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Looking for the best sustainable sandals to get you through the sunny season in style? You’re in the right place.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, walking city streets, or just enjoying a quiet evening in the backyard, there’s a comfortable and consciously made sandal out there for you.
But with so many options on the market, it’s fair to wonder: What are sustainable sandals actually made of? How do you know which ones are truly eco-friendly? And what materials should we be avoiding altogether?
Let’s break it down.
As more of us choose to shop with the planet in mind, sandals made from eco-friendly materials are stepping into the spotlight—and for good reason.
They offer a chance to enjoy the season without contributing to the environmental toll of fast fashion.
The truth is, not all sandals are created equal.
While some are built to last with natural or recycled materials, most mass-produced options rely on cheap synthetics that harm both our bodies and the environment.
Before you make your next purchase, it’s important to understand what to avoid and what to look for.
SKL top picks, in a nutshell…
- My Go-To Sustainable Adventure Sandals: Wildling Shoes
- The Most Stylish Everyday Sustainable Sandals: Alohas
- The Best Dressy Sustainable Sandals: Vivaia
- The Best Barefoot Sandals: Feelgrounds
What makes sandals sustainable?
Women’s sustainable sandals are ethically and responsibly made from natural, eco-friendly materials like certified leather, vegan leather, raffia, natural rubber, cork, organic cotton, and recycled plastics.
But it’s not just about what the sandals are made of—it’s also about how they’re made.
Ethical manufacturing is all about treating workers fairly and minimizing environmental impact. That means choosing factories that pay fair wages, provide safe working conditions, and minimize waste.
Sustainable sandal brands are upfront about where their materials come from and how their products are made.
They’re not trying to hide anything—they want you to know exactly what you’re getting and how it’s impacting the world around you.
❌ Toxic Materials to Avoid In Sandals
Avoid sandals made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride), synthetic rubber, petroleum-based foam, and glues that contain toxic solvents.
These materials aren’t just bad for the planet—they can also cause skin irritation, off-gassing, and pollution during production and disposal.
PVC in particular is a plastic that can leach harmful chemicals and is almost impossible to recycle.
What are the best eco-friendly materials for sustainable sandals?
- Biodegradable Materials: Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, which naturally regenerate after each harvest, making it a renewable resource. Hemp is another fantastic option. This fast-growing plant requires minimal water and pesticides to grow.
- Vegan Materials: This innovative material is made from things like fruit skins, vegetable fibers, and even mushroom mycelium.
- Leather: If you want to opt for sustainable leather sandals, make sure that they are certified by the Leather Working Group. This organization evaluates and certifies the environmental performance of leather manufacturers.
- Recycled Materials: Recycled PET (rPET) from recycled plastic bottles is a great option for reducing waste and giving it a second life.
So why does all this matter?
Every time we buy a pair of sandals made with synthetic, plastic-based materials, we contribute to a growing global problem.
Over 24 billion shoes are produced each year, and the majority are discarded within 12 months.
These shoes don’t just disappear—they sit in landfills, leach toxins, and shed microplastics into our soil and water systems.
By choosing sustainable sandals, you’re voting for cleaner production, fair labor practices, and longer-lasting quality. It’s a small shift with a big ripple effect—for your wardrobe and for the world.
10 Best Sustainable Sandals For The Summer
Use discount code SKL10 to save 10%!
Vivaia is on a mission to create the most eco-friendly women’s sandals with recycled materials, including plastic bottles collected from the ocean.
Thus far, they’ve managed to transform nearly 3.5 million bottles into footwear – how amazing is that?
Their sandals are not only trendy but also incredibly breathable, perfect for those hot summer days.
Think pointed-toe slingbacks, square-toe block heels, wedges, and more vibrant, fashionable options.
Plus, they’re designed with durable rubber outsoles and supportive, moisture-wicking insoles that keep your feet happy all day long.
When you order from Vivaia, your high-quality, sustainable summer sandals will arrive in recycled cardboard boxes.
Price & Sizing
From $97+ | US 5-13
Materials
Recycled PET | Sugarcane EVA | Recycled Faux Fur | Rice Husks | Herbal Insoles | Natural Rubber | Thermoplastic Elastomers | Acrylonitrile Styrene
Location/Shipping
United States, ships to select international countries
Wildling Shoes offers two barefoot sandal options: Feather and Feder – both crafted for freedom, function, and minimalist design.
Made with a lightweight, durable microfiber upper, they protect the foot while allowing natural movement.
Their construction uses minimal parts and seams, thanks to the integrated heel loop, conserving resources and increasing durability.
Both sandals feature a windlass mechanism, activated by a strap over the big toe, which keeps the sole in contact with the foot for surprising support and stability.
Whether you choose Feather or Feder, you’ll enjoy a sandal that honors your natural stride, embraces sustainability, and feels like walking barefoot – only better.
Price & Sizing
$89 | US 5-14
Materials
Polyamide | ITOITEX | EVA | Walnut Shell | Synthetic rubber | Silica | Natural Rubber
location/shipping
Handmade in Portugal, ships to the United States & Canada
Use discount code SKL5 to save 5%!
Sandals made from recycled materials? Yes, please!
Feelgrounds, one of our favorite barefoot shoe brands here at SKL, delivers style, comfort, and sustainability in every step.
Their online collection features a variety of barefoot sandals designed for urban explorers who value both form and function.
With an anatomical fit, cushioned straps, wide toe boxes, and flexible zero-drop soles, these sandals are built for all-day comfort.
Fun fact: slim, minimalist soles encourage a natural, upright posture—and can even help reduce knee, hip, and back pain. Pretty amazing, right?
Price & Sizing
From 89+ | US 5-11.5
Materials
Cork | Recycled Polyester & Lycra | EVA | Vegan PU Leather From Bamboo Fibers | Vegan PU Leather | | Rubber | Microsuede
Location/Shipping
Cyprus, ships to the United States & select international countries
Alohas offers a stunning collection of ultra-modern women’s sandals crafted from high-quality, planet-friendly materials.
These include recycled components (like soles, heels, caps, and linings), innovative plant-based leathers such as apple and cactus leather, and certified sustainable leather sourced through the Leather Working Group.
Each pair is mindfully handcrafted in Spain using an on-demand production model that reduces carbon emissions, eliminates overproduction, and creates zero waste.
With a strong commitment to ethical sourcing and eco-conscious innovation, Alohas sandals are made to elevate your outfit and your values—perfect for the office or a summer stroll.
Price & Sizing
From $160+ | US 5-14.5
Materials
Recycled Materials | Plant-Based Leathers | Certified Sustainable Leather
location/shipping
Made in Spain, ships to the United States & select international countries
For chic, sustainable vegan sandals, look no further than Will’s Vegan Store.
From elegant heeled sandals and Birkenstock-inspired styles to sleek slides and clogs, there’s something for every occasion—even recycled espadrilles and office-ready penny loafers.
Whether you’re headed to the beach or strolling through the city, you’ll look effortlessly stylish.
Every pair is handcrafted in Italy or Portugal using premium vegan materials, right down to the glue.
Many styles feature Italian vegan leather with 69% bio-based content—soft, flexible, and lined with eco-certified vegan suede for added comfort.
For all-day support, their sandals are equipped with shock-absorbing cork footbeds and durable recycled rubber outsoles, speckled with visible color flecks from reclaimed materials.
Price & Sizing
From $56+ | US 5-10
Materials
Italian Vegan Leather (69% Bio-Based Content) | Ecolabel Certified Vegan Suede | Cork | Recycled Rubber | Natural Jute | Canvas
location/shipping
United Kingdom, ships worldwide
NAE Vegan Shoes is a beloved sustainable European brand offering everything from Birkenstock-inspired sandals to heeled styles and clogs.
Each pair is 100% vegan and ethically handcrafted in certified factories in Portugal.
Their eco-friendly materials include AppleSkin™, Piñatex, OEKO-TEX® certified microfiber, organic cotton, cork, and recycled PET.
With NAE, your summer outfits can be effortlessly stylish, ethically made, and kind to the planet.
Price & Sizing
From $82+ | US 5-13
Materials
AppleSkin™ (Apple leather) | Piñatex | OEKO-TEX® Microfiber | Organic cotton | Cork | Recycled PET
location/shipping
Made in Portugal & Spain, ships to the United States & select international countries
Matisse Footwear’s women’s fashion sandals are the perfect match for everything from laid-back beach days to chic city outings.
Their vegan, sustainably made styles feature trendy materials like natural raffia, along with sleek slide flip-flops and gladiator sandals crafted from high-quality synthetic leather and luxe finishes.
We’re especially obsessed with their bold, chunky platform heels—truly one-of-a-kind.
Each pair is handcrafted in family-owned factories with care and attention to detail.
Plus, Matisse Footwear keeps it green with 100% recycled packaging and vegan glue in every design.
Price & Sizing
From $40+ | US 5-11
Materials
Leather | Synthetic Materials | Textiles | Raffia | Manmade Outsoles
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
We’ve got a soft spot for TOMS’ eco-friendly women’s sandals—and it’s easy to see why.
This standout brand operates under the One for One™ model: for every pair purchased, they help provide shoes to a child in need through trusted humanitarian partners.
Their lineup includes sustainable platform sandals, slides, and wedges—all designed with purpose and comfort in mind.
Most styles feature a high-rebound OrthoLite® Eco X40-Hybrid™ insole made with 32% eco-friendly content, including hybrid materials, bio-oil, and recycled rubber.
TOMS also uses Leather Working Group-certified leather and is a proud member of the Fair Labor Association, ensuring ethical practices and safe working conditions at every step.
Price & Sizing
From $50+ | US 5-12
Materials
Organic Cotton | Recycled Cotton | Jute | Recycled Polyester, Rubber & Foam | Leather | Suede | Rubber | Canvas | Textile
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
The eco-conscious artisan brand Fortress redefines sustainable leather sandals with bold, thoughtful design.
Rather than sticking to the basics, many of their styles showcase sculpted round wooden heels, buttery-soft napa leather, and earthy jute wraps that stand out in all the right ways.
Looking for something breezy? Their beautifully crafted slides are perfect for seaside getaways.
Every pair is meticulously handmade in a family-owned factory led by a third-generation Peruvian-Italian designer—where craftsmanship and creativity are nothing short of inspiring.
Price & Sizing
From $150+ | EU 35-42
Materials
Leather | Napa Leather | Rubber | Suede | Jute | Wood
location/shipping
Handmade in Peru, ships to the United States & select international countries
From vegan leather boots to wear-me-everywhere sustainable walking sandals, Bhava Studio keeps us comfy and stylish all year long.
The independent footwear brand crafts ethical, artisan-crafted shoes with top-quality, organic, recycled, and cruelty-free materials.
I’m obsessed with their wood clogs, but you can also find sustainable platform sandals as well as travel sandals ideal for walking.
To minimize waste even more, Bhava’s timeless styles are designed with repairable soles so they last you for years.
Price & Sizing
From $255+ | US 5-12
Materials
Organic Cotton | Vegan Leather | Cork | Recycled Microfibers
location/shipping
United States, ships to select international countries
This was your full guide to the best sustainable sandals!
We hope our guide helped you find your new, favorite pair of women’s sustainable sandals. Instead of blindly following trends, let’s take a step back and think about the bigger picture.
Whether you’re looking for something casual or formal, it would be best to go for options made from eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic, cork, hemp, and LWG-certified leather.
There are dozens of amazing brands out there that thrive on ethical, waste-free manufacturing practices, like fair wages, and safe working conditions.
At the end of the day, investing in high-quality sustainable summer sandals that you love and will wear for years to come is not only good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the planet.
Explore more of our Sustainable Fashion articles:
- Sustainable Slippers & House Shoes
- Feelgrounds Barefoot Shoes Review
- Barefoot Running Shoes & Sandals
- Ethical & Sustainable Winter Boots
- Wildling Barefoot Shoes Review
- Ethical & Sustainable Sneakers
- Sustainable Shoes For Women
- Barefoot Fall & Winter Boots
- Non-Toxic Rain Boots
- Vegan Leather Boots
- Kids Barefoot Shoes
- Barefoot Sandals
- Barefoot Shoes
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