Are Nike Air Force 1s Vegan?

With veganism on the rise, a lot more sneakerheads will be looking out for trainers they can add to their rotation without compromising their ethics. It’s worth bearing in mind that as a rule, the Nike AF1 isn’t vegan. Most iterations are made using leather, so it is definitely worth checking the composition on the retailer’s website before buying. However, there are vegan options which use synthetic leather and other natural materials if you look hard enough.

Thankfully, Nike stopped using animal-based products in their glue back in 2015 and switched to being completely synthetic, meaning that as long as you pick a Nike shoe that doesn’t use a leather upper, you’re okay. However, we appreciate that this is difficult when it comes to the coveted AF-1.

With the Oregon-based brand increasing the output of their ‘Move To Zero’ sneakers, which are made using recycled waste products, there has been a rapid influx of kicks that can be used in the battle against leather trainers. For example, the Space Hippie is 100% guaranteed to be vegan every single time, although we appreciate you can't live your whole life in Space Hippies.

Unfortunately, there’s still not a lot available in the sneaker market that qualifies as vegan. A lot of Nike trainers are constructed using leather, especially when it comes to the ever-popular Air Force 1, meaning that if you are living a lifestyle that doesn’t agree with or permit the use of animals for food or clothing, then you might get a little stuck. Luckily for you, we’ve collated a list of Nike Air Force 1s that hit the mark when it comes to being vegan.

Coming in a range of colorways, the Crater Flyknit AF-1 is a winner when it comes to ticking the vegan box. Made from, you guessed it, a Flyknit upper, this is one of the best options for wearing the freshest cruelty-free kicks. The speckled, recycled rubber outsole adds a pop of colour to each sneaker, whilst the Swoosh on these Forces are made with synthetic leather compared to the usual animal leather, meaning there are zero animal products involved.

As well as having a vast range of iterations available, these vegan shoes come in all size ranges, from adults' to pre-school sizes. Similar to the Space Hippie, the Nike Air Force 1 Low Flyknit is made with recycled materials, meaning it is part of Nike's commitment to battle climate change. However, just because it's vegan, doesn't mean you don't get the same perks as everyone else. Equipped with that ultra-reliable Air unit in the midsole, this sneaker is super comfy and will add a sporty-chic look to any outfit.

Again, Nike have added a super fun element to this Air Force 1 design and although not advertised as being a vegan option, the Nike AF-1 Reveal is made with completely synthetic materials. That's right: no leather involved. Plus, it is SO much fun hacking away at your white sneakers to reveal a pretty array of colours underneath. Two pairs for the price of one, amirite?! Once again coming in a range of colourways, this is the perfect option for the arts-and-crafts people amongst us, who also happen to be vegan.

If you fancy splashing the cash, the collaboration between the sickest streetwear brand Stüssy and the Beaverton-based brand was one the the hottest cops last year. The upper of this Air Force 1 is constructed from hemp with an embroidered Swoosh, rather than leather. The Stussy x Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 'Fossil' that released earlier in the year was a huge success, so it was so nice to see Nike use these materials on one of their most popular silhouettes. Don't worry - the inner lining is synthetic leather, so this super-popular crep is completely vegan. Due to the materials used on the upper, there are none of the usual toe box perforations, but they are still comfortable and breathable. We can't decide if we prefer the "Black" or "Fossil Stone"!

The collaboration between NYC vintage store Procell and Nike again used different materials on the upper to avoid leather. Dressed in a tan-coloured muslin fabric, this AF1 is sustainable and vegan! Both smooth and textured muslin is used and with a matching rubber outsole, this is one extremely clean sneaker that has the benefit of being vegan. Unfortunately, this sneaker is not widely available, but you can still cop it from StockX below.

Dressed in canvas, synthetic leather and rubber, this AF-1 is another to add to the vegan hall of fame. A little different in style to other, more conventional Forces, this sneaker sees the addition of a velcro strap around the heel of the trainer, as well as a padded, foam tongue for extra comfort. The canvas allows for enhanced breathability and is excellent in bad weather. It's a win-win!

Specialised Vegan Nike Air Force 1s have been rumoured in the past (find more information about this here), although we are yet to see anything come to fruition. Hopefully at some point in the future, Nike will have a full range of vegan sneaks to choose from, including the iconic AF1.

Other sneakers that are vegan:

Other brands that are committed to making vegan sneakers: