Top 10 Best Non- Leather Footwear Companies in Europe 2023

Non-leather footwear is a growing market that has gained popularity in recent years due to increasing concerns about animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Non-leather footwear is made from a variety of materials, including synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and polyurethane, as well as natural materials like cork, rubber, and plant-based fibers.

One of the benefits of non-leather footwear is that it is often more affordable than traditional leather footwear, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. In addition, non-leather materials can be more durable than leather and require less maintenance. 

Non-leather footwear can be found in a variety of styles, from classic sneakers and boots to more avant-garde designs featuring bold colors and unexpected materials. Some non-leather footwear brands have even developed their own signature materials, like Veja, which uses wild rubber from the Amazon rainforest in its sneakers. 

Non-leather footwear is also a popular choice for consumers who are looking for more sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional leather footwear. The production of leather can be resource-intensive and often involves harsh chemicals and treatments that can have negative environmental impacts. In addition, the leather industry has been associated with poor labor practices and animal welfare issues.

Overall, non-leather footwear is a growing market that offers consumers a wide range of styles and materials to choose from, as well as more sustainable and ethical options. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impacts of their purchasing decisions, non-leather footwear is likely to continue to gain popularity and become a more mainstream option in the footwear industry. 

Here are the Top 10 Best Non-Leather Footwear Companies in Europe 2023

 

1. Veja: Veja is a French footwear brand that specializes in creating sustainable, eco-friendly sneakers using materials such as organic cotton, wild rubber, and recycled plastic bottles.
2. Novesta: Novesta is a Slovakian footwear brand that produces canvas sneakers using natural materials such as cotton and linen. The brand is known for its classic designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Novesta is a Slovakian footwear brand that produces sneakers and shoes with a focus on sustainability, quality, and comfort. The brand was founded in 1939 and has a long history of producing shoes with natural materials and traditional techniques. 

   One of Novesta’s key materials is natural rubber, which is used for the soles of its sneakers. This rubber is harvested from rubber trees in Southeast Asia, using sustainable methods that do not harm the trees or the environment. Novesta also uses natural materials like cotton, linen, and leather for the uppers of its sneakers.

   In addition to its use of natural materials, Novesta is committed to ethical and responsible production practices. The brand’s sneakers are made in its own factory in Slovakia, which is powered by renewable energy and uses environmentally friendly processes. Novesta also works with suppliers who share its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

   Design-wise, Novesta’s sneakers have a classic and timeless look, with a focus on simplicity and quality. The brand offers a range of styles, from low-top canvas sneakers to high-top leather sneakers, all with the signature Novesta rubber sole.

   Overall, Novesta is a brand that prioritizes sustainability, quality, and comfort in its sneakers. Its use of natural materials and ethical production practices make it a leader in sustainable fashion, while its classic designs ensure that its sneakers are both stylish and timeless.

3. Ethletic: Ethletic is a German footwear brand that produces ethical and sustainable sneakers using Fairtrade organic cotton, FSC-certified natural rubber, and eco-friendly dyes.Ethletic is a German footwear brand that is committed to producing sustainable and ethical sneakers. The brand was founded in 2004 by a group of environmental and social activists who were passionate about creating a more sustainable fashion industry.

   One of the key principles of Ethletic is fair trade production. The brand works with Fairtrade-certified cooperatives in Pakistan and Sri Lanka to produce its sneakers. This means that the workers who produce Ethletic’s shoes are paid fair wages and work in safe and healthy conditions.

   In addition to fair trade production, Ethletic also uses eco-friendly materials in its shoes. The brand’s sneakers are made from organic cotton, which is grown without the use of harmful pesticides or fertilizers. The rubber used in Ethletic’s sneakers is also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which means it comes from sustainable sources.

   Ethletic’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its materials and production practices. The brand also supports environmental and social initiatives, such as reforestation projects in Pakistan and India, and the education of workers’ children in Sri Lanka.

   In terms of design, Ethletic’s sneakers are classic and simple, with a focus on quality and durability. The brand offers a range of colors and styles, from low-top canvas sneakers to high-top leather sneakers.

   Overall, Ethletic is a brand that is dedicated to creating sustainable and ethical sneakers that are both stylish and responsible. The brand’s commitment to fair trade production, eco-friendly materials, and social and environmental initiatives make it a leader in sustainable fashion.

4. EKN: EKN is a German footwear brand that creates sustainable, eco-friendly sneakers using materials such as organic cotton, natural rubber, and vegetable-tanned leather. 
5. NAE: NAE (which stands for “No Animal Exploitation”) is a Portuguese footwear brand that produces vegan shoes using materials such as recycled PET bottles, cork, and pineapple leaves.
6. Good News: Good News is a British footwear brand that produces sustainable sneakers using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled rubber, and recycled PET bottles.
7. Po-Zu: Po-Zu is a British footwear brand that specializes in creating ethical and sustainable shoes using materials such as organic cotton, coconut husks, and natural rubber. The brand also produces a range of vegan shoes.
8. Womsh: Womsh is an Italian footwear brand that creates sustainable sneakers using materials such as eco-friendly leather, recycled plastic bottles, and natural rubber. The brand is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting ethical production practices.Womsh is an Italian sustainable fashion brand founded in 2014 by Silvia Giovanardi. The brand’s mission is to create a more conscious and responsible fashion industry, focusing on transparency, sustainability, and ethical production. The name “Womsh” is derived from the phrase “Walk on my shoes,” which emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in creating a better world.

   One of the key principles of Womsh is sustainability. The brand uses eco-friendly materials such as recycled PET, organic cotton, and natural rubber. The company also works with suppliers who share their values and have eco-friendly practices. By using sustainable materials, Womsh aims to reduce the environmental impact of fashion and create products that are not only stylish but also environmentally friendly.

   Another important aspect of Womsh is ethical production. The brand works with factories in Italy that follow strict labor laws and ensure fair wages and working conditions for their employees. By working with ethical suppliers, Womsh ensures that its products are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially responsible.

   Transparency is also a core value of Womsh. The company provides detailed information about the materials and processes used to create its products. Customers can easily access information about the origin of the materials, the production process, and the working conditions of the people involved in the production. By being transparent, Womsh allows customers to make informed decisions about their purchases and encourages them to be more conscious of the impact of their choices.

   In addition to its focus on sustainability and ethical production, Womsh also places a strong emphasis on design. The brand’s shoes are designed to be both stylish and comfortable, with a modern and minimalist aesthetic. Womsh offers a range of styles, from classic sneakers to more fashion-forward designs, so that customers can find a shoe that fits their personal style.

   Womsh’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production has not gone unnoticed. The brand has received numerous awards and recognition for its efforts to create a more conscious fashion industry. In 2019, Womsh was awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, which recognizes brands that are committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The brand was also recognized by Vogue Italia as one of the top 100 sustainable brands in Italy.

   Overall, Womsh is an inspiring example of a brand that is using fashion as a force for good. By focusing on sustainability, ethical production, and transparency, the brand is creating products that are not only stylish but also environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Womsh shows that it is possible to create a successful fashion brand while still prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet.

9. Komrads:Komrads is a sustainable fashion brand that was founded in 2013 by Belgian entrepreneurs, Vincent Talpaert and Charlotte Dereppe. The brand’s mission is to create fashion that is ethical, environmentally friendly, and innovative. The name “Komrads” is derived from the word “comrade,” which reflects the brand’s values of collaboration and social responsibility.

   One of the key principles of Komrads is sustainability. The brand uses eco-friendly materials such as recycled rubber, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. By using sustainable materials, Komrads aims to reduce the environmental impact of fashion and create products that are not only stylish but also environmentally friendly.

   Another important aspect of Komrads is ethical production. The brand works with factories in Portugal that follow strict labor laws and ensure fair wages and working conditions for their employees. By working with ethical suppliers, Komrads ensures that its products are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially responsible.

   In addition to its focus on sustainability and ethical production, Komrads places a strong emphasis on innovation. The brand is known for its unique and innovative designs, which often feature bold colors and striking patterns. Komrads also uses 3D printing technology to create some of its products, which allows for greater precision and customization.

   Komrads has received numerous awards and recognition for its efforts to create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. The brand was awarded the Good Brand Award in 2020, which recognizes brands that are committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Komrads was also recognized by Vogue Italia as one of the top 100 sustainable brands in Italy.

   Overall, Komrads is an inspiring example of a brand that is using fashion as a force for good. By focusing on sustainability, ethical production, and innovation, the brand is creating products that are not only stylish but also environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Komrads shows that it is possible to create a successful fashion brand while still prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet.

   Komrads is a Belgian footwear brand that produces sustainable sneakers using materials such as recycled rubber, recycled PET bottles, and organic cotton. The brand is committed to creating high-quality, durable shoes that are both ethical and eco-friendly.

10. Filling Pieces: Filling Pieces is a Dutch footwear brand that produces sustainable sneakers using materials such as recycled PET bottles, vegetable-tanned leather, and natural rubber. The brand is known for its innovative designs and commitment to sustainable production practices.  Filling Pieces is a Dutch footwear brand that was founded in 2009 by designer Guillaume Philibert. The brand’s focus is on creating premium quality sneakers with a modern and minimalist aesthetic.

    Filling Pieces’ sneakers are made with high-quality materials, including premium leather and durable rubber soles. The brand’s attention to detail is evident in its signature design elements, such as the laser-cut detailing on its sneakers’ uppers and the embossed logo on the heels.

    One of Filling Pieces’ core values is sustainability, and the brand has made a commitment to using eco-friendly materials and production practices wherever possible. For example, the brand uses recycled rubber in its outsoles and has developed vegan leather made from pineapple fibers.

    In addition to its commitment to sustainability, Filling Pieces is also committed to fair labor practices. The brand works with suppliers who meet its standards for ethical production, and its factories are regularly audited to ensure that workers are treated fairly.

    Filling Pieces’ sneakers are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them a popular choice among fashion-conscious consumers. The brand offers a range of styles, from classic low-top leather sneakers to more avant-garde designs featuring bold colors and unexpected materials.

    Overall, Filling Pieces is a brand that offers premium quality sneakers with a focus on sustainability, ethical production, and modern design. Its commitment to using eco-friendly materials and fair labor practices sets it apart in the crowded sneaker market, and its minimalist aesthetic ensures that its sneakers will remain stylish and relevant for years to come.

Overall, these non-leather footwear companies in Europe are leading the way in sustainable and ethical fashion, using eco-friendly materials and promoting fair production practices. With growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical fashion, these brands are proving that fashion can be both stylish and responsible.