11 Sustainable Rain Boots for All Your Pro-Planet Puddle Play
“It’s raining, it’s pouring…”
And we want sustainable rain boots that aren’t boring.
So, we’ve rounded up our favorite ethical shoe brands for splash splashing in the rain.
Native Shoes is remixing how footwear is done. Not only are their eco friendly rainboots recycled, but they accept old rainboots for upcycling into things like playground flooring.
Speaking of recycled, Matt & Nat makes use of one of the hardest to recycle materials in their eco rain boots.
If Chelsea rain boots are on your mind, Black-owned Baxter Wood offers a sustainably bold and socially-conscious pair made for you.
Grab your umbrella and let’s wade through these brands.
And be sure to head to the toe of the article to see what we considered when it comes to keeping feet dry and our planet happy.
*This post contains affiliate links
QUICK LINKS TO ECO FRIENDLY RAIN BOOTS
- Baxter Wood
- Nisolo
- Matt & Nat
- Merry People
- Stella McCartney x Hunter
- Native Shoes
- Allbirds
- Roma
- Aigle
- Will’s Vegan Store
- Kamik
1. BAXTER WOOD
About Baxter Wood
Baxter Wood was born after a trip to Ghana.
Founders Kweku and Sarah realized plastic waste could be practical, which is why they sell rain-ready coats and boots made from recycled and natural materials.
This includes their range of vegan Chelsea rain boots for men and women, available in both neutral and boldly contrasting colors.
Baxter Wood’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The boots are made from 100% FSC-certified renewable tree rubber and a chemical-free cotton lining.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Each product description includes specific manufacturing details: factory location, name, and materials source.
The materials in the boots are sourced and processed in Jiangsu Province, China.
They have an ethical sourcing policy in place to ensure that workers’ rights are protected.
Green business practices:
Perhaps the most exciting thing about the sustainable wellies from Baxter Wood is the fact that they can be recycled into playground surfacing, kickboxing bag filler, and other upcycled goods.
They also accept worn-out rubber boots from any brand to be responsibly recycled. Oh, and they’ll give you a $30 store credit to do so.
Inclusivity:
Baxter Wood is Black-owned.
Community & charitable giving:
10% of each purchase goes toward funding sustainability-focused education programs.
Available: Baxter Wood
2. NISOLO
About Nisolo
The accessory trifecta—ethical jewelry, shoes, and sustainable handbags—offered by a brand that is no stranger here.
Nisolo the Nashville-based, Certified B Corp who leaves no stone unturned when it comes to making durable goods that support people and the planet.
As far as sustainable boots go, their women’s Commuter Collection is perfect for urban streets and unexpected thunderstorms. Being sleek and stylish, they’re some of the best ethical rain boots for city dwellers.
Nisolo’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
The boots feature a waterproof leather upper, leather lining, and a durable waterproof rubber sole.
We’ll be the first to express doubt about this material, but since 95% of their leather is Leather Working Group certified, it is some of the more ethical leather currently available.
Some styles, like those with a heel, incorporate a shock-absorbing memory foam insole. Comfy, yes, but eco-conscious…not so much. Stick to smaller heels for elevated sustainability.
Supply chain & labor practices:
This repairable shoe brand is all about an ethical supply chain—and for good reason. Less than 5% of fashion industry workers make enough to cover their basic needs.
That’s why they spearhead the Lowest Wage Challenge, which challenges fashion industry entities to publish the lowest wages in their supply chain as a means of accountability.
In Nisolo’s Peruvian factory, 100% of employees make above-living wages. Other manufacturing partners in Kenya and Mexico adhere to strict labor standards and pay above-living wages.
In addition to signing to their Code of Conduct, their factories provide benefits like education opportunities, healthcare, and leadership training.
Green business practices:
Nisolo takes extra steps to ensure long-lasting durability in their shoes. Leather may not be the most sustainable material, but it is arguably more durable than some other vegan leather alternatives.
Using solar panels and carbon offset programs to support reforestation projects in the Amazon Basin, Nisolo is certified Climate Neutral.
Community & charitable giving:
Their shoe reclamation program allows customers to send back worn shoes to be recycled or sent to Soles4Souls to support people around the world.
Available: Nisolo
3. MATT & NAT
About Matt & Natt
Matt & Nat wants to help you “live beautifully”.
Through adorning their sustainable accessories and shoes, or by helping you literally vote with your dollar from one of their sustainable wallets.
For sustainable rain boots, this Canadian brand offers several varieties of ankle-high Chukka styles and one knee-high muck boot.
Matt and Natt’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Most of Matt & Nat’s rain boots are made of recycled PVC, complete with logos made from recycled shoe insoles.
Some are made entirely of natural rubber matte, too.
Supply chain & labor practices:
All rain boots are made in Romania, in a factory that is (like all M&N factories) audited biannually and personally visited by the CEO at least twice a year.
Their entire operation is a “cruelty free zone” and they do not tolerate child labor or unfair wages.
Green business practices:
While all their PVC is totally recycled, they’re working on phasing out PVC altogether by switching to PVC (polyvinyl butyral) made from 100% recycled windshield glass resin.
This is part of an effort to become what they consider fully sustainable (insofar as anyone can be) by 2023.
Community & charitable giving:
Matt & Nat currently sell the HOPE charity bag, from which 100% of the post-tax purchase price (not just profit) goes toward animal rights, environmental, or humanitarian causes.
Available: Matt & Nat
4. MERRY PEOPLE
About Merry People
Australia-based Merry People makes gumboots that look cool enough to wear anywhere.
Their quality vegan rain boots for women are waterproof and ready to take on below-freezing temperatures.
Two styles are available: ankle and mid-calf.
Merry People’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The boots have a 100% waterproof natural rubber outer, insulating neoprene lining, and durable soles with removable innersoles to allow for orthotics.
They’re totally free of animal byproducts—even the glue is vegan.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The boots are manufactured in a family-run factory in China. They work to ensure that everything is produced under safe, legal, fair, and humane working conditions.
Green business practices:
Merry People carefully monitors their sales to ensure they don’t overproduce, thus minimizing waste.
All boots come with a 12 month warranty.
Available: Merry People
5. STELLA MCCARTNEY X HUNTER
About Stella McCartney
London-based Stella McCartney has led the animal-free fashion charge by incorporating vegan fabrics into a range of items which include: vegan sandals, vegan handbags, and other accessories.
Their namesake designer has also done the unthinkable by creating high-fashion yet super luxurious vegan rain boots for women.
Splish splash in style with the Trace Chelsea Boots, Duck City Chelsea Boots, or collaborative Stella McCartney x Hunter Boot.
Stella McCartney’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The Stella McCartney x Hunter fully waterproof boots are certified vegan and handcrafted from 72% natural, sustainably-harvested Guatemalan rubber and 28% Yulex™ (an 80% emission-reduced neoprene alternative made from FSC-certified natural rubber).
These are their most sustainable rain boots.
Next up are the Trace Chelsea boots, with uppers made of polyurethane, rubber, and recycled polyester. The lining is polyester and viscose and the outside is polyurethane and rubber.
The Duck City is the least sustainable, made of polyurethane, polyamide, and virgin polyester.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The Hunter boots are made in China and their Chelsea boots in Italy, but the brand has manufacturing partners around the globe.
Reporting annually to the Ethical Trading Initiative means that all manufacturing partners adhere to standards regarding employment conditions, working hours, and the prohibition of abuse, harassment, and forced/child labor.
Green business practices:
A quick peek at their Eco Impact Report sheds light on efforts like practices to reduce waste and water use, programs to curb pollution, and details about their carbon footprint.
Embracing circularity, Stella McCartney partners with organizations like The RealReal (one of our favorite platforms to sell used clothes online) and Cradle to Cradle.
Community & charitable giving:
The company’s list of charity partners is long and includes organizations like the ASPCA, Children’s Action Network, and Meat Free Monday.
Available: Stella McCartney
6. NATIVE SHOES
About Native Shoes
You’d be hard-pressed to find a lighter pair of sustainable rain boots than those from Native Shoes—in weight and impact.
The Hydroknit are vegan minimalist rain boots that use next-level technology and futuristic fibers to keep feet dry. Say goodbye to rubber; these look and feel like a fair trade sweater for your feet.
The Canadian company has a range of animal-free shoes for men, women, and kids. Other rain-ready options can be found in their TrekLight boot series.
Native Shoes’ Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
“Designed for the drip,” the Hydroknit shoes contain a double-layered 50% recycled PET yarn upper treated with a water-resistant spray.
Combined with an interior waterproof membrane and rubber outsole, slushy sidewalks and unexpected puddles don’t stand a chance.
All of their shoes are free of BPA, phthalates, formaldehyde, and formamide. They’re also REACH, Prop 65, and CPSIA-compliant.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Native Shoes are produced in China and Vietnam, in ethical factories that prohibit forced labor, monitor work hours, and regulate wages.
They personally and regularly visit the factories to ensure conditions are maintained.
Green business practices:
Thanks to The Remix Project, old Native Shoes can be sent back to be responsibly recycled.
Your old rain boots might become playground flooring, seating, or insulation. Or they might be distributed to charitable partners across the globe to support good causes.
By 2023, the brand hopes to have every pair be 100% life cycle managed.
Inclusivity:
Given the brand’s name, and the fact that their HQ is on lands stolen from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, they work with Indigenous consultants and organizations to support reconciliation activities.
Available: Native Shoes
7. ALLBIRDS
About Allbirds
From slippers to Tencel clothing, Allbirds makes it all (except actual birds).
The brand is the brain-child of a merino wool-loving New Zealander and a renewable energy expert, hence why both elements are incorporated in the brand’s model.
They don’t have eco friendly rain boots per se, but they do have Mizzles for women and men—a weather-ready, water repellant sustainable sneaker.
Allbirds’ Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The uppers feature ZQ Merino wool (arguably the most ethical wool) coated with an OEKO-TEX-certified bio-based water repellent shield.
The midsoles are made with sugarcane, and the outsoles with FSC-certified natural rubber and SweetFoam—a carbon-negative green EVA.
The insoles are made from castor bean oil, a less carbon-emitting alternative to petroleum-based foam, and even the laces are recycled.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Allbirds is a Certified B Corp based in San Francisco.
Their manufacturing partners are scattered around the globe. Every product description details which country it was made in (China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, and North Carolina, USA).
All partner factories adhere to a Code of Conduct and many are backed by third-party certifications from organizations like SMETA and WRAP.
Green business practices:
Allbirds has a certified Climate Neutral supply chain, by supporting offset projects across three sectors: land, energy, and air.
They’re also a proponent of regenerative agriculture, use eco packaging, and by 2025, hope to have 100% of their wool coming from regenerative sources.
Community & charitable giving:
Once your Allbirds are all done, they can be returned to the company for recycling via Soles4Souls.
Available: Allbirds
8. ROMA
About ROMA
ROMA is a “buy one give one” boot company that blends fashion with philanthropy. For every pair of sustainable rubber rain boots sold, a pair is donated to a child in need.
The Romanian founder got the idea for the company after seeing children mostly roaming the streets sans footwear.
The name, “amor” spelled backward, refers to gypsy people and love (ROMA’s primary motivation).
They have a few different styles for men and women.
ROMA’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
All boots are made of natural rubber with a quick-dry cotton lining and three-layer insole.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The natural rubber is sourced from China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
ROMA’s manufacturing partners are nearby in China (reducing supply chain shipping distances) and they adhere to strict labor conditions as per the brand’s Supply Chain Policy which bans child/forced labor and provides legal minimum wages.
The factories are regularly visited by ROMA staff.
Green business practices:
ROMA works with its manufacturing partners to encourage recycling and reuse.
Community & charitable giving:
Designed to “give poverty the boot,” the ROMA Foundation has provided more than 100,000 boots to children in 27 countries.
Available: ROMA | Amazon
9. AIGLE
About Aigle
Since 1853, French brand Aigle has been outfitting people for inclement weather.
Following a 60-step production process, the company’s 200 master rubber craftsmen hand-make 4,000 boots—daily!
This includes sustainable wellington boots for men, women, and kids, ankle, mid-calf, and knee-high styles. That’s in addition to clothes, outerwear, and accessories.
Aigle’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
2kg of natural, organic rubber goes into every pair of eco friendly rain boots. Many of the boots contain 30-35% recycled rubber.
Some boots feature an additional polyester, Neoprene, or polyamide lining.
By 2022, they hope to have at least 50% of their products made from recycled, organic, or animal-friendly materials.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Most of the production occurs in France, but they also work with manufacturing partners in China and elsewhere.
As a purpose-driven company, all suppliers adhere to the ICS charter, which ensures fair working conditions, no forced or child labor, and fair pay.
Green business practices:
They’re in the process of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 46% over the next decade and reducing VOC emissions during manufacturing.
They aim to eliminate single-use plastics from their packaging.
Their second-hand platform (Second Souffle) allows their French customers to recycle clothes and boots in order to receive Aigle vouchers.
Letting nothing go to waste, they offer ‘Quality Seconds,’ or boots that have minor, physical defects, at a lower price.
Inclusivity:
Aigle is working to further promote gender equality and diversity within the company.
Community & charitable giving:
They support GoodPlanet for their reforestation projects, League for the Protection of Birds for their work to protect eagles, and Merci Raymond for creating green urban areas.
Available: Aigle | Amazon
10. WILL’S VEGAN STORE
About Will’s Vegan Store
Are you looking for sustainable rain boots in the UK?
Touted as one of the best vegan shoe brands, London-based and PETA-approved Will’s Vegan Store has won several awards for their animal and planet-friendly approach to footwear.
That includes sustainable rain boots for men, women, and kids. While not exactly labeled as such, you’ll see the word “waterproof” a lot when scrolling through the impressive range.
Look out for their good-for-earth vegan black rain boots, which we love because black goes with everything. Here’s to that minimalist wardrobe of yours.
Will’s Vegan Store’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Most of the footwear is made with Italian bio-based vegan leather. It’s produced from cereal crops and, while it does contain 31% polyurethane, it’s free of PVC and PFCs.
It’s also produced in a carbon-neutral process.
The insoles are made from recycled polyurethane, the outsoles from recycled rubber or recycled TR, and the laces, insole boards, and labels from recycled polyester.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Will’s supply chain partners in Italy and Portugal adhere to strict EU employment laws.
Employment benefits include fair and equal pay, maternity and parental leave, and support for victims of workplace discrimination.
Green business practices:
At the end of their life, all boots may be sent back to be responsibly recycled into new WVS outsoles and uppers.
Will Vegan Store uses plastic-free packaging and is a certified Climate Neutral company.
Available: Will’s Vegan Store
11. KAMIK
About Kamik
Canadian company Kamik creates shoes that are tough enough for the great outdoors—while also helping to preserve them.
The family-owned and operated company has been doing that since 1898, so every pair of eco friendly rain boots for women, men, kids, and toddlers brings with it 120+ years of history.
High-top, low-top, slip-on, and lace-up are just a few of the many styles they have available.
Kamik is especially impressive for its range of sustainable kids rain boots, a good combo for your ethical kids clothing.
Kamik’s Ethical and Sustainability Practices
Materials:
100% recyclable synthetic rubber is their principal material for uppers and outsoles and is found in the upper of many of their boots. It’s free of PVC and phthalates, too.
Some boots feature recycled rubber instead.
The insoles are made from EVA, made from 100% recycled materials in some models.
If you’re interested in waterproof boots with added insulation, their winter boots feature linings made from recycled plastic.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Most Kamik shoes are made in North America, but they do have manufacturing partners elsewhere. We’ll be reaching out to find out more about their supply chain.
Green business practices:
Some might say sustainability is their sole purpose, which is why Kamik utilizes smart technology (removable liners, etc.) to keep shoes and boots in use for longer.
Smarter technology also allows old Kamik rain boots to be sent back to be transformed into something new!
They recycle 90% of the water used in production.
Community & charitable giving:
Kamik Club has created the #FreeYourPlay movement which invites parents and encourages kids to discover an ‘offline-no-agenda creative balance’ through outdoor activities.
Available: Kamik
HOW WE FOUND THE BEST SUSTAINABLE RAIN BOOTS
Wet or dry, it’s important to consider a few aspects of sustainable and ethical fashion before making any purchase.
April showers bring May flowers—and the following criteria bring the best pairs of sustainable rain boots.
Materials:
Natural materials are best, hence we love brands using nothing more than rubber with a cotton lining.
Dryness, however, often means synthetic fabrics (i.e. plastic), so looking for recycled materials like many recycled shoe brands do (whether it’s polyester, EVA, or polyurethane) is the way to go.
A synthetic to avoid at all costs is PVC. All too common in cheap rain boots, PVC is the worst type of plastic, as it contains chemical additives like lead, cadmium, phthalates, and organotins that can be toxic to health.
You’ll see some leather in rain boots, too.
While we have a preference for vegan rain boots (especially where sustainable vegan fabrics are used), ethical leather is a durable option. While not totally waterproof, when properly conditioned, a little rain can actually moisturize the leather.
What about waterproofing chemicals?
Water-resistant and waterproofing sprays make splashing in water fun, but they’re also associated with volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions as well as perfluorocarbons which can have negative health impacts on workers and our environment.
As an alternative, some boots incorporate a Neoprene, which is considered safe itself, but is extremely toxic during manufacturing.
That said, it’s best to look for sprays that are free of these dangerous chemicals or rather opt for Yulex™, which is a safer alternative to Neoprene.
As for waterproof treatments, look for those free of fluorocarbons (PFCs) or other certifications that ensure no harmful chemicals were used.
- Certifications: OEKO-Tex 100, Global Recycle Standard (GRS), Leather Working Group, REACH, CPSIA, Prop 65
Supply chain & labor practices:
Ethical clothing brands take responsibility throughout their entire supply chain. This can be done by carefully selecting family-run factories, visiting them often, or upholding a strict code of conduct.
Traceability and transparency are important, so the more details they’re able and willing to share, the better. Having data or certifications that demonstrate how fair wages are paid or how harassment or discrimination is dealt with is our best bet against greenwashing.
- Certifications: B-Corp, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Business for Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), Fair Trade
Green business practices:
We like to explore all the ways a company is reducing its impact, whether that’s programs to conserve water or reduce waste, plastic-free shipping, carbon offsets, or recycling old vegan men’s rain boots and other footwear.
Inclusivity:
We’re thrilled that a few of these brands are BIPOC- or woman-owned, or are taking strides to make their supply chain more diverse and inclusive.
Community & charitable giving:
Rainy days seem much brighter when wearing boots that support sustainability programs or other charitable initiatives. Or those that provide children in need with rain boots of their own.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SUSTAINABLE RAIN BOOTS FOR MEN & WOMEN
Maybe you’re after a pair of matte black sustainable rain boots or a pink polka dot variety to brighten drab days.
Either way if “rain, rain, go away” chants work for you and you can tolerate your old pair for the mo, we’d suggest holding off on purchasing a new pair until you really need to swap them out.
Alternatively, consignment stores and thrift stores are great for sustainable secondhand rain boots (and sustainable rain jackets), too.
If you have a friend or family member that lives in a notoriously rainy place, forecast this article over to them so they can also tackle rain-drenched days with some do-good eco friendly rain boots or maybe a sustainable umbrella.
