Men's vegan trainers: eco PU, organic canvas & repurposed pairs

Choosing men's vegan trainers

Men's vegan trainers are made without leather or suede, using materials such as eco PU, organic cotton canvas and plant-based composites instead, so check each listing for the full list of materials. Look at the upper, the lining and the sole, and pick a style you will wear most days, as that is what makes a pair worthwhile. Ration.L makes almost every pair here, with a smaller range from Komodo. We checked both brands for what goes into their trainers and how they are made.

Everyday vegan trainers from Ration.L

Ration.L makes the R-Kind, its everyday lace-up, in space-themed colours such as Mercury Black, Lunar Rock Grey, Moon White, Mars Rustic, Venus Camel, Neptune Blue, Astra Green, Jupiter Pink and Pluto Putty. Some come in a grained finish that hides scuffs. The lighter colours look fresh with jeans in summer, while black and grey are easier to keep clean through a wet winter. It also makes the R-Hope in organic cotton canvas, the R-Joy slip-on in eco PU and a trainer made from recycled materials.

Repurposed trainers

Ration.L's repurposed trainers are pairs with a small mark or surface imperfection from the factory, sold rather than thrown away. They include Mercury Black, Lunar Rock and Moon White pairs. They suit anyone who wants a good pair at a lower price and does not mind a small cosmetic mark. Komodo makes the Cornwaste eco trainer in white and in white and grey, and a classic organic cotton trainer in navy.

Caring for vegan trainers

Wipe eco PU uppers with a damp cloth and mild soap, and brush canvas once it is dry. Stuff trainers with paper to keep their shape while they dry, and keep them away from radiators, which can crack synthetic uppers. Rotate two pairs if you can, so each pair dries out between wears. If the insoles lift out, replace worn ones rather than the whole pair, which keeps a comfortable pair going for longer. Trainers has more styles, Socks has bamboo socks, Slippers has wool slippers, and Eco swaps for fashion: How to buy less, spend less, and wear better has more ideas.