These Sustainable Shoe Brands Aren’t Leaving A Footprint Behind
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97% of shoes end up in landfill and it takes decades for the shoes to decompose. Depending on the material, it can take up to 40 or 80 years for the materials to disappear. This process seems to be never-ending, especially if the shoes continue to pile up on each other.
Therefore, have you considered practicing sustainability through the shoes you wear? On top of recycling and composting, you can make more eco-friendly choices through the shoes you decide to buy, especially as sustainable shoe brands are growing and becoming more readily available.
We rounded up some of the best shoes that are worth checking out this year. Each of them produce eco-friendly shoes intending to be kinder to our planet.
What Makes Brands Sustainable?
Sustainable shoes produce less waste and manufacture their products in an eco-friendly way. Creating these types of shoes aids in environmental conservation, as these brands use recycled or natural materials to reduce toxic waste by repurposing the items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. The manufacturing process also intentionally uses less energy, water, and chemicals that can be damaging to our planet.
Buying a sustainable pair of shoes has many benefits, too! It reduces the amount of garbage that quickly piles up, each pair is more energy-efficient, and you are helping to support animal rights. While some may think that sustainable clothing and fashion is just a “trend,” all that matters is that it is another way to show more love and care to Mother Earth.
AllBirds
AllBirds, headquartered in San Francisco, has been producing sustainable shoes since 2014. The co-founder, Tim Brown, is a native of New Zealand and enamored by merino wool, a natural part of the local sheep. From this material, AllBirds created an eco-friendly shoe that is comfortable to wear all day, every day!
Each pair of shoes contains one recycled plastic bottle, and the insoles consist of castor bean oil for extra soft comfort. Each pair also comes in a shoebox made from 90% post-consumer recycled cardboard. (The shoebox even serves as a mailer and shopping bag, too!)
AllBirds doesn’t just create shoes, either–they offer other products, such as socks from the same warm merino wool in various colors. In addition to selling their products, AllBirds also has a donation program called SOLES4SOULS, where they give lightly used shoes to communities in need, instead of having them pile up in landfills. They are truly generous to communities and the planet.
Try These Styles:
Image: Allbirds
Tree Breezers
A pair of sustainable flats that are undeniably comfy.
Image: Allbirds
Tree Runners
Their best-selling shoe will go with everything in your closet!
Image: Allbirds
Wool Loungers
Easy to slip on and machine washable!
Veja
Veja is the first sustainable shoe brand established in 2004 in Paris, France. They have been creating durable, good-looking sneakers from recycled plastic bottles and natural rubber found in the Amazon for almost two decades. They continue to take the world by storm, both positively and sustainably.
On their website, they share that they only use fair-trade materials throughout their production process, creating sustainable practices for both the Earth and all of the workers involved. This includes each of the organic and raw components of the shoes.
Their vegan sneakers come in all styles and shapes to fit anyone’s wardrobe, making them a versatile pair of shoes. Their URCA sneaker is one of their most popular styles and can easily go with any outfit.
They also create shoes for you, your family, and even children. Although a very popular shoe brand for women accessible throughout Europe, they offer free worldwide shipping! (Plus, they’re available at many of your favorite retailers!)
Try These Styles:
Image: Nordstrom
Campo Sneaker
Their highly-rated sneakers with a pop of color!
Image: Zappos
V-10
A fun and colorful addition to your wardrobe.
Image: Nordstrom
Esplar Sneaker
The perfect neutral, cool sneaker that adds a tad bit of luxury to laid-back looks.
Cariuma
For those looking to buy quality over quantity, the Brazilian-owned brand, Cariuma, can’t be topped. The company reports that 65% of their products are 100% vegan, with a focus on using raw materials—such as bamboo, organic cotton, sugarcane, and recycled PET—to create shoes that are free from toxic chemicals, while simultaneously creating a smaller footprint.
Since 2020, the company has also committed to a reforestation effort in Brazil alongside CEPAN, a Brazilian NGO specializing in reforestation, to plant two trees for every pair of sneakers sold.
Try These Styles:
Image: Cariuma
NAIOCA Skate Sneaker
A skate shoe that is made from premium suede sourced from Leather Working Group Gold Rated suppliers.
Image: Cariuma
Slip-On Sneaker
Give your Vans a break and wear these leather slip-ons instead!
Image: Cariuma
OCA Low Sneaker
Cariuma’s signature sneaker, this classic shoe will be a new favorite in your shoe rotation.
Rothy’s
Using a signature thread made from plastic bottles and marine plastic, Rothy’s has removed more than 100 tons of plastic from waterways for use in its products. The company is also committed to keeping Rothy’s out of landfills by creating a unique recycling project.
By dropping off your pair (in any condition) at any Rothy’s store, they can break down the shoes into recyclable pieces. In return, you receive $20 to purchase a new pair on the same day!
Try These Styles:
Image: Rothy’s
The Point II
This washable style is a great option to wear to the office for a business casual look.
Image: Rothy’s
The Espadrille
A versatile style made for showing off your legs.
Image: Rothy’s
The Casual CLog
An ultra cozy flat that you’ll never want to take off.
Olukai
Headquartered in Orange County, California, Olukai is a sustainable fashion brand that designs shoes around a lifestyle by the beach. Even if you don’t have that same island vibe where you’re at, each pair of their shoes is stylish, yet carefully crafted to ensure that you can wear them wherever you do reside. They are made responsibly with recycled materials that are sourced exclusively from ethically-ran factories and tanneries, and they even use plants from Hawaii to create their very own natural dyes. We are fans of their leather sandals–they are the perfect footwear choice for walks on the beach or luxurious resort looks.
Try These Styles:
Image: Zappos
Hila Sandal
Extra soft, they are the perfect shoe to wear poolside.
Image: Zappos
Wailuku
Sustainability, functionality, and comfort are top of mind with these bright sneakers.
Image: Zappos
La’i Slide
Light and comfortable, these sandals are made with the softest leather to walk miles on the beach in.
TOMS
TOMS has been around for years, but they are still offering their high-quality signature shoes, each made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, and packaged in 100% recyclable and biodegradable materials. Through their One for One® model, TOMS has helped support humanitarian efforts by donating more than 95 million shoes to children in need. While their business model may have changed in recent years, TOMS continues to partner with organizations by making regular donations to serve the community, including aid for mental health programs, education, and community development.
Try These Styles:
Image: Nordstrom
Kameron Slip-On Sneaker
With a simple platform silhouette, this is an easy shoe to slip on every day.
Image: Nordstrom
Alpargata Resident 2.0
TOMS says that this is their most “cozy-chic” shoe (and we absolutely agree).
Image: Nordstrom
Diana Platform Wedge Sandal
Looking for some height? This is the next sustainable shoe for you.
ON
Arguably, the most comfortable shoes on this list, they may also be the trendiest pair of shoes at the moment…but for good reason. On is a Swiss brand that supports an active lifestyle and for people who love to be on the move, while also keeping careful consideration for Mother Earth in mind. They share on their website, “Our goal is to make high-performance products with the lowest possible footprint.” They carefully choose their materials–and the process by which they’re crafted–in order to maintain a circular business model. At On, they believe saving the planet is a team sport.
Try These Styles:
Image: Nordstrom
Cloud X 3 Training Shoe
This well-designed pair of shoes is meant to be worn for even the most intense workouts.
Image: Nordstrom
Cloudmonster Running Shoe
The name says it all—it’s like you’re running on a monster cloud. If that doesn’t create a vivid enough image for you, trust us when we say that this shoe has the ultimate cushioning to ensure a soft, easy landing during your long-distance runs.
Image: Nordstrom
Cloudnova Form Sneaker
It’s the perfect mix of a technical shoe design combined with recycled materials that you’ll want to run, walk, jump, and do so much more in.
ALOHAS
ALOHAS is an extra chic shoe company based in Barcelona, Spain, that produces quality boots and sandals, but only on-demand. They have created a sustainable production model that allows them to create only what is being ordered, contrary to the excess that is seen in fast fashion. One remarkable business aspect of ALOHAS is its pride in local production.
All of their shoes are made in factories located on the coast of Spain, in partnership with local vendors and businesses to create each pair. Along with this, they prioritize carbon offsetting and have created a guide on how to mindfully shop–consciously and fashionably!
On their website, ALOHAS shares, “Heal the planet, save money and look stunning with eco-friendly fashion.” So, aside from cool sustainable sneakers from the other brands on this list, you’ll want a pair of ALOHAS boots–ASAP!
Try These Styles:
Image: ALOHAS
Luke Ballet Flats
If you’re looking for a new pair of flats, these might be the ones for you. They are elevated, chic, and sustainably-made in small batches to maintain quality.
Image: ALOHAS
Chalk Boots
I love these boots! From its fashionista design to the quality of the vegan leather, it’s a 100% YES! in my book.
Image: ALOHAS
Harper Sandals
These sandals have the perfect amount of platform and are made of extra soft, creamy leather. Say hello to your new favorite summer shoe!
Practicing sustainability doesn’t need to be a trend and can be applied daily through fashion and the shoes you decide to wear. Collectively, we will need to do more than shop from sustainable fashion brands to truly take care of Mother Earth, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.
