Being a vegan is not just a decision to not eat animal products, but a lifestyle. Most vegans will try to avoid not just food but other animal products. Knowing that an animal wasn’t hurt provides much relief to the vegan.

In the skating community, getting the best vegan shoes can pose a challenge. Leather and suede are the main materials used in the construction and design of the shoes. The great thing is that there are other synthetic materials such as faux leather that are equally as strong and durable.

When choosing the best vegan skate shoes, you may be bombarded by different models from different manufacturers. To help you make the best decision, we’ve come up with our list of the top 5 best vegan skate shoes.

1. OLUKAI Men’s Nohea Moku Shoes

Product Overview

Talk about a shoe that turns heads, the OLUKAI Men’s Nohea Moku Shoes are a great looking pair of Vegan sneakers. They feature a breathable upper made from canvas. The outsole provides excellent and reliable grip courtesy of the rubber construction.

What’s more is that the shoes are not only breathable, but they feature medial water drainage ports to allow any water to run out.

TheOLUKAI Men’s Nohea Moku Shoes have a lace-up design. However, this is not to say that they are difficult to wear. Thanks to the stretchable laces, you can simply slide the feet right in.

Let’s now consider comfort levels. It features a dual-density anatomical PU footbed as well as polyurethane Gel insert. What’s more, is that it is removable and washable. One drawback is that the shoes may feel a bit wide for people with narrow feet.

2. Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker

Product Overview

If you are in the market for a vegan sneaker that offers great performance and is made to last, then take a look at the Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker. This is a lightweight sneaker with a classic retro design.

The upper is constructed from canvas and the outsole, which is made from pure rubber, provides excellent traction and grip. And if you are wondering about comfort, then take note of the padded tongue.

The Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker will not be left behind as far as great classic design is concerned thanks in part to its contrast stitching. The shoes give off a youthful look but perhaps their greatest feature is that they are super comfortable to wear.

This allows the user to remain standing for extended periods. One main downside with the shoes is that they require breaking in. Once having done that however, they fit snug and comfy.

TheOLUKAI Men’s Nohea Moku Shoes have a lace-up design. However, this is not to say that they are difficult to wear. Thanks to the stretchable laces, you can simply slide the feet right in.

Let’s now consider comfort levels. It features a dual-density anatomical PU footbed as well as polyurethane Gel insert. What’s more, is that it is removable and washable. One drawback is that the shoes may feel a bit wide for people with narrow feet.

3. Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Ultimate 81 Shoes

Product Overview

If you are in the market for a vegan skate shoe that comes in your most favorite color and still offers plenty of performance, then consider the Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Ultimate 81 Shoes. The shoes are made from faux leather with a rubber outsole. They come in a variety of colors from black to red brick to grey.

It is amazing how comfortable these shoes feel. They feature a breathable mesh upper and a lightly padded tongue. They also come with a two-tone EVA midsole that offers great support for the heels.

And for that classic signature look, the Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Ultimate 81 Shoes come with a Tiger lettering at the heel cup.

These shoes are super lightweight which makes them among the best skate shoes that you can find in the market. They have durable construction and will last you a long time. What’s more, is that you can get a perfect fit when you pick the right size shoes for your feet. Unlike most skate shoes, these come with plenty of arch support.

4. Etnies Scout Sneaker

Product Overview

When it comes to finding a shoe that has all the great features that any vegan would love, the Etnies Scout Sneaker seems to hit the nail on the head. It is made from 100% textile. The sole is made from synthetic. Even so, it still manages to provide excellent grip.

Nothing beats a good shoe that can keep your feet cool. The Etnies Scout Sneaker has a breathable upper providing great air circulation. It is also lightweight and with the STI Evolution foam midsole, it is one of the most comfortable vegan shoes.

Don’t let the textile construction fool you. This is a durable and long-lasting shoe. Many people, however, may not enjoy a sneaker with a lace-up design. It is one of the main features with the Etnies Scout Sneaker. That said, you can enjoy happy feet every time you are rocking these cool sneakers.

5. Etnies Jameson 2 Eco Skate Shoe

Product Overview

Do you have a love for conserving the environment and you need shoes that can reflect that about you? The Etnies Jameson 2 Eco Skate Shoe features a recycled rubber outsole and a recycled PU foam insole.

The upper is made from 100% canvas. This is a good-looking shoe that performs well. It provides excellent grip, is lightweight and comfortable to wear. The black on the shoe is deep and will not fade easily.

The canvas upper means that the shoe can be expected to last a good long while. While the shoe lacks arch support, this is not a surprise when dealing with skate shoes.

Unlike some shoes that may be a bit too wide and uncomfortable for people with narrow feet, the Etnies Jameson 2 Eco Skate Shoe fits perfectly.

Something to keep in mind is when walking on snowy terrain, the shoes tend to pick up snow and may be slippery.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a meat-eater or a vegan, with an undying love for skateboarding, the features that make the best skateboarding shoes are the same. First on the list is durability. You want shoes that can handle the rigors and last you a good long while. A good faux leather or canvas upper is ideal. This is something that you will get with the Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker.

Next, you need a good grip to help keep your feet on the skateboard and not lose your footing. This will help keep you safe from falls and resulting injurers. The Etnies Scout Sneaker provides excellent grip and traction.

Of course, if the shoes are breathable, your feet remain dry and comfortable. Some of the best vegan skate shoes feature mesh on the upper for good air circulation. Take a look at the Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Ultimate 81 Shoes with its breathable upper and the faux leather layering.

Comfort in a vegan skate shoe is paramount. You will likely be spending plenty of your time on the shoes. If they are the slightest uncomfortable, this will translate to aching feet by the end of the day. Pick shoes that are comfortable and have an insole. The Etnies Jameson 2 Eco Skate Shoesfeature a recycled PU Foam insole that cushions the feet and leaves you comfortable throughout the day.

A padded tongue will also keep the top part of your feet snug. Check out the Saucony Originals Men’s Jazz Low Pro Vegan Sneaker with its comfortable padded tongue feature.

Also, you want a shoe that fits nicely and snug and are easy to wear. While the shoes on our top 5 best vegan shoe list are great, they all feature a lace-up system that some people may not like. However, that said, the OLUKAI Men’s Nohea Moku Shoes have stretchable laces and are quick and easy to wear. If you are the type of person who likes to get going fast, these shoes can make you think they are lace-free.

Just make sure you rock shoes that also look good when on that skateboard and pick a shoe that is not only durable but one that is visually appealing as well. You can never go wrong with the Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Ultimate 81 Shoes.