Running Shoes

[estrella]

I just recently became a vegetarian, and I'm desperately trying to transition to being a vegan. My running shoes are shot and I'm going to get a new pair th is week, but I don't know what shoes are vegan-friendly and what not. Are most shoes this way anyway, or do I have to be pretty careful? Also, I'd rather get a good quality running shoe that has an animal-derived product in it than messing up my feet with crappy vegan ones.

[Vegmedic]

You have to be pretty careful. But I think that most new balance running shoes are vegan. At least some of them are. There has got to be a website that would list vegan shoes. I will look for one and post it when I get a chance.

[Michael]

Seems like most running shoes were veg-friendly last time I looked. I certainly didn't feel limited by the number of options. Just go to a good store and tell them what you're looking for, they should be able to help you find a suitable pair.

[Vegmedic]

This is from the vegetarian resource group
http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/leather.htm#athl
ATHLETIC SHOES
There are now leather alternatives in almost every style of athletic shoe. While some companies offer "classic" styles that remain leather-free, like Tretorn and Converse All-Stars; other styles, especially running shoes, change their look (and materials) frequently. For each company below there may be more non-leather styles than included, or the style listed may be made in the future with leather, so always check to make sure that the shoe you are looking for is still animal-free. Besides some of the mail-order catalogs and stores listed above, national chain stores that carry athletic shoes include The Athletes Foot and Foot Locker.

Women's Athletic Shoes


*Adidas: (800) 677-6638 Synthetic sports shoes in a variety of styles. At retail stores the side of the box lists what each part of the shoe is made from -- look for the word synthetic. If you're interested in a specific style, but don't know what it's made of, call for information.
*Asics: (800) 678-9435 Several synthetic shoes; call to find out about a certain shoe.
*Avia: (800) 345-2842 "535 Aerobis" and "254" running shoes are made from recycled synthetic materials.
*Converse: (978) 664-1100 Chuck Taylor All-Stars, high-top and low-top, come in many styles, colors, and fabrics. They also have canvas One Stars.
*Etnies: (949) 460-2020 They have two synthetic lines of skate shoes, Vallely and Cyprus.
*Keds: (800) 680-0966 Canvas oxfords and slip-ons in a variety of colors and patterns.
*Montrail offers a variety of outdoor synthetic shoes. The following models are (good for trail running/light hiking) made from synthetics: Vitesse, Leona Divide, Hurricane Ridge GTX, and Java GTX and The Traverse.
*New Balance: (800) 253-SHOE; All styles of running shoes and the 590 walking shoe are made with leather and/or suede alternatives. Call for a catalog.
*Nike: (800) 344-6453 Leather-free running, basketball, volleyball, golf, cross-training, and cheerleading styles available.
*Payless Shoe Source: (800) 444-7463 Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials.
*Reebok: (800) 843-4444 Several athletic shoes made with synthetic materials. Call to find out what a specific shoe is made of (materials not listed on box).
*Ryka: (888) 834-7952; Specially designed athletic shoes for women. Call to find out which shoes are made from synthetics.
*Saucony: (800) 365-7282 G.R.I.D. Sensation II. Shadow Canvas.
*Tretorn: (800) 525-2852 Canvas tennis-style shoes.
*Vans: (800) 750-VANS Styles include canvas, linen, and flannel oxfords; mules; and Mary Janes. Call for stores in your area that carry Vans.

[goettling]

Ryka, Nike, and Reebok. :tame: Ran with Avia, but wore out fast though.

Love the new Nike commercial with
AC/DC in the background.:smoke:

[Libellula]

i use new balance exclusively.. they're the only brand of shoe that fits my feet well.

[VeggieMath]

I also wear New Balance exclusively. I have contacted them and asked if they sell running shoes in narrow (which I am) that is vegan. They said they use a vegan glue and no leather in their running shoes. I don't know if that was a brush off or not, but interesting none the less. Earth shoes sells vegan running shoes also. I am not too familiar with their shoes, but if you need narrow shoes, they look like good running shoes.

[jenni-anti-fur]

Seems like most running shoes were veg-friendly last time I looked. I certainly didn't feel limited by the number of options. Just go to a good store and tell them what you're looking for, they should be able to help you find a suitable pair.

thats what i do--i research before i buy

peace and love

jenn

[XPhilX]

I also wear New Balance Excusively. Almost all of there running shoes are "cruelty free", except the Grey/Black 992's (White/blue are made of synthetic material). Plus, there shoes are Made in USA, so atleast I don't have children in Asia making my shoes. What's also great about there sneakers is they come in multiple widths. NB's just rock!

[eggplant]

Another vote for New Balance here. Not only are they vegan, but I can get size 5 wides for my fat little feet!

[baomo]

saucony jazz