From the heart of Winter, to the threshold of Spring, by bike or on foot, on the beach or on the streets… Lionel Samain, the DA of Le Boudoir Numérique has been wearing, every day, since last February, vegan sneakers made in grape, apple, cactus, corn and pineapple alter-leathers from the French brand MoEa, in order to test their qualities. After the unboxing of the shoes, the second stage of this logbook: Lionel's first feedback, with pictures and video.

By Lionel Samain and Ludmilla Intravaia

It all started with an unboxing on February 9 (see here). For seven weeks, Lionel Samain, the creative director of Le Boudoir Numérique, has not left his pair of bio-sneakers made in grape, apple, cactus, corn and pineapple alter-leathers GEN1 All in from MoEa, the French brand of vegan and low carbon sneakers, launched last year (more info here).

MoEA test: the opinion of Lionel Samain (from February 9 to March 22, 2022):

“It has been ages since I last wore leather sneakers. Vegetarian for 18 years, I realized a few years ago that my commitment against cruelty to animals did not stop at my plate and should also concern my wardrobe. I have some leather pieces left, but I don't wear them anymore or with reluctance and I can't imagine buying any more one day.

First impression, unpacking the shoes: they look like a classic sports shoe. Their design is cool. Usually, I wear canvas shoes, godillot style or sports sneakers with a star on the top of the upper. Always high stem. Unfortunately, MoEa does not yet produce such a model.

For this test, I decided to wear these sneakers daily. Once put on, they are comfortable.

The same day I unboxed the sneakers, I met a friend who noticed them right away. No doubt they were very white because they were brand new. Nevertheless, I think they have a little retro and elegant look that does not go unnoticed. This gave me the opportunity to talk about the primary characteristic of MoEa: production without animal suffering. He did not know that shoes could be made from grapes, as an alternative to animal leather. The concept intrigued him. Never miss an opportunity to do a bit of activism for non-human animals welfare. 

I also appreciate that this is a sneaker that does not come from the production lines of Nike, Adidas, Asics, etc. Even if these big groups are slowly starting to produce responsible shoes, it is a plus that this product is that of a young French company that manufactures in Europe. 

What I will monitor during the test: breathing and wear of materials. I owned a pair of Dr. Martens-inspired plastic shoes a few years ago. They were light and comfortable, but they only lasted a fortnight, before the varnish peeled off and was definitely gone. Until then, they made a good impression, but it was a sauna inside. A bit like rubber boots.”

28 February 22:

“As I progressed in the test, the comfort of the shoes grew even more, after a few hours of walking. The streets have been quite cold, at times, in Paris, especially when you ride, like me, a bike in the evening. Despite everything, I find in these shoes the protection against the wind and the cold that leather shoes once gave me.”

March 21, 2022:

“The winter, if it was not particularly harsh, gave some episodes of cold weather and heavy rains. The MoEa shoes did well in these conditions. I didn't feel the cold or the humidity. They do their job of insulating from the floor perfectly.

So far, the material that makes the MoEa sneakers has shown a certain solidity and withstands everyday life very well, walking on the cobblestones of Paris, hooking the pedals of the bicycle, strolling on the railway line of La coulée verte, etc. , not to mention the pebbles on the beach, during a stay in Brittany. Except for a small scratch that Mr Spock managed to make on the top of one of the sneakers. It's a ritual that my cat never misses: when I get home, he comes to greet me by lacerating my shoes. It must be said that even tempered steel cannot resist its claws, worthy of Freddy Krueger, the monster of A Nightmare on Elm Street. A traditional leather would not have shown more resistance. It's certain."

* Find the unboxing of the GEN1 All in by MoEa, in the first part of Le Boudoir Numérique logbook.

* Read the first part of Achille Gazagnes’ interview on Le Boudoir Numérique: “MoEa defends plant-based materials, for the respect of animal life and the environment”.

* Read the second part of Achille Gazagnes’ interview on Le Boudoir Numérique: “MoEa’s values ​​are highly anticipated on the sneakers market”.

* Learn more about innovative vegan and cruelty-free fashion and beauty, by exploring the Boudoir Numérique special file there.