There are some things in life we can’t live without. Food, water, Netflix, coffee, and now it seems to be white sneakers.
It appears every second person is wearing a pair- did I miss the global memo?
And while I can totally appreciate a nice pair of white Nikes, I don’t appreciate how they’re made. There are so many more alternatives out there that do better for you, the makers, and the planet.
A staple pair of white sneakers is an important part of many wardrobes, so here are some fantastic ethical white sneaker alternatives that will make you wonder why you walked into Nike in the first place.
Allbirds – Tree and Wool Runners
A certified B Corp that does business differently. The New Zealand brand is winning the sustainable shoe game.
These babies are made from FSC-certified tree fibre Tencel using a clean, closed-loop process, and recycled plastic bottles for the laces. Plus, they tick all the essential boxes.
Cute, comfy and ethically made. They partner with our friends at Soles4Souls®, lightly used Allbirds find new life all around the world, helping communities in need thrive in the process.
Their packaging is also made using 90% post-consumer recycled cardboard that serves as a shoebox, shopping bag, and mailer all in one.
Filippa K – KATE LOW SNEAKER
Filippa K has been around since the early 90s and has become known for its luxe, functional and feminine style.
Their products undergo thorough sustainable life-cycle assessments, in which every phase of the garments’ life cycle, from raw materials to end of life, is designed and optimised with minimal environmental impact in mind.
The Kate Low is a classic sneaker style with a clean and contemporary design, with a thick white sole and waxed cotton laces. I’m seeing these as perfect for pairing with a cotton print dress or your favourite roll hem jeans.
Veja – So many styles
Veja is quite literally the queen of ethically made white sneakers.
The sneakers were named after a Brazilian NGO that works with Veja by providing technical support to the organic cotton farming families. The Esplar staple leather shoe is made with organic cotton lining and wild rubber soles.
All Veja shoes are made in Brazil, where the working conditions exceed the minimum standards, and the workers are paid well above the minimum wage.
Veja is big on transparency and releases audits, reports, and insightful behind-the-scenes videos on how all their products are made.
Adidas By Stella McCartney – Ultraboost
The Parley x Adidas collaboration has been about redesigning their existing high-performance footwear range and creating a collection.
The UltraBoost range, designed by Stella McCartney, is all about turning the plastic pollution problem into a stylish solution.
If you’re looking for a performance shoe that can translate into a fashion staple then look no further.
Eileen Fisher – Prop Vegan Sneaker
Eileen Fisher has long been a leader in the ethical and sustainable fashion world.
From traceable supply chains and local manufacturing to using natural dyes and a repair and recycling program, these are what every fashion brand should aspire to.
The Clifton 4 is a sustainable knit sneaker with a sporty, speckled sole made from recycled polyester re-purposed from plastic bottles with a recycled rubber outsole.
Ahimsa – 772 Vegan Sneakers
Swaying slightly from your standard white Nike with the addition of a brown sole, the Ahimsa woman’s sneaker is still an ideal option.
The exterior is made with cruelty-free, vegan leather. The interior is a mix of cotton canvas and natural cork, which team up to ensure your feet stay dry and fresh.
These sneakers are handmade in Brazil by a small, hard working team. Ahimsa’s mission is to question habits, inspire conscious behaviour, and respect all forms of life.
