We can learn a lot about a brand through its mission statement. Let’s take Converse, for example: “Converse is empowering today’s daring spirit of youth by celebrating freedom of expression through individuals and their movement(s). Today, youth demand more.”
Among the ways by which youth demand more is social change, veganism, and animal rights activism. They’re re-evaluating the unethical consumerist values that were embedded in them from a young age.
They’re asking: How can I become more mindful of the purchases I make, and what exactly goes into making them? This brings us back to Converse, and to the time people started asking: “Are Converse shoes vegan?”
Are Converse Vegan?
Thankfully, customer service responded to queries about the vegan nature of Converse shoes, saying: “In May 2016, we decided to investigate and were pleased to learn that all our chemicals (rubber, ink, adhesives, etc.) are non-animal. This means that there hasn’t been any specific change in the way our synthetic shoes are made, but rather we can now be sure that our synthetic shoes are non-animal based.”
So, are converse shoes vegan? Well, not precisely, and the fact that they aren’t certified vegan should clue you in. That’s because Converse designs leather shoes along with their synthetic shoes, and so the factory contains animal-by-products.
Nevertheless, it’s fairly easy to tell their leather models from their non-leather models. Typically, the trickiest part of buying vegan shoes is figuring out whether the glue is vegan or not. And it certainly doesn’t help that many brands aren’t transparent about the exact ingredients they use or list several types of adhesives.
With Converse, that isn’t the case, though. Since Converse is clear about using cruelty-free glue (glue free from animal product contamination), it’s that much easier to discern whether a pair of Converse shoes are vegan or not. It all just comes down to whether leather was used in making them or not.
As for our fellow readers with trust issues, you can personally check the official Converse website, Amazon, or other retailers. All information relating to the materials that go into making a Converse model is available for you to access.
On the Converse official website, select your favourite style on their online store and tick the ‘canvas’ option from the left bar menu. Now, you can choose your favourite vegan-friendly pair.
Although Converse shoes aren’t certified vegan, most of them are, in fact, vegan. They’re made from cotton canvas and rubber. Only select styles use animal leather and suede to make their shoe upper or detailing to this day. Examples include the One Star and Fastbreak models.
What matters to you, however, are the vegan models. You’ll find them in both unisex and women’s shoes’ varieties too. And to make things easier, we’re giving you a list of our picks for the best vegan Converse shoes you can buy.
At a Glance
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top – Best Overall
- Converse Jack Purcell Canvas – Runner Up
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox – Best Value
- Converse Street Canvas Mid Top – Best Mid Top
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Slip On – Best For Minimalists
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Low Top – Best For Summer
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox – Best For Kids
The 7 Best Vegan Converse Shoes in 2022
Now that you know what makes a pair of Converse shoes vegan, you can go ahead and order one, but in case you’re still lost, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite vegan Converse shoes for you to check out.
1. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top – Best Overall
You can’t go wrong with THE Chuck Taylor All Star High tops. Like other Chuck Taylor All-Star shoes, it uses non-animal glue, canvas for its outer layer, and rubber sole. Do we even need to explain why this is the best overall? Timeless design, iconic All-Star ankle patch, and more. These unisex lace-up sneakers are a fashion staple that everyone needs to own at least a pair of or a dozen.
Why Should You Buy These Shoes?
These are possibly the most versatile sneakers you can get, and you can style them however you like. As OG basketball shoes, they’re your go-to with sportswear. Of course, you can wear them with pretty much any casual outfit. You can even wear them with a fancy dress if you’re trying to dress it down.
> Read more: Best vegan sneakers.
Even better, the All Star High Top shoes are available in 17 different colours or more. You can go with black, white, or any neutral colour that works with most of your outfits. But if you’re looking for that extra pop of colour, consider a red or an electric purple fit.
Moreover, you don’t need to make any fashion sacrifices with these shoes because they’re comfortable. This is thanks to the orthoLite insole cushioning. The lightweight canvas makes them breathable. And the medial eyelets enhance airflow as well. Their stainless steel enables them to vent heat and moisture.
Last but not least, these shoes are known for their durability. Their rubber soles are vulcanized to make them durable, so you can wear them as often as you like, with no worries.
2. Converse Jack Purcell Canvas – Runner Up
The unisex Jack Purcell Low Top Converse shoes were originally worn and designed by, lo and behold, the world champion Jack Purcell –– pretty self-explanatory. You have Jack’s signature “smile” branding on the toe cap. Similar to the Chuck Taylor All Star, they’re made from canvas and vulcanized rubber- for the sole, with herringbone details.
Why Should You Buy These Shoes?
If there ever was a visual representation of “less is more,” this would be it. These clean-looking fits come in both black and white. They’re the absolute best vegan shoes for a more low-key expression or when you want to look good, but you’re not trying too hard.
These shoes are also the product of the company’s partnership with Nike. You can sense Nike’s touch in their comfort. Though Converse sneakers are generally comfortable, this pair is on a whole other level. The multilayered cushioning and wedge provide extra support and comfort.
These Converse shoes, not unlike others, can be styled in a bunch of different ways. Their simple design allows them to blend perfectly with whatever you’re wearing, but here are a few suggestions: you can wear them with your jogging pants and go for a morning sprint. You can also pair them with some mom jeans for a simple-chic look. And for a trendy look, you’ve got to try them with cuffed pants.
3. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox – Best Value
Though our choice for “best value” has been around for decades, the Chuck Taylor Ox or “Oxford” has only gained its surge of popularity in recent years. And let’s just say it was long overdue. By now, you know the drill: a full canvas upper, genuine vulcanized rubber sole, and star-centred ankle patch.
Why Should You Buy These Shoes?
Since these aren’t the first Chuck Taylor All Star Converse we’re recommending, we thought we’d let the history of how they became this iconic explain what gives them the best value.
Though initially designed for the court, artists, thinkers, rebels, and dreamers incorporated it into their wardrobes, making it a symbol of individuality and self-expression. In short, they made it a “thing,” but they’re not one of those “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” fashion trends. These sneakers are here to stay.
If you want to take it one step further, maybe get it in a daring, glamourous raspberry Pink Red or a Dusk Pink blush Gold. Obviously, you can always buy them in white or black if that’s what you’re looking for, and it certainly matters where you want to wear them to.
Everywhere is almost always the answer to that question, isn’t it? You can wear them on a casual day at work, a bike ride, an outing with friends, a workout at the gym, a walk on the beach, or more.
Needless to say, we wouldn’t be recommending these Converse shoes if they weren’t durable (nor would they be Converse shoes if they weren’t). The secret to their durability lies in the full canvas upper. They’re lightweight and breathable with cushioned insoles too.
4. Converse Street Canvas Mid Top – Best Mid Top
The Converse Men’s Street Canvas Mid Top Sneakers are once again a design released after Nike acquired Converse, which explains the striking textures, but more on that later. They make use of synthetic soles, exposed heel cups, and grid patterning.
Why Should You Buy These Shoes?
When Nike decided to reinvent the sneakers we all know and love, there were a million ways that could’ve gone wrong. Only it didn’t. Nike managed to pay homage to the iconic brand and bring something new to the table at the same time.
This translates to a slightly edgier updated version of the classic Chuck Taylors. It still has all the essential lines of the former design. However, Nike took their creative liberties with textures, materials, and patterns. The result is refreshingly new but still, Converse through and through.
Indeed, this design has a little more going for it than the All Star Canvas high top if the latter is too plain for your liking. And it still remains classy.
Again, these sneakers don’t disappoint when it comes to comfort and durability. That’s because their upper is 100% canvas. The EVA insole is vegan friendly and provides you with all-day cushioning. The padded tongue and collar ensure maximum comfort. Besides, you can slip these on or off quickly, thanks to their inner elastic tongue.
5. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Slip On – Best For Minimalists
Converse really said, “Chuck Taylor, but make it minimalistic,” with this one. The Chuck Taylor All Star Slip-On is a unisex laceless design with a sleek canvas upper and seasonal appeal, with the standard woven tongue label. This is the perfect design for minimalistic and practical people.
Why Should You Buy These Shoes?
You won’t fall for the “hey, your shoes are untied” bit, and you never know when that’ll come in handy. In all seriousness, nothing beats a pair of sneakers that don’t have you tying your shoelaces every 15 minutes. You can quite literally slip them on or off in a second.
These vegan shoes are just all-around practical. The canvas upper is lightweight and durable. The low profile grants it ultimate flexibility.
> Read more: The best vegan minimalist shoes.
They have such a summer vibe too. They’re the kind of Converse sneakers that you can’t wait to wear to the beach or park or even just to hang out by the pool. They’re unlined to give that airy summer comfort.
And they provide coverage and safety that most summer shoes- whether sandals or slippers- just don’t. For all these reasons and more, they’re the best vegan Converse sneakers for warm weather.
Finally, these sneakers are available in three colours. There’s white, black, and navy blue, which makes sense for a pair of minimalistic sneakers. You certainly wouldn’t want them in a pink blush gold that ruins the impact.
6. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Low Top – Best For Summer
Although every Converse so far could be worn by women, the Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline are exclusively women’s shoes. You can trace that in their beautiful feminine cut. They follow the All Star formula of a canvas upper, rubber outsole, and the standard woven tongue logo. What sets them apart is the no-tie design, and we’ll tell you all about that.
Why Should You Buy These Shoes?
The most prominent feature when it comes to these sneakers is their slip-on closure. The elastic collar and fixed laces ensure that your feet rest securely and comfortably in your Converse trainers.
This also entails that you can simply slip them on or off. Just picture yourself back from grocery shopping; you can just take off your Converse shoes hands-free and put away the groceries at the same time, like the multi-tasking queen you are.
Another feature you should know about these shoes is that they’re seasonal. Their design incorporates medial eyelets that enhance airflow, making them breathable and best worn in warm weather.
You can wear them to take your dog on a walk, have a picnic at the park, go to the beach, or go out with friends. You get the gist; these are the best vegan converse shoes for summer activities.
This pair is sold in five colours: black, grey, white, athletic navy, and varsity red. You’ve got the warm colour, the cold colour, and the no-colour to pick and choose from.
Now let’s talk about comfort and durability. In true Chuck Taylor All Star fashion, the vulcanized rubber sole makes these fits comfortable and durable. The canvas upper contributes to their lightness, durability, and flexibility.
Tip: If your size is on the wider side, you might want to size up because your regular size might fit a little too tight.
7. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Ox – Best For Kids
You didn’t think we’d forget your kids, nephews, nieces, or younger siblings, did you? The unisex Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Converse shoes are a rendition of the classic Chuck Taylor All Star, only for kids. Made of canvas and sole. With an All-Star badge and metal eyelets detailing on the inner side, these lace-up sneakers will have kids drooling all over them.
Why Should You Buy These Shoes?
A pivotal point when shopping for children is finding a comfortable, durable pair of shoes. This happens to be the case with these shoes due to their vulcanized rubber sole, so you don’t have to worry about the kid ruining them the first time they try on their sneakers or deciding not to wear them again because they hurt their feet.
Another point to note is colour because no matter how practical a pair of sneakers are, if they aren’t pleasing to look at, they probably won’t see anything past the insides of your shoe cabinets.
This low-cut version is available in bright colours that’ll appeal to children, including blue electric, rose electric, Mediterranean, turquoise, purple cactus flower, and red. They’re also available in blacks, whites, and more.
Tip: If you’re worried about the child staining them, hear this: a clean and damp sponge or cloth can simply remove any light marks on Converse shoes.
Vegan Converse Shoes FAQ
Are Converse Shoes Worth the Money?
They’re 100% worth the investment. They last years, come in various colours, and you can even customize them to suit your taste perfectly! The best part is they go with everything so that you can style them in so many ways.
Are Converse Still in Style in 2022?
Sneakers are just one of those timeless fashion trends, so they still feature heavily this year. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the classic Converse shoes.
Do Converse Shoes Last Long?
It depends on how frequently you wear them. If we’re talking regular use, they’ll last about 1 or 2 years. If your usage is more stretched out, that’ll give you an average of 2 to 3 years.
What Size Do I Wear in Unisex Converse Shoes?
All of the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are in unisex sizing. And for every model, the website states what size that’s for men and women. If you’re a man, a half-size down would probably fit you well. If you’re a woman, go two sizes lower than your standard size, and then order another half size down.
Final Thoughts
This article has addressed the question: Are Converse vegan? Now, buying vegan Converse shoes shouldn’t be too tricky because you only have to consider their material. Although they’re not certified vegan, most Converse shoes are vegan (made of canvas), and only a few are made of leather.
We’ve also recommended some of the best vegan Converse shoes. But in case you forgot, our best overall is Chuck Taylor All-Star High top- a timeless classic. The Chuck Taylor All Star Slip-On is our choice for a more minimalistic style. The best seasonal fit (for summer) is the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Shoreline Low Top. And for the little ones, we recommended you check out the unisex Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Converse shoes.
