Fashion Guides + Brands

22.02.18

Our Favourite Ethical, Sustainable, Fairtrade and Vegan Shoe Brands

The Green Hub

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There’s nothing more disheartening than setting your sights on a gorgeous pair of shoes only to find they don’t meet your personal values. And until recently ethical and sustainable shoe options have been lacking, and hard to find.

But fret no more.

Right now, the ethically made shoe game is strong and we’ve found dozens of fantastic brands. With sustainable, fairtrade and vegan options you’ll want to wear all day long.

Image via Allbirds

Allbirds

Style: Sneakers

How they do good: ZQ-Certified New Zealand merino wool, 40% less packaging than traditional shoes, B Corporation certified, Soles4souls partnership.

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RM Williams

Style: Boots

How they do good: The iconic Australian brand has been making their boots in a factory in Adelaide since 1932. Made from a single piece of leather so there’s little waste, the sustainable boots are designed to last a lifetime.

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St. Agni

Style: Slides, loafers, and mules

How they do good: Less is more philosophy, the cows used to produce their leather are farmed on local farms and used for consumption and leather only, minimal plastic in their packaging, produces only on demand to minimise waste.

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Nisolo

Style: Minimalist shoes of all styles for both men and women

How they do good: B Corporation certification, pays 27% higher than fair wage requirements, no middleman/less cost, upholds traditions of shoe making in Peru, works with independent artisans.

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Everlane

Style: A bit of everything! Boots, heels, loafers, mules, flats, sneakers, and sandals

How they do good: Transparent in their costs and supply chain, quality materials, partners with ethical factories, factories are given compliance audits to determine environment, fair wages, and reasonable hours.

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Related post: 14 Ethical, Eco-friendly and Vegan Handbag Brands We Know You’ll Love

Veja

Style: Sneakers

How they do good: Vegan options, fair-trade, organic materials, sustainably harvested rubber, creates footwear on demand (to minimize waste), vegetable tanned leather from cows bred on land that has not been deforested. They’re also Meghan Markle’s favourite!

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Rafa

Style: The famous Simple Sandal, boots, pumps, mules, flats, and slides

How they do good: Handcrafted by 20 artisans in LA, eco-friendly materials, sustainable processes, all shoes are made to be worn and loved forever.

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Veerah

Style: Fashion heels

How they do good: Organic cotton lining, plant-based cushion and memory foam, created for versatility, so you have fewer shoes in your closet, Peta approved, vegan, recycled paper packaging, dust bag made from 100% recycled PET bottles, cruelty-free

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Able

Style: Heels, flats, boots. and sandals

How they do good: Able works with at-risk women in Ethiopia providing them with education and employment opportunities to help end generational poverty.

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Gunas

Style: Flats

How they do good: Guna’s first capsule shoe collection is made from 100% Vegan Textured Eco Polyurethane and upcycled faux suede lining, ethically made in Soth Korea.

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Related post: These Australian Ethical Clothing Brands Will Make You Forget Fast Fashion

Rothys

Style: Flats

How they do good: Another Meghan Markle fave, Rothys flats are made out of discarded plastic water bottles and using a special 3D knitting process. Comfy for you and good for the planet.

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Bhava

Style: Heels, mules, loafers, flats, sandals, and boots

How they do good: Vegan ‘leather’ minus PVC, phthalates, and azo-dyes. Artisan made in Italy wood, eco-suede, cork, organic, and recycled materials.

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Birkenstocks

Style: Sandals

How they do good: A favourite of the eco-conscious set, Birkenstocks are manufactured in Germany using leather and vegan materials. Designed for comfort, durability, and longevity these babies will be with you for a long time.

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