Sustainable Shoes: The Top 20 Footwear Brands
1.allbirds 11. Alohas
2.reformation 12. Koio
3.ABLE 13. Clae
4. VEJA 14. Native Shoes
5. Sezane 15. Thesus Outdoors
6.Nisolo 16. Grounded People
7.Cariuma 17. Nomadic State of Mind
8. Thousand Fell 18. Veerah
9. Rothy’s 19. Icebug
10. Zou Xou 20. Bhavam Studio
Table of Contents
Top 20 sustainable shoes brands
How are sustainable shoes different from conventional shoes?
What materials are used to make sustainable shoes?
How can I identify if a shoe is truly sustainable?
Are there any certifications or labels to look for when buying sustainable shoes?
What are the environmental benefits of wearing sustainable shoes?
Are you a discerning consumer who values both style and sustainability in their footwear choices? If so, look no further than our comprehensive guide to sustainable women's shoes. Curated by esteemed style experts, this pillar article presents a carefully selected collection of the 20 best sustainable women's shoes available on the market today.
You can also read about other pieces of sustainable clothing for your minimalist wardrobe, such as sustainable activewear, sustainable swimsuits, and bamboo socks.
Top 20 sustainable shoes brands
Get ready to meet the top sustainable shoe brands of 2024. These trailblazing brands have revolutionized the way we perceive footwear, combining innovative materials, ethical practices, and fashion-forward designs.
1. Allbirds
Best For: Machine-washable sneakers
Sustainability: Certified B Corp, carbon-neutral, natural & recycled materials, WRAP- & SMETA-certified production
Price Range: $40–$155
materials: renewable and natural materials, such as merino wool and eucalyptus tree fiber. Sugarcane-based SweetFoam™
Allbirds is a leading brand in the sustainable footwear industry, focusing on eco-friendly practices and stylish designs. It prioritizes ethical production practices, minimizing waste, and implementing carbon offset programs to offset emissions.
It also emphasizes transparency by sharing detailed information about its materials, sourcing, and production processes. With a range of stylish and versatile options, Allbirds offers sustainable women's shoes for various preferences and occasions.
Allbirds is known for its comfortable and eco-friendly shoes.
Their shoes are made from renewable materials like merino wool and eucalyptus tree fibers.
Allbirds focuses on reducing carbon emissions and using sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.
2. Reformation
Best For: Special occasion shoes & sandals
Sustainability: Climate Neutral, audited factories, Leather Working Group responsibly sourced leather, partner with groups like Fair Labor Association
Price Range: $98–$548
Materials: Eco-friendly materials like regenerated nylon, recycled rubber, and sustainably sourced leather.
Reformation is a brand that focuses on sustainable women's shoes, offering stylish and environmentally friendly options. They minimize their environmental impact while delivering high-quality, fashionable shoes.
Reformation's philosophy is centered on transparency and ethical manufacturing, partnering with factories that prioritize fair labor practices and safe working conditions.
Their RefScale initiative quantifies the environmental impact of each product, allowing customers to make informed choices. Their collection includes sleek heels and comfortable flats, catering to various styles and occasions.
Reformation, known for sustainable clothing, also offers sustainable footwear.
Their shoes are made using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices.
Reformation maintains a trendy aesthetic while prioritizing sustainability.
3. ABLE
Best For: Minimalist shoes
Sustainability: Certified B Corp, women artisan-made, fair labor & wages, Leather Working Group certified leather, eco-friendly packaging
Price Range: $70–$165
Materials: vegetable-tanned leather and recycled materials
ABLE is an ethical fashion brand that focuses on sustainable women's shoes, creating economic opportunities for women. They prioritize transparency, fair wages, and safe working conditions for their artisans. ABLE partners with manufacturers in countries like Ethiopia, Peru, and Mexico, empowering women with employment and economic independence.
Their timeless and fashionable designs, including versatile boots and classic flats, ensure durability and style, allowing customers to make a positive impact while looking effortlessly chic.
ABLE crafts stylish shoes using responsibly sourced materials.
The brand is committed to providing fair wages and empowering women in their manufacturing process.
4. Veja
Best For: Street shoes
Sustainability: Certified B Corp, fair trade practices, organic & upcycled materials, vegan options
Price Range: $105–$210
Materials: organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon rainforest, and vegetable-tanned leather
Veja is a trailblazer in sustainable women's shoes, focusing on ethical sourcing, fair trade practices, and innovative materials. This brand supports local communities and workers' rights by working directly with small-scale producers and cooperatives, providing fair wages, and creating long-term partnerships.
Their supply chain is built on transparency and respect for every individual involved. Their collection of sustainable women's shoes includes sneakers, sandals, and other fashionable options, blending style and sustainability, making a fashion statement while being environmentally friendly.
Veja is a French brand that creates sneakers using organic and fair-trade materials.
They promote transparency and support small producers and farmers.
5. Sézane
Best For: Boots & clogs
Sustainability: Fair & safe working conditions, eco-friendly materials & packaging, all locations powered by renewable energy
Price Range: $180–$445
Materials: materials with minimal environmental impact, such as organic cotton and recycled fabrics
Sézane, a leading brand in sustainable women's shoes, combines timeless style, ethical production, and responsible sourcing. It partners with factories that adhere to fair labor standards and offer full transparency about their supply chain.
The brand's dedication to longevity and quality is evident in its footwear collection, which features timeless shoes that transcend trends and are crafted with attention to detail.
Sézane's range of sustainable women's shoes exudes Parisian chic, offering elegant heels and comfortable flats that strike the perfect balance between style and sustainability, allowing consumers to make a conscious fashion statement.
Sézane offers a collection of sustainable shoes made with high-quality materials.
The brand prioritizes durability to ensure longevity and reduce waste.
6. Nisolo
Best For: Artisan leather shoes
Sustainability: Certified B Corp, artisan-made, fair labor & wages, climate-neutral certified, Leather Working Group certified leather, vegetable-tanned leather
Price Range: $90–$250
Materials: ethically sourced leather, responsibly harvested natural rubber, and recycled materials
Nisolo is a sustainable women's shoe brand that focuses on ethical practices, high-quality craftsmanship, and timeless designs. Nisolo works with skilled artisans to ensure high standards of craftsmanship and durability.
They also prioritize fair wages and empower their workers by partnering with artisans in Peru and Mexico. Nisolo's collection offers versatile and timeless options, including classic boots and chic sandals, making them sustainable wardrobe staples.
Nisolo produces ethically handmade shoes by skilled artisans in Peru.
They source sustainable materials and promote fair wages and safe working conditions.
7. Cariuma
Best For: High-tops
Sustainability: Natural materials, low impact dyes, ethically made via ILO standards, carbon-neutral shipping, reforestation program
Price Range: $79–$149
Material: responsibly sourced materials like organic cotton, ethically sourced leather, and bamboo insole lining
Cariuma is a leading brand in sustainable women's shoes, focusing on style, comfort, and eco-consciousness. Cariuma values transparency and ethical production, partnering with factories that uphold fair labor standards and provide safe working conditions.
Their collection offers trendy and comfortable options, from classic sneakers to casual slip-ons, blending fashion and sustainability for everyday wear.
Cariuma is a sustainable sneaker brand that combines style and eco-consciousness.
Their shoes are made with natural and recycled materials.
Cariuma also partners with environmental organizations to offset their carbon footprint.
8. Thousand Fell
Best For: Sneakers
Sustainability: Recyclable sneakers, sustainable & vegan materials, closed-loop processes
Price Range: $125—$135 (+$20 recycling deposit)
Materials: recycled and renewable materials like recycled plastic bottles, bio-based TPU, and vegan leather from plant-based sources
Thousand Fell is a sustainable women's shoe brand that revolutionizes the eco-friendly footwear industry with its innovative approach and stylish designs.
These eco-friendly choices reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality comfort. Thousand Fell's take-back program allows customers to return worn-out shoes for recycling, ensuring a longer life cycle and reducing waste generated by the fashion industry.
Their collection of sustainable women's shoes includes sleek sneakers and versatile slip-ons, combining fashion-forward designs with a commitment to the planet.
Thousand Fell creates sneakers that are 100% recyclable.
Their shoes are made from a mix of natural and recycled materials.
Thousand Fell offers a circular take-back program to ensure responsible disposal.
9. Rothy’s
Best For: Comfort flats & loafers
Sustainability: Recycled materials, sustainable packaging & practices, fair labor practices
Price Range: $79–$259
Materials: recycled plastic bottles, while other sustainable materials like marine plastics and plant-based fibers are also used
Rothy's, a leading brand in sustainable women's shoes, is revolutionizing the industry with its innovative use of recycled materials and commitment to sustainability.
Rothy's manufacturing process uses 3D knitting technology, minimizing fabric waste and ensuring shoes are fully machine-washable.
Their diverse range of sustainable women's shoes includes flats, sneakers, and loafers, offering versatile and on-trend designs suitable for various occasions. With a focus on comfort and sustainable practices, Rothy's delivers footwear that combines style and eco-consciousness seamlessly.
Rothy's specializes in stylish flats made from recycled plastic water bottles.
Their shoes are machine washable and feature a durable construction.
Rothy's also operates a recycling program to give old shoes a new life.
10. Zou Xou
Best For: Made-to-order shoes
Sustainability: Small batch production, artisan-made, meets fair labor standards
Price Range: $149–$325
Materials: environmentally friendly materials like vegetable-tanned leather
Zou Xou is a sustainable women's shoe brand that focuses on handmade designs and ethically sourced materials, ensuring fair wages and supporting traditional craftsmanship techniques. Each pair of shoes is handmade with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in high-quality, durable footwear.
Their versatile and timeless designs encourage consumers to invest in durable footwear that transcends fleeting trends. Zou Xou's collection of sustainable women's shoes exudes understated sophistication, offering elegant sandals and classic heels that effortlessly combine style, comfort, and sustainability.
Zou Xou is a handmade shoe brand committed to ethical production.
They work with artisans in Argentina to create timeless and sustainable footwear.
11. Alohas
Best For: Platform boots, sandals, and loafers
Sustainability: On-demand production, vegan-friendly options, ethically made in Spain, carbon offsetting options, Leather Working Group certified suppliers, responsibly sourced & sustainable materials
Price Range: $90–$420
Materials: recycled and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastic bottles, natural fibers, and vegan leather
Alohas is a sustainable women's shoe brand that combines fashion-forward designs with ethical and eco-conscious practices. They prioritize versatility, quality, and responsible sourcing, making them a popular choice for conscious consumers seeking stylish and sustainable footwear.
Alohas partners with skilled artisans in Spain to uphold fair labor practices and maintain high craftsmanship standards. Alohas supports traditional shoemaking techniques and promotes responsible manufacturing, creating shoes with integrity and respect for both people and the environment.
Their diverse range of sustainable women's shoes offers trendy sandals and classic boots, catering to various tastes and occasions. With a focus on timeless aesthetics, Alohas encourages consumers to invest in sustainable footwear for years to come.
Alohas offers sustainable shoes that are trendy and versatile.
They prioritize using vegan and eco-friendly materials.
Alohas also partners with local artisans and manufacturers to support ethical production.
12. Koio
Best For: Classic low top and bootie designs
Sustainability: Ethically made & sourced, ecosystem-restoring regenerative leathers, recycled materials, FSC®-certified natural rubber, handcrafted in Italy, fair wages
Price Range: $165–$395
Materials: high-quality, ethically sourced leather from certified tanneries
Koio is a sustainable women's shoe brand that combines Italian craftsmanship with ethical and eco-friendly practices. They offer luxury sneakers that align with conscious consumer values and prioritize responsible sourcing and production methods.
Each pair of Koio shoes is handmade in Italy by skilled artisans, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and durability. Koio's collection strikes a balance between classic elegance and contemporary design, offering chic, versatile styles suitable for various occasions.
Koio combines Italian craftsmanship with sustainable practices.
Their sneakers are made with high-quality and responsibly sourced materials.
13. Clae
Best For: Sneakers
Sustainability: Upper: High-quality vegan leather, Inner material: Organic cotton lining, 100% Vegan, Padded recycled EVA insole, Sole is 30% natural rubber & Laces are made of recycled nylon
Price Range: $125—$135
Materials: sustainable materials like vegan and recycled polyester, eco-suede, and organic cotton
Clae is a brand that combines modern aesthetics with ethical practices in women's shoes. It partners with factories that uphold fair labor practices and prioritize safe working conditions.
Their collection features sleek designs and versatile styles, crafted with attention to detail, ensuring a blend of fashion and sustainability. Clae encourages consumers to invest in timeless pieces that can be cherished for years to come.
Clae focuses on creating timeless footwear with sustainable materials.
They prioritize using vegan alternatives and reducing their environmental impact.
14. Native Shoes
Best For: Vegan sneakers for kids & adults
Sustainability: PETA-certified vegan, recyclable, made in factories with rigorous ethical standards
Price Range: $32–$110
Materials: sustainable materials like recycled PET, algae-based foam, and plant-based fibers
Native Shoes is a sustainable women's footwear brand that combines innovative design with environmental responsibility. They also practice responsible manufacturing, focusing on low-emission processes and efficient production techniques.
Their versatile designs cater to diverse styles and occasions, offering versatile, comfortable, and fashion-forward footwear that seamlessly blends sustainable practices with modern aesthetics.
Native Shoes specializes in lightweight, waterproof footwear made from plant-based and recycled materials.
Their shoes are designed for both kids and adults.
15. Thesus Outdoors
Best For: Waterproof rainboots
Sustainability: Fair trade rubber, natural & recycled materials, virgin plastic-free, 90 percent traceable, fair & safe working conditions
Price Range: $138–$198
Thesus Outdoors is a trailblazing brand that redefines sustainable shoes for outdoor enthusiasts. Founded from a love for nature, they combine eco-consciousness with exceptional performance, using recycled and organic materials.
The brand actively engages in environmental initiatives, planting a tree for every pair sold to contribute to reforestation and combat deforestation. Craftsmanship is at the heart of Thesus Outdoors, with waterproof hiking boots and lightweight trail runners.
They partner with responsible manufacturers, adhering to fair labor practices and upholding environmental standards. Explore their collection of women's shoes to inspire outdoor exploration and leave a positive impact on the environment.
Thesus Outdoors creates durable and sustainable footwear for outdoor adventures.
They prioritize using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes.
16. Grounded People
Best For: Machine-washable sneakers, slip-on sneakers, everyday wear
Sustainability: Certified B Corp, carbon-neutral, uses recycled and vegan materials, ethical production
Price Range: $98-$128
Materials: recycled and vegan materials
Size Range: 36-44 (US 5-11)
Grounded People is a sustainable shoe brand that creates stylish and comfortable sneakers for everyday wear. Their shoes are committed to ethical production practices. They are also a certified B Corporation, which means they meet rigorous standards for social and environmental responsibility.
Grounded People shoes are high-quality and sustainable shoes that are made with sustainability and its people in mind.
17. Nomadic State of Mind
Best For: Travel shoes, walking shoes, everyday wear
Sustainability: Uses recycled and vegan materials, handmade, vegan, ethical production, socially responsible, and carbon-neutral shipping
Price Range: $95-$145
Materials: eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled nylon, and recycled plastic
Size Range: 36-42 (US 5-9)
Nomadic State of Mind is a sustainable shoe brand that creates comfortable and stylish shoes for travel and everyday wear. Their shoes are made from recycled and vegan materials
They are produced in ethical factories. They also offer carbon-neutral shipping to help reduce their environmental impact.
When you buy from the Nomadic State of Mind, you can be sure that you are getting a comfortable and stylish shoe that was made with the planet and its people in mind.
18. Veerah
Best For: Dress shoes, heels, sandals, boots
Sustainability: Uses recycled and vegan materials, water-based adhesives, chrome-free leathers, ethical production
Price Range: $125-$225
Size Range: 36-42 (US 5-9)
Veerah is a sustainable shoe brand that creates stylish and ethical dress shoes, heels, sandals, and boots. Their shoes are made from recycled and vegan materials, and they use water-based adhesives and chrome-free leather to reduce their environmental impact. They also partner with ethical factories to ensure that their workers are treated fairly.
Veerah prioritizes comfort and style
They are environmentally friendly and have the least impact on our planet.
19. Icebug
Best For: Trail running shoes, hiking shoes, winter boots
Sustainability: Uses recycled and Bluesign®-approved materials, PFC-free water repellents, ethical production
Price Range: $130-$220
Size Range: 36-48 (US 5-13)
Icebug is a sustainable shoe brand that creates high-performance trail running shoes, hiking shoes, and winter boots. Their shoes are made from recycled and Bluesign®-approved materials, which means they have been produced with minimal environmental impact. They also use PFC-free water repellents to protect the environment.
When you buy from Icebug, you can be sure that you are getting a high-performance shoe for outdoor and hiking.
20. Bhavam Studio
Best For: Sandals, flats, boots, everyday wear
Sustainability: Uses recycled and vegan materials, upcycled textiles, water-based dyes, ethical production
Price Range: $85-$150
Size Range: 36-42 (US 5-9)
Bhavam Studio is a sustainable shoe brand that creates unique and stylish sandals, flats, and boots for everyday wear.
Their shoes are made from recycled and vegan materials, and they often use upcycled textiles to give new life to old materials. They also use water-based dyes to reduce their environmental impact.
Bhavam Studio produces unique and stylish shoes that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
What is a sustainable shoe?
A sustainable shoe refers to footwear that is designed, manufactured, and used in a way that minimizes its negative impact on the environment and promotes social responsibility throughout the supply chain. Sustainable women's shoes are produced using eco-friendly materials, ethical manufacturing processes, and often have a focus on durability and longevity.
How are sustainable shoes different from conventional shoes?
Sustainable shoes differ from conventional shoes in several ways:
Materials: Sustainable shoes often use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled rubber, or natural fibers instead of conventional synthetic materials.
Manufacturing: Sustainable shoes are produced using ethical manufacturing processes that prioritize worker well-being and reduce environmental impact.
Durability: Sustainable shoes are designed to be durable, promoting longevity and reducing waste compared to fast-fashion shoes.
Environmental Impact: Sustainable shoes aim to minimize their carbon footprint, water usage, and waste generation throughout their lifecycle.
What materials are used to make sustainable shoes?
Materials commonly used to make sustainable shoes include organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, recycled rubber, cork, recycled plastics, and responsibly sourced leather or alternative vegan materials like pineapple leather or mushroom leather.
How can I identify if a shoe is truly sustainable?
To identify if a shoe is truly sustainable, consider the following factors:
Materials: Look for eco-friendly materials like organic or recycled materials and avoid harmful substances like PVC.
Manufacturing: Check if the brand has transparent supply chain information and follows ethical manufacturing practices.
Certifications: Look for certifications like B Corp, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or Bluesign, which validate sustainable and ethical practices.
Brand Mission: Research the brand's commitment to sustainability, including their environmental and social initiatives.
Are there any certifications or labels to look for when buying sustainable shoes?
Certifications and labels to look for when buying sustainable shoes include:
B Corp Certification: Indicates the brand meets rigorous social and environmental standards.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Certifies that the shoes are made from organic fibers and meet specific environmental and social criteria.
Bluesign: Ensures that the materials and production processes used are environmentally friendly and safe for workers.
What are the environmental benefits of wearing sustainable shoes?
Wearing sustainable shoes provides several environmental benefits, including:
Reduced carbon footprint: Sustainable shoes often use recycled materials and have lower carbon emissions during production compared to conventional shoes.
Conservation of resources: Sustainable shoe brands focus on reducing water usage, minimizing waste, and using renewable or recycled materials.
Minimized pollution: Sustainable shoe production reduces the use of harmful chemicals and pollutants that can harm the environment and human health.
Support for ethical practices: By choosing sustainable shoes, you contribute to brands that prioritize fair wages, worker rights, and social responsibility, positively impacting communities involved in the supply chain.
Last but not Least…
Sustainable shoes are a beacon of hope for conscious consumers, representing a commitment to a greener future. These shoes are made from innovative materials and ethical production practices, reducing environmental impact while offering stylish, high-quality designs. They prioritize fair labor practices, empowering workers, and supporting local communities.
Transparency and accountability are at the core of their values, allowing consumers to make informed choices and contribute to positive change. Investing in sustainable shoes reduces our carbon footprint and promotes a circular economy, demonstrating our commitment to preserving the planet for future generations. By choosing sustainable shoes, we can walk towards a better tomorrow where style and sustainability coexist in harmony, contributing to a greener future.
FAQs
Does Nike have sustainability?
Nike has made significant strides towards sustainability. They have implemented various initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint, such as using recycled materials, reducing waste, and investing in renewable energy.
What shoe company is the most ethical?
When it comes to ethical shoe companies, several brands stand out. Allbirds, ABLE, Nisolo, Veja, and Reformation are recognized for their commitment to ethical sourcing, fair wages, and transparency in their supply chains.
Are sustainable shoes more expensive than traditional shoes?
Sustainable shoes can vary in price. While some sustainable brands may be priced higher due to the use of premium materials and ethical manufacturing practices, there are also affordable options available. The cost of sustainable shoes can depend on factors like brand reputation, craftsmanship, and the specific sustainable practices employed.
Do sustainable shoes have the same level of comfort and durability?
Sustainable shoes can provide similar levels of comfort and durability as conventional shoes. Many sustainable shoe brands prioritize comfort through ergonomic design, cushioning, and support features. Durability is often emphasized, as sustainable shoes are designed to withstand wear and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
