7 Best Vegan Running Shoes in 2022

Picking a true vegan running shoe can be really tricky. The market is overloaded with running shoes that are not suitable for vegan runners as countless shoes are made primarily from animal-derived materials.
There are a lot of things to look out for as a vegan runner looking for that perfect fit, which doesn’t involve cruelty to animals. Some brands are labeled as nonleather but they also used glues derived from animal bones or varnishes extracted from beetles.
RunRepeat is here to make it easier for you to find the perfect pair of vegan running shoes. We’ve tested 100+ running shoes and selected our top picks in five categories from best on the road and trail, to budget-friendly and most popular options.
How we test running shoes
Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date and honest reviews on the best running shoes for vegans available on the market today. We get down to the nitty-gritties of each pair of shoes before we select the best among them. A testing lab is set up for our series of comprehensive reviews to closely examine each model to its essential parts.
Here are our guiding principles to achieve our goal:
- We buy all shoes for testing with our own money. This is to make sure we’re totally free from bias and preserve the integrity of our process.
- We cut each shoe into pieces to examine its parts and validate their authenticity. We then weigh and measure 30+ parameters of the shoe, from the materials, used, breathability, cushioning, and many others.
- We test the performance of the shoes in training and racing environments. We have runners run in them for at least 30 or more miles and give us their personal feedback.
- We gather more useful information from experts in vegan shoes and actual users.
To conclude the test, each model is assigned a score from 0 to 100 using our CoreScore system. The top-rated vegan running shoes in five categories are featured on this list.
Best vegan running shoes overall
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 6% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 10% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Glove-like fit
- Perfect lockdown
- Has an elf tab
- Lightweight
- Balanced
- Superb comfort
- Extremely stable
- Large reflective elements
Cons
- Stiff for an everyday trainer
- Not a tempo shoe either
- Break-in period needed
Verdict
Best road vegan running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 2% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Saucony running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- rocks and pushes you forward
- generous cushioning
- super breathable
- supportive fit
- great for halfmarathons
- built for speed AND distance
- feels like a rocket
Cons
- lace bites
Verdict
Best trail vegan running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 23% in trail running shoes
- Top 24% in running shoes for high arches
Pros
- Responsive
- Fast
- Grippy
- Nimble
- Breathable
- Nice lockdown
- Stable
- Good fit
Cons
- Laces are too long
- Tongue is not flexible
Verdict
Best stability vegan running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 20% in road running shoes
- Top 30% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 9% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Super plush
- Balanced ride
- Good grip
- Wide feet friendly
- Removable Ortholite insole
- Lightweight
- Added stability for heel strikers
- Durable
- Breathable
Cons
- Too wide
- Sloppy around turns
Verdict
Best neutral vegan running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 10% in road running shoes
- Top 10% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 24% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Extremely light
- Solid lace lock
- Soft landings
- Springy toe-offs
Cons
- Lacks breathability for summer
- Issues with outsole durability
Verdict
Best value vegan running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 9% in road running shoes
- Top 19% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 3% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Comfy, comfy comfy
- Fits true to size
- Smooth rockered ride
- Great durability
- Grippy outsole
- Lightweight for a daily trainer
- Great lockdown
- Good value at $130
Cons
- Runs warm
- Doesn’t love to go fast
Verdict
Most popular vegan running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 12% in road running shoes
- Top 24% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Next-level comfort
- Great lockdown
- Molds to the feet
- Breathable
- Stable
- Awesome for heel strikers
- Great grip on roads & light trails
- True to size
- 3 widths for men
- 2 widths for women
Cons
- Feels big & heavy
- Pricey
Verdict
What are the most popular vegan running shoes in 2022?
- Hoka One One Bondi 7
- Hoka One One Clifton 8
- Merrell Moab Flight
- Merrell Nova 2
- Hoka One One Mach 4
- Hoka One One Gaviota 3
- Merrell Agility Peak 4
- Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6
- Merrell Rubato
- Topo Athletic Ultraventure Pro
- Hoka One One Zinal
- Hoka One One Challenger 6 ATR
- Hoka One One Challenger 6 ATR GTX
What are the cheapest vegan running shoes in 2022?
- Merrell Rubato - from $65
- Merrell Nova 2 - from $70
- Merrell Moab Flight - from $71
- Hoka One One Mach 4 - from $90
- Merrell Agility Peak 4 - from $100
- Topo Athletic Ultraventure Pro - from $113
- Hoka One One Gaviota 3 - from $128
- Hoka One One Clifton 8 - from $137
- Hoka One One Challenger 6 ATR - from $140
- Hoka One One Bondi 7 - from $149
- Hoka One One Challenger 6 ATR GTX - from $150
- Hoka One One Zinal - from $160
- Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 - from $170