This guide is for those who love sneakers, fashion, and the stories behind what they wear, but also want to tread lightly. Made with care, and designed to last, whether it's pre-loved, repairable, or made from recycled materials. These gifts prove you can still enjoy style without overconsumption.

For the Conscious Sneakerhead

VEJA “Condor 2 Alveomesh”
A performance-ready running sneaker made from recycled plastic bottles and wild Amazonian rubber. Lightweight, comfortable, and low-impact.

• Made in Brazil with a transparent supply chain

• Vegan-friendly options available

• Approx. €150

Image Source: VEJA

For the Vintage Lover

Pre-Loved Sneaker Finds on Vinted or Vestiaire Collective
Give a second life to sneakers that already exist, from rare collabs to minimalist classics. It’s a circular, accessible way to gift stylishly without feeding the fast fashion loop.

• Look for VEJA, Adidas x Parley, or Nike Refurbished

• Add a handwritten note or new laces to personalise

• Budget-friendly + low impact

For the Minimalist Aesthetic

Thesus Weekend Boots
Unisex, waterproof, and 100% vegan, these boots are understated enough for city wear but built for everyday movement.

• Made with recycled ocean plastics

• Designed in Canada, made in Portugal

• Approx. €135

Image Source: Thesus

For the DIY Sneaker Cleaner

Sneaker Cleaning Kit by Liquiproof or SneakersER
The perfect low-impact gift. A well-made cleaning set extends the life of shoes and encourages repair over replacement.

• Non-toxic, plant-based formulas

• Can be paired with a thrifted shoe bag or brushes

• Prices from €15–€30

Image Source: Liquiproof LABS

For the One Who’d Rather Repair Than Replace

High-end repairs and restoration services for shoes, bags, and leather goods. A meaningful gift for someone who loves their pieces enough to keep them going.

• Shoe recolouring, sole repair, cleaning, stitching

• Works with both sneakers and dress shoes

Look for the ones available in your region.

For the Layer-Loving Fashion Fan

ASKET The Merino Wool Beanie or Scarf
Timeless, traceable knitwear made from 100% certified merino wool. ASKET’s transparent pricing and production make them a strong, sustainable staple.

• Recycled wool options available

• Genderless, minimalist designs

• Approx. €40–€70

For the Vegan with a Sharp Eye for Detail

NAE Vegan Chelsea Boots (Piñatex or Apple Leather)
Sleek and city-ready, these boots are made in Portugal from innovative plant-based materials. Durable enough for winter, but clean enough for everyday wear.

• 100% vegan

• Lining made with organic cotton

• Approx. €130

Image Source: NAE

For the Local Fashion Explorer

Gift Credit for a Local Secondhand Store or Boutique
If you're gifting in person, support a local secondhand or upcycled boutique by giving a physical or custom-made “store credit” card. It’s personal, community-minded, and waste-free.

• Add a note about your favourite picks

• Works well for vintage lovers or fashion treasure hunters

• Budget flexible

For the Footwear-Curious

Sneaker Zine or Book (Like “Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture”)
Sometimes the best gift isn’t wearable — it’s inspirational. A small-run print zine or curated sneaker book invites reflection, nostalgia, and learning.

• Great for display or collection

• Pair with a secondhand coffee-table find

• Prices vary: €10–€40

For the Person Who Really Doesn’t Want Anything

Make a Donation in Their Name to a Textile Circularity Initiative
Not everyone wants another item. You can still give meaningfully by donating to groups that promote circular fashion, upcycling, or fair labour practices, and share a printed or digital note about the cause.

Closing Thought

Sustainable gifting isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing differently.
Each piece you give tells a story: of care, of awareness, of stepping out of the loop of waste and into something more intentional.

And that, in the end, is the best kind of gift there is.