A new vegan Nike sneaker is coming to select skate shops outside the U.S.
The Nike SB Dunk High “Baroque Brown” features the classic silhouette of Dunks made from vegan leather. The design features a heightened upper made from a rich chocolate brown upper contrasted by verdant green laces. The look is completed with a white midsole as well as an outsole bearing the same earthy green as the laces.
Only select skate shops outside the U.S. will be stocking the vegan sneaker. These include SOUL Sneaker Boutique in Mexico and shops across Europe, which will launch the sneaker next month. A stateside drop has not been announced.
Vegan Sneakers and Sustainability
A recent report from Future Market Insights revealed that the demand for vegan and sustainable shoes is on the rise, and several top brands are aiming to meet consumer interest. Through its Move to Zero initiative, Nike aims to become zero carbon and zero waste, partially through embracing more sustainable materials such as recycled nylon, recycled polyester, and organic cotton.
Nike launched its “Space Hippie” range last year. The range featured four silhouettes made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles, t-shirts, and post-industrial scraps.
John Hoke, Nike’s Chief Design Officer said that the Space Hippie range “is about figuring out how to make the most with the least material, the least energy, and the least carbon.”
Other top sneaker brands such as Adidas are also working toward becoming more sustainable. The brand has made use of materials such as reclaimed ocean plastic. This is seen in its recent activewear collection made in collaboration with British designer Stella McCartney. It also developing vegan leather made from mycelium, the thin, root-like part of mushrooms.
