Vegan Running Shoes

[hannahbanana]

Hi all -

I'm a competative runner at the college level, and I've recently been working on going vegan. However, I haven't had any luck finding good vegan running shoes. I've been running for the past 5 years in Mizuno's Wave Creations, and whenever I try and switch to a different model I seem to get injured so I'm kind of worried about changing, and was hoping someone could recommend a good shoe.

Thanks in advance!

[brownieB26]

Can you wear Nike? Not the best people-welfare wise, but all of their higher up shoes contain synthetic leather and man made materials.

[eggplant]

New Balance. They make a number of models that are built for stability and for people who have had injuries. The majority of their models are vegan.

[piratebean]

I second the New Balance suggestion. Their website is very informative about what each sneaker is supposed to do, in terms of whether you're off-trail running, cross-training, etc.

Also, they mention what kind of foot last (foot model) they've used to design each shoe, so if you find a sneaker you like, you can look for other versions with that foot last as well.

You should check to see if you've got a sneaker store in your area that handles orthotics and speciality shoes. You might not need those, but the shoe people at such places tend to be total geniuses about footwear - many of them will watch you walk and/or run in the sneakers you're trying to see how your legs/ankles/feet perform in the sneakers. They also would be able to tell you what other sneakers are like the pair you already own (the non-vegan ones you mentioned in your post.)

These places tend to be independently run stores, not part of chain stores, so check your local phone book for information. Also, I think the New Balance website has a store search that gives you a list of stores in your area, including those stores with trained specialists. Even if you don't end up buying New Balance sneakers, it sounds like such specialists would be really helpful for you in your search.

I think also that a lot of running sneakers are now available in man-made materials, since they tend to be lighter than leather sneakers. I was recently in a sporting goods store, and I saw that most major companies had non-leather sneakers on the shelves. So you should have luck finding something that suits you. Good luck!

[jj1]

Hi all -

I'm a competative runner at the college level, and I've recently been working on going vegan. However, I haven't had any luck finding good vegan running shoes. I've been running for the past 5 years in Mizuno's Wave Creations, and whenever I try and switch to a different model I seem to get injured so I'm kind of worried about changing, and was hoping someone could recommend a good shoe.

Thanks in advance!

For non-leather looking non-canvas veg running shoes

http://www.pearlizumi.com/shop.php?...id=1&sport_id=1

I bought the Push Plus and the syncroFLOAT at http://www.therunnerssoul.net/
in Elmhurst, now called Dick Pond (yep, that's their name)Athletics, a local chain.

They are both excellent for running or walking, won't be confused with leather or cheapo pleather, and look real nice. And I'll for sure buy more Pearl Izumi.

[heabrook]

I recommend Salomon shoes. They have a great variety
of vegan shoes from running to hiking etc. Their performance footwear is made well and it shows. I recently got some Salomon's for christmas and I absolutely love them - I won't wear anything else.


Next plus is most of their stuff is vegan, so you don't have to go hunting to find the vegan models.



PS You can find them at most sports stores, but I recommend REI

[hannahbanana]

Thanks so much - you guys are awesome! I hadn't expected so many quick responses.

I did a little more digging, and it looks like I won't have to change after all - the shoes I run in are made with synthetic leather - sneaky, huh?

But those Salomon shoes look awesome for adventure running, which I'm hoping to switch to after I'm done w/the college running thing.

So again, thanks!

~Hannah

[Libellula]

salomon and new balance.

i've been distance and trail running since 13 (i'm 20 now). i'm in heaven in my New Balance running shoes and SAlomon trail shoes....