LØCI X Blue Marine Foundation NINE

If you’d told teenage me that one day I’d be raving about vegan sneakers made from recycled ocean plastic, I’d have laughed, lit another dart, and gone back to blasting Midnight Oil. Yet here we are, and I’m bloody glad about it.

The LØCI x Blue Marine Foundation NINE isn’t just another sneaker—it’s a sneaker with a conscience. Handmade in Portugal, every pair is part of LØCI’s push to make sustainability actually look good. And I’ve got to say, they’ve nailed it. The navy colourway with stone and red accents walks that fine line between sharp and subtle. It’s the kind of pair you can wear to the pub without your mates noticing they’re vegan, but fancy enough that people in the know will clock them immediately.

What I love is that they didn’t just go halfway. The upper is 100% vegan and water-resistant, so you’re not squelching home if you step in a puddle. Inside, you’ve got a custom cork insole—soft, springy, and less impact on your knees (which, let’s be honest, aren’t what they used to be). Underneath, the lightweight recycled rubber outsole gives you durability without feeling like you’ve strapped bricks to your feet.

And then there’s the Blue Marine Foundation tie-in. A chunk of the profits goes to ocean conservation, which means while you’re stomping around in style, you’re also helping save a few fish and maybe a dolphin or two. That’s a win-win in my book.

Bottom line? These aren’t just sneakers, they’re a statement. They say you care about the planet but still want to look sharp doing it. And if anyone gives you grief about wearing vegan kicks, just remind them you’ve probably got a better sneaker game than they do.