In the early years, most shoes were designed by hand. But soon after the introduction of machinery, the shoemaking procedure became a craft, with various shoemakers experimenting with new materials and designs. What remained the same was hazardous production processes and sweatshop labor involved in fashion manufacturing.
Even today, this is a major setback for consumers like you, who concern about fashion workers earning low wages and working in dangerous environments to give you the pair of shoes you desire. But thankfully, there are sustainable shoe brands available.
They help minimize environmental damage and address ethical concerns. Want to know about them? Dig in as we explore some options.
What Makes a Shoe Brand Sustainable?
You may have heard various ventures calling themselves eco-friendly shoe brands. But what exactly do they mean?
A sustainable shoe brand has the following characteristics.
- They make shoes from eco-friendly materials that have minimal environmental impact.
- The brands promote ethical standards during manufacturing by making sure that their workforce is paid as per global standards. They also provide the workers with a safe working environment.
- Sustainable shoe brands offer inclusive sizing, ensuring all types of body shapes can benefit from their footwear.
- They give back to the communities, allowing the less privileged to gain something positive from the brands’ success.
- The brands use upcycled or recycled materials to produce their footwear.
Materials to Look for in Sustainable Shoes
When exploring the best brands, look for those that offer sustainable shoes made from materials such as:
- Organic cotton: This is a natural, biodegradable material that reduces the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It grows from non-genetically modified seeds that aren’t grown using pesticides. This makes this cotton safe for the planet and the people growing it.
- Recycled plastic bottles: These are transformed into durable, eco-friendly materials for shoe production. The process involves stretching the long fibers and then twisting them together to make a special kind of yarn. Then, various machines knit or weave the yarns together to produce polyester fabric. In many cases, it takes about 11 plastic bottles to make one single pair of shoes!
- Vegan leather: The leather is cruelty-free and a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. You can call it artificial, synthetic, or “faux” leather, which is usually made from agricultural waste products or sustainable biomaterials. In some cases, it can also be made from materials such as polymers, including polyurethane and other recyclable materials.
- Vegetable-tanned leather: This is considered a more eco-friendly option for leather production. Vegetable-tanned leather is usually produced using some special traditional methods that have been passed from one generation to another. So, expect the production process to be much more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The procedure does not rely on heavy machinery or various mass production techniques.
Top Sustainable Shoe Brands for 2024
You are lucky that you live in these times when sustainability is taken seriously. Some popular shoe brands ensure the use of recyclable materials, safe environmental procedures, and ethical standards when manufacturing shoes that you can put on proudly.
Here are seven brands that you can buy your next pair from.
Allbirds-Best for Machine-washable Sneakers
Allbirds is a pioneer in sustainable shoes, using eco-friendly materials like merino wool and eucalyptus tree fiber. The brand is best known for its machine-washable sneakers and wide range of sizes for both men and women.
The shoe brand started off with one single mission, which was to make the best shoes in a sustainable manner. Allbirds uses materials like Merino wool and FSC-certified Tencel lyocell that follow animal-friendly practices to produce.
It manufactures long-lasting footwear that you can easily wear every day. Allbirds is also slowly increasing its product line to offer much more comfortable shoes for everyone.
All shoes by Allbirds are breathable and come with amazing color options. Since they are versatile, you don’t need to wear them on a special occasion. However, they are a bit expensive (ranging from $98 to $145), so ensure to spend your money wisely.
Veja-Best for Street Shoes
Here is another brand, a leader in eco and ethical production, using organic cotton and fair trade practices. If you fancy comfortable and eco-friendly street shoes, shopping from Veja is a must.
There are many reasons for choosing Veja over other options. For starters, the brand excels at balancing style with comfort. The shoes available under the label can elevate your look any day while offering a comfortable experience.
Most importantly, Veja makes its shows from materials bought from farms in Brazil and the Amazon. It then partners with a popular charity that employs less privileged people to work towards creating Veja’s masterpieces.
What’s more, Veja proudly prioritizes low to zero-waste practices and uses less energy during production. The brand also has recyclable packaging for its shoes.
Veja has become a choice for many because of its exceptionally comfortable design. They mold well to your feet while ensuring that you feel proud of yourself for buying your shoes from a sustainable brand.
Cariuma-Best for Stylish Sneakers
Cariuma is a sustainable shoe brand that uses recycled materials, natural rubber, and organic cotton. The brand produces some of the most stylish sneakers made from:
- GOTS-certified organic cotton,
- Bamboo
- Recycled PET
- Leather Working Group-certified leather that is dyed with low-impact inks
While being eco-friendly, the shoes from Cariuma are extremely comfortable and breathable. They fit perfectly and are available in sizes 5 to 13 for women.
Cariuma shoes are more affordable than many brands on the list. But expect to pay between $85 and $159 for a good pair.
We love Cariuma because of its sustainable approach. Plus, the shoes are perfectly fit for everyday wear. They go well with all types of attire and speak volumes with their amazing style.
Nisolo-Best for Artisan Leather Shoes
This is a unique brand that collaborates with local artisans in Peru to create stunning, sustainable shoes. Nisolo excels at providing shoes in various categories. You can find boots, mules, sandals, and sneakers when shopping at the store.
Nisolo has been carefully designing shoes for women and men in a wide range of sizes. The shoes are expensive and can range from $100 to $250. However, they are long-lasting and comfortable and promote zero net carbon during their production.
We love Nisolo because the brand manufactures chic and comfortable shoes that you can wear easily. They are effortlessly stylish and made with the help of well-paid labor.
Rothy’s-Best for Easily Washable Shoes
Rothy’s is known for its timeless features, which are made from marine-bound plastic. Yes! This makes the shoes environmentally friendly.
Plus, the insoles contain recycled foam, while the rubber soles are entirely carbon-free. The adhesives used to create Rothy’s masterpieces are non-toxic and vegan.
Rothy’s shoes are comfortable and stylish while being sustainable. Expect them to be long-lasting and easily washable.
At Rothy’s, you can find a wide range of flats and sneakers. Additionally, the brand manufactures some beautiful accessories such as bags, clogs, and totes.
We love Rothy’s for its affordability, style, and overall mission of making this world a better place to live. Plus, you can spot celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Mandy Moore, Isla Fisher, and Emma Roberts donning Rothy’s shoes.
And that is a huge motivational factor to get a pair for yourself as well!
Asics-Best for Running Shoes
90% of the running shoes made by Asics use recycled polyester. Additionally, around 23% of the electricity used in Asics’ factories is renewable.
Asics is usually labeled as one of the best running shoe brands. Why?
For starters, the brand invests heavily in research and development. Their serious focus on biomechanics and sports science allows them to make shoes that truly work wonderfully.
Secondly, all shoes designed by the brand are created by taking input from athletes and experts. This ensures that every pair created in the Asics facility meets the needs of runners.
This sustainable brand is loved by many, courtesy of its well-crafted and sustainable running shoes. But we also adore it for the variety it offers and the wild, comfortable cushioning that makes your feet feel liberated.
The Root Collective-Best for Customized Flats
The Root Collective is truly a sustainable brand that helps create wonders. It works with shoemakers in Guatemala to change thousands of lives and initiate kindness. The brand ensures that the motto, humanity first, is taken to a greater level.
While the brand puts in all efforts to make lives in Guatemala better, it also offers comfort with every pair of shoes it sells. The boots and sandals produced by the label are highly comfortable and customizable.
The two drawbacks are that it is manufactured for women only and most shoes available are expensive, between $168 to $188.
We love this brand because of the variety and customization it offers. But most importantly, we adore it for its effort to make a huge change and create employment at various levels.
Online Stores with Multiple Sustainable Shoe Brands
Many online stores sell multiple shoe brands that focus on sustainability. These brands practice ethical standards and use recycled raw materials to create masterpieces for your feet.
Here are some online platforms that you may wish to explore.
Made Trade
Made Trade is a popular platform that houses multiple sustainable shoe brands, offering a range of styles and materials. From sandals to boots and heels, you will find a large variety of products designed after taking the environmental impact in mind.
Avesu
This is another online store that curates a selection of sustainable shoe brands, prioritizing eco-friendly practices and fair labor. The ethical vegan shoe company stocks sustainable shoes, clothes and other accessories.
DoneGood
This store promotes sustainable and fair trade practices, offering a range of sustainable shoe brands. From Carmen, Ava, and Charli to Kina Booties Natural, the store stocks so many sustainable brands that you will definitely make a difference while shopping from here.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sustainable Shoes
Do you want to go on a shoe-shopping spree soon? In that case, follow the tips for choosing the right sustainable shoes for your feet.
- Always inspect the material. Look for shoes that are made from recycled or natural materials. Examples of these materials are organic cotton, cork, hem, and plastic.
- Most sustainable fashion brands are transparent about their practices. So, shortlist shoe companies that use low-impact production procedures to create amazing products for your feet.
- When choosing a sustainable shoe, don’t ignore its durability. It should last longer, saving you from replacing it frequently. Therefore, look for shoes that exhibit strong construction and are made from durable materials.
- In your quest to find sustainable shoes, look for important certifications like Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) when opting for a brand.
- Do proper research. Check the track record of brands. Read reviews online and take expert opinions where required.
- Finally, don’t just choose a shoe based on its sustainable making. Ensure that it fits your foot properly and can offer you comfort for an extended duration.
Sustainable Shoe Care and Maintenance
Once you have your pair of sustainable shoes with you, maintain them well so they can serve you for a long time.
Here’s how you can achieve that.
- Clean your shoes as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Sustainable materials often require different methods of cleaning.
- Apply a waterproof or protective spray to shield your shoes from dirt, stains, and water damage. This will help retain their look and performance.
- Make sure that you store your shoes in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Take them off as soon as you enter your house.
- Consider repairing or repurposing your sustainable shoes instead of replacing them. Make sure you use them for a long time so they meet their purpose effortlessly.
Conclusion
If you want to play a role in making this world a healthier and safer place to live, make a move and shift to sustainable shoe brands. You may find their offerings a bit more expensive than regular companies. However, focus on their ultimate aim, which is far more impactful and stronger.
Your sustainable customer behavior will help reduce the waste of resources and environmental damage. It will also generate more kindness towards people who work tirelessly to make great shoes for your feet.
So explore these brands and shop till you drop!
