The 25 Best Sustainable & Ethical Shoe Brands For Women

Ethical Women's Footwear

11/06/2023

Danielle Alvarado

Now Trending:
Just For You:
Welcome To SKL!

My name is Danielle and I am a mother of two, wife, CEO, and lover of vintage treasures. I created SKL in 2020 to help our community in their need for well-researched and trust-worthy articles, listicles and guides to live a more sustainable and healthy life. So happy to have you here! (Click to learn more).

hello,

Sign Up For Our Free E-mail List That Folks Are Raving About!

Sign Me UP!

Our amazing newsletter is beloved by our SKL community and offers tips on living more sustainable, books to read, podcasts to listen to, inspiring conscious leaders to follow, discount codes from the best brands out there, and more!

SKL is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn affiliate commission. Learn more here.

Are you looking for the best sustainable shoe brands for women? Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of the 25 most loved sustainable shoe brands for women that will complete that eco wardrobe of yours!

P.S. If you love sustainable shoes, you may also want to check out our roundup of the best stylish vegan boots.

If you loved our Sustainable Shoe Brands content, check out our other articles below:

This post is about the best sustainable shoes for women.

beset sustainable shoes women

Finding the perfect pair of shoes is already hard enough, but finding the perfect pair of sustainable shoes can seem downright impossible sometimes!

As a shoe lover myself, I have gone through my fair share of rabbit hole searches, only to be left empty handed.

We are so thrilled to have compiled this essential guide to sustainable shoe brands for women for you today – you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for. 

After reading through this list, we hope you will find some great new sustainable brands to support and adore for years to come. 

This post is all about sustainable shoes women love!


Best Sustainable Shoe Brands For Women


1. Vivaia

Eco-Friendly Shoe Brands for Women

Stylish you say? This first beloved sustainable shoe brand is the perfect pair for your trendy outfit. We love this brand so much because their shoes are extremely comfortable, washable, and sustainable!

Vivaia turned the PET plastics bottles that are floating in the ocean into fashionable and comfortable shoes. 

Moreover, they use recycled cardboard as packaging and deliver it straight to you to reduce the carbon footprint in shipping the goods. 

My Personal Review: I own the black boots featured on the left, as well as the ballet flats from Vivaia and I am absolutely in love with them. The boots, especially, are extremely comfortable and feel like a mix between socks, boots and slippers. So chic and comfortable!

Price Range: From $97+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 3.5-13.5 

Ethics: Global Recycled Standard, Recycled Blended Claim Standard, safe & fair labor, eco-friendly materials, low waste, carbon neutral shipping 

Location/Shipping: UK, ships worldwide 


Best Sustainable Shoes For Women from Vivaia:


2. Bhava Studio

best sustainable shoe brands for women

Our next sustainable shoe brand, Bhava Studio, believes in a more warmhearted approach to designing its shoes. 

They use 100% vegan alternatives such as organic cotton linings, hand painted embossed cork, and premium recycled microfibers.

These shoes feel just as wonderful as they look! 

My personal review: I own quite a few pairs of Bhava shoes (I was even wed in their heels!) and they really do stand the test of time and wear. I must have worn their 3-way vegan boots over 300 times by now and they are still in perfect condition.

Price Range: From $195+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-12 

Ethics: Safe & fair labor, vegan materials, ethically made, cruelty free 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide


Best Selling Vegan Shoes from Bhava:


3. Nisolo

best ethical shoe brands

Our next brand also prioritizes living wages and strives to fight climate change. Nisolo shoes are designed and produced with raw materials that are durable, timeless, and have less impact on the environment.

Most fast fashion industries heavily consume natural resources and toxic chemicals. With Nisolo they ensure wastewater treatment, waste generation, and recycling.

100% of the leather used in producing shoes is from meat products that end up in landfills. They converted it and turned it into these amazing shoes!

My personal review: My husband and I both own Nisolo shoes and the only issue we have is the sizing – we found them to be a bit off. Lucky for us, the returns are extremely easy and now we know our sizes and have zero issues!

Price Range: From $90+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-11 

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified, fair wages, Leather Working Group, 0% net carbon, recyclable packaging

Location/Shipping: Peru, ships worldwide


Best Selling Ethical Shoes from Nisolo:


4. Alohas

best ethical shoe brands

Alohas carries a wide selection of sustainable vegan sandals and sustainable vegan boots made from plant-based and recycled leather. 

We love their on-demand production model to eliminate any waste and save as many natural resources as possible!

Best Sustainable Shoes from Alohas: 

Price Range: From $100+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-11.5

Ethics: Fair wages, plant based materials, designed in Barcelona & handcrafted in Alicante, recyclable packaging

Location/Shipping: Alicante, ships worldwide


5. Feelgrounds

Sustainable Shoe Lover

The Feel Grounds’ collection of the best sustainable barefoot shoes for both men and women are perfect for those who want both comfort and style. 

Their sustainable shoe collection includes barefoot sandals, barefoot sneakers, barefoot boots and even barefoot slip-ons! 

Sustainably vegan, flexible, breathable, eco-friendly, and able to match every aesthetic; what more can you ask for?

Best Barefoot Shoes from Feelgrounds: 

My Personal Review: I own the white barefoot sneakers and a few pairs of their sandals. They are, hands down, my favorite shoes that I reach for daily. My husband also wears his feelgrounds grey sneakers at least 4 times a week.

Price Range: From $89+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-11.5 

Ethics: Safe & fair labor, European BSCI Factory, recycled & vegan materials, eco friendly 

Location/Shipping: Europe, ships to United States, Canada, Australia 


6. Cariuma

best sustainable shoe brands for women

Next on our list of must-have sustainable shoes is Cariuma. A very versatile, cozy, and stylish footwear company that knows all about that skater life!

Because of their love for skateboarding, the founders made sure that the design would be good for the people and better for the planet.

They use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton that are responsibly sourced and pay attention to their worker’s safety and needs. 

Also, they give back to their community and fellow eco-friendly organizations to pay it forward. Classic white sneakers for the win!

Best Ethical Shoes For Women from Cariuma: 

My Personal Review: I really love Cariuma and all that they stand for, but my feet are a bit too wide for these to be considered “comfortable” for me. They pinch my feet (just narrow). I am an avid barefoot shoe wearer, so keep that in mind!

Price Range: From $79+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-13

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, Butterfly Marked Certified, fair wages, sustainable materials, vegan  

Location/Shipping: Brazil, ships worldwide 


7. Wildling Shoes

Sustainable Footwear Guide

Wilding Shoes offers the best fit for your feet with its super sustainable barefoot build. Our family wears Wildling Shoes consistently throughout the year!

One of the best things about this shoe is it allows your feet to move freely without restriction. Your feet are able to have all the benefits of barefoot walking without being barefoot! 

Moreover, using recycled materials and manufacturing them locally reduces its carbon footprint. These shoes will definitely be your sole mate!

Best Sustainable Shoes For Women from Wilding Shoes: 

My Personal Review: We have been avid Wildling shoe wearers for 7 years now – for good reason. They are extremely comfortable and super kid friendly. My children wear their wildlings daily and I wear mine to the gym each morning!

Price Range: From $79.20+

Size Range: Women’s 5-14

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, Fair Trade Certified, locally sourced & sustainably harvested natural wool, handcrafted by local artisans 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada 


8. Baabuk

best ethical shoe brands

If you love wool as much as we do, you are going to love this next sustainable shoe brand for women. Baabuk’s entire line of sustainable shoes is made from responsibly sourced wool that keeps your feet cozy and dry!

Be sure to check out their repair kit to keep those shoes lasting even *longer* !

Best Sustainable Wool Shoes from Baabuk: 

Price Range: From $99+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-12 

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, fair trade, sustainably sourced wool

Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada 


9. Splay

Sustainable Shoe Brands

Splay is one of the best, most sustainable shoe brands for barefoot shoes with a wide range for both women and men.

They use 100% natural cotton uppers, and the shoes have a unique foot-shaped toe box for maximum comfort and freedom for your toes. 

What’s more, they are breathable, comfortable, and built to last, making them perfect for daily wear.

Some pairs even come with winter-approved, flexible, and grippy all-purpose outsoles, so you have plenty of choices to explore!

Best Sustainable & Ethical Shoes from Splay: 

SKL Reviews: These shoes are one of our top sellers for kids barefoot shoes and every time we get feedback from SKL parents, it’s amazing!

Price Range: From $46.49 

Discount Code: SKL10 for 10% off

Size Range: Women’s US 7-15

Ethics: Made in North America, natural materials

Location/Shipping: North America, ships worldwide 


10. Sezane

Best in Sustainable Footwear

In addition to sustainable jeans and stylish skirts, Sezane, the Certified B-corporation also offers an array of comfortable sustainable shoes women choose on repeat. 

What sets Sezane apart is their commitment to ethics – every pair is carefully crafted in their Portuguese workshop using top-notch, durable leather.

The silhouettes are timeless yet surprisingly modern which we absolutely love.

Best Sellers from Sezane: 

Price Range: From $190+ 

Size Range: Women’s 5-11 

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, audited factories, made in our Portuguese atelier, recyclable packaging

Location/Shipping: France, ships worldwide 


11. Veerah

best sustainable shoe brands for women

Next up is Veerah, a cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable shoe brand. They use innovative materials like apple leather and recycled plastic textile in manufacturing their shoes! 

What’s interesting about their shoes is that you can buy one pair of shoes and add accessories to have different looks. 

Veerah is derived from the word veerabhadrasana, which means warrior pose – a name that is very suitable for the brand for empowering women by giving back to the community. 

Best Sustainable Vegan Shoes from Veerah: 

Personal Review: I own a pair of black booties from Veerah from 3 years ago and they are still in tip-top shape and super comfortable!

Price Range: From $248+ 

Discount Code: SKL10 for 10% off

Size Range: Women’s US 5-11 

Ethics: Fair trade, women owned, recyclable packaging, vegan, cruelty free 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


12. Made Trade

best sustainable & ethical shoe brands

Made Trade, a fantastic sustainable marketplace, believes in being “ethically elevated” and has the most gorgeous selection of sustainable shoe brands for women.

They choose to showcase brands paying fair and livable wages while also showcasing gorgeous artisanal masterpieces.

With Made Trade, you can shop guilt-free with their ingeniously handcrafted, responsibly obtained, and sustainable materials from the most trusted brands out there!

Best Affordable Shoes For Women from Made Trade: 

Price Range: From $71.04+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-11 

Ethics: Climate Neutral Certified, fair trade, BIPOC owned, sustainable materials, handcrafted, recyclable packaging, vegan

Location/Shipping: United States, Cayman Islands


13. Fortress of Inca

Ethical Women's Footwear

These are the most unique and stunning sustainable shoes for women on this list – hands down.

Fortress of Inca designs sustainable footwear from 100% natural materials. They have a collection of leather and suede mules that can work as a great staple to your wardrobe.

For Fortress of Inca, the people who are handcrafting their shoes are just as important as those who buy them. That is why fair wages, gender equity, and good working conditions are their top priorities.

Best Sustainable Shoes For Women from Fortress of Inca: 

Price Range: From $140+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 4.5-11.5 

Ethics: Fair trade, family owned, ethically sourced leather, handmade in Peru

Location/Shipping: Peru, ships worldwide 


14. Able

best sustainable & ethical shoe brands

We love how this next sustainable shoe brand develops slow fashion shoes and apparel to stop the cycle of poverty and help women who have experienced extraordinary circumstances!

Able uses eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton, in handcrafting their products to lessen the climate impact.

The leather that is used in their shoes is sustainably sourced. Also, the water used in the production is recycled and purified.

P.S. We also just featured them in our sustainable denim shorts roundup!

Best Sustainable Sneakers, Heels & Flats from Able: 

Price Range: From $98+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-12 

Ethics: Fair trade, staff made up of 96% women, sustainable materials

Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada


15. Rothy’s

Sustainable Footwear

Are you looking for comfortable, classic looking, sustainable shoes? Rothy’s innovative shoes might be just what you are looking for!

Plastic bottles retrieved from the ocean are the main component of Rothy’s shoes and bags. To lessen their waste, they use a knit method in manufacturing their products instead of cutting and sewing. 

As a result of exceptional design and production, they developed machine washable and durable shoes and, in 2021, they launched their recycling program to keep used Rothy’s out of the landfill!

Best Sustainable Shoes Made With Recycled Materials from Rothy’s: 

Price Range: From $119+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-13 

Ethics: LEED & TRUE Platinum Certified, fair trade, recycled materials, low waste production, recyclable packaging

Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand 


16. VivoBarefoot

Environmentally Friendly Women's Shoes

Ethical slippers? Check! Kids barefoot shoes? Check! Winter boots? You bet. Vivobarefoot is certainly one of the most sustainable shoe brands. 

As a B Corp, they meticulously oversee their entire supply chain and prioritize recycled all-weather mesh textiles in their collections.

They offer alternatives crafted from merino wool and wild hide leather, designed for natural stability.

Moreover, they have a range of vegan options, equipped with waterproof technology and water-resistant uppers for exceptional protection. 

Plus, they’ve established the Livebarefoot Fund to further their ethical efforts.

Best Barefoot Shoes from VivoBarefoot:

Price Range: From $80+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5.5-11.5 

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, Livebarefoot Fund, vegan options available  

Location/Shipping: USA, ships worldwide 


17. Tom’s

best sustainable shoe brands for women

This popular brand made our list because of their social responsibility.

Toms give 1/3 of their profit to Grassroots Goods – an organization that creates change at a local level. They also aim to expand the use of organic cotton, which is sustainably harvested.

Moreover, they also intend to reduce their carbon footprint and improve it year by year. We love how they have every intention to be more sustainable day by day.

Best Sustainable Shoes For Women from Tom’s: 

Price Range: From $54.95 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-12 

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, earthwise, plastic free packaging

Location/Shipping: United States


18. The Root Collective

Women's Sustainable Shoe

Do you want to be the center of attention at every party? This sustainable shoe brand will make sure that you’ll be noticed. This handmade footwear is made in Guatemala by local artisans in the area!

While The Root Collective’s sneakers are a big hit, don’t forget about their other amazing pieces.

Their sandals are perfect for summer, while their high-quality and comfy wedges are a must-have on every women’s shoe collection.

Fashionable Shoes For Women from The Root Collective: 

Price Range: From $138+

Size Range: Women’s US 5-11 

Ethics: Fair wages, women owned, eco-friendly materials, handmade in small artisan production, reducing waste

Location/Shipping: Guatemala, ships worldwide 


19. Native Shoes

Loved by Women: Sustainable Shoes

We might have a thing for Native’s sustainable rain boots, but did you know that they also offer sandals and sneakers? 

Crafted with innovative technology, they feature a recycled 3D knit upper and a waterproof inner membrane.

Native Shoes are committed to eco-friendliness, as they are compliant with REACH, Prop 65, and CPSIA standards. 

The brand also uses Sugarlite™ – their proprietary material made with a blend of traditional EVA and a sugarcane-derived resin, Sugarlite™ for their sneakers lineup.

Ethical, stylish, and versatile, what more do we need?

Best Sellers from Native Shoes:

Price Range: From $50+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-12 

Ethics: SBTi-approved, bio-based materials

Location/Shipping: United States 


20. Earth Shoes

Eco-Friendly Shoe Brands for Women

With roots dating back to the 1970s, this is one of the oldest and most trusted sustainable shoes brands!

Earth Shoes feature carefully crafted footbeds, structured arch support, and plush padding for all-day comfort using recyclable, renewable, or regenerative materials whenever possible. 

Their lineup includes boots, ballet flats, mules, sneakers, and sandals in a slew of different colors and silhouettes.

You can find ankle boots crafted with faux fur trim and a renewable cork footbed, shoes with a round toe, ballet pump, memory foam cushioning and so many more options.

Best Ethical & Sustainable Shoes from Earth Shoes: 

Price: From $69+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-12 

Ethics: FSC Certified, eco conscious, recyclable & water based materials, responsible design

Location/Shipping: United States 


21. Faherty

Latest Sustainable Shoe Trends

Next up is one of the most coveted women’s and men’s sustainable clothing brands, Faherty

Known for its adherence to high ethical standards, including those set by Textile Exchange and BLUESIGN, the brand exudes a modern American heritage style and takes pride in crafting its footwear ethically. They use premium materials like chrome-free leather, rubber, and sugarcane to ensure both style and sustainability. 

Faherty’s footwear collection offers casual, beach-inspired comfort, making them perfect for everyday wear. And while you’re exploring their offerings, be sure to check out their range of basics too.

Best Ethical Shoes For Women from Faherty:

Price Range: From $60+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5.5-12 

Ethics: FSC Certified, recycled & renewable materials, 1% for the planet

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide 


22. Matisse Footwear

Sustainable Shoe Brands

Bringing art to life, that is who Matisse Footwear is.

They produce super sustainable fashion-forward designs and unique shoe collections that will allow you to flaunt your style from the beach to the high street. 

Each piece is timeless and fashionable – you’ll adore them even in the days to come. 

Best Sustainable Shoes from Matisse Footwear: 

Price Range: From $55+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-11

Ethics: Fair wages, family owned, eco-friendly materials, made by local artisans, recyclable packaging 

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide


23. Psudo

Sustainable Shoe Brands

From casual sustainable shoes women absolutely love, look no further than Psudo!

Their easy styles combine comfort and convenience which makes them suitable for a wide range of occasions, from the office boardroom to a relaxing day at the beach. 

What sets PSUDO apart is their innovative 3-piece construction, which eliminates the need for laces and reduces waste typically associated with multi-component shoes. 

Their soft and breathable uppers are crafted from recycled plastic bottles, and the soles are made from 85% recycled foam, giving a second life to materials that would otherwise harm the environment.

Price Range: $138  

Size Range: Women’s US 5.5-11

Ethics: On demand production, eco-friendly materials, local & ethical manufacturing

Location/Shipping: United States 


24. Veja

Ethical Women's Footwear

The first sustainable sneaker in the world. Veja produces sustainable shoes by giving a new life to waste and turning them into higher quality and more valuable products!

The team at Veja collects used plastic bottles and cotton recycled from the textile industry and recycled polyester as their raw materials.

Their innovative B-Mesh fabric is light, breathable, and waterproof.

Price Range: From $135+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 4-10 

Ethics: Certified B Corporation, fair trade, vegan options available

Location/Shipping: Brazil, ships worldwide 


25. Giesswein

best sustainable & ethical shoe brands

I love this next brand; it offers lightweight merino wool shoes that are ethical and ecological.

They use high-quality merino wool to produce and develop unique fabrics that will be transformed into sustainable shoes.

Giesswein has 0% material waste. 90% of the water used during production is recycled and they use 100% renewable materials.

They also have a collection of vegan footwear that uses unbelievably comfortable cactus leather.

Price: $110+ 

Size Range: Women’s US 5-11 

Ethics: 100% renewable materials, renewable energy, 90% recycled water in production, zero waste

Location/Shipping: Australia, ships worldwide 


This blog post was all about sustainable shoes for women.

Hopefully this post was super helpful for your sustainable closet needs and you can *literally* walk away with a smile on your face.

There really is nothing better in the fashion world than high-quality fashion pieces that we can wear over and over again – without having to worry if the fashion piece will stand the test of time. 

Let’s get back to adventuring and moving our bodies with mindful, slow fashion pieces that are built to last.

If you enjoyed this post on the best eco-friendly shoes for women in 2024, you may also enjoy these related posts below.

If you liked this post on Sustainable Shoes For Women, you’ll definitely want to check out these other posts from SKL:

ethical shoes women

+ show Comments

- Hide Comments

add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.