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JOIN NOWAlmost all our running shoes use exclusively vegan materials but the glues don’t necessarily meet Vegan standards. So here is our selection of the best 100% Vegan running shoes.
Neutral / Stability / Low Heel-Drop / Trail Running / Fell Running
Brooks have become the go-to brand for runners who want running shoes they can trust. What sets Brooks apart? Number one in their world is the – not the marketing jingo, not the latest fad, it’s just you! This shows in a range that is complete with shoes to fit any width and any running gait. They are strongest in road running but also have an excellent trail shoe in the Cascadia, one of the few trail shoes to come in a broader width offering too. Brooks have been focussing on their Eco Policy for longer than it's been fashionable and this now includes 100% vegan shoes across their entire range of running shoes. Not all are listed here but every Brooks shoe you find on our site is vegan.
Saucony uses a big proportion of recycled materials in their hi-tech running shoes. They started to produce fully vegan shoes in 2023, and continue to be one of the leading companies with their commitment to sustainability. Now all of their range is 100% vegan (apart from the Blaze TR trail shoe). Saucony trainers are lightweight, thanks to the PWRRUN cushioning and breathable mesh upper.
Arguably the off-road running brands are leading the way on veganism and sustainability. In addition to the above brands, in this section you'll find Inov-8, and La Sportiva trail and fell running shoes. They are not only 100% vegan but also focused on lessening our impact on the planet. In the words of Inov-8’s representative, “ethical considerations are a big part of our global strategy as we look for more ways to reduce our environmental impact as a business and explore how we can contribute to a sustainable society.”
Mizuno is one of the leading brands when it comes to vegan running shoes. Their range of lightweight and ultra-comfortable footwear offer superior cushioning and superior grip, perfect for those who are passionate about running. They are also known for their eco-friendly materials, with all their vegan shoes being made from 100% animal-free and environmentally-friendly components. So, if you want to find a reliable and ethical vegan shoe for running and other vigorous activities, check out Mizuno's range of vegan running shoes today.
Shop Brooks / Shop Inov-8 / Shop La Sportiva / Shop Mizuno / Shop Saucony
Brooks Ghost / Brooks Ghost Max / Brooks Glycerin / Brooks Glycerin Max / Saucony Ride
This highly regarded running shoe is one of our most popular neutral road running shoes. The Brooks Ghost has been redesigned to deliver a balanced and smooth ride – very much like that of the previous model. For all the Ghost lovers out there, don't worry, we're sure you'll enjoy this version just as much! Here are some specs to help you run with confidence.
The latest interation includes Brooks' signature cushioning (DNA LOFT V3), slightly amped with for a lighter, more responsive ride. Segmented crash pad helps to absorb shock and provides a smoother heel to toe transition. Enhanced heel collar and tongue for added comfort and support, reducing the risk of irritation. The midsole also features nitrogen infused, which means softer, comfort underfoot, those tiny air bubbles trapped in between the foam will provide much needed shock absorption with each stride.
Where the original was mega-cush and cradled your feet securely, Ghost Max 2 sports greater flexibility. This harnesses the power of the GlideRoll Rocker to make your stride flow better, feeling easier. This neutral road-running shoe has had a cushioning upgrade with DNA LOFT v3 – added bounce, same excellent shock-absorption. A lower heel-to-toe ratio (6mm) encourages midfoot landing and then a rock through to toe-off, thanks to the Rocker. This improves running posture, avoiding heavy heel-landing impact.
The Glycerin is an excellent running shoe, it takes perfection to another level. If you’re looking for the smoothest of rides with ultimate comfort then this is your shoe. It feels lighter than previous versions, with a combination of DNA Loft and DNA Foam cushioning, to allow very smooth and balanced transition throughout your stride.
Often you have to choose: super soft cushioning that feels a comfy but a little plodding, or firmer cushioning that’s more energised. Now Brooks introduces a new neutral running shoe that combines plush cushioning – 'airy landings' – and an electric toe-off. The DNA Tuned technology features larger cells in the heel which translates to a plusher landing, while smaller cells in the forefoot give a responsive toe-off. So you get the best of both worlds.
This popular neutral road running shoe has had quite the overhaul. It features a new PWRRUN+ midsole that’s going to feel softer and springier, and as this material is also lighter than the old PWRRUN, the shoe is about 20g lighter overall. Ride has always been a reliable, naturally stable nicely cushioned shoe, but it’s now transcended into one that offers a smoother transition through each stride, thanks to the improved midsole material. The smooth ride makes it super easy to use in everyday training.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS / Brooks Glycerin GTS / Brooks Launch GTS / Mizuno Wave Inspire /Saucony Guide
Simply the King / Queen of supportive road running shoes. This shoe continues to out-sell all other supportive running shoes thanks to its effective GuideRails that support and guide your foot, its smooth transitioning from heel to toe, and the DNA Loft V3 (nitrogen infused) cushioning. It comes in 2 widths for women and 3 for men (4E being the widest) and is also available in black which can be a great option for those looking for a supportive shoe to wear day in and day out.
Formerly known as Transcend (and not to be confused with Glycerin without the GTS as that’s a neutral shoe), this is Brooks' deluxe and fully supportive road running shoe. The GuideRails very effectively support and guide your foot through each stride, providing great stability without bulk or a negative effect on smoothness of stride. The cushioning is simply lush! The uppers use luxurious fabrics to ensure your feet feel cocooned in comfort as you hit those training runs.
A new interation from Mizuno's wave series, the Inspire 21 boasts incredible updates this season, and is easily one of our top picks for supportive road-running shoes. It has an improved upper with especially breathable material. The midsole is lightweight and delivers well-balanced support and cushioning. The new Enerzy NXT foam in the bottom layer adds responsiveness for an effortless push-off. Own the streets with this fantastic shoe.
This latest edition of Guide is vegan friendly (unlike its predecessors). The Hollow-Tech support in the midsole is paired with a lightweight PWRRUN midsole. The combination makes this trainer a dream when you're running.
Brooks Cascadia / Saucony Peregrine / La Sportiva Akasha / Saucony Aura TR GTX
The ultimate rugged trail running shoe, the Brooks Cascadia is designed to offer stability, protection and comfort across varied terrains. The 18th iteration is engineered for trail runners seeking adaptability in the outdoor environment. Now with updated midsole cushioning for a lighter and more responsive ride. And speaking on responsive, the superior traction from the Trailtack Rubber offers exceptional grip and control on wet and dry surfaces. With built in Ballistic Rock Shield provides a crucial safety aspect for foot protection on sharp rocks. Undoubtedly durable and reliable trail running shoe.
This trail running shoe is on the lighter side, at 245g for women and 277g for men. The 4mm heel-drop ensures you don’t land too heavily on the heel, but instead engage your midfoot more. This helps when tackling uneven terrain; it keeps you more stable. The PWRRUN midsole is a little softer and more responsive than the previous version. It’s been reformulated, so there’s enough cushioning for those firmer, longer runs, but not so much that you lose all proprioception. A major plus is the new tacky grip outersole, which keeps you upright when the ground gets slippy!
La Sportiva’s shoes are literally made on the mountains – at their factory in the Italian Alps. This family brand has a terrific reputation for making excellent trail and hill shoes in an ethical and people-friendly manner. The Akasha is their popular, well cushioned model that can take you from road to trail (but not too much road, you don’t want to wear the grip down). It’s extremely comfortable and will give you enough grip for muddy trails but not fells. There’s a Trail Rocker system that provides a very smooth roll through and almost makes running easier!
A fully waterproof trail-running shoe that’s also great for walking or hiking. The flexible Gore-Tex® upper is comfortable, breathable and keeps your feet dry, as long as water doesn’t get in over the top of your ankle. With 4.5mm lugs you get decent grip in muddy conditions, and the midsole foam is nicely cushioned.
The Mutant offers more cushioning than the other fell shoes here. This is a great option for someone looking for a shoe that can cope with muddy fells and steep climbs but also protect on flatter, drier trails. The sticky rubber outer sole provides the grip for wet ground, and the lugs are well designed to give you surety on muddy terrain. The uppers have a great fit; the shoe really hugs your foot, which is so reassuring when you’re careering up and down slopes.
An exciting new trail and fell running shoe from Inov-8. We love the MET-CRADLE upper that holds your feet really well over challenging terrain, plus adds to the durability. As the name suggests, this shoe can cope with any amount of mud, thanks to its 8mm deep lugs. The POWERFLOW PRO cushioning is super-light and hits the right balance of cushioning and responsiveness. Your feet are thus protected from long-run fatigue but you still get good proprioception.
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