My Review of Nisolo's Minimalist Leather Sandals
I originally wrote this review of Nisolo’s sandals back in 2021. As of 2025, I still have and cherish my sandals, however, Nisolo has recently taken part of some unethical actions.
I encourage you to read this post about Nisolo’s lack of responsibility before deciding to purchase their products. I’m also not sure why Nisolo still holds a B Corp certification. While they have disrespected customers and creators, they are still claiming to make their shoes ethically…I’m not convinced.
BUT if you’re still interested….hear is my original review.
Nisolo is a leather shoe & accessory brand leading the way in socially responsible leather goods.
This certified B corporation is committed to minimizing their environmental footprint by crafting quality leather goods with byproducts from the meat industry, incorporating eco-friendly waste disposal, off-setting their carbon footprint, and giving back.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer will receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
Nisolo strives to be a conscious company that creates stylish, functional products while improving the lives of those who make Nisolo's pieces. I was gifted two pairs of sandals and am excited to share my review and sustainable styling.
Nisolo artisans in Peru, Kenya, & Mexico have steady employment opportunities that allow them to support their households and make a living wage while producing high quality products.
What are Nisolo's sustainable practices?
Through Nisolo's sustainable business practices, Nisolo is leading the way and creating higher standards for the leather industry.
Responsibly Sourced Materials
Nisolo crafts their products with responsibly sourced leather from tanneries that use byproducts from the meat industry. This means no additional animals are harmed in the making of your shoes and accessories.
Nisolo production factories have implemented eco-friendly waste disposal systems and their bags & leather shoe soles use vegetable tanned leather. Vegetable tanned leather is a chemical free process that uses tannins found in different vegetable and plant matter such as bark, leaves, roots, wood, and fruits.
Timeless & functional design
Nisolo focuses on creating shoes and accessories that feature timeless styles, functional design, and that are built to last. Their clean minimalist designs allow customers to style their products through various seasons, with a wide range of outfits, and for years to come due to the durability of the shoes.
This is wonderful because conscious consumers can invest in quality products that will last and not need to be replaced. Investing in quality goods is key when it comes to creating a sustainable wardrobe.
Climate Neutral and Ecosphere Sustainability Partners
As leaders in making the leather industry more eco-conscious, Nisolo has partnered with Climate Neutral, a third party organization that ensures that brands are accurately measuring and offsetting our entire carbon footprint.
Along with calculating their carbon footprint, Nisolo has partnered with Ecosphere+ to offset their carbon footprint by investing in forest conservation in the Cordillera Azul of the Peruvian Amazon.
Their program focuses on keeping the threatened forests of the Amazon alive and protected while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for its indigenous communities.
Shoe Reclamation program
Nisolo has partnered with the Nashville non-profit, Soles4Souls, to keep unwanted shoes out of the landfill. Nisolo customers are able to mail their unwanted shoes in and receive a $40 credit in return. These pairs are given to micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries, enabling them to clean, repair, and resell the shoes in their communities.
What does ethically made mean to Nisolo?
This eco-conscious shoe brand believes ethical fashion is about crafting with the intent, conserving natural resources and improving livelihoods. Nisolo believes that by creating a more equitable business model they are able to help build a better world.
Where are Nisolo sandals made?
Most of Nisolo's production is in Peru where shoemaking is passed down for generations. Nisolo also partners with factories in Mexico and Kenya. All producers receive beyond fair trade wages, healthcare, and a healthy working environment.
To ensure full transparency Nisolo publicly shares the lowest wages alongside living wages throughout their supply chain to ensure all workers’ basic needs are met.
Nisolo's Modern Minimalist Leather Sandals Review
While I've been a dedicated Nisolo customer for years, I was recently gifted the Sky Grey Go-To Flatform Sandals. I was so excited to try out these sandals that featured minimalist style with a modern flare.
Nisolo's Go-To Flatform Sandals
When picking out these sandals I read Nisolo's sizing tip to go a half size up. While I normally wear a size 7.5, I chose to go with the 8 in these and they fit perfectly. The Go-To Flatform sandals are incredibly comfortable featuring a memory foam, shock absorbing insole and lightweight EVA midsole.
I have been wearing these when we go out and walk to dinner in the city. I styled these a few different ways including with my zero waste Tonlé romper and locally made Lovanie dress. I love that these sandals are casual and stylish. I also appreciate how the velcro straps keep my shoes in place and allow for ease when putting on or taking off the sandals.
As a shorter lady, I love that these casual sandals can give me an extra inch of height while not sacrificing comfort. The neutral colors of the Sky Grey shoes are perfect for styling with a wide range of outfits from jeans to dresses making these sandals incredibly versatile.
Which sandals are my go-to summer shoes??
I’ve found myself using the Go-To Flatform sandals more often because they’re great for everyday use and match my more casual style. I also really appreciate the comfort of these as well.
Purchasing from Nisolo not only provides you with a beautifully crafted and long-lasting accessory, but Nisolo's business practices help contribute to the sustainable livelihood of artisans around the world. If you’re looking for ethically made shoes and accessories that are crafted to last I recommend checking out what Nisolo has to offer.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, ethical fashion, and practicing slow living.
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