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As more and more consumers turn to vegan sneakers that are respectful of the planet and animals, how can we ensure that these vegan sneakers, in addition to being ethical, are comfortable? This article will guide you through the criteria to analyze to evaluate the comfort of vegan sneakers.
Materials used in making vegan sneakers
The materials chosen to make your vegan sneakers are a key factor in comfort and durability. Here are some materials commonly used to make vegan sneakers and their characteristics.
Organic vegetable polyurethane (PU) from corn or “vegan leather” or “corn leather” for your vegan sneakers
This is the material that Mood Walk has chosen to make its vegan sneakers. In our opinion, it is the best alternative to replace leather for 3 reasons . On an aesthetic level, vegan sneakers made of bio PU can perfectly imitate leather, which is why this material is nicknamed “vegan leather”. Used for the exterior of sneakers, this material provides a feeling of softness and comfort. Finally, a bio PU, if it is well made, is very easy to maintain and clean, which extends the life of your vegan sneakers.
There are now many types of bio PU to make vegan sneakers. At Mood Walk, we have chosen for our vegan sneakers a bio PU made from corn because it contains a very high proportion of organic materials, it comes from Italy and it is a particularly flexible material with an appearance very close to leather. We have tested other bio PU from grapes or apples and we were most convinced by this bio-PU from non-food corn which, in our opinion, has all the qualities expected to make comfortable, durable and aesthetic vegan sneakers.
We also use a bio-PU derived from corn for the lining of our vegan sneakers, this bio-PU comes from Spain and has the advantage of being very absorbent and having the OEKO-TEX label which guarantees its safety, which is very important for a material that can be in direct contact with the skin.
To learn more, please read our article on “vegan leather” as an aesthetic and ethical alternative to leather.
Faux leather from petrochemicals
Another option for making vegan sneakers is to use imitation leather. We do not recommend this choice because it is a polluting and environmentally unfriendly material derived from oil, a non-renewable fossil resource. In addition, this material requires the use of many toxic chemicals. It can be more rigid and therefore less comfortable than the bio-material we have chosen and it tends to age less well. We therefore favor plant materials from cereals or fruits for environmental and comfort reasons.
Natural fibers like linen or cotton for your vegan sneakers
Linen is a lightweight and breathable natural material but it has its drawbacks when used for sneakers. Linen is less resistant to wear compared to the bio-PU we use for our vegan sneakers. Linen is also more sensitive to humidity than the material we have chosen for our vegan sneakers. Linen sneakers can take longer to dry which can generate unpleasant odors and discomfort. Maintaining linen sneakers can also be more complicated, requiring specific precautions to avoid shrinking the sneakers or deformation.
Cotton canvas sneakers are generally less durable than other materials which tends to generate faster wear especially in friction areas and therefore limited durability compared to vegan leather sneakers. Another major drawback is the lack of waterproofing which makes these sneakers less suitable when it rains or in humid environments. Cotton canvas sneakers also offer limited thermal insulation which makes them less suitable in cold weather. Mood Walk vegan sneakers on the other hand can be worn in all seasons. Finally, cotton canvas sneakers often offer less support to the foot compared to vegan leather sneakers made from a more structured material and which will therefore be recommended for people who need arch support.
The outsole of your vegan sneakers
The outsoles of sneakers play a crucial role in the overall comfort of the sneakers. At Mood Walk, we have chosen rubber soles for our eco-friendly sneakers, including 20% recycled rubber because rubber offers good grip on different surfaces and is abrasion resistant . Rubber soles for your vegan sneakers also allow for some flexibility, which makes walking more comfortable.
Beyond the composition of the soles of your vegan sneakers, their design is also very important. We have opted for a sufficiently thick sole for your Mood Walk to guarantee good cushioning, sufficient support and thus guarantee you optimal comfort . The goal is to reduce the impact on your feet and joints when you walk with your Mood Walk sneakers. A thicker sole for your vegan sneakers also offers better support for your arch, which helps prevent fatigue and foot pain. This is especially important for people who have flat feet or high arches.
Thicker soles are also more durable because they have more material to resist wear and tear, which helps extend the life of your vegan sneakers. Finally, choosing thick soles provides better insulation, which improves your comfort in all seasons.
The insole of your vegan sneakers
The choice of the insole is key to ensuring comfort, support and breathability in your vegan sneakers. At Mood Walk, we have designed thick insoles made of recycled foam which gives a cushioned and slippery feeling when you walk in Mood Walk sneakers. You feel like you are bouncing thanks to the lightness and thickness of your insoles. The insole of our vegan sneakers offers excellent cushioning, reduces pressure on contact points and thus reduces fatigue. This recycled foam insole which absorbs shocks is covered with the same bio-PU material made from corn. This material also used for the lining of your Mood Walk benefits from the OEKO-TEX label which guarantees its absence of toxicity, a crucial point for a material that can be in direct contact with your skin. Another strong point of this corn-based material used for our vegan sneakers is its breathability which helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable. It is a material renowned for its absorption power.
As you will have understood, the search for comfort guided the choice of materials and the design of our Mood Walk vegan sneakers . We wanted to reconcile ethics, respect for animals, comfort and aesthetics with sneakers that are good for the planet and those who wear them. This is why we made many prototypes and tested our Mood Walk vegan sneakers for many months by optimizing details in the design and choice of materials to offer you sneakers that are as ethical as they are comfortable .
