Vegan leather Stan Smith shoe launched by Adidas and Stella McCartney

Adidas and Stella McCartney have added a Stan Smith sneaker made of vegan leather to their collaborative range.

After designer and lifelong vegetarian Stella McCartney was given a custom pair of veggie Stan Smiths, she realised that she ‘couldn’t tell the difference between the real leather and the faux leather pair’.

She knew that the faux leather shoes, feeling no different to the originals, could save the lives of many animals. She told Vogue: ‘I could not help but think of how many animals’ lives could be saved if Stan Smith and Adidas would change from real leather to vegetarian leather, and used non-animal-based glues.’

Stan Smith and Stella McCartney are both featured on the tongue of the shoes.

She said: ‘We’ve been collaborating with Adidas for many years, [so] I thought this would be a great way to reach a really wide audience and enable them to understand that you don’t have to have leather shoes or animal-based glues in order to have an incredible, iconic product.’

The new shoes – which feature burgundy and blue stripes on the heels, stars down the sides and Stan Smith and Stella McCartney’s faces on the tongues – have been launched just a few days after the publication of a book in honour of Stan Smith sneakers. Stan Smiths, which were launched in the early 70s, have become iconic, being designed and collaborated on by numerous artists, designers and celebrities.

Sustainable sportswear 

The vegetarian fashion designer has also recently released a collection of sustainable sportswear in collaboration with Adidas. The new collection will champion eco-friendly, recycled fabrics such as organic cotton, ocean plastic, recycled polyester and Econyl yarn (which is made from upcycled nylon).

The fall/winter ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY line will include running shoes and activewear designed for outdoor sports during the colder months.

Stella McCartney’s vegan Stan Smiths are now available for pre-order on her website and will be available at Adidas stockists from 10^th September. They will retail for £235.