15 Sustainable Shoe Brands For Women To Step Towards a Greener Future (2024)
Image: Poppy Barley
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The Best Sustainable Shoes
Welcome to the ultimate guide to stepping towards a greener future with the best sustainable shoes for style and sustainability. In a world where conscious consumerism is gaining traction, more and more fashion-conscious individuals are turning to sustainable alternatives without compromising on style.
This article is your go-to resource for discovering brands that prioritize not only fashion-forward designs but also ethical practices, eco-friendly materials, and fair working conditions. Say goodbye to sacrificing your fashion sense for the environment! With the growing availability of sustainable shoe options, you can embrace both style and sustainability.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best sustainable shoe options currently available, from eco-friendly sneakers made from recycled materials to vegan footwear using non-animal-derived materials. Each brand showcased here is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, embracing innovative manufacturing techniques, and promoting social responsibility.
So, whether you're a trendsetter looking to make a fashion statement or an eco-warrior striving to protect the planet, this article will help you make informed choices and take a stylish step toward a greener future. Let's dive in and explore the world of sustainable shoes together.
If you are looking for men’s shoes, check out this post here. We also have a post dedicated to Rain Boots, Winter Boots, Heels, Sandals, Sneakers & Slippers.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Shoe Manufacturing
Traditional shoe manufacturing processes have a significant environmental impact. The fashion industry has long been associated with pollution and waste, from the use of harmful chemicals to the mass production of non-biodegradable materials. The production of conventional shoes often involves the extraction of fossil fuels for synthetic materials, excessive water usage, and the emission of greenhouse gases.
Furthermore, the disposal of worn-out shoes adds to the global waste problem. Most traditional shoes end up in landfills, where decomposing takes hundreds of years. The harmful substances used in their production can also leach into the soil and water, further polluting the environment.
What is a Sustainable Shoe?
When it comes to sustainable shoes, we look for many things: Who makes them? What are they made from? Can we wear them for years to come? Seeing transparency within the supply chain is very important at Sustainably Chic. We want to ensure the person making the shoes is treated well and makes a fair wage.
Factors to Consider When Buying Sustainable Shoes
When purchasing sustainable shoes, several factors must be considered to ensure you're making an informed and ethical choice. Here are some key considerations:
Materials: Look for shoes made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials, such as recycled or organic materials. Avoid shoes made from synthetic materials that contribute to pollution and waste.
Certifications: Check if the brand has certifications or accreditations validating their sustainable practices. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or Bluesign.
Supply Chain Transparency: Transparency ensures ethical practices throughout the supply chain. Research the brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility.
Durability: Sustainable shoes should be designed to last. Look for high-quality craftsmanship and materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
End-of-Life Options: Consider what options are available for recycling or repurposing the shoes once they reach the end of their lifecycle. Brands that offer recycling programs or take-back initiatives contribute to a circular economy.
By considering these factors, you can make a more conscious and sustainable choice when buying shoes.
What Types of Eco-Friendly Materials Should You Look For?
The perfect biodegradable shoe is yet to be a reality. Shoes are tricky because you want them to last - materials aren’t always ideal. Still, we prefer to find veggie-tanned leathers and recycled rubbers/polyesters, so at least we aren’t creating new virgin threads for a pair of shoes. Many of these brands also use natural fibers like organic cotton & hemp - and some of these brands are even doing amazing things like using apple peels or algae!
How Sustainable Shoes Contribute to a Greener Future
Choosing sustainable shoes is more than just a fashion statement; it is a step towards a greener future. By supporting brands prioritizing sustainability, you encourage the fashion industry to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Here are some ways sustainable shoes contribute to a greener future:
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Sustainable shoe brands prioritize reducing carbon emissions by using renewable materials, energy-efficient production processes, and carbon offset initiatives.
Waste Reduction: Using recycled materials, sustainable shoe brands help divert waste from landfills and reduce the need for new resource extraction.
Ethical Practices: Sustainable shoe brands often prioritize fair trade practices, ensuring that workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. By supporting these brands, you contribute to the fight against labor exploitation and promote social responsibility.
Innovation and Education: Sustainable shoe brands drive innovation in the industry by exploring new materials and manufacturing techniques. They also educate consumers about the environmental impact of traditional shoe production, encouraging more conscious buying decisions.
By choosing sustainable shoes, you are making a positive impact on the environment and supporting a shift towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Our Top Picks for Sustainable Shoe Brands:
1. Poppy Barley
Price: $120 - 485
Materials: LWG Veggie-Tanned Leather
Poppy Barley is a Canadian brand and B-Corporation founded by two sisters in Edmonton, AB. Their company is committed to rethinking every step to create sustainably made, fairly-priced products designed to be worn on repeat. They make insanely comfortable footwear and well-designed accessories with inclusive sizing 5-12 and in medium and wide widths.
code: FREESHIPSC for free shipping
2. Nisolo
Price: $50 - 250
Materials: LWG Veggie-Tanned Leather
All shoes are made of leather that originates from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, which meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility in the industry. Some models even have vegetable-tanned leather outsoles. Nisolo is a certified B corporation. Entirely carbon neutral, it offsets its carbon footprint by investing in forest conservation projects in the Peruvian Amazon.
3. Made Trade
Price: $89 - 280
Made Trade houses a bunch of different sustainable shoe brands. It’s nice to shop from several different designers at once, & they have everything from sandals to boots.
Some of our favorite brands can be found there, too! Made Trade also has an extensive collection of shoes for men - from slippers to dress shoes, you’ll be able to find something to add to their closet.
4. Able
Price: $44-120
Materials: LWG Veggie-Tanned Leather
FashionABLE believes in order to end poverty we must provide jobs for those lacking opportunity, particularly for women.
Their collection of veggie-tanned leather shoes is absolutely beautiful. They have heels, flats, boots & sandals.
Their leather comes in all different colors and even a few prints!
5. Okabashi
Price: $25-35
Materials: Vegan Recycled & Recyclable Plastic
Looking for shoes made right here in the US? Okabashi’s shoes are handcrafted in Buford, GA, and they are proud to be in the remaining 1% of US footwear manufacturers. The material they use is vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% recyclable. Plus, all the scraps and non-saleable returns are turned into new product.They are also incredibly easy to clean and very comfortable!
6. Will’s Vegan Store
Materials: Bio-based vegan leather
Price: $58 - 124
The online vegan department store that makes shopping vegan shoes as easy as anything! Find classic brogues and sleek loafers, perfect for office wear or special occasions. Will’s Vegan Store uses a vegan leather made from bio oil sourced from organic cereal crops grown in Northern Europe in a carbon-neutral process.
code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off
7. Biankina
Materials: Recycled Microfiber, Cork, Jute, Rubber
Price range: $70 - 140
Biankina is a sustainable footwear brand based in Barcelona that sells vegan shoes, including a variety of sandals for women. If you are looking for the perfect Birkenstock alternative, this brand is your best bet! They also have beautiful Espadrilles and Canvas Wedges.
8. Oka-B
Materials: Bio-based Material
Price: $38 - 78
For the cutest sandals and ballet flats, look no further than Oka-B. Originally made as a spa shoe, they feature arch support and massage beads to keep your feet pampered 24/7. All Oka-B shoes are made with a bio-based material that contains 45% soy by weight and is BPA, latex, rubber, and phthalate-free. Oka-B shoes are made in the USA & when you return your well-loved & worn shoes, they recycle them & send a 15% off coupon toward your next purchase.
use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC10 for 10% off
9. Veerah
Price: $109 - 448
Materials: Vegan Apple Leather, Algae, Renewed Plastics, Bamboo Leather
Some of the most beautiful heels you can find, Veerah has been one of our favorites for years. This brand’s shoes are inspired by women and made for warriors - and I know that they indeed make a very comfortable heel! Another plus, Veerah focuses on giving to causes that support women and girls.
10. Thesus
Price: $80-198
Materials: Recycled Rubber, Post-Industrial Car Seat Leather, Recycle Nylon & Foam
I own a pair of their rain boots, and I haven’t bought a new pair for several years now.
They also have winter boots that are vegan & will keep you dry all year long. Plus, their vegan sneakers are made from recycled car seat leather! How interesting is that?
11. Nae Vegan Shoes
Price: $39 - 248
Materials: Piñatex, AppleSkin, Cork
Portuguese vegan footwear brand Nae Vegan Shoes (standing for No Animal Exploitation) was founded in 2008 and is well known for their beautiful animal-free footwear. Their sandals, sneakers, boots and heels, all with European-inspired designs, are made with Piñatex, AppleSkin, cork, rPET, and On Steam Bioeco, the first ecological microfiber obtained partially from corn and recycled polyester.
12. Etiko
Price: $20 - 95
Materials: Natural Rubber, Organic Cotton
Australian brand Etiko specializes in organic, vegan, feel-good fashion and has a range of footwear, including sneakers, flip-flops and flats. Using natural rubber and 100% organic cotton, they create Fairtrade footwear that you can feel good knowing your footprints are that much lighter on the planet!
13. Veja
Price: $135 - 225
Materials: LWG Leather, Recycled Water Bottles, Sugarcane, Organic Cotton
Veja is a footwear brand for the whole family. Its mission is to design shoes that will stand the test of time. If you’re looking for sneakers, the brand has different styles and colors to choose from. The lining of Veja shoes is made of organic cotton and recycled polyester. We love that Veja is very transparent about its carbon footprint and even discloses the individual carbon footprint of its shoe models. It also follows fair trade principles and works directly with small producers.
14. Cariuma
Price: $79-169
Materials: Cotton Canvas, Cork Vegan Insoles, Recycled Plastic Laces, Bamboo, Sugarcane
For a classic look that will last for many years, Cariuma uses only ethical manufacturing, recycled packaging, and carbon-neutral shipping. They are a Certified B-Corp Brand, & every shoe is made in an ethical factory in China. These factories have strict codes of conduct & fair wages. Plus, each pair purchased, plants 2 trees!
15. Noah Italian Vegan Shoes
Price: $70 - 200
Materials: Corn Leather, Cork
Noah Italian Vegan Shoes protect animals by excluding leather from each step of production and are 100% vegan PETA certified. All their shoes are made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, with a high percentage of recycled fibers. They are also toxin-free and hypoallergenic.
Sustainable Shoe Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your sustainable shoes. Here are some tips to keep your shoes in top condition:
Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your sustainable shoes. Use eco-friendly shoe cleaners or gentle soap to avoid harsh chemicals that could harm the environment.
Protection: Apply a waterproof or protective spray to shield your shoes from dirt, stains, and water damage. Look for eco-friendly options that do not contain harmful chemicals.
Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Use shoe trees or stuffing to maintain their shape and to avoid creasing.
Repair and Reuse: If your sustainable shoes need repairs, consider getting them fixed instead of replacing them. Many brands offer repair services to extend the lifespan of your footwear. Reusing or donating your shoes when you no longer need them is also a sustainable option.
Taking proper care of your sustainable shoes ensures they last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.
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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!
Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.
