The best sustainable shoes you can buy at every budget
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Shoes and sneakers are some of the most wasteful retail items to produce. They take, on average, 30 to 40 years to fully decompose. While footwear retailers aren’t slowing down on production, some are focusing on adopting a more sustainable ethos.
With a growing focus on the environmental impact of fast fashion, shoppers are beginning to expect that products are made responsibly, reducing their impact on climate change.
If you’re looking to make green choices, the below brands are using innovative technology to produce footwear that is good for the environment and will suit your day-to-day needs.
Whether you’re looking for comfortable flats to wear to the office or trainers for a casual look, we’ve got you covered.
Shop the below stylish brands while making an eco-friendly impact.
ALSO SEE: An editor's guide to the best sustainable sneakers
Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers
It’s impossible to research sustainable shoe brands and not come across Allbirds. These flats, made from eucalyptus tree fibre, are sustainably-sourced and stylish. With a 4.9-star rating, customers can’t get enough of the feel-good flat.
“I love these flats, I do a lot of walking at the office and these shoes are so comfortable and stylish,” reads one review.
SHOP IT: Allbirds, $135
Converse Renew Canvas Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top
When it comes to casual sneakers, it doesn’t get more mainstream than Converse. The big brand is adopting sustainability efforts with its rRnew range, featuring sneakers in the classic Converse style made from discarded materials. The sneakers claim to “give waste a second life,” reusing materials that typically would end up in a landfill.
SHOP IT: Converse, $65
ALSO SEE: These environmentally friendly shoes from Allbirds saved my feet
Rothy’s Loafers
Perfect for the office, these eco-friendly loafers are a stylish alternative to the traditional flat. These flats, manufactured from repurposed water bottles, are made in sustainable, fully-owned and operated Rothy’s workshops. Promising they won’t need to be broken in, customers love these shoes in the timeless style.
“I own multiple pairs of Rothy’s and resisted ordering the loafer style because I wasn’t sure it would work at work in business meetings,” says a customer. “I’ve worn these shoes every day now and they are by far the most comfortable of any Rothy shoes! They’re great to travel in, work in, go to dinner in. These shoes can be worn anywhere.”
SHOP IT: Rothy’s, $223
Veja V-10 low top sneakers
If you’ve been on Instagram lately, then you’ve definitely heard of Veja. The staple shoe of fashion bloggers everywhere, this sustainable brand is a leader in the ethical production of shoes. Veja, using organic materials from fair trade farms in Brazil, also partners with a social charity to help reintroduce disadvantaged people into society.
SHOP IT: Farfetch, $212
ALSO SEE: Everlane's 'most flattering boot' ever is back in stock — and it comes in new colours
Everlane Tread Trainer
The brand is loved because of its dedication to providing quality, beautiful clothing at affordable prices. Everlane’s Tread is a sustainable shoe to watch out for. The Tread trainers are ethically sourced and produced using less waste, energy and 54 per cent less virgin plastic. The brand also offsets emissions that can’t yet be eliminated. With a 4.6-star rating, people love that the shoe is made with sustainability in mind.
“Love this shoe! Fits true to size and is comfortable to walk around in all day. I really like the fact that this shoe is made sustainably,” reads one comment.
SHOP IT: Everlane, $131
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