Sustainability has become a big topic in the fashion industry, and for good reason. The way we produce and consume clothing has a huge impact on the environment. This is especially true when it comes to sneakers, which are often made from synthetic materials that can be harmful to the planet.
If you’re looking for sustainable sneaker brands to add to your wardrobe, look no further! In this article, we will discuss nine of our favorite eco-friendly sneaker brands.
Allbirds
Sustainable Features | Certified B Corp, sustainable & eco-friendly materials, recycled packaging, WRAP-certified factories
Best For | Everyday, running
Price Range | $95–$145
Allbirds is a sustainable sneaker brand that has taken the world by storm. Their shoes are made of natural materials like wool and tree fiber, which makes them environmentally friendly and comfortable. Allbirds sneakers come in a variety of fun colors and designs, so you can express your personality while you’re helping the planet. Plus, they’re affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to go green.
VEJA
Sustainable Features | Vegan options, organic, zero-waste, ethical production
Best For | Everyday, running
Price Range | €62–€245
You’ve probably heard of VEJA shoes by now—and for good reason. The company produces sneakers using materials that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. As consumers become more interested in sustainability, VEJA is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. Its shoes are stylish and comfortable, and they come at a reasonable price point. Veja is also committed to social responsibility, and it supports Fair Trade initiatives. All of these factors make Veja a strong choice for eco-conscious consumers looking for a fashionable and ethical sneaker brand.
Thousand Fell
Sustainable Features | Zero-waste, recyclable sneakers, recycled & sustainable materials, closed-loop process, gives back
Best For | Everyday, slip-ons
Price Range | $120
Thousand Fell made the first-ever recycled sneakers, making the brand a top addition to our list! All of the shoes are made from sustainable materials like recycled plastic bottles, and they’re recyclable as well. The company also has a closed-loop process, meaning that all of the waste from production is reused or repurposed. Plus, Thousand Fell gives back to environmental causes with each purchase. With their innovative designs and commitment to sustainability, Thousand Fell is proving that ethical fashion doesn’t have to mean ugly fashion.
TOMS
Sustainable Features | Certified B Corp, vegan options, eco-friendly materials, recycled packaging
Best For | Everyday, slip-ons
Price Range | $54.95–$74.95
TOMS has been beloved and celebrated all over the world for its popular one-for-one charitable model. The company was founded on the principle of giving back, and it has a strong commitment to sustainability. All of TOMS’ materials are sourced responsibly, and the company is working to create more sustainable products. Plus, for every purchase you make, TOMS will help provide shoes, water, or clean energy to someone in need.
Sole Rebels
Sustainable Features | Made-to-order, ethical production, recycled & sustainable materials
Best For | Everyday
Price Range | $120
With a name like Sole Rebels, you can bet this brand is putting a twist on the standard sneaker—and, indeed, the soles of these shoes are made from recycled tires. The uppers are made of sustainable materials like organic cotton and hemp, and the shoes are produced in Ethiopia in a fair trade environment. With a focus on organic cotton, recycled PET, and low-carbon manufacturing, Sole Rebels is on a mission to create beautiful shoes while preserving the planet.
Oliver Cabell
Sustainable Features | Ethical factories, waxed cotton shoelaces, recycled materials
Best For | Everyday
Price Range | $215–$385
What does it mean to be sustainable? For Oliver Cabell, a footwear brand with a conscience, it means sourcing the highest quality materials and manufacturing their shoes in an environmentally responsible way. From using natural materials like cork and felt to producing their shoes in a factory that recycles 98% of its wastewater, Oliver Cabell is committed to creating stylish sneakers that don’t come at the cost of our planet. Plus, all of their products are produced in ethical factories that ensure fair wages and working conditions for their employees.
Nisolo
Sustainable Features | Certified B Corp, ethically made, sustainable materials
Best For | Everyday, semi-formal
Price Range | $130–$160
Nisolo is a sustainable sneaker brand that creates beautiful, high-quality shoes while preserving the environment and empowering its workers. As a conscientious consumer, it’s important to me to buy products from companies that share my values. Nisolo is one of those companies. Their shoes are made with natural materials like leather and cotton, and the company supports initiatives that promote sustainability in the production process. They also train and employ artisans in some of the most impoverished areas of the world, giving them an opportunity to create a better life for themselves and their families.
Flamingos Life
Sustainable Features | Vegan, organic cotton, natural rubber, recycled materials & packaging
Best For | Everyday
Price Range | €100–€140
Flamingos Life is a Spanish sneaker brand committed to transparency and changing the way shoes are produced in the fashion industry. All of their sneakers are made with sustainable materials like vegan leather, organic cotton, and natural rubber. Plus, they use recycled materials and packaging whenever possible. And to top it all off, they train and employ artisans in some of the most impoverished areas of the world. So you can feel good about your purchase knowing that you’re supporting a brand with a mission.
Native
Sustainable Features | Cruelty-free, recycled & upcycled materials
Best For | Waterproof activewear
Price Range | $85–$110
Native creates ultra-light, ergonomic, innovative sneakers. With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on eco-friendly materials, Native is a great choice for anyone who wants to wear sneakers that are kind to the environment. All of their products are made in harmony with the environment, and they never use harmful chemicals or artificial dyes. Plus, the designs are absolutely gorgeous, so you can feel good about looking good too! In addition to being environmentally friendly, Native Shoes is also socially responsible.
Conclusion
Sneaker brands have the ability to make a big impact on the environment. If you’re looking for a new sustainable sneaker brand to support, check out our list of 9 ethical and eco-friendly shoe companies. They are all making shoes that are stylish and environmentally friendly, so you can feel good about your purchase no matter what! Have you found a favorite sustainable sneaker brand? Let us know in the comments below.
