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How to recognize a real vegan and ethical sneaker?
At a time when marketing promises are multiplying, it's becoming essential to know how to distinguish truly vegan and ethical sneakers from products with vague or partially committed messages. Choosing a pair of sneakers that respects animals, humans, and the planet is possible, provided you know what to look for.
Truly cruelty-free materials
Exclude all animal matter
The term vegan isn't just for food. In fashion, it means that neither the finished product nor its components come from animals. So, no more:
animal leather
wool or silk
glue made from fish or bovine derivatives
Instead, innovative and more sustainable alternatives are proposed:
“corn leather”, grape leather, or apple leather , which is soft, breathable, and durable. At Mood Walk, we opted for “corn leather” for our vegan sneakers , a bio-sourced material made from non-food corn waste, made in Italy.
recycled synthetic fibers , such as polyester from plastic bottles
organic cotton or hemp canvases , without aggressive chemical treatment
Certifications as reliable benchmarks
The materials can be verified via recognized labels, which attest to a 100% vegan composition:
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PETA-Approved Vegan : Guarantees the total absence of animal materials
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EVE Vegan : French certification, independent and demanding
These labels are a good way to ensure that the vegan promise is real, and not just a marketing ploy.
Ethical and sustainable manufacturing
A consistent production process
Being vegan isn't enough. A truly ethical sneaker must also respect manufacturing conditions , both on a human and environmental level.
Committed brands choose workshops:
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on a human scale , often family-run, particularly in Portugal, Spain, Italy or France
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respecting European social standards , with fair working conditions
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equipped to reduce their environmental impact , for example by recycling raw material scraps or using green energy
Some brands go further with clear commitments: zero single-use plastic, reduced packaging, carbon offsetting, etc.
At Mood Walk, we have chosen a family workshop in Portugal that respects its artisans and is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.
Transparency as a guarantee of trust
Truly responsible brands explain where, how, and with whom they produce. An ethical sneaker isn't just pretty: it's traceable.
Pay attention to these signs of transparency:
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detailed technical data sheets (composition, place of manufacture)
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testimonies or portraits of artisans
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behind-the-scenes workshop videos
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clear commitments available on the site
Lack of information, vague answers or vague promises should arouse suspicion.
Why transparency is essential today
Understanding what you buy means consuming better
More and more consumers are looking to consume less, but better. They want to understand the real impact of their purchases on the environment and human rights.
Brands that have a truly ethical approach have nothing to hide: on the contrary, they value their production chain and the work of their partners.
This involves:
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honest storytelling
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highlighting the process more than just the product
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educational content on their choices
Environmental and social labels, useful additions
In addition to vegan labels, certain certifications validate a global commitment:
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GRS (Global Recycled Standard) : controlled recycled materials
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OEKO-TEX : absence of harmful substances in textiles
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GOTS : organic cotton and environmentally friendly processes
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BSCI, SA8000, Fair Wear : fair working conditions
Although not all brands are certified (due to the sometimes high cost), those that are reinforce their credibility.
Buy vegan, yes, but not at any price
A consistent approach to the end
Some sneakers carry a vegan label but are produced cheaply and under questionable conditions, often in Asia. Ethics shouldn't stop at materials.
Choose brands that are committed to global responsibility:
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Local or European products
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Respect for workers and their know-how
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Reduced carbon footprint
Portugal, Spain and Italy have become benchmarks in responsible manufacturing, combining artisanal tradition and ecological innovation.
Sneakers that make sense
Recognizing a real vegan and ethical sneaker means finding out about three essential points:
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Materials : Cruelty-free, sustainable, certified
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Manufacturing : humane, transparent and environmentally friendly
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The brand : consistent, committed and honest throughout its production chain
This more conscious consumer choice doesn't sacrifice comfort or style. It's a new way of walking: more aligned, more responsible, and above all, more sustainable. By opting for a pair of Mood Walk vegan sneakers , made in Portugal by skilled and respected artisans from plant-based and recycled materials, you can reconcile design, ethics, and style.
