Material Matters: Plant-Based Sneaker Uppers

There is an increasing number of sneakerheads attempting to combine their personal beliefs with their sneaker addiction. One such crossover is more sustainable consumption by way of opting to buy vegan or plant-based sneakers. But the industry is still grappling with the pros and cons of going down that alternative route. These are some of the plant-based materials being used to make sneaker uppers today, and the challenges the industry faces as a whole in regards to the big S.

Future Challenges

Cultivating plant-based materials for sneaker uppers may be a potential avenue in ensuring the most sustainable and less impactful manufacturing practices, but it’s quite clear some options are still fraught with hidden harm. Some plant-based uppers may be literally just a surface level band-aid solution to an ongoing challenge. The real way to solve this complex issue is finding a material that not only lasts a long time, but will become a catalyst for long-term change. Importantly, many brands seem intent on making meaningful changes, which is a great sign for the future of our planet.

Care about where your shoes come from? Read up on more Material Matters here.