The NET SUSTAIN Sneaker Edit

Change is afoot in the fast-paced world of fashion sneakers, with great kicks defined by their environmental impact as much as their aesthetics these days. Vegan designs pioneered by the likes of Veja – the French label beloved by virtually every fashion influencer on your Instagram feed – continue to lead the conversation, with its ’70s-inspired ‘Rio Branco’ sneakers providing a fresh update on the understated tennis style. The shoe’s upper is made from alveomesh, an innovative material produced from 100 percent recycled plastic water bottles, while the V logo and soles are made from Amazonian rubber and rice waste, with organic-cotton laces and water-repellent leather and suede paneling.

Taking this vintage-inspired aesthetic even further is New York-based brand Rag & Bone. The label’s ‘Retro Runner’ shoes combine conscious design with clean lines and make the perfect accompaniment to everything from loungewear and maxi dresses to classic denim. Crafted from 100 percent plastic water bottles with leather and suede trims on the upper, the shoe’s outsole contains 18 percent recycled rubber. Featuring similarly noteworthy credentials are Chloé’s colorful ‘Nama’ sneakers – a new signature for the Parisian powerhouse. The upper is made from 100 percent recycled nylon, polyester, and cotton, while the sole is assembled using water-based glue, and contains 20 percent recycled rubber. Both the suede upper and leather lining used in the ‘Nama’ sneakers support sustainable leather manufacturing through the Leather Working Group. This is footwear that is truly one step ahead.

Like other shoes, sneakers – particularly white ones – need maintenance to stay looking fresh. First, treat them with a specialist spray, or Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector, as soon as you unbox them, to protect against stains and help prolong their life. Then, “spot clean, especially white and light-colored sneakers, to retain that bright look,” says Bronwyn Seier at The Seam, an online tailoring and clothing-repair service. Never put leather sneakers in the wash, either – they’re better off being sent to a specialist cleaner (although popping the laces in a quick machine cycle can pep up the overall look). And make sure any repairs, loose stitching or worn soles are addressed quickly. “Often, the upper can be stitched back together, and we regularly take on complete resoling or partial-resoling projects,” says Seier.

When you’re not wearing your sneakers, store them properly – that means away from light and moisture, ideally in a sealed box. But don’t despair if your beloved white sneakers lose their sparkle. “If they can’t be reset to white [through cleaning], there are plenty of options for repainting or dyeing them,” adds Seier.

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