Are you tired of feeling like you have to choose between style and sustainability when it comes to your wardrobe? You’re not alone!
As much as we love our shoes (no seriously, we love shoes), it’s time to start prioritising sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing to ensure we are stepping into the future of fashion innovation.
Because what good is it to dress well if it does harm to our beautiful planet?
Fortunately, there are plenty of sustainable shoe brands out there that are challenging the idea that you have to sacrifice one for the other.
So if you’re ready to step up your sustainability game, check out our top picks for the best sustainable shoe brands. From sneakers to sandals, there’s something for everyone on this list.
The best sustainable shoe brands to buy in 2024
01
Known for their classic white sneakers, Cariuma is really putting in the work when it comes to sustainability.
Working with ethical factories, and using natural, high-quality and clean materials to make wearable sneakers, it’s no wonder the brand is a leader in the sustainable sneaker space.
Not only that, Cariuma is a B Corp-certified corporation, that uses recyclable and recycled packaging, carbon neutral shipping and for every pair you buy, they plant two trees in rainforests throughout Brazil. You can learn more about their reforestation efforts and sustainability practices on their website.
To top it all off, the sneakers are extremely cool. Two birds, one stone.
02
Hailing from beautiful Barcelona and inspired by the stunning, sunny beaches and lifestyle of Hawaii, Aloha creates fashion-forward footwear without sacrificing your commitment to sustainability.
No need to give up the stunning shoes in order to stay green, these shoes will make you the envy of everyone around you and they’re eco-friendly to boot.
Their ‘green tax’ is a system they’ve created in which you can pre-order your favourite styles, to reduce overproduction of unsold shoes, can actually save you up to 30 per cent off!
Their In The Making section allows shoppers to select pieces that are currently in production for quicker turnaround than pre-order, or you can shop their Ready To Ship selection if you need to find shoes ASAP but still want to buy sustainably.
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03
It’s hard to go outside without spotting someone wearing a pair of cult sneaker label Veja’s iconic silhouette.
The footwear brand has taken the sneaker world by storm and won the affection of the sustainable fashion forward.
With a range of sneaker silhouettes and endless colourways, it’s hard to go wrong with a pair of Veja’s.
The Brazilian brand works to make a positive impact on the environment and their communities by working with upcycled materials such as plastic bottles or deadstock cotton as well as bio-sourced vegan leather alternatives and Amazonian wild rubber.
They have Fair Trade transparency initiatives and are a B Corp-certified company.
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04
Sleek, timeless, versatile and sustainable. Truly, what more can you ask for in a shoe?
Sometimes shopping sustainably means investing more into longer-lasting, more versatile pieces, and if you’re wanting to splurge in some shoes that you can pass down and wear for years (and we mean years) to come – look no further than Dear Frances.
Dear Frances is a favourite of the fashion-forward with the brand’s trendy yet versatile designs making fast fans of editors, influencers and celebrities.
Made from buttery soft, sustainable materials by artisan shoemakers in Italy, these shoes will make you a convert in no time.
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05
Allbirds is well known for its progress in the sustainable space, and if you’re looking for some stylish, good quality and eco-friendly shoes, you cannot look past the brand.
When we say sustainable, we mean sustainable. Allbirds have the goal to reach a carbon footprint of zero by 2030 and they’re already halfway there! Using sustainable materials like wool, sugarcane, Trino and TrinXO, Allbirds is passionate about creating wearable, ethical and planet-friendly footwear.
The brand tracks and measures absolutely everything that contributes to their carbon footprint and works to offset emissions created through manufacturing and shipping with various projects such as reforestation, wind projects and regenerative wool.
Talk about accountability!
06
Australian label, Aere, have the goal of creating clean, wearable pieces from sustainable materials, to reduce overconsumption and make getting dressed everyday a breeze.
Their pieces are minimalistic and simple but not boring, trendy yet timeless.
Their footwear selection includes boots, sandals, heels and slides to suit any occasion.
07
Tema Moda is not only a fashion powerhouse but also a champion of sustainability.
Their commitment to creating sustainable footwear is truly commendable. Designed and hand-crafted in Italy by experienced artisans and with sustainable principles in place, Tema Moda sets a new standard for conscious fashion.
With their stunning designs, they prove that style and sustainability can beautifully coexist.
Global sportswear label adidas began its collaboration with environmental organisation Parley for the Oceans back in 2015, to turn plastic waste into wearable pieces of apparel and footwear.
Now the brand has created lifestyle sneakers, performance trainers and even soccer boots made from reclaimed marine waste that has been upcycled into durable materials throughout the sneakers.
What is the most eco-friendly shoe material?
The most eco-friendly shoe materials are those with minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Options include recycled materials like plastic bottles and tires, organic cotton, hemp, cork, Piñatex made from pineapple leaf fibres, and mushroom leather. These materials help reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Looking to save money on fashion? Check out our coupon codes for Net-A-Porter, Tony Bianco and more.
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