Sandals are go-to wardrobe staples in most closets during the warmer months. They are the ideal shoes to wear when it is hot outside or when we go to the beach!
But as we wear them all the time in the summer, they can quickly wear out and break, especially if we do not initially invest in quality. Worn-out sandals, which are by the way often made with unsustainable materials, then end up in landfill where they will not biodegrade for at least several centuries.
As a conscious consumer, you might want to reduce the environmental impact of your shoe collection and be on the lookout for durable and sustainably made sandals. Thankfully, thanks to many ethical brands, we can now purchase models that are not only comfortable and made to last but also crafted with the planet in mind.
In this article, we have rounded up 10 sustainable brands selling beautiful sandals that you will be able to wear for all your summer outings!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands – and us!
What makes a sandal sustainable?
Sustainable sandals are shoes that are built to last and that you can wear for multiple seasons. They are made with eco-friendly materials with longevity and quality in mind.
They are also crafted ethically by workers who are paid fair, living wages and offered employee benefits, and who work under safe, healthy, and dignified conditions.
Sustainable sandal brands should also be transparent about their manufacturing processes, produce their shoes in an eco-friendly way, and make them in smaller batches to avoid waste and overproduction.
What eco-friendly materials should you look for in your next pair of sandals?
Sustainable brands use a variety of eco-friendly materials to produce their sandals. You can find models made from recycled plastic, organic cotton, cork, jute, or even deadstock and upcycled materials.
Some companies also use more innovative materials made from the byproducts of the food industry, like piñatex, apple leather, and VEGEA.
The outsoles are often made with natural rubber, and heeled pairs can feature a heel produced from sustainably-harvested wood.
Some sustainable brands choose to make their sandals from leather, which is generally not an eco-friendly material. However, if it is vegetable-tanned and sourced responsibly and from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, leather can be a great material for crafting very durable sandals that can last for years.
Our Top Picks for Comfy, Sustainable Sandals:
Poppy Barley
For: Women
Materials: Leather
Price: $215-275
Poppy Barley is a Canadian-certified B Corporation producing eco-friendly shoes and accessories. It has two models of women’s sandals, both of which are made ethically in a women-owned factory in Mexico. Designed with all-day comfort in mind, both sandals feature flexible soles, cushioned footbeds with arch support, square toes, and adjustable ankle straps. The Fisherman sandals, which are available in four colors, are even sold in bright purple!
Poppy Barley makes its sandals using leather that comes from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, and that is a byproduct of food production. The leather lining is also vegetable-tanned and chemical-free and is produced using less water.
The brand even started a scholarship program to help the children of the artisans Poppy Barley works with gain access to post-secondary education! It also partners with Soles4Souls to give pre-loved shoes a new life.
use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC-15 for 15% off your entire purchase
Biankina
For: Women
Materials: Recycled Microfiber, Natural Rubber, Cork, Jute
Price: $70
Biankina is an eco-conscious footwear brand that operates out of the city of Barcelona. Specializing in vegan shoes, they offer a diverse range of sandals tailored to women.
Each sandal from Biankina boasts a timeless, contemporary, and sophisticated design, ideal for both formal and casual occasions. Available in an array of colors, including metallic hues, these sandals are lightweight and offer exceptional comfort and support for all-day wear.
The uppers in the sandals are crafted from Global Recycled Standard-certified recycled microfiber, while the soles are made from 100% natural rubber and feature memory foam insoles for added comfort. Furthermore, the cork midsoles naturally absorb shock as you walk, and the incorporation of jute fiber reduces heat conductivity, making these sandals ideal for the summer months.
Every pair of Biankina’s slides is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in an ethical workshop in Spain, ensuring that each shoe is made with expertise and care. Additionally, all of the brand’s products are vegan, and the production process is free from harmful chemicals and glues. As a bonus, when you purchase the one-strap style from Biankina, the brand pledges to plant two trees on your behalf!
use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off your entire purchase
For: Women & Men
Materials: Bio-Based Vegan Leather, Polyurethane, Recycled Plastic, Jute, Cork, Rubber
Price: $59 – 104
Will’s Vegan Store is an ethical vegan shoe company selling different styles of sandals for both men and women.
Men can choose between slip-on models designed with shock-absorbing cork footbeds and arch support, and a comfortable sports pair featuring a lightweight Vibram outsole.
The brand has even more options for women, including elegant heeled sandals and stylish slides that can be worn both at the beach and while walking in the city.
Will’s Vegan Store makes its sandals in Italy or Portugal using only vegan materials, from the uppers down to the glue used in its shoes.
Most of its sandals are made from Italian bio-based vegan leather produced from cereal crops, and the outsoles and insoles contain recycled materials.
The company also ships its shoes in a carbon-neutral supply chain using plastic-free packaging.
