13 Best Eco Friendly Shoe Brands

Are you trying to live a more eco-friendly life? If so, there are many things that you can do, and one of the easiest ways to do it is by filtering your closet. Aside from wearing sustainable clothes, you can also start wearing eco-friendly shoes! The best eco-friendly shoe brands offer comfortable shoes that are thoughtfully made with environmentally friendly materials. But looking for the right eco-friendly shoe brand can be quite a challenge. To ensure you don’t get a pair that takes hundreds of years to decompose, we’re here to show you some of the top eco-friendly footwear brands. These options allow you to have durable, comfortable, and sustainable shoes without sacrificing style. Here are our favorites!

Thousand Fell

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Among all of the eco-friendly footwear brands out there, Thousand Fell might not be the most popular one. However, we’re here to assure you that it’s legit! Designed in New York, Thousand Fell shoes are designed to last a long time and are built on recycling. What does this mean? Since the majority of shoes end up in landfills, Thousand Fell will take your sneakers back once you’re ready. Then, the team will refurbish them and give them to those in need! The best part is that you’ll receive a 20 USD credit!

And when talking about Thousand Fell, you should take a look at the timeless Thousand Fell Lace Up Sneakers. We’re sure these will be your new favorite ride-or-die sneakers. Crafted from recyclable materials, they’re not only comfy but are also breathable, stain, and odor-resistant! What’s more, they’re extremely durable. Once you’re done with them, send them back to Thousand Fell for recycling.

Sanuk

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Sanuk is an eco-friendly shoe brand that truly deserves more flowers. This California brand has produced shoes made out of hemp and vegan and recycled materials. Apart from that, as one of the best eco-friendly shoe brands, it also offers many machine-washable shoes to extend their lifecycle.

If you decide you want to try out a pair of sneakers from this brand, we highly recommend getting the Sanuk Tideline Lace Hemp Sneakers. These sneakers allow you to leave a lighter footprint behind and feel comfy doing it! These vegan shoes also feature flexible, breezy hemp blend uppers and cushy Soft Top Foam midsoles. You can rest assured they’re extremely comfy. Plus, thanks to their easygoing look, you can wear them with anything at any time, even for traveling! By the way, you should also look at these best travel shoe brands for men and women!

Twisted X

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Twisted X is one of the top eco-friendly footwear brands. This eco friendly shoe brand promises to protect the planet by producing shoes with eco-forward materials. Its mission is to make a difference in the world by producing top-notch, comfortable shoes using sustainable methods. Even the brand’s shoe boxes are made from 85% recycled materials!

The Twisted X Zero-X Sneakers are a nice option if you want to try out this brand’s shoes. These easy-to-wear sneakers are lightweight and made from ecoTWX material that’s durable. On top of that, they feature an air-mesh lining and 100% bamboo laces for that added comfort. Moreover, the elastic gore tongue panel allows you to wear the shoes either as a pair of slip-on or lace-up sneakers.

GROUNDED PEOPLE

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Of course, we also have to talk about GROUNDED PEOPLE. This is an eco-friendly shoe brand that’s also cruelty-free and vegan. Every process that it goes through to make high-quality shoes follows sustainable practices. Apart from using vegan materials, it also partners with a Brazilian manufacturing company, which also happens to be the only fully vegan factory on earth.

The GROUNDED PEOPLE Vegan Canvas Shoes are some of the brand’s most popular footwear. These shoes are completely handmade in Brazil using recycled materials. What we love about them is the fact that their canvas uppers allow your feet to breathe. Plus, they’re extremely comfortable and durable, which isn’t surprising considering their price.

ALOHAS

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It’s no secret that many eco-friendly footwear brands emphasize basics over trends. While this is great, so you’ll never go out of style, things can easily get dull. So, if you don’t want to sacrifice style for sustainability and want to look bold, we highly recommend checking out ALOHAS. Its sandals, boots, and shoes are fun and well-made! It uses non-harmful dyes and Leather Working Group-certified leather. And unlike other brands, it makes its shoes on demand!

While there are many eye-catching options, the ALOHAS Peak is one of its most popular ones. These sleek, combat-style boots for walking feature a chunky platform, giving you that extra boost of height. They’re also durable and not as heavy as they look. Once broken in, they’ll feel super comfortable. For that edgy look, you can’t go wrong with this pair!

Pedro Garcia

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Pedro Garcia is one of the best eco-friendly shoe brands that was founded in 1925. It’s a family-run brand that’s now operated by its third generation. This brand is best known for its edgy footwear, which many women love. Pedro Garcia states that it firmly believes in sustainable fashion, and this is proven with some of its footwear.

Just take a look at the Pedro Garcia Tansy Sneakers for an example! These eco-conscious sneakers boast a timeless design in a neutral palette. The uppers are made from chrome-free split suede and supple Nappa. Meanwhile, hevea milk harvested from the Hevea brasiliensis tree is used to make the soles. While they may be expensive, they sure are also more durable than many of their competitors!

Native Shoes

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Are you looking for the best eco-friendly shoe brand that the whole family can rely on? Take a look at Native Shoes! Based in Vancouver, BC, this brand is popular for its budget-friendly shoes that everyone in the family can wear. What’s more, its vegan shoes are all made using cruelty-free materials. Who can say no to this amazing brand?

While Native Shoes has plenty of awesome footwear, the Native Shoes Jefferson Bloom manages to steal our hearts. These shoes are constructed using recycled algae biomass. The creation of this plastic substitute helps to clean the air and waterways. Best of all, they’re available in countless colorful options!

Veja

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Veja is no stranger to producing eco-friendly and ethical street shoes. This is why it’s also seen by many as one of the best eco-friendly footwear brands. This Paris-based eco-friendly shoe brand is also popular for its sustainable practices. Aside from using regenerative cotton, it also focuses on repairs and recycling. Not to mention, Veja shoes are stylish and comfortable!

Don’t believe us? Take a look at the Veja Esplar Sneakers! These court-inspired shoes are designed to make a difference. Available in 10 colorways, these unisex shoe feature tech lining made from 100% recycled bottles and soles made of Amazon rubber, rice waste, and recycled rubber. Not to mention, they’re durable and true to size.

Nisolo

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The next eco-friendly shoe brand on this list is Nisolo. This brand has been making shoes using eco-friendly materials, including recycled ones. Even for the leather tanning process, Nisolo uses chrome-free dyes! Collaborating with local artisans in Peru, its sneakers, heeled boots, and sandals collections are to die for. Aside from being gorgeous, they also offer 100% living wages and zero net carbon.

Among all of its shoes, our favorite has to be the Nisolo Everyday Low Top Sneakers. As the name suggests, these shoes are perfect for everyday wear. They’re nice enough for work and stylish enough for hanging out. Available in Bone, Tobacco, and Black, these sustainable shoes feature weatherproof uppers, comfortable insoles, and non-slip Vibram soles.

Keds

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There are many eco-friendly footwear brands, but you can’t talk about them without mentioning Keds. This eco-friendly shoe brand is known for its canvas shoes with rubber soles. It was founded in the year 1916 and is owned by Wolverine World Wide. This brand was so popular that its shoes were worn by TV characters like Jennifer Grey on “Dirty Dancing” and Kelly Kapowski on “Saved by the Bell.” On top of that, most of its shoes are affordable!

The brand’s celebrated canvas Champion sneakers are now also available in organic cotton. Yep, compared to conventional cotton, the Keds Champion Organic Cotton Sneakers are gentler for the environment and the farmers. Don’t worry, though, as these shoes still offer the same comfort as the original and support your arch well! Speaking of arch support, you should also take a look at our best flip-flops with arch support and athletic shoes for plantar fasciitis!

adidas by Stella McCartney

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When two reputable brands join forces to make eco-friendly shoes, you know they will be superb. Stella McCartney, one of the best eco-friendly shoe brands, is widely famous for its luxurious eco-friendly collection. It uses materials like recycled polyester, regenerated cashmere, organic cotton, and others to produce high-quality products. Together with Adidas, one of the biggest sportswear brands in the world, producing comfy sports apparel, they’re basically unstoppable!

The Adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost Sneakers is sleek and cool. Aside from their eye-catching look, they also feature sustainable materials like Parley Ocean Plastic, recycled polyester, and recycled EVA midsoles. Moreover, they’re appropriate for many activities. You can’t go wrong with running errands to running trails. Pair these shoes with the best Adidas no-show socks, and you’re good to go!

Sperry

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Sperry is an eco-friendly shoe brand with nautical inspiration, so it only makes sense for it to protect the oceans. This is why Sperry introduces its SeaCycled collection. This collection wants to focus on sustainability without sacrificing style and comfort. The shoes in this collection are all made with recycled materials and manufacturing processes. One pair of these shoes typically requires the equivalent of 12 recycled plastic bottles!

Just take a look at the Sperry Bahama SeaCycled Boat Shoes! These shoes are available in Black, White, and Navy and feature recycled uppers and linings. Even the laces are from recycled plastic bottles! Apart from that, the non-marking outsoles are extremely grippy, and the Ortholite insoles do an extremely good job of increasing comfort. Thanks to the 360-degree Lacing System, getting a customized fit is a breeze!

TOMS

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As one of the best eco-friendly shoe brands, TOMS isn’t shy about its effort to make the earth a better place. You may have heard about this brand for its comfy and casual slip-on shoes. This eco-friendly shoe brand promises to make shoes that are designed with our planet in mind, and it aims to source 100% sustainable cotton by 2025. That’s not all, as it guarantees that at least 80% of the materials used in its packaging are recycled.

The TOMS Alpargata Cupsole Sneakers are some of our favorites. These sneakers feature OrthoLite Eco LT Hybrid insoles made with recycled materials. Apart from that, we also appreciate how comfy they are. Plus, the custom rubber outsoles promise that the sneakers can last long. Best of all, they’re available in six different colorways.

How To Choose The Best Eco-Friendly Shoe Brands

Now that we’ve recommended you some of the best eco-friendly shoe brands, it’s time for us to let you know the important factors to consider before deciding which shoes to get.

Sustainable material

When searching for the best eco-friendly shoe brand, you have to consider whether it uses sustainable materials to create its shoes. Some shoe brands use post-consumption recycled materials for both their shoes and packaging. Meanwhile, some brands source the material naturally.

Transparency

Aside from that, the top eco-friendly footwear brands should also be transparent when it comes to revealing their manufacturing process. Brands will usually show their commitment to the environment on their websites. Avoid brands that are simply greenwashing their shoes and just pretending to be eco-friendly.

Giving back

Last but not least, you may want to focus on brands that aren’t just all about money. Many brands love giving back to the community. They usually do so by partnering with non-profit organizations that are active in recycling and reforestation.

What makes a shoe eco-friendly?

Eco-friendly shoes will always have eco-friendly materials. They are usually made from materials like organic or recycled cotton, organic hemp, and organic linen. They’re created without toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs.

Which shoe brand is the most ethical?

Deciding which brand is the most ethical is hard, as each brand has its own way of making changes on a local and global level. However, we can assure you that brands like Veja, Thousand Fell, TOMS, and others on this list are ethical.

What do 100% vegan shoes mean?

It means the shoes are made without using any animal products. Apart from that, they also exclude products that were tested on animals.