Top 10 Ethical Shoe Brands
This article was written by Samantha Alice and originally posted on her ecommerce blog ecomono.com.au which has now been closed.
Image: Veja
“Shopping ethically is a non negotiable for women who are money smart and environmentally & socially conscious” - Samantha Alice, Former Founder eco.mono.com.au
Sometimes finding clothing, shoes and accessories that align with your ethical values can be like trying to find a needle in hay stack. I think it's harder now more than ever, why?
Mainly because some of the fast fashion retailers out there are naming their PLASTIC shoes vegan. Hmm, I don't think I care that they are "vegan" if they are made in sweat shops guys! So, if you do want to shop real ethical shoes here are my Top 10 Ethical Shoe Brands:
#1. Allbirds
New Zealand based brand Allbirds are leading the way in innovative sustainable design. Made with ZQ-Certified New Zealand merino wool. Allbirds us 40% less packaging than other traditional shoes, they are B Corporation certified, and partner with Soles4souls to create sustainable jobs and provide relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world.
#2. Zette Shoes
Zette Shoes is the in-house brand of well known cruelty free store - Vegan Style. Zette is made fairly in Europe (Spain, Italy & Portugal) from luxurious, cruelty-free materials. Each shoe style is named after a rescue cat they have fostered at Vegan Style HQ.
Launched in 2014 with their first women's collection, Zette has grown to now also include classic dress shoes and boots for men.
#3 Veja
Since 2015 Veja uses B-Mesh an ecological material made from 100% plastic bottles. Veja work directly with Brazilian producers in Rio de Janeiro to create each Veja sneaker. 3 old plastic bottles are used to produce a pair of sneakers.
Veja Shoes can be bought online or from a number of stores around Australia.
#4 Will's Vegan Store
Wills Vegan Shoes have been a vegan company at the front of vegan clothing and sustainable fashion since they were established in 2012 by founder Will Green.
Wills Vegan Shoes don’t believe in doing something to protect animals whilst harming humans and the planet. We are all animals. All life needs safeguarding. We need to safeguard the environment we share.
Wills Vegan Shoes use vegan leather created with bio oil sourced from organic cereal crops grown in Northern Europe. They use eco friendly vegan leather made with plants for most of their vegan shoes and accessories. It is hard wearing, soft, breathable and is water resistant.
SHOP HERE
5. BHAVA
At BHAVA Studio, they do not believe it is necessary to use leather for premium footwear, and have always been and will always be an animal free company. In addition, BHAVA believe that a truly compassionate approach to design needs to go beyond using leather alternatives to include the environment, working conditions, and finally to protect you and of course your feet.
6. Alice + Whittles
Alice + Whittles believe you don't have to sacrifice style and function to live sustainably.
Alice + Whittle create functional yet elevated collections of footwear from
natural and recycled materials.
We create functional, yet elevated collections of footwear from natural and recycled materials to give people the option to shop guilt-free without having to sacrifice style.
7. Alohas
ALOHAS sandals are handcrafted in Spain by workers who are given a fair wage and comfortable working conditions. With high quality materials and recycled tires for the salts, they perfectly fit the necessities of consumers for excellent quality, and furthermore, really sustainable sandal. The company aims to demonstrate to the system that with recycled materials, in addition to not harm the environment (like the soles of common shoes derived from petroleum), it is possible to make high quality products without the need to damage the planet and without manufacturing in countries where working conditions are deplorable.
8. TWOOBS
Twoobs is a Melbourne based brand build by sisters Jess & Stef. Twoobs is 100% animal cruetly free and the sisters have always been transparent about where and who makes their shoes. Visiting their China manufactures often and ensuring they work with ethical factories, you can read more about the men and women who make Twoobs here
9. TEVA
The original sport sandal emerged from the shores of the Grand Canyon back in 1984. Born out of necessity to prevent sandals from floating downstream, a resourceful river guide strapped two Velcro watchbands to a pair of old flip-flips. And just like that, Teva was born.
Teva believe in good business. The kind that positively shapes our community, protects the environment and inspires future generations. It’s with a wide-angle lens that Teva's Corporate Responsibility Program encourages them to look at the broader impact of their activities on our employees, customers, communities, and the environment as a whole.
You can read more about it here
10. Radical Yes
As a small-scale, independent shoemaker, Radical Yes is continuously inspiring when it comes to creating products ethically.
Radical Yes are made in China, in a factory that has policies in place to ensure ethical production for the factory staff. In 2018, the team at Radical Yes changed there manufacture due to the minimum quantities they were demanding. This is one of the hardest things ethical brands come up against when manufacturing. However, after some extensive investigating Radical Yes found the perfect match for their business, a husband and wife team.
The factory moto is "slowly we build".
