Beach days, balmy nights, linen dresses, BBQ’s and cocktails. It’s that time of year again. Summer, or as I like to call it, sandal season!
The return of the warmer weather means it’s time to put the boots away and get those toes out (need a fresh pedicure? check out this polish guide) and slip into some summer shoes.
From sandals and wedges to flats and slides, here are my picks for ethical and sustainable styles that will see you through this summer and many more beyond.
Image via Nelson Made
Ancient Greek Sandals
The most sustainable fashion is the one that lasts. If you’re looking for timeless, well-made, ultra-stylish, designed to last, and comfortable, Ancient Greek Sandals are my top pick. My Eleftheria sandals (pictured left) are three years old, almost daily wear, one resole and still going strong. They’re pricey but worth the investment.
2. Nisolo
Fusing ancient craftsmanship with modern styles, Nisolo has a small, but beautifully crafted, selection of leather sandals for men and women. This B-Corp Certified brand work with craftsmen from Peru and the soft vegetable-tanned leather is designed to mould to your feet as you break them in. Their famous Ecuador Huarache sandals may just be the most comfortable pair of shoes you’ll ever own.
3. ABLE
When it comes to elegant slides and sandals at an affordable price point, it doesn’t get much better than ABLE. ABLE is an ethical fashion brand (the also do clothing and handbags) that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty. They offer a number of casual sandals and dressier designs that are perfect for both work and weekend.
4. Maria Farro
Born of the desire to support the artisanal community in Crete, Maria Farro’s handmade sandals will have you longing for a European vaycay. With classic styles with comfort at the forefront of their designs, these sandals will go with anything and everything in your summer wardrobe.
5. Nelson Made
Nelson Made was created as a counter to fast fashion and overproduction. The Melbourne-based label uses lower impact and sustainable materials like recycled leather, organic linen, OEKO TEX-certified, and deadstock fabrics in their designs. With pretty pastels, bright hues, and classic styles, their footwear is a work art you’ll proudly strut down the street in.
6. St Agni
This Byron Bay label focuses on a less is more philosophy with their clean, minimalist designs. This slow fashion brand believe in quality and craftsmanship, working closely with artisans to create the range of woven styles they’ve become known for. Their hand made footwear is a slow process taking up to 10 hours to make a pair.
7. Christy Dawn
You’ve probably seen their dreamy dresses and cottagecore aesthetic all over Instagram, but did you know Christy Dawn also do shoes? Made with sustainably-sourced upcycled leather, their timeless styles are designed to last a lifetime. Each pair is handmade in Los Angeles and will go perfectly with your treasured Christy Dawn house dress.
8. Kuwaii
Comfortable and practical, Kuwaii is bringing back the chunky sandal of the 90s with style. This Melbourne label is known for its bright, fun, and unique prints. With a philosophy of smaller, slower and more simple, they produce minimal runs and made to order, with a strong focus on designing shoes you will wear forever.
