Looking for the most ethical and sustainable sneakers to upgrade your casual shoe game in the most eco-conscious way possible?
From affordable sustainable sneakers women and men choose on-repeat to ultra-stylish recycled sneakers, our list will help you find your next ethical sneaker crush!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the .
This post is about the best sustainable sneakers!
Let’s be honest. If you are a comfort-seeker, sporting sustainable sneakers fresh from the box may feel more like an act of self-care rather than a sartorial purchase. Luckily, we are experts at spotting the best sustainable shoe brands to help you fill in any gaps in your footwear lineup.
Whether it’s in the form of hiker-approved barefoot sneakers or inherently cool skateboarding kicks, long gone are the days when the most ethical sneaker companies offered just a few options with the same colorways.
In 2024, affordable sustainable sneakers come in various silhouettes, colors, and materials!
From apple skin leather low-tops and organic cotton canvas sneakers to Fair Trade shoes made of recycled plastic bottles, the options are truly endless. The most ethical sneaker brands are here to outfit us with light, breathable, and waterproof footwear that’s equipped with unique technologies.
Think built-in arch support, high-performance midsoles that are big on cushion and energy return, and toe boxes that are wide enough to allow for natural stability.
What are sustainable sneakers?
In contrast to conventional petroleum-based plastic sneakers, sustainable sneaker brands prioritize eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastic bottles, reclaimed rubber, and organic cotton, for crafting their footwear.
These brands go the extra mile by incorporating sustainable elements into every component, including shoelaces and insoles, all designed with a strong commitment to reducing their environmental footprint. This translates into lower energy consumption, diminished reliance on natural resources, and a heightened emphasis on recyclability.
Moreover, sustainable sneakers frequently feature leather that is responsibly sourced from certified tanneries, employing ethical methods and materials that prioritize both human well-being and environmental conservation. This leather is often a byproduct of local farming and agricultural industries, minimizing waste and promoting sustainability.
Furthermore, the term “ethical” extends to vegan products within the sustainable sneaker realm, encompassing natural textiles like organic cotton and innovative leather alternatives such as apple skin leather.
These companies are dedicated to establishing new industry benchmarks through fair and transparent supply chains, as well as the use of ethically sourced materials. Even their packaging follows suit, either being recyclable or crafted from recycled materials, further contributing to the reduction of our collective carbon footprint.
Which sustainable sneaker brand is the most popular?
While numerous sustainable sneaker brands deserve our recognition, the most sought-after options in 2024 include Cariuma, Will’s Vegan Shoes, Veja, Flamingos Life, and Ecoalf. Each brand brings its unique eco-friendly ethos to the forefront.
Cariuma combines style with sustainability, emphasizing the use of natural and renewable materials such as organic canvas, sustainably sourced leather, and even bamboo.
True to its name, Will’s Vegan Shoes is committed to 100% cruelty-free footwear. They stay away from animal products entirely, opting instead for vegan leather crafted from plant-based materials, recycled rubber, and sustainable linings. It’s a win-win for both animals and the environment.
Veja stands out for its commitment to transparency and eco-consciousness. They place a strong emphasis on fair trade and ethical manufacturing practices.
Flamingos Life is dedicated to recycled materials. They transform plastic bottles into comfortable shoe linings and utilize recycled rubber for their soles.
Finally, Ecoalf is on a mission to convert trash into fashion. Their focus is on upcycling, with old fishing nets, plastic bottles, and even discarded tires finding new life in their sneakers, exemplifying their commitment to sustainability and environmental impact reduction.
Which sneaker brands are biodegradable?
Veja creates almost 100% biodegradable sneakers for every taste. Most of the components in their shoes are biodegradable except for the lining and rubber additives in the sole. The latter components are made of recycled polyester or recycled cotton.
Which sneaker brands are made from recycled materials?
Psudo is one of the best sustainable sneaker brands with styles made from recycled materials in the USA. Each stylish pair features eco-friendly fabric made of 75% recycled plastic bottles. Even their PSUDO blu insoles and soles are made of 85% recycled foam!
For sustainable vegan sneakers, you can also check out Bhava Studio. The company uses the finest materials like organic cotton linings, hand-painted embossed cork, and premium recycled microfibers. It’s all about taking a stand for what’s right and beautiful, inside and out.
