made from pineapple leaf fibers) to craft their classic yet sustainable designs
Their shoes are made in small batches to reduce environmental waste
They partner with organizations like the Rainforest Alliance and the Sea Turtle Restoration Project

Curious to know more about their sustainability practices? Click here to learn more.

6. Keep

Offers: Boots, sneakers, slip-ons, nylon shoes
Sizes: Men’s US 3.5 – 14
Price: $ – $$
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Keep offers stylish, sustainable and cruelty-free shoes for men. Their selection includes classic sneakers and high-top boots, all crafted from eco-friendly materials.

If you’re looking for an affordable yet highly comfortable shoe – Keep shoes might be just the thing. Their custom insole provides extra arch and heel support, and the water and oil resistant upper is easy to clean.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

All shoes are consciously produced in factories audited by third parties who monitor ethical working conditions

7. Native Shoes

Offers: Sneakers, slip-ons, sandals, boots, slides
Sizes: Men’s US 4 – 13
Price: $ – $$
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Buy on Zappos

Native Shoes is a Vancouver-based footwear brand that specializes in vegan shoes for men. The lightweight ‘Apollo’ sneaker has been around since 2009 and is made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic bottles and EVA foam. They also offer a range of casual flats and sandals, perfect for warmer weather.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They use bio-based materials in all their shoes
Their products are fully vegan, having been awarded the PETA Approved Vegan certification
The Native Shoes Remix™ Project recycles their Native Shoes to give them a new life in community projects across the globe

Want to know more about how Native Shoes makes it easy for everyone to Live Lightly™? Check out this link here.

8. MATT & NAT

Offers: Boots, sneakers, loafers, dress shoes
Sizes: Men’s US 7 – 13
Price: $$$
Location: Montreal, Canada

You might have seen the surge of Matt + Nat backpacks in the past few years – but did you know they also make great vegan shoes?

MATT & NAT is an ethical Canadian vegan brand. From classic leather loafers to modern chukka boots and sneakers – they have a wide selection of stylish options for the eco-conscious man. Their vegan shoes are made with high-quality materials such as cork, nylons, recycled plastic bottles, cardboard, and even windshield resins!

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They recycle approximately 21 plastic bottles for every bag they produce
They are looking to become 100% sustainable by 2023.
They are testing fruit skin fibers to use in the manufacturing process

MATT & NAT is all about being kind to the planet and its inhabitants. Click here to learn more about materials and here for info on their ethical transparency.

Shoe Brands that have Vegan Options

The following brands offer one or more vegan shoe options, sometimes a whole vegan line, but they also sell non-vegan shoes.

9. Adidas

Offers: Sneakers, athletic shoes
Sizes: Men’s US 7 – 14
Price: $$
Location: German company, with Adidas America based in Portland, OR.

Big name Adidas might not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about vegan footwear, however, they do in fact offer a number of vegan options. Adidas’ line-up includes vegan shoes for running, cycling, golf, and just getting around town looking sporty.

The vegan version of their iconic Samba shoe uses faux leather, no animal-based materials, and contains recycled content as part of their goal to reduce plastic waste. Read about Adidas’ sustainability efforts here.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

Their goal is to replace virgin polyester with recycled polyester by 2024, and for 90% of their articles to contain a sustainable material by 2025.
Adidas donates 1% of its annual sales revenue to organizations that promote sustainability and social responsibility.

10. Birkenstock

Offers: Sandals, clogs
Sizes: Men’s US 6 – 17.5
Price: $$$
Location: US HQ based in Novato, CA
Buy on Zappos

Birkenstock is a classic shoe brand founded in Germany that has been around since 1774. Today, they offer an impressive selection of vegan shoes for men – including sandals and clogs made with eco-friendly materials such as cork and latex.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They use sustainable materials like jute, cork, and more to craft their vegan shoes
Birkenstocks are designed for comfort, durability and longevity
98% of the adhesives they use are water-based and environmentally-friendly

Learn more about Birkenstock’s commitment to sustainability, here.

11. Dr. Martens

Offers: Boots, lace-up shoes
Sizes: Men’s US 5 – 12
Price: $$$
Location: England, UK
Buy on Zappos

Dr. Martens offers several classic vegan boots and shoes. Dr. Martens’ 101 Vegan boot is a vintage utilitarian work boot you can’t go wrong with. It has all the markings of a classic Dr. Martens shoe, including the grooved edges, yellow welt stitch, and scripted heel loop. Materials used involve no animal byproducts. Dr. Martens also offers vegan Chelsea boots and vegan oxford shoes.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They are looking to have 100% of their footwear made from sustainable materials by 2040.
Their products are designed for durability, so they can last for years with proper care and maintenance
Dr. Martens has constantly set sustainability commitments for the planet, product, and people – read about them here.

12. Rothy’s

Offers: Sneakers, loafers, slip-ons, slippers
Sizes: Men’s US 7 – 16
Price: $$$
Location: San Francisco, California

Rothy’s is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in stylish shoes that are washable and sustainably-made. All of their shoes are vegan with the exception of their Merino Wool collection, which is made with RWS wool (Responsible Wool Standard). Their signature thread is spun from single use plastic bottles. They calculate that it takes about 21 plastic bottles to knit their driving loafer. Their seamless construction provides a unique look and feel as well as 30% less material waste than traditional cut-and-sew methods. From initiatives relating to carbon neutrality to workshop greening, there’s no limit to what the company will do to save the planet.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They use sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles and algae foam to craft their shoes
Their products are designed for longevity and crafted with minimal waste
Rothy’s recycling program allows customers to get credit for recycling their shoes with the company and so the materials can be reused

Want to learn more about Rothy’s sustainability practices? Click here to find out more.

13. Merrell

Offers: Boots, sneakers, sandals, hiking shoes
Sizes: Men’s US 6.5 – 14
Price: $$ – $$$
Location: Rockford, Michigan
Buy on Zappos

Merrell is a popular outdoor brand that has been making shoes since 1981. Their vegan line of men’s shoes includes boots, sneakers, and sandals that are perfect for any adventure. From the classic Moab hiking boot to the sleek and stylish All Out Blaze sneaker – Merrell has something for everyone.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and natural rubber to craft their shoes
By 2025, they strive for all their shoes to be made with recycled, organic, or renewable materials
Their products are designed with sustainability in mind – from recycled packaging to carbon-neutral manufacturing processes.

Read up on some of the causes Merrell supports here, and their sustainability practices here.

14. Teva

Offers:
Sizes: Men’s US 7 – 14
Price: $ – $$
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Buy on Zappos

Teva is a popular brand of casual footwear that provides all-day comfort and style. Teva offers several vegan sandals and shoes. Their signature product is the “Original Universal” sandal which features a unique sole design that provides superior traction on wet surfaces.

The sandal features 100% recycled plastic straps, synthetic and plant-based materials, and a cushioned EVA footbed.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They use recycled PET (plastic bottles) and organic cotton to craft their shoes
Teva’s “Green Toe” collection is made from sustainable materials and designed for minimal environmental impact
They partner with organizations like the Sierra Club, Protect Our Winters and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

15. Toms

Offers: Boots, dress shoes, slip-ons, sneakers, alpargatas
Sizes: Men’s US 7 – 14
Price: $$ – $$$
Location: Los Angeles, California
Buy on Zappos

One of the first popular sustainable shoe brands, Toms is a well-known shoe brand based in Los Angeles. They offer an array of stylish and comfortable casual shoes for men, including vegan options for slip-on sneakers, lace-up boots, and more.

While they’re primarily known for their casual slip-ons, they have a fantastic selection of dress shoes for more formal occasions. All of their products are made with sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles and vegan leather.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

Toms is a certified B Corp, which means they have met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance
They use sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles and vegan leather to craft their shoes
Toms also partners with the One for One program, where every purchase helps provide a pair of new shoes for someone in need.

Curious about Toms’s commitment to giving back? Click here to learn more.

16. Vivobarefoot

Offers: Hiking shoes, sneakers, boots
Sizes: Men’s US 8 – 15
Price: $$$$
Location: London, UK (but offers cheap worldwide shipping + easy returns!)

Vivobarefoot is a UK-based shoe company that offers stylish and sustainable footwear for men, including several vegan options. Setting themselves apart from other footwear brands, they focus on the concept of barefoot footwear for regenerative human health. Their shoes are designed to be as comfortable and durable as possible, while still being lightweight and breathable.

Vivobarefoot carries vegan trainers, trail runners, and work boots that are perfect for athletic activities just walking around town in style.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

Vivobarefoot hosts events such as bushcraft retreats, talks about regenerative design principles, and more
They are a B Corporation – meeting the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance
All materials are sourced from plants, recycled materials, and natural materials like wild hide leather

Read more about their barefoot science here or their materials here.

17. Xero Shoes

Offers: Sandals, sneakers, slip-ons, boots, DIY-option
Sizes: Men’s US 6.5 – 15
Price: $$ – $$$
Location: Colorado
Buy on Zappos

As seen on Shark Tank and National Geographic, Xero Shoes is a Colorado-based company that makes shoes that are beloved for being comfortable and lightweight. Their shoes have a wide toe box, non-elevated heels, and a flexible sole. Xero offers a selection of vegan-friendly shoes that contain no animal products. You can shop for sandals, hiking boots, and casual slip-ons and be confident knowing that your shoe is constructed with vegan-friendly materials.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

Their shoes take less energy to produce as they have fewer components
As opposed to regular shoes that are recommended to be replaced every 200 – 500 miles, Xero has a 5000 mile sole warranty
They use materials that produce environmental benefits such as hemp, coffee carbon fiber, and rPET

Want to learn more about Xero Shoes’ sustainability practices? Click here.

18. Sanuk

Offers: Slippers, flip flops, slip-ons, boat shoes
Sizes: Men’s US 7 – 14
Price: $ – $$
Location: Arizona
Buy on Zappos

Sanuk is a fun shoe company that has a nice selection of unique, comfy, vegan shoes for men. Their vegan sandals, flip flops, and boat shoes are all made from vegan-friendly and recycled materials like responsible cotton and leather, sustainable hemp, and other natural materials. The shoes are designed to be comfortable as well as durable – perfect for outdoor adventures or everyday wear.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They use recycled materials like tires and plastic bottles to craft their shoes
Their products are designed with minimal waste in mind
Sanuk has partnered with the Nature Conservancy to help protect threatened ecosystems and endangered species.

Check out Sanuk’s sustainability journey here.

19. Patara

Offers: Lace-ups, slip-ons
Sizes: Men’s US 8 – 13
Price: $$
Location: Los Angeles, California
Buy on Zappos

Patara is a luxury sustainable shoe company based in Los Angeles. They offer stylish and sophisticated footwear for men crafted with eco-friendly materials like vegetable-tanned leather and natural latex rubber soles.

Their ECO Nomad Lace-Up shoe is perfect for a day in the city or a night out, and comes in five colors: black, brown, gray, marine, and navy.

Cool ethics/sustainability facts:

They are a Certified B Corporation
They use a natural cork and bio-based PU foam footbed
Patara is committed to sustainability and ethical production practices

Republic of Green

All of these brands have helped to transform the vegan shoe market into a stylish and sustainable industry — proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Buying a pair of eco-friendly, cruelty-free shoes is one step in the right direction. If you’re looking to transform your lifestyle and go green Republic of Green is your destination for green events, news, and more! Check out the Sustainable Fashion Brands in our Green Business Directory to discover more businesses that seek to heal the world.

Author
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Nick Saraev

A programmer by trade, Nick is a freelance writer and entrepreneur with a penchant for sustainability and the outdoors. In addition to his professional pursuits across various industries, Nick enjoys hiking and exploring nature whenever he has the chance.