Fair-trade footwear making strides in sustainability & style [Ultimate Guide]
Shoes are an essential part of our everyday lives, so making eco+socially conscious choices can significantly impact the global footwear market. Find here the largest collection of ethically-made and sustainable shoes brands that are comfortable, high-quality & attractive designs for every occasion.
If you are a fashionista, we’d recommend you highly to develop a love for ethically made & sustainable shoes.
As the ongoing trends of producing low quality apparel increase, so does the real impact of fast fashion. And it not only affects the environment by sending more and more of these 1-off-seasonal pairs of shoes. The shoe industry also takes part in sweatshop labor, not to mention the incredibly hazardous production processes that are involved in the manufacturing of footwear.
Let’s take a quick look at the current snapshot of the social and environmental impact of shoes that are made under fast fashion standards.
What is the environmental impact of fast fashion shoes?
- It takes up to 40 years for a shoe to start to decompose in landfill.
- We send an average of 3x pairs of shoes per person to landfill every year.
- From 1990 to 2004, worldwide footwear production has increased by 70% to around 17 billion pairs of shoes. Experts say that the global footwear industry will be worth more than 95 billion dollars by 2025.
- Western Europe & United States alone consume 2 billion pairs of shoes/year.
- In the UK, more than 330 million pairs of shoes, with a total market value of more than £5 billion are consumed every year.
What is the social impact of fast fashion shoes?
The excess of footwear consumption alongside the way modern footwear is manufactured, fast fashion shoes also carries consequences from the social standpoint.
Facts are that traditional shoe-crafting has been replaced with this way of mass producing footwear. Unfortunately, this leads to a loss of craftsmanship and its (sometimes) ancient techniques. Ultimately has a huge effect on the preservation of the native art and culture among communities.
Most often, young people also abandon their hometowns and move to larger cities seeking for paid jobs. This not only has an impact on elderly who are left behind, but also contributes to ghost rural areas.
On the other hand, we have the modern slavery issue for which the whole fast fashion industry is often tarnished with. In the quest for cheaper and faster production of the shoes or apparel, factories enforce vulnerable workers with long hours journeys in exchange for a very low pay – not to mention the dangerous working conditions the workforce is exposed to.
The lack of safety for workers in factories becomes very obvious for the poor security measures & working standards. Some examples are damaged facilities, as well as the poorly maintained equipment and the absence of trained workers to use the machinery.
Remember the collapse of Rana Plaza, back in 2013? Here 1100 workers lost their lives due to the poor and unsafe working conditions – making it one of the worst industrial tragedies in modern history.
Furthermore workers are often exposed to the handling of chemicals that lead to severe health issues. For example, people who work in tanneries processing leather (a very typical material used in shoes), they risk severe side-effects from exposure to these toxic substances. Acute effects include irritation to the mouth, airways and eyes; skin reactions; digestive problems, kidney or liver damage; lung damage; long-term cancer and reproductive problems. This could be prevented by providing factory workers with protective equipment such as masks, gloves, or adequate ventilation.
The largest repertoire of ethically-made & sustainable shoes brands
We’ve done our research for the ethically made and sustainable shoes brands that bring beautiful designs across every season. These collections ensure fair trade working standards, a more environmentally-friendly production as well as the use of more sustainable materials (such as plant-based leather alternatives!)
Whereas you are looking for sustainable shoes for spring, summer, autumn or winter, “for her”, “for him” or “for the little ones” – these brands carry a range in function, style, and price.
From Sandals, Sneakers, Slides, Mules, Ballerinas, Boots, Heels, Loafers, Sneakers, Trainers, Slippers… we’ve specified for each brand the type of shoe style available!
Hiking or running, everyday footwear, comfortable working shoes to a gorgeous night out, all of these ethically-made and sustainable shoes brands aim for comfort and are made with high-quality so that you can make them last for many years to come!
Pro Tip: Share this page with your friends and family on socials, bookmark it for future occasions. This is a go-to-guide to inspire more people in your circle to embrace a more sustainable way of living!
Ethical & Sustainable Shoes Brands List

Top Ethical & Sustainable xxx
1. 8000Kicks
8000Kicks is an innovative sustainable shoe brand crafting high quality sneakers from hemp. Hemp does not need fertilizers and almost no water to grow, it cleans and restaures the nutrients in the soil, and it is also very durable.
Their collection of vegan shoes are naturally antibacterial, strong, flexible, light weight, and splash proof. Along with the sustainable fibers of the shell of the shoe, the insole and outsole are also consciously crafted. Pssst… they also bring the World’s 1st hemp insoles.
Each shoe containes 100g of repurposed algae, and reduces its impact to 72% less in CO2 and 70% less water used.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Vegan, Eco-friendly
Shipping from: United States
For Men & Women
Use Coupon Code OURGOODBRANDS to get 10% Off

2. Etiko
Etiko is an apparel, footwear and sports brand born to especially to campaign against the human rights of people working in traditionally exploitative industry supply chains.
Etiko’s sustainable shoes collection are Fairtrade, organic and vegan, making them among the most feel-good shoes on the market. Sneakers, slip-ons, ballet flats or flop flops, they aim for ethical as much as comfortable!
The products are produced and manufactured in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. All Etiko’s ethical fashion collections have supported the human and labour rights of cotton growers, rubber tappers, workers in apparel, sports ball and shoe production, and their families since 2005.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers, Ballet Flats, Thongs / Flip Flops
Ethical Values: Give Back, Fair-trade, Circular, Sustainable Materials, Eco-friendly, Organic
Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic, Fair Trade, Social Traders, B Corporation, FSC
Shipping from: Australia
For Men & Women

3. Dooeys
Dooeys brings you a collection of stylish house shoes are designed for all-day comfort and made from plant-based & recycled materials.
From the moment you step in the door, enjoy that “ahhh” feeling as you slip into Dooeys house slippers — or slipshoes, the perfect cross between a slipper and a shoe. You’ll never want to take them off.
Every pair of Dooeys is made at their small factory in Portugal in small batches and placed inside recycled packaging that serves as a shoe and shipping box in one. The brand also offsets carbon emissions for every order shipped.
Say bye to those old, floppy, unsupportive slippers & slide your feet into your new favorite house shoes!
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Slippers
Ethical Values: Cruelty-Free, Eco-friendly, Give Back, Handcrafted, Recycled, Sustainable Materials, Upcycled, Vegan
Shipping from: United States
For Women

4. Made Trade
Made Trade from makers and artisans around the world. Ethically designed, sourced and fairly traded collections of home goods, furniture, apparel and shoes.
The marketplace offers a wide variety of fair trade and sustainable shoes for every season, style and occasion. Made Trade curated fashion collections include vegan shoes as well as ethically-sourced leather footwear, for both men and women.
Some of the coolest vegan & eco-friendly sneakers you’ll find them here; they’re made from sustainably-harvest hemp and recycled materials in a variety of colours and styles. Their sustainable shoes collection includes boots for fall, flats for every season, vegan heels, loafers, sandals, slippers and more!
For babies & toddlers, you’ll find slippers and booties made with non-toxic materials and small batches. These super adorable designs feature animals and fruits in a supremely cozy knit.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Boots, Flats, Loafers, Mules, Oxfords, Sandals, Slippers
Ethical Values: Eco-friendly, Locally Made, Fair-trade, Handcrafted, Sustainable Materials, Vegan
Shipping from: United States
For Men, Women, Babies & Toddlers

5. VERSE
Verse is an ethically curated fashion & beauty online store. Here you’ll realise that sustainable sneakers have never looked that good.
Doesn’t matter if you are looking for a perfect pair of white sneakers, sustainable running shoes, or sustainable outdoor footwear, at Verse they make sure that each pair is as eco-friendly as it’s stylish.
Discover their collection of sustainable women’s sneakers from the best sustainable sneakers brands like Veja and its signature models like Veja V10, V12, and Veja Campo, Flamingo’s, Filling Pieces.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers
Ethical Values: Eco-friendly, Fair-trade, Locally Made, Handcrafted, Sustainable Materials, Recycled, Upcycled, Organic, Clean Ingredients, Vegan, Cruelty-free, Social Justice
Shipping from: Netherlands
For Women
Use Coupon Code OURGOODBRANDS to get 10% Off

6. Po-Zu
Po-Zu are creators of sustainable and ethical footwear. JUST.
Their sustainable shoes are made from carefully selected natural and eco-friendly materials that are healthy for your feet, kind to the environment and safe for all workers throughout the supply chain.
Po-Zu is here to challenge the trend of one-off seasonal trends and shoes. They believe shoes should be things you fall in love with and hold unto because they are built to last.
For this, the brand is on a quest to explore revolutionary materials, ethical production processes and innovative design.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Slippers, Shoes, Boots
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Fair-trade, Vegan
Shipping from: United Kingdom
For Men & Women

7. Urbankissed
Urbankissed is a conscious online destination for sustainable fashion, skincare & home accessories. In this beautifully curated marketplace, you’ll find the best fashion-favorites & innovative upcoming brands doing an outstanding job in sustainability.
Urbankissed features a large range of affordable, timeless neutrals for a classic capsule wardrobe and laid-back looks, to styles exuding vibrant colours.
The sustainable shoes collection for women includes the (seriously!) most beautifully crafted sandals, slides, mules, sneakers, boots and more!
Urbankissed enables you to shop according to your values using the “Slow & Ethical” index. This includes 15 standards along the supply chain which every product goes through with full transparency.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sandals, Sneakers, Slides, Mules, Espadrilles, Ballet Pumps, High Heels, Pumps, Loafers, Lace-Ups, Ankle Boots, Boots, Slippers
Ethical Values: Cruelty-Free, Eco-friendly, Fair-trade, Give Back, Handcrafted, Recycled, Vegan, Sustainable Materials
Certifications: check certifications available for each brand in the marketplace
Shipping from: depending brand’s country of origin
For Women



8. Earth
Earth is simply the most original brand to walk the Earth, mindfully crafting quality made shoes that fit & feel good.
Earth Origins shoes’ mission is for you to stay comfortable and stylish no matter the occasion with booties, sneakers, sandals, slippers, flats – and more. All made with heel-to-toe cushioning and modern style you can feel good about.
A modern collection of dress casual footwear, with styles that deliver remarkably against their value with the exclusive Powerpath® footbed design to energize and uplift every step. The brand carries three lines: Earth Elements, Earth Origins, and Kalso.
For those who want to be in their element… go with Earth® Elements, naturally-minded footwear for men and women. Made using sustainable leathers, rice husk and recycled materials.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sandals, Sneakers, Mules & Clogs, Lace Ups, Earth Kalso Negative Heel, Boots, Heels, Flats
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled, Give Back
Certifications: Leather Working Group
Shipping from: United States
For Men & Women


9. Eco Fashion Labels
Eco Fashion Labels is a global marketplace for sustainable fashion offering 70+ international labels of sustainable, organic, recycled, fair trade, vegan and ethically produced apparel and shoes for women, men and kids.
Eco Fashion Labels carefully selects brands that use sustainable materials and have one or several eco certifications. Here each brand goes through our strict verification process to assure it meets the right sustainability criteria.
If you’re looking for unique sustainable shoes, here you’ll get explore stylish collections of boots, ballerinas, flat shoes or heels, loafers, mules, sandals, sneakers and trainers, or slippers!
The brand also supports global reforestation projects via the Pledgeling Environmental Fund, so that for every order you plants trees.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Ankle boots, Ballerinas, Boots, Flat Shoes, Heels, Lace-ups, Loafers, Mules, Sandals, Slippers, Sneakers, Trainers
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Eco-friendly, Fair-trade, Give Back, Recycled, Organic, Vegan, Cruelty-free, Handcrafted
Certifications: GOTS, Peta, Oeko-Tex, Fair Trade
Shipping from: Czech Republic
For Men & Women


10. Nisolo
Nisolo collaborates with local artisans in Peru, Mexico, and Kenya in the creation of an exquisite collection of jewelry, sustainable shoes and fashion accessories.
For the sustainable shoe range you find all functional styles for both men and women, including on-trend boots, comfortable mules, loafers flats, slip ons, sandals, sneakers, heels and more!
From design to production, Nisolo provides steady employment opportunities for the craftsmanship in these countries, allowing artisans to support their families. This enables them to pursue living wages within the rest of our supply chain, and combats climate change by protecting trees from deforestation in the Amazon Basin.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Boots, Mules, Oxfords & Loafers, Flats & Slip Ons, Sandals, Sneakers, Heels
Ethical Values: Fair Trade, Give Back
Certifications: Climate Neutral, B Corporation
Shipping from: United States
For Men & Women


11. REI
REI believes a life outdoors is a life well-lived! Here you find collections of sustainable shoes for both men and women.
Since they’re meant for you to go explore the great wild, you can choose to filter for the most suitable features such as footwear closure, weight, type of technology & sustainability standards!
Besides REI’s love for selling high-quality outdoor gear and apparel, the brand also designs and develops its own: REI Co-op and Co-op Cycles. The brand’s teams get outside with members in the dirt, wind and rain to put our designs to the test to ensure the products work for you and can be passed down a generation—or two.
With every purchase you make with REI, you are choosing to steward the outdoors, support sustainable business and help the fight for life outside. Annually, more than 70 percent of our annual profits are invested back into the outdoor community through dividends to REI members, employee profit-sharing and retirement, and investments in nonprofits dedicated to the outdoors.
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Boots, Shoes, Slippers, Casual Shoes, Sneakers, Sandals
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Eco-friendly, Fair-trade, Recycled, Give Back
Shipping from: United States
For Men & Women


12. Rawganique
Rawganique is the unicorn of clothing. The brand grows, weaves, knits & sews unique organic cotton, linen & hemp clothing, home accessories and sustainable shoes in-house.
The different designs of sustainable shoes can be worn by both men and women. Rawganique shoes feature vegan and organic materials such as hemp, linen, cotton shoes & natural fiber socks.
Rawganique sustainable shoes are highly breathable, chemical-free and hypo-allergenic — great for healthy feet!
In fact, Rawganique was born to make eco and socially conscious clothes to serve people who are chemically sensitive – and they do since 1997. All free of leather and sweatshop-free made in Europe & USA — the brand stands for the kindness to animals, to each other, and to the earth.
Sustainable Shoe Styles:
Ethical Values: Organic, Sustainable Materials, Vegan, Fair-trade, Locally Made, Handmade
Shipping from: United States
Unisex Sustainable Shoes & Socks


13. LANIUS
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers, Boots, Sandals
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Sustainable Materials, Organic, Vegan, Cruelty-free
Certifications: GOTS, PETA-Approved Vegan, Fair Wear Foundation, BSCI Code of Conduct
Shipping from: Germany
For Women



14. TOMS
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Alpargatas, Boots & Booties, Espadrilles, Exclusives, Flats, Heels & Wedges, Platforms, Slip Ons, Sneakers, Dress Shoes, Fenix
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Social Justice, Give Back, Sustainable Materials, Recycled, Organic
Certifications: B Corporation
Shipping from: United States
For Men, Women & Kids


15. Stella McCartney
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Espadrilles, Pumps, Boots, Flats & Clogs, Sandals, Sneakers, Wedges
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Sustainable Materials, Recycled, Upcycled, Organic
Shipping from: United Kingdom
For Women


16. SLOWERS
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers, Flats, Heels; also kids collection
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Locally Made, Handcrafted, Sustainable Materials, Eco-friendly, Organic, Vegan, Cruelty-free
Certifications: PETA-Approved Vegan, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Recover Earth, Upcycled Natural
Shipping from: Spain
For Men, Women & Kids


17. REFORM STUDIO
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Boots, Sandals, Slippers
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Locally Made, Handcrafted, Ucycled, Recycled
Shipping from: Egypt
For Women

18. Root Collective
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Flats, Sneakers, Boots, Sandals, Heels
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Handcrafted
Shipping from: United States
For Women


19. Rothy’s
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Flats, Sneakers, Boots, Slippers
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Sustainable Materials, Recycled, Give Back
Shipping from: United States
For Men & Women


20. MARITA MORENO
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers, Boots, Flats, Heels, Platforms, Classic Shoes
Ethical Values: Locally Made, Handcrafted, Sustainable Materials, Fair-trade, Upcycled, Vegan
Certifications: PETA-Approved Vegan
Shipping from: Portugal
For Men & Women



21. Inkkas
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Boots, Slip-ons, Joggers, High Tops, Low Tops, Runners
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Fair-trade, Give Back
Shipping from: United States
For Women & Kids



22. GroFive
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Expandals
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Give Back
Shipping from: United States
For Men, Women & Kids

23. Eileen Fisher
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers, Sandals, Platforms, Boots, Mules
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Fair Frade, Circular, Recycled
Certifications: B Corporation
Shipping from: United States
For Women


24. ECOALF
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers
Ethical Values: Recycled, Sustainable Materials
Certifications: B Corporation
Shipping from: Spain
For Men, Women & Kids

25. Darzah
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Mules & Boots, Sneakers, Flats, Oxfords, Sandals
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Locally Made, Handcrafted, Social Justice, Give Back
Certifications: Fair Trade
Shipping from: United States
For Women


26. Capsule BCN
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Mules, Sandals
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Fair-trade, Handcrafted
Shipping from: Spain
For Women

27. BHAVA
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Booties and Boots, Hikers, Heels, Clogs, Sandals, Flats
Ethical Values: Fair-trade, Locally Made, Handcrafted, Cruelty-free
Shipping from: United States
For Women

28. Baabuk
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Sneakers, Slippers, Ballerinas
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Eco-friendly, Fair-trade, Locally Made, Handcrafted, Cruelty-free
Certifications: B Corporation
Shipping from: Switzerland
For Women

29. AMAZ
Sustainable Shoe Styles:
Ethical Values: Give Back, Social Justice, Sustainable Materials, Fair-trade, Locally Made, Handcrafted, Vegan
Shipping from: Morocco
For Men & Women

30. Allbirds
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Everyday Trainers, Running Shoes, Sandals, Slip-Ons, Rain Repellent Trainers, High Tops
Ethical Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled, Cruelty-free, Eco-friendly
Certifications: B Corporation
Shipping from: United States
For Men, Women & Kids

31. Acne Studios
Sustainable Shoe Styles: Ankle Boots, Sneakers, Sandals, Mules
Ethical Values: Upcycled, Zero Waste, Fair-trade, Sustainable Materials, Organic
Shipping from: Sweden
For Men & Women

We will continue to keep this guide updated – so if you have a suggestion for your favourite sustainable shoes brand/s, please share with us in the comments below!
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