9+ Ethical Shoe Brands Your Feet Will Love
These ethical and sustainable shoe brands are focusing on transparent supply chains, eco-friendly materials, and fair labor practices. This guide features eco-conscious sandals, handmade boots, fair trade flats, and ethical sneakers. I’ve tried shoes from all of these socially responsible brands and have never been disappointed. Learn about these shoe companies and support their missions.
Allbirds: Sustainable Sneakers
Allbirds sneakers are made out of eucalyptus and responsibly sourced wool. Allbirds also uses eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic water bottles and castor bean oil. This great brand is a certified B-Corp and has a variety of fun colors and styles. Personally, Allbirds are my go-to running shoes!
Darzah: Fair Trade Shoes
Darzah empowers refugee and low-income women in West Bank, Palestine through the creation of high quality leather goods. This non-profit social enterprise is creating job opportunities for women to rise out of poverty, support their families, and keep the traditional art form of Tatreez embroidery alive. As part of the Fair Trade Federation, Darzah’s beautiful leather shoes, bags, and accessories celebrate fair fashion and modern style.
8000Kicks Hemp Shoes
8000Kicks is an innovative sustainable shoe brand crafting high quality sneakers from hemp. These vegan shoes are strong, flexible, light weight, and splash proof. Along with the sustainable fibers of the shell of the shoe, the insole and outsole are also consciously crafted. The outsoles are made from recycled algal blooms. By using algal blooms this helps remove harmful algae from waterways and gives the shoe a lightweight feel. The insoles of 8000Kicks shoes are also made hemp creating a comfortable feel. Use the discount code HONEST for 10% off.
Nisolo: Empowerment in Peru
Nisolo is a certified B Corporation crafting high quality, ethically made leather goods using socially responsible practices. Through their sustainable leather shoes, Nisolo provides steady employment opportunities for shoemakers in Peru & Mexico, allowing artisans to support themselves and their families. Nisolo uses sustainable practices such as eco-friendly waste disposal systems, leather byproducts from the meat industry, & carbon offsetting to craft leather goods that are meant to last a life time. I’ve been a fan of Nisolo ever since I visited their Nashville showroom four years ago and want to share their good work with other conscious consumers
BHAVA Vegan Leather Shoes
BHAVA is a vegan shoe company creating high end boots, sandals, heels, and more. This cruelty free brands strives to find a compassionate approach to design shoes using leather alternatives that are mindful of the environment and working conditions for those through out their supply chain. From organic cotton linings, to hand painted embossed cork, and premium recycled microfibers, BHAVA’s creative director travels throughout Europe and India to develop signature fabrications.
Rothy’s Eco-friendly Shoes
Rothy’s crafts their sustainable shoes from eco-conscious materials such as recycled plastic water bottles, plant based materials, & algae-based foam. Rothy’s shoes feature a wide variety of style including flats, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, and more. Rothy’s believes “Being sustainable means more than just using recycled materials. It also means fostering an inclusive, positive work environment for our team members around the globe. We’re proud to offer exceptional health and wellness perks to all the Rothy’s family in our San Francisco HQ, our China workshop and beyond.” Rothy’s also offsets their carbon footrprint through their partnership with Carbonfund.org.
ABLE’s Ethically Made Shoes & Bold Style
ABLE employs and empowers women living in developing countries to create economic growth and reduce poverty. Women are paid fair wages and provided with a safe work environment. ABLE sells high quality leather goods, jewelry, and accessories. ABLE’s shoes feature a wide variety of styles including heels, flats, sneakers, and more.
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