So, yes, there are sneakers made by gum and canvas (like Converse) but these are not the best pick for everything.
I’m skeptical on leather alternatives for shoes, “fake leather” has generally low durability and I’m not strictly interested in cloning the aesthetic; when it comes to boots/shoes there are very poor alternative to a refurbished leather pair: great durability and flexibility, traditional models can be resoled, great looking over time when well maintained, the ecologic aspect, etc. Also the price: new tech-fibers are generally very expensive with dubitabile quality, while leather can be very cheap considering what you pay for.
What do you think about it? What’s your daily use? I could edit this OP to share products you found interesting.
(edit) An user suggests vegetarian-shoes.co.uk
Why not? Seriously, you’ve got canvas sneakers for running or casual wear, canvas boots (waxed if need be) for hiking and wet conditions, even moderately dressy canvas shoes for business casual.
I feel like, counterintuitively, fake leather encourages the idea that your shoes have to look like leather to be “dressy” or “professional”, and if you need shoes that look like leather only vegans will buy the (objectively inferior) fake leather plastic shoes. We save more animals by making the default something that doesn’t involve animals in the first place then we do by coming up with alternatives that look/taste just like animals. Normalize sneakers in the workplace! Hell, normalize tire tread sandals!
I actually like the idea of improved canvas but I don’t like sneakers, apart from aesthetic taste they are mostly glued to the sole for industrial reasons, overpriced. I’m completely pro to not try to mimic leather, I also find it particular counterproductive for different reasons.