It can be hard to find genuinely vegan running shoes that can withstand the demand of regular training while maintaining performance.
Unfortunately, many popular brands that create running gear miss the mark by using animal-based glues or animal-derived materials. That’s why we’ve made a list of the following brands that are creating 100% high-performance vegan running shoes that will be able to keep up with you.
So, whether you’re looking for vegan trail shoes or road running shoes, let’s dive in.
10 Best Vegan Running Shoes
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1. Brooks Ghost Vegan Running Shoes
Best for: Road running, soft landings
Materials: Recycled plastic
Ships to: Worldwide
A much-loved Brooks running shoe is the Ghost model. The model offers a cushioned sole for soft landings when road running but has less overall arch and alignment support than the Adrenaline model.
If you don’t have pronation or any alignment issues while running, the Ghost model may be a better Brooks option.
One thing we love about Brooks running shoes is that the brand offers half sizes and different width options, making it easier to find a better-fitting shoe.
Highlights
- High heel drop – good for heel strikers
- Good level of support
2. Saucony Endorphin Range
Best for: Fast runs, workouts, everyday running
Materials: 100% vegan materials, recycled material
Ships to: Worldwide
Saucony is another brand popular among amateur and professional runners alike. The brand creates performance shoes for racing, road, and trail running.
What I love about the Endorphin Pros is that along with being vegan, the Pros have speed roll technology, which allows you to take your runs up a gear by helping you run faster.
The whole Saucony Endorphin range is vegan and features four unique styles. If you’re like me and suffer knee pain when running, check out the Endorphin Shift 3 style. The Shift 3 features extra cushioning, which is better if you’re looking to reduce the impact of your strikes.
Highlights
- Great selection of high performance styles
- Great for races and speed running
3. Brooks Adreneline GTS Model
Best for: Road running, extra cushioning, good arch support.
Materials: Recycled plastic
Ships to: Worldwide
As a keen runner myself, I love training in my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 model for my 10km weekly runs (pictured); they’ve been reliable and durable, having performed mile after mile. Plus, the brand has recently released its upgraded 22 model, which features the brand’s GuideRails® technology, which adds knee and hip support by keeping your body aligned.
All Brooks shoes are now 100% vegan, in line with the brand’s eco-policy. A move that we hope more global brands will follow.
Highlights
- Extra stability for improved alignment
- Recycled materials
- High level of cushioning and support
4. On running Cloud 5
Best for: Road running, everyday running, waterproof vegan running shoes
Materials: 30% recycled plastic materials
Ships to: Worldwide
A firm favorite of runners worldwide, On Running’s Cloud 5 is a vegan running shoe built for speed.
The Cloud 5 is On Runnings most popular road running shoe, as it’s perfect for runners of all levels. The shoes feature elastic laces for easy on and off, but they also feature classic laces if you prefer the traditional lace-up option.
All On Running shoes are vegan and are made from a percentage of recycled materials.
Also available to buy at runnersneed.com.
Highlights
- Great for sprinters and racers
- Waterproof options available
- 8mm heel to toe drop
5. Vivobarefoot
Best for: Vegan barefoot running shoes
Materials: Bio-based animal-free materials, recycled materials
Ships to: Worldwide
While Vivobarefoot isn’t a completely vegan brand, they create a range of vegan minimalist running shoes that are perfect if you’re a barefoot runner.
The brand uses bio-based materials like algae and consumer waste recycled materials to create footwear. The brand is also B Corp, awarded to brands that meet high social and environmental production standards and place people and the planet in front of profits.
Highlights
- Vegan barefoot running shoe style
- Certified B Corp
6. Altra Vegan Running Shoes
Best for: Zero-drop running shoes
Materials: Vegan material and some recycled material
Ships to: Worldwide
Altra is a vegan running shoe brand that runners favorite for their wide-toe box styles and range of zero-drop running shoes.
Some reviews, however, have said that in recent years the brand’s newer models are getting narrower in the toe box (after being bought by VF Corporation) and aren’t what they used to be. Despite this, Altra still has a loyal following, but I’d definitely read the reviews of each new style before you chose a style.
Highlights
- Zero-drop running shoes with decent stack height
- Great starter for anyone wanting to progress to barefoot running
7. Hylo Light
Best for: Vegan trainers, vegan workout shoes
Materials: Renewable materials, recycled fabric
Ships to: Worldwide
Officially vegan certified, Hylo’s range of ultralight training shoes are perfect for anyone looking for an everyday pair of vegan workout shoes, that will also look great as a casual shoe.
Hylo Light’s aren’t just lightweight on your feet, the brand has also created them with a carbon footprint over 50% lower than your average pair of running shoes, by using renewable, vegan and recyclable materials.
Reviews from runners say that the Hylo Light’s are a great option if you’re looking for a trainer or everyday shoe, but may not be the most durable if you’re running marathons or training long distance weekly.
Highlights
- Affordable vegan workout shoe option
- Lightweight
8. Hylo RUN
Best for: Vegan trainers, vegan workout shoes
Materials: Renewable materials, recycled fabric
Ships to: Worldwide
Following their popular starter shoe, the Hylo Light, Hylo has released a more durable and robust running shoe built for short to mid-distance runners.
The new RUN model gives good stability, cushioning, and traction, with reviews saying they also perform well on treadmill training sessions.
Highlights
- 9.5mm heel-to-toe drop and 20mm stack height
- More robust and durable than the Hylo Light model
Best Vegan Trail Running Shoes
9. Icebugs
Best for: Winter trail running
Materials: Sustainable materials, bio-based materials
Ships to: Worldwide
If you’re looking for vegan trial shoes that will withstand the demands of cold weather runs, check out Icebugs, a brand specifically designed for cold winter running.
Icebugs engineer their shoes to have improved traction and grip, even in icy conditions. The brand has a smaller selection of gravel running shoes and lighter trail shoes, but they’re the ones to go to for some serious trail running kit.
We reached out to Icebugs, who told us that all their running shoes are vegan. Plus, the brand is climate neutral and a certified B Corp – now that’s what we like to see.
Highlights
- Recycled and sustainable materials
- Durable
- Great grip and traction
- Dynamic studs
10. La Sportiva
Best for: Vegan trail running shoes
Materials: Vegan materials, waterproof membrane
Ships to: Worldwide
Known for being on the slightly narrower side, La Sportiva running shoes are better suited for those looking for a firmer, more rigid shoe for hitting the trails.
Famous for their climbing and hiking shoes, La Sportiva also creates a range of vegan trail running shoes, perfect for technical trails.
La Sportiva running shoes feature a vegan GORE-TEX coating to ensure your feet won’t get soaked from rain, puddles, or streams, but the breathable cell membrane will help dampness leave the shoe – leaving your feet dry and ready to tackle the trail.
La Sportiva trail shoes are on the more expensive side of brands on the list, but their shoes are durable and offer expert traction on uneven surfaces.
Also available to shop at sportsshoes.com.
Highlights
- Sticky and grippy sole
- Snug fit
- Great for scrambling on trails
Vegan Friendly Running Shoes FAQs
Vegan running shoes are performance footwear made specifically for running, but because they’re vegan, they’re made without animal materials.
Some running shoe brands are made with animal-derived glues or animal materials like wool. However, all the footwear featured in this list are free from animal materials.
Saucony Endorphin running shoes, Brooks Adrenaline, Brooks Ghost, Altra, Icebugs, Hylo, and La Sportiva are all vegan friendly.
No, Allbirds aren’t vegan friendly as the brand uses merino wool in its footwear. Alternatives to Allbirds running shoes include On Running, Saucony, Brooks, and Hylo.
Wrapping Up: Vegan Running Shoes
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading through our recommendations, and you’ve now found the perfect pair of running shoes.
Check out our guides on the best vegan hiking shoes and hiking socks to discover more vegan options.
Alternatively, we’ve got lots of great vegan recommendation articles like the best vegan sweaters, vegan sneakers, and more!
