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Sustainable Style Guide: Leather vs. Plastic Sneakers

6 min read

Spoiler Alert: I’m Obsessed (But With Good Reason)

I can already hear the heated debates brewing in my inbox… “Leather sneakers? Really? In 2025? Is that even sustainable?” Trust me, I’ve heard it all before. But hey, I started a circular sneaker brand for a reason—and I’m not obsessed without cause.


Here’s the deal: I’ve done the research. And I’ve worn out enough bad sneakers to know we’re stuck in the wrong loop. We’re buying plastic “eco-friendly” sneakers that don’t last, drain our wallets, and fail the planet.


So, buckle up—I’m diving into why leather-based circular sneakers should be a cornerstone of your capsule wardrobe. Let’s talk about saving money, looking sharp, and doing better for the planet—all at the same time. Let’s break it down, shall we?


Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Start with the Shoes

I'll kick off the Leather vs. Plastic Sneakers deep dive with a not so-secret tip to set the stage: every great capsule wardrobe starts with durable, versatile footwear. Think about it—your shoes take the brunt of your daily life. They need to work hard, look good, and hold up over time.


For me, my capsule wardrobe isn’t a marketing gimmick—it’s how I live. I’ve worn some of my pieces for 10+ years. That makes me sound old, but honestly, I’m just the same size I was when I was 13. (Lucky or cursed? You decide.)


The point is: durability is style. It’s why leather sneakers are a cornerstone. Whether you’re pairing them with jeans, a blazer, or even a suit, they elevate every look. Bonus? They age beautifully.

Filip Westerlund holding a pair of circular sneakers to the camera and smiling

Happily obsessed with circular sneakers since 2021! Note on capsule wardrobe: it's been 6 years since I bought that favorite summer shirt - and it was in a thrift store!


Leather Sneakers: Durable, Repairable, Sustainable

1. A By-Product of the Meat Industry

Leather is a by-product of the meat industry. As long as people continue eating beef (which, like it or not, isn’t going anywhere), hides will exist. Without the leather industry, these hides would end up in landfills, taking decades to decompose or being incinerated—releasing harmful emissions. By using leather, we’re upcycling a resource that would otherwise go to waste. (Side note: I do recommend eating less beef for the planet’s sake, but that’s a topic for another blog!)


2. Long-Lasting Durability

Plastic sneakers? Their lifespan averages just 3–12 months (RunRepeat). Circular leather sneakers? Seven years or more if cared for properly. When you buy durable, repairable sneakers, you reduce your footprint—and save money in the long run. Imagine spending €230 on a pair of circular sneakers versus buying €80 plastic ones every year. Over seven years, you’ve saved at least €330 and dramatically reduced waste.


3. Repairability That Keeps Giving

Leather sneakers can be re-soled, reconditioned, and restored. Plastic sneakers? Once they’re worn out, they’re trash. And if you’ve ever tried walking a mile in plastic sneakers, you know they can’t compete with leather’s breathability, comfort, and ability to mold to your feet over time.


4. Breathable, Natural Comfort

Leather is breathable, adapting to your feet while keeping them cool and dry. Plastic sneakers, on the other hand, trap moisture and create friction—leading to cracks and discomfort. Over time, leather becomes more comfortable, while plastic deteriorates.


5. Environmental Impact

Here’s where things get interesting: if we extend the life of clothing (or shoes) by just nine months, we could reduce emissions by 20–30% (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). And switching to leather sneakers? We’d save 50 million kg of CO₂ emissions annually—equivalent to taking 10,000 cars off the road (MIT News).


leather colored in green to make circular sneakers for a sustainable footwear future

Plastic Sneakers: Greenwashed and Disposable

About that... Let’s flip the script and talk about plastic in sneakers now that we've highlighted leather in this "vs." deep dive. Everyone loves the “green” marketing campaigns about vegan leather sneakers, right? Spoiler alert: they’re not sustainable. Here’s why:


  • Most plastic sneakers last only 3–12 months before they crack, tear, or lose shape.

  • A whopping 87% of plastic sneakers end up in landfills—where they sit for centuries, leaching harmful microplastics into the environment.

  • They’re not repairable, and they don’t breathe—causing friction at the heel or toe that leads to faster breakdowns.

  • Sure, vegan sneakers are marketed as “eco-friendly,” but in reality? They’re fueling the fast fashion crisis.


Filip holding a pair of broken vegan sneakers up to the camera for the leather vs. leather sneakers-discussion

About Leather vs. Plastic sneakers.. These are the "eco sneakers" that made me research leather vs. plastic sneakers.


Personal Stories on Leather and Values

I'm obsessed and have been for a while, but writing this blog post naturally made me think about encounters that have stuck in my mind when it comes to the discussion on leather vs. plastic. I picked a few nuanced ones to highlight how there are different approaches and choices being made when it comes to choosing leather or plastic goods for footwear.


The Journalist and Her Balenciaga Boots

I’ll never forget an interview with a journalist who came at me hard about using leather in our circular sneakers. It’s a conversation I’ve had a million times. But what made it interesting was what she was wearing: a gorgeous pair of vintage leather boots (yes, I know them when I see them). And when I pointed that out, she smiled and said:


“These are my grandmother’s Balenciagas. They’re over 70 years old. I’ve had them re-soled twice.”

That conversation really stuck with me. Leather ages well. It’s durable, it develops patina over time, and it can be repaired. Plastic footwear don't stand a chance.


The Vegan Business Associate

I also had a chat with a vegan business associate who, after researching the environmental impact of plastic sneakers, made the switch to leather. She told me:


“It’s about durability and repairability. It’s not just about the material—it’s about circularity.”

That stuck with me too and basically sums it up: leather sneakers can outlast and outperform plastic alternatives in ways that matter for sustainability. For the Leather vs. Plastic Sneakers-deep dive, the references from my career as a sneaker entrepreneur show that the discussion has more depth than just talk about materials - it's about values: circular and vegan.



leather footwear showcased in a pair of leather boots to reference a discussion about leather vs. plastic

And just like that - after I spotted a pair of leather boots on a vegan warrior - The journalist and I ended up becoming friends over the leather vs. plastic discussion


Takeaways: Why Leather Wins Over Plastic

Let’s wrap this up with the key takeaways from this blog:


  • Invest in quality: Leather sneakers last 7–10 years, saving you money and reducing waste.

  • Boost the circular economy: Leather is repairable, recyclable, and designed to be reused (hello, secondhand leather steals and circular living!).

  • Look better: Leather develops character and patina over time. Vegan sneakers don’t stand a chance.

  • Save CO₂: Switching to durable sneakers could save millions of tons of emissions annually.

  • Respect people and the planet: Choose materials that last and reduce landfill waste. Don’t forget the millions of people affected by working in fast fashion industries.

  • Comfort: Locked in a terrible investment of plastic-based vegan sneakers or comfy and green (pun intended) in certified leather? The latter option wins.



Lacing up green circular sneakers from our choice fashion

The pun intended - leather shoes and circular sneakers prove that they win over plastic based vegan leather footwear, in cost efficiency and planetary resources. All green!


Circular Sneakers = The Cornerstone of a Capsule Wardrobe

For all the above reasons, leather shoes and circular sneakers are more than just footwear—they’re the cornerstone of a wardrobe built for longevity, style, and sustainability. Think about it: they seamlessly transition from casual coffee runs to boardroom meetings, and they’ve even been known to turn heads at weddings.


Investing in quality means fewer replacements, less waste, and a greener planet. It’s not just about looking good (though, let’s be real, that’s a bonus); it’s about choosing timeless pieces that work as hard as you do. Circular sneakers are a small step toward building a wardrobe—and a lifestyle—that’s as stylish as it is sustainable.

a pair of circular sneakers - white leather being laced up in a Portuguese factory

To tie this deep dive up for now —like lacing up another pair of circular leather sneakers in our Portuguese factory—I'm sure that the leather vs. plastic sneakers-discussion will continue, and I look forward to it!


Leather vs. Plastic Sneakers: Now What?

Okay, I know what you're thinking: "But what about vegan sneakers? What about plant-based leather?" Let’s talk. Challenge me! Whether you’re team leather, team plastic, or team undecided, I’m here for the debate on Leather vs. Plastic Sneakers. Drop a comment or send me an email - it's a conversation worth having if you consider the approximately 25 billion shoes (Statista, 2024) being produced annually.


Yours truly,

Filip Westerlund

Sneaker obsessed since 2021 (maybe just like you?)

Founder of OUR CHOICE Circular Fashion


Headshot of Filip Westerlund signing off the blog on leather vs. plastic sneakers for OUR CHOICE


References


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  • Are OUR CHOICE leather shoes vegan?
    Our shoes are not vegan. We use vegetable-tanned leather sourced as a byproduct of the farming industry, allowing us to produce high-quality, plastic-free leather shoes. We are continually researching sustainable alternatives to further minimize our impact.
  • Does OUR CHOICE contribute to ocean cleanups?
    Yes, OUR CHOICE partners with Empower for ocean cleanup efforts. Learn more about their work at empower.eco.
  • How is OUR CHOICE and your sustainable shoes part of the circular economy?
    Our products are designed for circularity, meaning that they are made to last, be repaired, and eventually recycled, reducing landfill waste. We use on-demand production with natural, recyclable materials to further reduce emissions.
  • What happens to leftover materials from the production of my sustainable shoes?
    All leftover materials are recycled or reused, supporting our zero-waste commitment.
  • How is the OUR CHOICE production process sustainable and ethical?
    Our sustainable shoes are handmade in Portugal in ethical factories that comply with EU labor laws. We use a zero-waste approach with natural materials, focusing on low emissions and fair working conditions.
  • Why doesn’t OUR CHOICE use recycled plastic in sustainable shoes?
    We believe that sustainability means avoiding all plastics, even recycled. Using 100% plastic-free materials in our sustainable shoes reduces CO2 emissions, prevents microplastics, and aligns with our mission to protect the planet.
  • How long can I expect my sustainable shoes to last?
    Our sustainable sneakers and leather shoes are designed to last a decade or more with proper care, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and circular fashion. The estimated life requires re-soling over the years as well as sufficient use of shoe care products.
  • Is the OUR CHOICE packaging also sustainable?
    Yes, we ship our leather shoes in reusable eco-bags. The bags can be repurposed or used when returning shoes for upgrades, helping reduce waste.
  • Where are the OUR CHOICE sustainable shoes produced?
    Our leather shoes are designed in Europe and made in Portugal in ethical factories with fair labor practices.
  • Why doesn’t OUR CHOICE use recycled leather for sustainable shoes?
    To ensure high quality, we avoid recycled leather due to challenges in controlling material sourcing and tanning processes. OUR CHOICE uses only certified materials for our sustainable shoes, ensuring quality and transparency.
  • How does the OUR CHOICE repair service work?
    Our upgrading service includes re-soling, fresh insoles, waxed laces, and a polish to refresh your leather shoes. E-mail us directly to find out more: support@ourchoice.eco.
  • Is the shipping for of my OUR CHOICE leather shoes CO2-neutral?
    Yes, our logistics partners offset all CO2 emissions related to shipping.
  • 3. How do circular sneakers reduce waste?
    By designing for longevity - for example, using leather that would otherwise be discarded as a by-product of the meat industry and by offering repair services to extend the life of each pair.
  • Why does OUR CHOICE use leather for sustainable shoes?
    Leather allows us to create durable, repairable shoes that last. Unlike some vegan leathers coated with plastic, our Italian leather is 100% recyclable and enables us to design sustainable shoes that support the circular economy by reducing waste.
  • What materials are used in OUR CHOICE sustainable shoes?
    Our sustainable shoes are made from plastic-free, top-grain Italian vegetable-tanned leather. The leather is ISO 14001 certified, our insoles are crafted from natural fibers and latex, outsoles from 100% natural rubber, and laces from eco-cotton. Every part of our leather shoes is designed with sustainability in mind.
  • How does OUR CHOICE make sustainable shoes affordable?
    By overseeing every stage of production, OUR CHOICE eliminates unnecessary middlemen costs. This lets us invest in high-quality, sustainable materials for our leather shoes while keeping prices accessible.
  • How do OUR CHOICE sustainable shoes save over 70kg of CO2 emissions?
    By wearing a single pair of OUR CHOICE leather shoes for five years, you reduce the need to buy a new pair of fast-fashion shoes annually, saving over 70kg of CO2 emissions. This long-term approach supports sustainability.
  • How does a circular business model benefit the environment?
    Circular fashion reduces overconsumption by encouraging quality over quantity. Our sustainable shoes are designed to last five years or more, which can save 70kg of CO2 per person per year, reducing the impact of disposable fashion.
  • 7. How can Circular Living influence emotional well-being?
    Circular Living integrates psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and acceptance, helping individuals feel aligned with their values. Instead of shopping as an escape or stress-relief activity, Circular Living encourages intentional decisions, reducing feelings of guilt, waste, and regret. The holistic approach strengthens emotional regulation by fostering purpose, community connection, and gratitude.
  • 2. How is Circular Living different from Sustainable Living?
    Sustainable living focuses on the what—buying products marketed as sustainable or reducing consumption. Circular Living, on the other hand, focuses on the how. It dives deeper, encouraging behavioral change, building habits that prioritize repair, reuse, and regeneration, and fostering a community-oriented approach. Circular Living goes beyond green marketing (which often involves greenwashing) to address our personal needs and values.
  • 9. How can communities support Circular Living?
    Communities play a vital role in reinforcing circular habits. Whether through repair workshops, sharing resources, or simply normalizing sustainable behaviors, communities amplify individual efforts. They provide encouragement, inspiration, and collective accountability, making Circular Living not just a personal practice but a cultural movement.
  • 3. Why is Circular Living important for individuals and communities?
    As individuals, adopting Circular Living means aligning our actions with our values, creating habits that reflect mindfulness, and building a deeper connection to the things we own and use. For communities, Circular Living amplifies impact through shared values, mutual reinforcement, and collective change. Together, these individual and community actions create a ripple effect, strengthening the cultural shift toward sustainability and regeneration. Relevant research: Study: "Raising Alarm Bells for a Struggling Sector: Taking a New Approach to Improve the Wellbeing of Climate Change Professionals"
  • 10. How can someone start living circularly?
    Start small: Reflect on your consumption habits and identify one area to improve (e.g., buying second-hand, repairing items, reducing food waste). Get curious: Research how the products you use are made and disposed of, and look for alternatives. Build community: Share your journey, join groups or workshops, and learn from others practicing Circular Living. Stay flexible: Accept that it’s a journey, not a destination. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay—progress, not perfection, is the goal.
  • 5. What are some examples of Circular Living habits?
    Circular Living habits involve rethinking how we consume, use, and dispose of products. Examples include: Repairing: Fixing broken items, like shoes or electronics, instead of replacing them. Reusing: Finding new purposes for old items, such as upcycling furniture or clothing. Sharing: Participating in community initiatives, like tool libraries or clothing swaps. Mindful consumption: Choosing durable, repairable products designed for longevity, like OUR CHOICE’s circular sneakers. Sustainable shopping: Buying second-hand, preloved items, or products certified as circular. Composting and recycling: Ensuring organic waste and recyclables are correctly processed. These habits align with the principles of the Circular Economy, as outlined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and help reduce waste and extend the lifecycle of materials. By embedding these habits into daily life, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
  • 4. What role does behavior play in Circular Living?
    Behavior is at the heart of Circular Living. Our shopping, consuming, and disposal habits are often driven by stress, emotions, or societal pressures. Circular Living encourages mindfulness—pausing to reflect on what we truly need, understanding how systems influence our behavior (like retail music or marketing), and choosing to create intentional, circular habits that align with our values. Relevant research: Study: "A Behavioral Perspective on Circular Economy Awareness: The Moderating Role of Social Influence and Psychological Barriers"
  • 8. What is the relationship between Circular Living and the Circular Economy?
    The Circular Economy provides the structural framework—designing systems for reuse, regeneration, and zero waste. Circular Living complements this by addressing the behavioral and emotional elements. It’s about how individuals adopt these principles in their daily lives and communities, bridging the gap between theory and practice through lived experiences and mindful choices. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how you can integrate Circular Living into your life, feel free to reach out to us here.
  • 1. What is Circular Living?
    Circular Living is a holistic approach to life that prioritizes continuous cycles of use and reuse—whether with products, materials, or habits—eliminating waste and embracing sustainability. It celebrates individual differences while fostering a sense of community, where everyone contributes uniquely but collectively amplifies the impact. This mindset goes beyond what we consume, focusing on how we live, connect, and align our actions with deeper values. Circular Living challenges the consumerist "take-make-waste" model of the Linear Economy by integrating the behavioral and psychological elements essential for adopting Circular Economy principles. It’s about not just redesigning products and systems but also reshaping how we think, act, and relate to the world around us. Learn more: https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
  • 6. How does Circular Living address greenwashing?
    Circular Living cuts through the noise of greenwashing by focusing on transparency, accountability, and meaningful action. While greenwashing often involves misleading claims about sustainability, Circular Living emphasizes real, measurable impact through: Durability and Longevity: Prioritizing products that are built to last, like OUR CHOICE’s products, which are designed for repair and long-term use rather than disposal. Behavioral Change: Encouraging mindful consumption and questioning marketing claims to ensure purchases align with Circular Economy principles. Transparency: Supporting businesses that openly share information about their supply chains, materials, and practices. Initiatives like certifications from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation help validate genuine circular products. Community Efforts: Amplifying collective impact by creating cultural shifts that prioritize quality, reuse, and repair over disposable consumerism. By actively engaging in Circular Living, individuals and communities can sidestep misleading claims and contribute to systemic change that reduces waste, promotes accountability, and fosters trust in truly sustainable practices
  • 4. Are circular sneakers as comfortable as regular sneakers?
    Even better! Circular sneakers mold to your feet, providing a glove-like fit. Plus, leather breathes, unlike plastic, keeping your feet cool and dry.
  • 5. How do I book a repair for my Circular Sneakers?
    Visit our repair page to see what's included and follow the outlined steps to send your sneakers to us.
  • 1. What are Circular Sneakers?
    Circular sneakers are durable, repairable footwear designed to reduce waste and emissions. Unlike traditional sneakers, they are part of the circular economy, emphasizing reuse, repair, and recycling.
  • 2. What makes circular sneakers better than regular sneakers?
    Circular sneakers last 7–10 years if you take care of them. They are repairable, and produce significantly less waste. Traditional sneakers, especially plastic ones, last only 3–12 months and typically end up in landfills. Read our blog on Leather vs. Plastic sneakers for a deeper dive on the topic.
  • 3. How do circular sneakers reduce waste?
    By designing them for long use - longevity and according to Circular Economy principles. We use leather that would otherwise be discarded as a by-product of the meat industry and by offering repair services to extend the life of each pair.
  • 7. How can I care for sustainable footwear to make it last longer?
    Use cedar shoe trees to maintain the shape and prevent odor. Polish leather with eco-friendly products to preserve its quality. Clean soles and uppers with gentle, non-toxic cleaners. Take advantage of OUR CHOICE repair services for replacements like soles and insoles.
  • 9. Is sustainable footwear as comfortable as conventional options?
    Absolutely! Sustainable footwear uses breathable, high-quality materials like vegetable-tanned leather and natural rubber. These materials mold to your feet over time, offering superior comfort while being eco-friendly.
  • 8. What are the benefits of repairable footwear?
    Repairable footwear saves money over time, reduces waste, and supports sustainability. With OUR CHOICE’s repair services, you can refresh worn parts, extending the life of your favorite pair.
  • 4. Can leather be part of sustainable footwear?
    Yes! When responsibly sourced, leather is a sustainable material. OUR CHOICE uses vegetable-tanned leather, a by-product of the food industry, to create long-lasting, repairable footwear that reduces waste and supports a circular economy.
  • 5. How long can sustainable footwear last?
    Sustainable footwear is designed to last for years, unlike fast-fashion alternatives that often wear out within months. With proper care and repair services, like those offered by OUR CHOICE, sustainable footwear can provide comfort and durability over a long lifetime. We estimate our sneakers to last for about 7 years.
  • 6. Why is fast fashion harmful for the footwear industry?
    Fast fashion promotes cheap, disposable footwear made from synthetic materials like plastics, which contribute to landfill waste and pollution. 25 billion shoes are produced annually, and 87% of "eco-sneakers" end up in landfills. Read more about the harm of plastic footwear in our blog post. Sustainable options, like OUR CHOICE footwear, focus on durability and repairability, reducing waste and supporting a more ethical approach.
  • 1. What defines sustainable footwear?
    Sustainable footwear is made from eco-friendly materials like vegetable-tanned leather, natural rubber, and recycled components. It focuses on reducing waste, avoiding plastics, and ensuring products are repairable and recyclable to support long-term use.
  • 10. How does sustainable footwear reduce carbon emissions?
    Sustainable footwear lowers carbon emissions by using natural materials, eliminating plastics, and focusing on energy-efficient production methods. Brands like OUR CHOICE further reduce environmental impact by creating durable, repairable products that can be recycled into new ones.
  • 2. How does sustainable footwear contribute to the circular economy?
    Sustainable footwear fits into the circular economy by being designed for repair, reuse, and recycling. This approach minimizes waste, conserves resources, and helps create a more sustainable future. Additionally, sustainable footwear will last you longer and save you money as you won't have to buy shoes frequently.
  • 3. Why is plastic-free footwear better for the environment?
    Plastic-free footwear is more durable which puts less pressure on our planetary resources. Plastic as a material has a shorter life time which makes us consume more than what's good for the environment (and our wallets). Plastic free footwear also avoids releasing harmful microplastics into ecosystems and requires fewer resources during production. Many brands use recycled plastics, which unfortunately still pollute.
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