New Balance vegan sneakers have gained popularity as the brand accepts new ideas about animal-free footwear options. New Balance stands out as one of the most vegan-friendly sneaker brands that offers many sneakers without animal-derived materials. The era of plant-based sneakers has arrived, and 2023 brings more high-quality options than ever before.

The brand’s impressive variety of vegan shoes exists despite their website’s lack of specific vegan filtering options. New Balance’s vegan sneaker collection has the notable 574 series with neutral colorways that match any style while supporting eco-friendly materials. These vegan shoes don’t deal very well with environmental issues linked to traditional leather production, such as high water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. This piece explores the best vegan New Balance 574 options and other animal-free styles to help consumers identify vegan shoes before purchase.

What makes a New Balance sneaker vegan?

The difference between standard and vegan New Balance sneakers goes beyond what meets the eye. The vegan status of New Balance shoes comes down to their materials and how they’re made.

Animal-free materials used in vegan models

Vegan New Balance shoes feature all-synthetic construction. These shoes use:

• Synthetic leather (often polyurethane-based)
• Mesh fabric for breathable uppers
• EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) for cushioned midsoles
• Cotton for laces and linings
• Plant-based alternatives in newer models

The New Balance vegan 574 collection shows this approach perfectly with stylish animal-free options. The Fresh Foam and FuelCell series also use synthetic materials that perform well without compromising vegan values.

New Balance’s first-ever vegan 990, the Vegan Friendly MADE 990v5, stands out. This model swaps traditional pig suede with premium vegan leather alternatives. A subtle green “V” on the heel marks its plant-based origins.

Common non-vegan components to watch for

Some New Balance sneakers might look vegan but contain hidden animal-derived materials. Smart shoppers should watch out for:

Leather and suede overlays – Classic New Balance designs use these materials to boost durability and style. The 990 series typically includes pig suede overlays, but vegan models replace these with animal-free options.

Hidden adhesives – New Balance’s guidelines mention various glues in their manufacturing process, and some might contain animal products. The company states they “cannot always guarantee that all adhesives used are 100% animal-free unless explicitly stated”.

Interior components – Animal products might lurk in insoles and linings, so check these carefully.

Dyes and finishes – Animal-based colorants exist, though manufacturers use them less nowadays.

Is suede vegan? Understanding material labels

Natural suede comes from animal skin, so it’s never vegan. In spite of that, many vegan New Balance sneakers use synthetic suede that looks and feels like the real thing. The vegan 990v5 uses vegan leather and plastic overlays instead of pigskin suede.

Here’s how to spot truly vegan New Balance shoes:

• Look for “Synthetic Upper” or “All-Man-Made Materials” labels on the shoe tongue or box
• The diamond symbol means non-animal materials
• Stay away from the hide-like symbol that shows genuine leather
• Interwoven laces symbol means textiles, which are usually vegan

New Balance offers several vegan-friendly styles but doesn’t guarantee all shoes are completely animal-free. The company isn’t exclusively vegan, but they keep adding animal-free options that match their famous quality and style.

8 Best Vegan New Balance Styles in 2025

New Balance is expanding its vegan-friendly footwear lineup in 2025 with designs that blend performance, style, and ethical materials. Here are eight standout models that runners and casual wearers looking for animal-free options will love.

1. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080

The Fresh Foam X 1080 packs amazing cushioning without using any animal products. This premium runner comes with a breathable engineered mesh upper and a super-soft Fresh Foam X midsole that’s made with 3% bio-based content. Runners say it’s like “walking on clouds”, which makes it perfect for long runs and recovery days. The shoe’s shock absorption is impressive – 142 SA in the heel and 128 SA in the forefoot. This ultra-plush feel doesn’t compromise stability thanks to its 4/5 torsional rigidity rating.

2. New Balance 574 Vegan Edition

The classic 574 now comes in dedicated vegan versions that don’t use any animal materials. This shoe first hit the market in 1988 and strikes a sweet spot between running performance and everyday wear. The 574 Vegan Edition keeps the beloved classic look but swaps traditional materials for synthetic ones. It’s a must-have for ethical shoppers who want great style.

3. New Balance FuelCell Propel v4

The FuelCell Propel v4 gives you great value with its smart design. A TPU plate sits between layers of FuelCell foam to give you a responsive ride that costs way less than other plated shoes. The shoe has a 31mm/25mm stack height with a 6mm drop and feels best when you’re running at moderate speeds around 6:30 minute per mile. The engineered synthetic mesh upper keeps you comfy while staying vegan-friendly.

4. New Balance Fresh Foam Roav

The Fresh Foam Roav combines style with amazing all-day comfort. Light Fresh Foam cushioning helps prevent tired feet and aches. People can walk over 10 miles without getting blisters or feeling uncomfortable. An Amazon buyer walked 30 miles in three days and said it felt like “walking on clouds” on everything from cobblestones to wet grass. The shoe is easy to clean too – one person’s all-white pair looked brand new after going through the washing machine.

5. New Balance 860v13

The Fresh Foam X 860v13 shines as a stability trainer built with vegan materials. Two different foams in the dual-density midsole work together for comfort and performance, and the medial post helps control pronation. The upper uses at least 50% recycled materials and keeps your foot locked in place. The shoe meets New Balance’s Green Leaf eco-friendly standards, making it great for runners who want both stability and ethical materials.

6. New Balance 327 (vegan alternatives)

The 327’s vegan options keep the retro look that’s made this shoe a hit. Synthetic materials replace suede but look and feel just as good. The unique asymmetrical design and wedge-shaped midsole create a distinctive look that works for both sports and casual wear.

7. New Balance 1906R (vegan-friendly variants)

The 1906R comes in vegan-friendly versions that blend New Balance heritage with modern animal-free materials. Named after the year the brand started, this shoe combines parts from other popular models like the 2002R and 860v2. The open-celled mesh version breathes well, and its hybrid cushioning system pairs ABZORB midsole technology with the Stability Web outsole to keep you comfy all day.

8. New Balance All Coasts 210

The All Coasts 210 is a classic vegan-friendly shoe that takes inspiration from New Balance’s Pro Court line. This casual sneaker uses canvas for its upper, giving it a clean look that fits great. The traditional herringbone vulcanized sole grips well and lasts long. You can get it in different colors, and its timeless look goes with anything – perfect for everyday wear.

How to identify vegan New Balance shoes

A shopper needs attention to detail and specific knowledge to find truly vegan New Balance shoes. People who want animal-free footwear need practical tools that line up with their ethical choices.

Check for ‘All Man-Made Materials’ label

The search for vegan New Balance shoes starts with product labels. New Balance vegan shoes come with clear indicators on their tags. You’ll find “All-Man-Made Materials” or “Synthetic Upper” printed on the inside tongue or along the side of the shoe box. These labels tell you the shoes contain no animal-derived materials. Many New Balance running shoes are cruelty-free today because synthetic materials perform better than animal-based alternatives.

Look for synthetic uppers and linings

Material composition reveals a shoe’s vegan status. The shoe construction needs a full picture that includes:

• Mesh uppers: Commonly used in running shoes like the Fresh Foam line
• Synthetic leather: Found in lifestyle models as an alternative to animal hide
• Cotton laces: Generally vegan-friendly material choices
• EVA midsoles: Standard cushioning material that’s animal-free

Material symbols help you understand better. A diamond-shaped symbol shows synthetic materials, a hide-like symbol means genuine leather, and an interwoven laces symbol indicates textiles. We used synthetics in many performance-focused models for functional reasons rather than ethical ones.

Understand glue and dye usage

Adhesives play a vital role in determining if New Balance shoes are vegan. New Balance’s official guidelines say they use different glues during manufacturing, and some might contain animal products. A shoe with synthetic materials for its upper might not be fully vegan if it uses animal-derived glue.

New Balance states, “We have worked closely with our top adhesive suppliers to ensure that they are not using animal byproducts”. This suggests many models could be vegan-friendly beyond their visible materials.

Use New Balance’s official product filters

New Balance doesn’t make finding vegan options easy on their website. The brand lacks a “vegan” filter in their product navigation. Shoppers need to:

1. Focus on shoes labeled as having “synthetic” construction
2. Ask customer service about specific models
3. Look for explicitly marked “vegan friendly” options like their special Vegan Friendly MADE 990v5

New Balance makes many vegan-friendly options. The company says they “cannot always guarantee that all adhesives used are 100% animal-free unless explicitly stated”. Smart shoppers need to stay vigilant when picking their next pair of vegan New Balance sneakers.

Are vegan New Balance shoes sustainable?

Vegan New Balance shoes offer more than just animal-free products. Today’s consumers want to know the ecological footprint of their footwear while they think over ethical concerns.

Environmental impact of leather vs synthetics

Traditional leather production costs the environment heavily through high water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The leather industry’s £200bn annual worth shows its environmental effects can’t be dismissed as just a meat production byproduct.

Synthetic alternatives bring their own environmental challenges. Most vegan leather comes from either polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC stands out as problematic because “the entire life cycle of this material has a very bad environmental impact”. Both materials come from petroleum-based inputs and might not biodegrade.

Use of recycled and plant-based materials

New Balance has built on this progress by using more sustainable materials in their vegan products. Their preferred midsole material now has bio-based EVA from sugarcane and recycled foam. The Fresh Foam technology in vegan models contains about 3% bio-based materials.

Here are some notable initiatives:

• The 1906R collaboration has uppers, linings, and laces made from 100% recycled polyester
• The 860v13 uses at least 50% recycled materials in its upper construction
• Their Fresh Foam X 1080 uses bio-based content to be more sustainable

Limitations of petroleum-based synthetics

These improvements still face challenges with vegan synthetic materials. Worn-down sneakers release microplastics into waterways and oceans, which can harm aquatic ecosystems. Most vegan shoes can’t be recycled easily because they use mixed materials.

Plant-based alternatives could help eco-conscious consumers. Materials from mushrooms, pineapple fiber, and algae-based foams biodegrade better than petroleum-based synthetics. New Balance has started using bio-based EVA, while other brands have moved closer to fully plant-based construction.

Vegan New Balance shoes eliminate animal exploitation, but their green credentials depend on their material choices and manufacturing processes.

Where to buy and what to expect

You need to know the right places to look and what to expect when buying vegan New Balance shoes. Finding ethical footwear has become more available as shopping options grow.

Official New Balance website and filters

New Balance has several vegan options on their official website, but finding them isn’t easy. The brand doesn’t have a “vegan” filter on their site, which makes it tough to find animal-free options. In spite of that, you’ll find many synthetic options, especially in their Fresh Foam line. Your best bet on the official site is to look for products with “synthetic upper” labels or browse through lifestyle and running categories.

Third-party retailers with vegan filters

Some third-party retailers make it easier to find vegan shoes:

• REI and Zappos have vegan search filters on their websites
• Specialized vegan footwear retailers stock select New Balance models
• Amazon lists detailed material descriptions in product listings

Price comparison with non-vegan models

The prices of vegan New Balance shoes are usually the same as their non-vegan versions. The vegan-friendly 990v5 costs $185, which matches the standard version. Limited European releases might cost more – a reviewer paid €220 (about $195) for a European exclusive model.

Availability by region and model

Product availability changes by a lot between regions. New Balance states that “pricing and product availability may vary by region”. Materials and their sources can differ by location too. It’s best to check with the company before buying, especially if you live outside the US, since production methods could change. You can find most vegan options through New Balance’s official website, their stores, and authorized retailers.

Summing all up

Vegan New Balance sneakers have made their mark in the green footwear market. Today’s conscious consumers can choose from more animal-free options than ever before. These shoes deliver both style and performance, from the iconic 574 series to the cushioned Fresh Foam 1080, with something for everyone.

Finding true vegan options takes some work. New Balance’s website doesn’t have a dedicated vegan filter, so you’ll need to check labels carefully. Look for “All-Man-Made Materials” tags and synthetic uppers. Note that some adhesives might not be 100% animal-free unless clearly stated.

Green practices add another layer to your buying decision. Synthetic alternatives keep animals safe but bring their own environmental challenges. New Balance has taken steps to improve by using recycled and bio-based materials. We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress toward truly sustainable footwear.

Smart shoppers will like that vegan New Balance shoes cost about the same as regular ones. Their availability varies by region, so it’s best to research before buying, especially for international customers.

This transformation to vegan footwear shows how consumer priorities and synthetic materials have evolved. Both runners and casual wearers can now enjoy New Balance’s comfort and style while staying true to their ethics. The growing selection proves that tomorrow’s athletic footwear can be both high-performing and cruelty-free.

Here are some FAQs about the vegan New Balance:

What does vegan mean on shoes?

When shoes are labeled vegan, it means they contain no animal-derived materials like leather, wool, or silk. Vegan New Balance shoes specifically avoid these materials in both their construction and adhesives. This extends to New Balance vegan sneakers being made without any animal byproducts throughout the entire manufacturing process.

Do New Balance use vegan glue?

Many New Balance vegan shoes now use plant-based or synthetic adhesives instead of traditional animal-based glues. While not all New Balance shoes are vegan, their New Balance vegan sneakers collection specifically uses cruelty-free bonding methods. Consumers should look for explicitly labeled New Balance vegan options to ensure vegan glue is used.

Are NB 574 vegan?

The standard NB 574 models typically contain leather and are not vegan, but New Balance has released special New Balance vegan sneakers versions of the 574. These vegan New Balance 574s replace leather with synthetic materials while maintaining the classic look. Check product descriptions carefully for “vegan” labeling when shopping for New Balance vegan shoes.

Does New Balance use animal leather?

New Balance uses genuine leather in many of their classic models, but they also offer New Balance vegan shoes collections without animal leather. Their New Balance vegan sneakers lines substitute leather with synthetic and plant-based materials. The company is expanding its range of vegan New Balance options to meet growing demand for animal-free footwear.

Is vegan leather real or fake?

Vegan leather in New Balance vegan shoes is synthetic, typically made from polyurethane or innovative plant-based materials. While not “real” animal leather, the vegan leather used in New Balance vegan sneakers can offer similar durability and aesthetics. Vegan New Balance options prove that high-performance shoes don’t require animal-derived materials.

Is New Balance cruelty free?

New Balance offers cruelty-free options through their New Balance vegan shoes collections, but not all their products qualify. Their New Balance vegan sneakers are produced without harming animals, using synthetic and plant-based materials. For completely cruelty-free footwear, specifically seek out labeled vegan New Balance models.

Are New Balance real leather?

Many classic New Balance models use real leather, but they also produce New Balance vegan shoes without any animal leather. The New Balance vegan sneakers collection replaces leather with high-quality synthetic alternatives. Vegan New Balance options provide the same comfort and performance without animal-derived materials.

Are vegan shoes made of plastic?

Many vegan New Balance shoes use synthetic materials like polyurethane that are technically plastics, but some incorporate innovative plant-based alternatives. New Balance vegan sneakers may feature materials derived from mushrooms, pineapples, or recycled components. While some vegan New Balance options contain plastics, the industry is developing more sustainable plant-based alternatives.

What are New Balance shoes made out of?

New Balance shoes vary – traditional models use leather and suede, while New Balance vegan shoes feature synthetic fabrics and plant-based materials. Their New Balance vegan sneakers collection might use recycled polyester, rubber, and innovative vegan leather alternatives. Vegan New Balance options demonstrate the brand’s commitment to diverse material choices for different consumer preferences.