There is no need to scour the internet to find the best ethical shoes brands, anymore. This guide has all the eco-friendly shoe companies that are actually worth investing in. Whether youโre a classy heels girl or more of a casual sneaker babe, thereโs an ethical footwear option for everyone.ย
Before we dive into the list, letโs have a quick overview on what makes shoes ethical.ย
Ethical Shoes Meaning:
In order to be considered ethical, a brand has to commit to fair and equal treatment of everyone who takes part in the manufacturing process. Which means providing a fair living wage for its workers, creating a safe non-abusive environment, not using unethical labor such as slave, forced, or child, as well as refraining from animal cruelty. Iโm surprised these things arenโt just expected of every company, but believe it or not, there are many brands out there that do not adhere to all of these conditions. Are you shocked? Good. Be shocked and do something about it.
So by investing in fair trade footwear companies, youโre supporting businesses that commit to all of these. A better, fairer world. It that too much to ask for?ย
Let’s find out where to get the best ethical shoes from:
1. NOAH
Starting off with the pioneer of vegan shoes – NOAH: a cruelty-free, PETA-approved, zero waste brand for high-quality organic shoes handcrafted in Italy. Yes, they are as fancy as they sound. The company offers stunning classy styles for men and women, using breathable, water and scratch resistant, non-toxic recyclable materials.ย
Whatโs really wonderful about this label is that they are passionate about protecting animals by excluding leather from every step of their production, whilst maintain the class, look, and feel that leather bring, so all you leather lovers out there can be satisfied too. All the style, none of the slaughter.
2. RAFA
If youโre looking for stylish womenโs vegan footwear with a bit of a vintage twist, then RAFA is the place for you. Proudly hand-made in LA, California, the brand is born out of a need for smart luxury designs that will stand the test of time.
The shoes are hand-crafted in Los Angeles by a group of 20 artisans, using eco-materials and sustainable practices to make eco-friendly and sustainable shoes.ย
3. ROTHYโS
ROTHYโS is another wonderful American footwear label worth checking out as they offer ethically made shoes for the whole family. Comfort, style and sustainability is what you sign up for when youโre investing in this company.
From casual sneakers to all-day flats. Sandals, boots, and loafers, the brand has shoes for every occasion.ย
4. ETHLETIC
Next on the list is ETHLETIC which is a fair, PETA-approved, vegan, sustainable brand for stunning ethical sneakers. If youโre into everyday causal footwear, you will love their collections!
Think of Converse + VANS but ethical shoes fair-trade labelled, and made from organic cotton and natural rubber. ETHLETICโs sneakers are handmade under fair payment terms and the brand pays a premium of $1 for each pair of shoes sold to the factoryโs Workers Welfare Society, which has a really positive impact on the lives of people who make these superb shoes.
5. BEYOND SKIN
The answer to ethical shoes UK is the luxury vegan shoe company BEYOND SKIN. Created for those who care about where their fashion comes from and what it stands for.ย
Vintage-inspired silhouettes, fun prints, beautiful colors and unique styles, thatโs just a little overview of what you can find at BEYOND SKIN. From designer vegan boots, to chic heels, comfortable sandals or slip-on mules, the brand has something for every taste.
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6. VEJA
Iโve had my eyes on VEJA for a few months now, so I just have to include them in the list. Although, not all of their styles are vegan, the company is still doing their fair share of being a good ethical and sustainable shoe company.ย
The label is using fair-trade and organic materials for the production of their footwear to reduce its climate impact, and makes sure that their workers receive a good compensation and live in acceptable conditions.
7. NAE
My most recent and super exciting discovery is NAE, which is a Portuguese brand that creates insanely stylish PETA-approved vegan shoes for men and women, made from organic and recycled materials. Thanks to their sustainable shoes, Europe wonโt have to sacrifice morals for style anymore.
The brand is also offering vegan bags and accessories such as belts, wallets and eco polish shoe creams. If youโre into chic and comfy timeless styles, Iโm sure youโll fall in love with their collections.ย
8. FLAMINGOโS LIFEย
FLAMINGOโS LIFE is a Spanish sneaker company that is dedicated to veganism as well as reducing environmental impact. They offer biodegradable recycled shoes made of corn waste, organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled rubber.ย
For each pair of sneakers you purchase, the brand plants 5 trees in deforested areas. I love their Classic 70s Collection. Go check it out.ย
9. ETIKOย ย
ETIKO is the first ethically focused fashion brand in Australia. What you can find on their site is eco-friendly vegan shoes and apparel for men, women and children.ย
Whatโs worth mentioning about this label is their accessible prices, in addition to all of their products being produced under fair working conditions with environmentally conscious materials. The company goes to great effort to help you make your journey into ethical fashion as seamless as possible – No pun intended.
10. ALICE + WHITTLESย ย
The next brand on our list is the perfect destination for people who love durable hiking boots made of sustainable materials. Which is exactly what you need when climbing the steep mountains of Toronto, Canada. There youโll find ALICE + WHITTLES.ย They believe in designing pieces with simplicity and versatility in mind, as a way to reduce waste.ย
All of their footwear is virgin plastic free, and they source their rubber from sustainably managed forests. Their WEEKEND BOOT collection is great for everyday hikers. Theyโre not just beautiful but certified vegan too.ย
11. TOMSย ย
For the lovers of more colorful and fun patterns and styles, the US B-Corp certified shoe label TOMS is a good place to go. The brand is expanding their sustainable practices by reducing their carbon footprint and sourcing greener packaging.
They have also introduced a new earthwiseโขย collection featuring a large selection of products made by using only earth-friendly materials and processes.
12. AERA
Luxury footwear has a new hero whoโs putting as much focus on people and planet as the product. They are AERA. The certified vegan shoe brand, crafted in Italy, offers stylish sustainable shoes for men and women.
The company makes every effort to use as many eco-friendly materials as possibleย ensuring the end result is of the highest quality. Their goal is to create a shoe with zero environmental impact.ย
AERAโs prices might not suit every pocket, but if you have the extra coin to invest in a quality pair of shoes, why not supporting an ethical brand that is doing their bit to help the planet and improve the way things are done in the footwear industry?
In conclusion, if you havenโt done so already, take the first step to reducing your carbon footprint, dip your toe into the world of ethical shoes, and dig in your heels as you launch on the path of sustainable footwear. Thatโs enough shoe-puns for this soul.
This post was all about your ultimate guide to ethical shoes that are actually worth it.
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