Are notwoways Sneakers Vegan? Here’s What You Need to Know

Since its founding in 2020, London-based footwear label notwoways has become one of the fast-growing brands in the sneaker scene. Aside from blending bold designs with conscious consumer choices, what sets notwoways apart is its commitment to vegan footwear. But some sneakerheads wonder: Are all notwoways sneakers truly vegan-friendly, or are there exceptions? This article breaks down materials, production methods, and tips for identifying vegan pairs.

The Answer?

The straightforward answer is no. Not all notwoways sneakers are vegan, although many are. The brand’s footwear combines synthetic materials and animal-derived components depending on the model. Typically, notwoways integrates synthetic and plant-based alternatives into products but continues to use genuine leather and suede for select, premium releases.

How About the Glue and Ethical Production?

Shoe glue often raises questions for vegan-conscious buyers, as some adhesives historically contained animal collagen. Although notwoways hasn’t publicly specified the exact origin of its glues, it’s highly probable they follow modern industry norms by using synthetic adhesives. This approach is standard practice for most major sneaker brands today.

In terms of ethical production, notwoways emphasizes sustainability and transparency. Their sneakers are manufactured in China at a reputed factory known for high-quality and fair labour standards, suggesting responsible manufacturing conditions. Still, without explicit details, assumptions should remain cautious.

How to Identify Vegan vs Non-Vegan Models

Currently, notwoways doesn’t provide a dedicated “vegan” filter or category on its official website. However, buyers can identify vegan-friendly sneakers by carefully reading individual product descriptions.

• Vegan sneakers usually specify terms like “vegan leather,” “synthetic suede,” or “recycled polyester”.
• Non-vegan sneakers explicitly state terms like “nubuck,” “suede,” “nappa leather,” or simply “leather”.

Always cross-check product details directly. The absence of a vegan designation typically means animal-derived components are involved.

Clarifying Common Misconceptions

Some confusion arises from third-party websites mistakenly labelling notwoways as an entirely vegan brand. While notwoways emphasizes sustainable and responsible practices, the brand openly acknowledges using animal-derived materials in select releases for design and durability purposes. Thus, assuming universal vegan-friendliness across the brand is incorrect.

Which notwoways Silhouettes Are Vegan?

Several verified vegan-friendly models and collaborations include:

• M1 HKE Ultimate (JME collaboration): Features vegan leather uppers and mesh panels.
• Model 1 and Formula (Sakura Collection): Crafted with vegan leather uppers.

These examples are explicitly vegan, confirmed by official announcements and credible sneaker publications. However, the brand has not officially confirmed vegan status for ARW, SYZYGY, APRICITY, or SUBSOLAR across all versions.

Final Verdict:

Notwoways is not exclusively vegan. Many sneakers feature synthetic and vegan-friendly materials, but genuine leather and animal-derived components still appear in certain models. The brand openly acknowledges this mixed approach, focusing on durability and incremental improvements in sustainability rather than promoting a blanket vegan identity.

Consumers seeking vegan sneakers from notwoways should inspect product descriptions, specifically looking for terms like “vegan leather” or synthetic materials. Although the lack of dedicated vegan labelling or filters on their website may cause confusion, clarity in product descriptions ensures informed choices.

As notwoways continues evolving, more explicitly vegan options or entirely vegan collections will likely be introduced. Until then, careful product checks remain essential. Notwoways offers trustworthy options for buyers who value sustainability and cruelty-free practices, provided they carefully verify each model.