Fashion, Lifestyle
Sustainable Shoes Brands
The shoe industry is a huge source of planetary waste, from using large amounts of water and energy in manufacturing to using harsh, chemical-driven production methods that contribute to pollution.
The following companies have committed to changing this, one pair of shoes at a time. We’ve selected brands that focus on cutting back on waste and using sustainable manufacturing processes and materials. We also looked at what the future goals of the brands are when it comes to increasing sustainability. And, of course, we chose brands at the forefront of fashion as well. Many of these brands offer a huge range of shoes for all occasions and all personal styles, so you won’t have to give up having fashionable shoes to support efforts toward sustainability.
Cariuma Sneakers
Cariuma sneakers are inspired by iconic skate shoes, but they are made from naturally sourced materials like bamboo, sugar cane, cork, organic cotton, natural rubber, recycled PET, responsibly sourced leather and suede, and Bluesign-certified dye chemicals. All packaging uses 100 percent recycled or recyclable papers and soy-based inks. In June 2020, Cariuma embarked on a goal of planting two trees for every pair of sneakers it sells, starting in the Brazilian rainforest.
Allbirds
Allbirds has some great goals for the sustainable production of its shoes, apparel and accessories. By the end of 2025, it aims to have 75 percent of its materials be naturally sourced and recycled, including having 100 percent of its wool come from regenerative sources. It also aims to have a 25 percent reduction in its raw materials usage and carbon footprint. To cut back on waste, it plans to have its footwear and apparel last twice as long as their current lifespan. Allbirds currently uses 100 percent natural plant-based leather. It increases its durability by using recycled materials to reinforce the natural “leather.”
Suavs
Suavs uses thread made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastics to create its shoes, and it has helped keep almost 980,000 plastic bottles from ending up in landfills around the world. The fabric created from these threads is flexible, soft and durable, while allowing your feet to breathe with its moisture-wicking properties. Suavs has committed to being vegan-friendly, and it uses compact, reusable shoe boxes. That cuts down on over half the packaging materials needed compared to conventional shoe companies.
Munjoi
Munjoi was founded in part to combat the shoe industry’s wastefulness. The company uses almost exclusively plant-based materials such as algae, sugar cane, hemp and cotton to create its All-Dai shoe collection. The All-Dai shoe converts from a sandal into a sneaker and back again with a minimal insert, which lets you have a single pair of shoes with a dual function to cut back on production and consumption, as well as material waste. The All-Dai collection is also climate neutral, since all carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses created during its production are offset.
Saola Shoes
Saola shoes are exceptionally sustainable. The uppers are made from recycled plastic bottles, and the insoles and a number of the outsoles are crafted from recycled algae foam. Saola has partnered with Bloom Foam, which filters ecosystem-harming algae from water sources, dries it, crushes it into a powder and mixes it with EVA to transform it into a usable, durable foam. Natural cork is also used in the insoles. Each pair of laces is made with organic cotton. This multi-faceted approach to sustainability makes Saola Shoes a smart choice for all eco-conscious consumers.
Able
Earth Shoes has a number of sub-brands, including Kalso, Earth Origins and Earth Elements. That makes for a huge range of styles, from boots and loafers to slip-ons and casual sneakers. They’re all made from sustainable materials such as rice husks, organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles and natural rubbers. For over 15 years, Earth Shoes has been using water-based adhesives to lessen the chemical burden on our planet. All leathers used have a Gold rating from the Leather Working Group regarding energy use, water waste, gas emissions and traceability.
Rothy's
Rothy’s has kept about 100 tons of plastic out of the oceans by transforming plastic bottles into materials used to make some of its fabric. The fabric is then knitted to the exact shape it needs to be, which cuts back on wasted materials by about a third of what conventional manufacturing methods create. Its goal is to be a zero-waste company sometime in 2022. From sneakers to vibrant flats, Rothy’s has a versatile lineup of shoes for every style.
Shop for sustainable shoes with Rakuten to get Cash Back while you transform your collection into an eco-friendly ensemble. There are so many durable, innovative and fashion-forward options available that there’s no reason not to join the movement for sustainability.
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