Image: Girlfriend

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Wild About Collective. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

the best sustainable activewear brands

While we could probably get away with wearing a t-shirt and leggings, which we already have in the closet for our daily workouts, there is something about putting on a designated activewear outfit that makes our fitness much more comfortable... and bearable?

What to Look for When Shopping Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Activewear

When shopping for activewear, there are a few things I ask myself.

1) Was it made ethically?

2) What material is it made from?

The brands we list on Sustainably Chic always have a high standard of ethics when manufacturing, and if you need clarification on an unlisted brand, ask them! Most should have the info on their website, but a quick email should tell you if you can’t find it. Material-wise - this is a tough one. I prefer organic cotton for my workout clothing because it is a natural fiber (although usually mixed with spandex for stretch). These fibers don’t shed microplastics as recycled polyester does. Since many ethically-made workout clothing is made from recycled polys, you must wash it correctly to avoid the many microplastics entering the water systems. You can read more about this topic here. Whatever your preference, recycled and natural organic fibers are more sustainable choices.

Here are 8 sustainable activewear brands you will love wearing during your workouts:

1. Wild About Collective

Material | ECONYL

Price | $109-179

Wild About Collective is a sustainable luxury athleisure brand that empowers you to be you. Featuring a collection of beautifully handmade pieces made from ECONYL (regenerated nylon), each piece inspires one to live a life they are wild about. On a mission to save the oceans, their activewear is plastic-neutral, accounting for all plastic consumption by removing the equivalent weight of plastic from the oceans. The packaging is made from RPET with FSC Certified tags & OEKO-TEX 100-certified threading.

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2. tentree

Material | Recycled Polyester

Price | $24-98

A sustainable brand that makes conscious clothing and plants trees! So far, tentree has planted over 43 MILLION trees! Not only that, but they try to make their clothing as accessible as possible regarding pricing.

They created YouWear to give you the most sustainable activewear without sacrificing stretchy comfort.

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3. Pact

Material | Organic Cotton

Price | $25-45

I own a few pairs of their leggings and tanks, which are great for working out. But, especially if you don’t like ‘athletic’ wear, this organic cotton clothing is a wonderful alternative. It looks more like everyday loungewear and is incredibly affordable. After owning one pair of their leggings for six years, I can tell you the quality is excellent wash after wash!

code: SustainablyChic for 15% off

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4. Girlfriend

Materials | ECONYL®, Recycled PET, Recycled Nylon, Cupro

Price | $38-78

This brand is one of the best when it comes to size inclusivity. Girlfriend goes up to a size 6X and has so many different colors and styles to choose from. They use a lot of different fabrics, but all are made from post-consumer waste. Their facility in Taiwan specializes in eco-friendly and high-quality textiles, and their ethical cut-and-sew SA8000-certified factory is in Hanoi, Vietnam.

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5. Silverwind

Materials: RPET, Recycled Plastic Bottles

Price: $27-68

Sizes: XS-6XL

We love finding more ethically-minded brands with larger size runs, and the prints at Silverwind (a UK-based brand) are absolutely beautiful! From butterflies to floral prints, there is something for every susty girlie! Each piece is made from recycled waste, helping keep plastic out of landfills. Plus, they use 100% compostable mailers for shipping!

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6. Organic Basics

Materials | Tencel, Organic Cotton, Recycled Nylon

Price | $42-98

If you want to buy basics by the packs, this is an excellent brand. Besides their comfortable underwear, Organic Basics is home to basic crew necks, socks, and a superb activewear line made with Polygiene® Stay Fresh technology which helps keeps the laundry loads to a minimum. I have one of their sets from the Silvertech collection, & it is one of my favorites!!

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7. RECOSIVITY

Materials | REPREVE® Recycled Polyester

Price | $89

RECOSIVITY’s buttery soft leggings are made from the number one recycled, certified, and traceable performance fiber, and they plant a tree for every order. In addition, all products are made in the USA, meaning they are one of the first activewear brands to combat the planet-killing CO2 emissions from overseas manufacturing. They also use innovations that reduce the amount of water and energy used in the dyeing process, and their sustainability promise extends to their packaging, which is 100% recycled and recyclable.

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8. Wolven

Material | OEKO-TEX certified Recycled P.E.T fabric (RPET)

Price | $36-108

Do you need a little extra pep in your step when working out? Well, look no further than Wolven. Their vibrant prints are everything you need to make working out fun. I love that you can even wear a lot of their pieces every day - not just at the gym. They have many different styles, prints, colors, and even some solid pieces (which would be awesome for mixing and matching with all of their prints!).

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9. Made Trade

Materials | Organic Cotton, Modal, Bamboo

Price | $38-110

Seriously one of the best sustainable fashion & home-curated places online, Made Trade is home to several different athleisure brands! From joggers to soft tees, they have much to choose from for your workout routine. I love this brand pictured here. Their name is Mary Young, and they have a lot of beautiful colors. They also have options if you are looking for plus size!

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150

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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.

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related reading you may also enjoy:

Image: Girlfriend

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

The Best Sustainable Leggings

Whether you wear them out of necessity or enjoy styling outfits around them, leggings have become an essential staple in many of our wardrobes. These form-fitting bottoms are often debated in regard to their place in the fashion world or whether they’re appropriate to be worn on their own. But regardless of your stance on leggings, they’ve become a foundational item that can be used as a base layer, for exercising or just to chill out in. 

The history of leggings dates back to 14th century Scotland when they were originally worn by men for both casual and military dress. They came in two pieces, one for each leg, and were secured at the waist, and at this time they would have been made from leather or chainmail. Up until the 19th century it was only men who wore these two-piece leggings. Fast forward to the 1950s and ’60s and leggings were now being created for fashion rather than just underwear, and experimentation with new materials brought about the lycra leggings in 1959. 

In the 60s, leggings were being worn by women for exercising and to form outfits, often styled with miniskirts, platform heels, or shift dresses. Through the 70s, 80s and 90s leggings have kept up with the changing fashion, adapting to the shifts in the popular silhouettes, materials and fabrics used throughout each decade.

Increasingly we have seen workout leggings being designed to take us ‘from the gym to coffee dates’ and, post-pandemic, it’s possible that the comfy, easy to wear nature of leggings have made them the go-to choice of bottoms as ‘comfort dressing’ takes the reins for 2022 and beyond. Fashion Psychologist, Shakaila Forbes-Bell, says “The need to not only be physically comfortable but psychologically comfortable in what we wear will likely remain as people have come to realize that clothing can be used as a tool to aid cognitive processing and general wellbeing.”

With the rise of the athleisure wear trend showing no signs of slowing down, leggings seem to have secured a place in the fashion world’s heart for good.

What can make your leggings unsustainable?

As leggings grew in popularity from the 60s onwards, so did the demand for clothing overall. Globally, we now consume about 80 billion new pieces of clothing every year, approximately 400% more than the amount we consumed just two decades ago. As clothing has increasingly been made from poorer quality materials and at a much faster pace, these products are not lasting as long as they used to, and underwear and ‘basics’ are a large part of that problem. We are now discarding clothes at a shocking pace. The average American now generates 82 pounds of textile waste each year. That adds up to more than 11 million tons of textile waste from the U.S. alone.

Leggings are often one of the items of clothing consumers dispose of more frequently. Whether it’s due to ripped seams, fading of the material, or loss of stretchiness, leggings can lose their luster fairly quickly. Without easy access to local recycling schemes, many consumers choose to throw their old leggings directly in the trash, which is then sent to landfill or incinerated. 

The most commonly used materials for leggings are polyester, nylon, spandex, and non-organic cotton. For leather leggings, cow’s leather or faux leather is used, often with a synthetic lining. With the exception of cotton, all these materials can take anywhere from 40-200 years to decompose in landfills. As they decompose, these materials release toxic chemicals into the ground polluting the waterways and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

What eco-friendly fabrics should you look for in leggings?

One way to make sure the leggings you buy are more sustainable is to look for certain materials that are more sustainably produced than the ones mentioned previously. For a material to be classed as ‘sustainable’ (or at least more sustainable), it can depend on a number of different factors. For example, if a material can be produced using much less water or energy, or if it is made using no toxic chemicals. 

Generally speaking, natural organic fibers and recycled materials are the more sustainable choices when selecting leggings. Natural fibers often found in sustainable leggings can include organic cotton, bamboo (including bamboo rayon or bamboo viscose), and Tencel. The recycled materials used for leggings can be recycled nylon, polyester, rayon, or spandex. You may also see recycled elastane featured in some leggings; this is the material that gives leggings their stretch. 

If you choose leggings made with recycled synthetic fibers, just be aware that these do still shed microplastics, so best to wash them using a Guppyfriend or Cora Ball to catch the fibers. You can read more on how to reduce microplastics in your laundry here. 

Now, our top picks for comfy, sustainable leggings:

1) Purefit Legging

Price: on sale $23

Sizes: XS-XXL

Materials: organic cotton, elastane

The Purefit leggings from Pact are made with no toxic chemicals and organic cotton, resulting in soft, breathable fabric that’s not too thin.

They come in black, charcoal, dark red & a print and offer all-day comfort – what else could you need! Pact clothing is made in a GOTS certified and Fair Trade factory based in India.

code: SustainablyChic for 15% off

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2) Compressive High-Rise Legging

Price: $78

Sizes: XXS-6XL

Materials: RPET (recycled Polyethylene terephthalate), spandex

Girlfriend Collective claims this is the legging that started it all for them. The highly popular Compressive High-Rise leggings have gained massive popularity due to their inclusive size range and unrivaled compression fabric that makes you feel incredibly well-supported during any physical activity. Made with recycled plastic bottles and available in ten colorways, these are essential for any athleisure-obsessed woman!

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3) American Dream Leggings

Price: $89

Sizes: S - XXL

Material: REPREVE® Recycled Polyester, Spandex

RECOSIVITY’s buttery soft leggings are made from the number one recycled, certified, and traceable performance fiber, and they plant a tree for every order. In addition, all products are made in the USA, meaning they are one of the first activewear brands to combat the planet-killing CO2 emissions from overseas manufacturing. They also use innovations that reduce the amount of water and energy used in the dyeing process, and their sustainability promise extends to their packaging, which is 100% recycled and recyclable.

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4) Organic Stretch Legging

Price: $68

Sizes: XS-3X

Materials: organic cotton, spandex

The Organic Stretch legging by Mate the Label is made with organic cotton and designed for low to medium impact exercise.

They also break down the cost-per-wear of the leggings, for example, if you wore them once a week over a year the cost-per-wear would be only $1.36!

Available in nine gorgeous colourways, these leggings were made to be seen.

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5) Essential Bamboo Organic Cotton Thick Leggings

Price: $44

Sizes: 6-20

Materials: bamboo viscose, organic cotton, elastane jersey

Perfect for styling with dresses or skirts in fall and early spring, the Essential leggings from Thought are made with super soft bamboo and organic cotton jersey, creating a natural and breathable fabric. Designed for lounging at home or doing light exercise (such as yoga) these leggings are the perfect balance of comfort and style.

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6) Active High-Waisted Leggings

Price: $82

Sizes: XS-XL

Materials: bamboo viscose, organic cotton

Leggings with pockets have to be one of the best inventions of our time, surely? These high-waisted leggings from Boody feature three pockets, a wide waistband, and curved panel shaping on the side leg. Boody claims that 272.1 liters of water are saved with these leggings as organically grown bamboo uses 66% less water compared to conventional cotton. Available in olive, black, and grey marl, these leggings are the perfect addition to any wardrobe!

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7) Active Leggings

Price: $90

Sizes: XS-XXL

Materials: recycled nylon, elastane

The Active leggings by Organic Basics are made with sweat-wicking, stretchy recycled nylon that helps you stay fresh, meaning less need to add them to the laundry pile! Pick from black, dusty rose, dusty blue, olive, or burgundy for the perfect minimalist leggings. May they even be enough to motivate you to get to that exercise class you’ve been putting off?

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8) The Dressy Legging

Price: $152

Sizes: XS-XXL

Materials: bamboo rayon, lycra

Another one with pockets! The Dressy leggings from Encircled are a great pair for any smart-casual look, perfect to pair with a white tee and denim jacket. With two side pockets big enough for your phone or passport, these would be great if you’re out running errands and don’t want to bring a bag. Made with bamboo rayon and sewn, knit and dyed in Toronto, Canada, these leggings are ticking all the sustainability boxes for us!

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9) Rita Pocket Legging

Price: $78

Sizes: XS-XXL

Materials: recycled polyester, spandex 

The Rita Pocket legging from Threads4Thought is a carbon-neutral product as it has offset the carbon emissions throughout the production process, from raw material extraction to shipping.

Made with recycled polyester to create a double-brushed performance fabric, the leggings feature body-hugging compression that gives you the perfect amount of support. Choose from 12 different colors!

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10) Pax Leggings | Vege-Dye

Price: $88

Sizes: XS-4XL

Materials: organic cotton, spandex, vegetable dye

For those of you who like to stand out from the crowd, the Pax leggings by Groceries Apparel may be just what you’re looking for. Designed with a wide waistband that ends just above your natural waistline, these leggings will support you and flatter all the right curves. The GOTS certified organic cotton has been hand-dipped with vegetable dyes that use non-toxic ingredients like weld flowers and natural indigo.

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11) Bamboo Enduro Leggings

Price: $68

Sizes: 8-18

Materials: bamboo viscose, organic cotton, elastane

The Enduro leggings are a BAM icon, claiming that the fabric sculpts to your bum and legs and remains opaque through deep squats and downward dogs – one less thing to worry about!

Available in a wide range of colours and funky prints, the Enduro leggings can definitely bring an element of fun to your ‘basics’ wardrobe.

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12) Organic Cotton Base Layer Leggings

Price: $29

Sizes: S-XXL

Materials: organic cotton, spandex 

Maggie’s Organics has created the perfect Base Layer leggings, made with supersoft and stretchy organic cotton fabric designed to move with you. Maggie’s Organics products are made by union workers in their factory in India and they believe in real Fair Trade, from farm to finish. Choose from black or grey and enjoy easy layering and comfy hangouts.

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About the Author

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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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.

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image by Hylo

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

The Best eco-friendly & Sustainable sneakers

Are you ready to step into a greener future? Sustainable sneakers are poised to revolutionize our approach to footwear, offering not just a stylish look, but also a commitment to ethics and sustainability. Crafted from eco-friendly materials and designed for lasting durability, they provide a chance to reduce our carbon footprint while making a positive impact on the environment. Let’s embrace sustainable sneakers and stride confidently, knowing that you are contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet!

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Sneakers

The fashion industry, including the sneaker market, has historically had a significant negative impact on the environment. Traditional sneakers, which are typically manufactured using synthetic materials and energy-intensive processes, contribute substantially to carbon emissions. The production of these sneakers relies on non-renewable resources like petroleum-based plastics and harmful chemicals, posing a threat to the environment. The disposal of traditional sneakers presents a major environmental concern. Many of these sneakers end up in landfills or polluting water bodies, including oceans, where their non-biodegradable materials can take hundreds of years to decompose. This long-lasting environmental impact is exacerbated by the continually increasing demand for sneakers, resulting in millions of pairs being produced and discarded annually.

What to look for when shopping sustainable sneakers

There are a few things you should look for when shopping for a new pair of running shoes or sneakers, but the most important are materials and manufacturing. First, you want to ensure the shoe's composition is made with the planet in mind. You can find lots of recycled rubbers & natural fibers, and even algae-based materials. Next, do they put ethics at the forefront of their business? Are they treating their workers well? You can usually find this information on their website or look for certifications like 'B Corp' or 'Fair Trade.' While a company can't be perfect within sustainability, the brands listed below will be much better than conventional sneaker brands.

&& ethics and eco-friendliness aside, you want a pair of comfortable, quality sneakers that will last you a long time. From walking to hiking… you name it… one of these pairs of shoes will get you there in ethical style!

Brand Rating Guide:

❤︎ = we like ❤︎❤︎ = we really like ❤︎❤︎❤︎ = we LOVE

Click here to learn how we rate brands on Sustainably Chic

our favorite sustainable sneakers For Running, Walking & Everyday Wear:

1. Marlin V-Knit Running Shoe

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Brand: Veja

Price: $200

Materials: Recycled polyester upper and lining/rubber sole

Veja is a well-established footwear brand that offers a wide range of shoes catering to the needs of the entire family. The brand is dedicated to the mission of creating durable and timeless footwear designs. If you're in the market for sneakers, Veja provides an extensive selection of styles and color options to suit your preferences. What sets Veja apart is its use of organic cotton and recycled polyester in the lining of its shoes. One of the standout attributes of Veja is its transparency regarding its carbon footprint. The company openly shares the individual carbon footprint of each shoe model, allowing consumers to make informed choices about their purchases. In addition, Veja adheres to fair trade principles and maintains direct partnerships with small producers, further emphasizing its dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.

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2. Bria Go-to-Court Sneaker

❤︎❤︎❤︎

Brand: Nisolo

Price: $160

Materials:  LWG Leather, Rubber

Looking to elevate your sneaker game? Meet the Bria — a minimal, modern sneaker designed to be your go-to choice for casual outings, city escapades, commuting, and any other occasions where comfort is key. Crafted from high-quality, water-resistant leather with a cushioned insole featuring Green EVA for superior arch support, these sneakers are the epitome of both style and functionality. Nisolo, the company behind the Bria, has proudly attained B Corp and Carbon Neutral certification, and is renowned for its commitment to producing ethical footwear. Nisolo is leading the way in fair labor practices, ensuring living wages and ethical work environments for those involved in the production process. They prioritize transparency with regards to their manufacturing processes and have made substantial strides in sustainability and transparency in recent years. Notably, in late 2021, they introduced their groundbreaking Sustainability Facts Label, a pioneering initiative that comprehensively outlines the impact of each product on both people and the planet.

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3. Catiba Pro High

❤︎❤︎❤︎

*Vegan Options

Brand: Cariuma

Price: $119

Materials: Premium Suede & Organic Cotton Canvas, 100% Slip-Resistant Natural Rubber, Mamona Oil Bio Based Cork Insert

Introducing the innovative CATIBA Pro High skate shoe, designed with both performance and sustainability in mind. These shoes have been meticulously engineered to provide exceptional durability, dynamic movement, and superior grip. The CATIBA Pro High offers optimum board feel, traction, ultimate comfort, and ankle stability with a reinforced flick point, ensuring an unparalleled skating experience. As an added bonus, for every pair of CATIBA Pro High shoes purchased, they pledge to plant two trees, contributing to reforestation efforts. With the CATIBA Pro High, you can skate with confidence, knowing that you're making a positive impact on the planet with every stride!

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1) Corn Runners

Brand: Hylo Athletics

Price: $135

Materials:  7 Natural Materials, Corn, Algae, Natural Rubber, Vegan

The Corn Runners are the best running shoes I have ever owned. I highly recommend trying these out for yourself!

Then, when you are done using them, you can send them back to be recycled.

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3) Tree Dasher

Brand: Allbirds

Price: $135

Materials: FSC-certified TENCEL™ Lyocell, SweetFoam® sugarcane-based green EVA, FSC-certified natural rubber, recycled plastic bottles

This is Allbird’s new & improved running shoe that is lighter with a more responsive foam & extra grip. They are great for everyday runs, walks, & light workouts.

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4) Ultraboost 22 Running Shoe

Brand: Adidas

Price: $95

Materials: 50% recycled (ocean plastic)

While we don’t think Adidas is sustainable, we do like that they offer a more sustainable option with their Ultraboost Sneakers. We understand people love their quality, and we believe it's a great start to future sustainable fashion from them!

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5) Energee in Canyon Clay

Brand: Avre

Price: $145

Materials: Recycled Plastic

I own a pair of shoes from this brand, one of the comfiest pairs of walking shoes I have in my closet. Created with their signature knitted and recycled material, the Energee shoe will fit every contour of your foot without the worry of needing time to break them in. I love this color, too!

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6) Urban Wooler

Brand: Baabuk

Price: $97

Materials: Upper & inner 100% Portuguese mulesing-free sheep wool, Soft Merino inner lining

I have a pair of Baabuk sneakers, and they are very comfortable! The Urban Woolers are made for warmer weather. The moisture-wicking wool and slip-on, slip-off elastic laces make these sneakers very cool.

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7) Street Vegan Shoes

Brand: BeFlamboyant

Price: $142

Materials: Corn Waste, Recycled PET & Rubber

The Street Vegan Shoes are entirely animal-free & registered with ‘the Vegan Society,’ the most demanding vegan certification. The sneakers are also zero-waste, packaged in a 100% recycled cardboard box, a plantable card, and a free jute bag.

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9) Cascade Trail

Brand: Forsake

Price: $130

Materials: Waterproof Mesh Upper, Algae-Based Footbed, Vegan

The Cascade Trail is a water-resistant hiking sneaker. We love that the footbed is created with 20% BLOOM - an algae-based product, which will return 32 liters of clean water to habitats and clean 20 cubic meters of air.

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10) The Lace Up

Brand: Rothy’s

Price: $165

Materials: Recycled Plastic Bottle Knit, Plant-Based Footbed, Bio-Based TPU Outsoles

You can actually throw these into the washing machine! This classic style sneaker also comes in so many different colors.

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11) Lace Up Sneaker

Brand: Thousand Fell

Price: $120

Material: Natural Rubber, Recycled Plastic, Aloe Vera, Coconut, Sugarcane, and Palm

One of the first circular pairs of sneakers! When you are done with them, send them back so they can recycle them. The Lace Up Sneaker is designed for everyday life and is so comfortable, breathable, & stain/odor resistant! I love mine.

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12) Primus Lite III

Brand: Vivo Barefoot

Price: $120

Materials: Vegan, Recycled plastics and bio-based materials

It almost feels like you are walking barefoot. With less shoe & less weight, you feel freer than ever in the best-selling Primus Lite. Because you can naturally move in these, your feet are the ones in control rather than the shoe.

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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.

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related reading you may also enjoy: