To be frank, the traditional footwear industry stinks. But the last few years have seen leaps of progress, and we now have a healthy selection of the most sustainable sneakers from ethical brands to put your best foot forward.
Firstly, here’s your reminder that we probably all have enough sneakers and overconsumption is inherently unsustainable (see below for reasons why) so if you want the most sustainable option, choose secondhand or scrub up your old kicks before buying new. But if you do need to buy new, you’ve come to the right place.
Why Sustainable Sneakers Are a Better Choice
Here’s 5 good reasons:
- Carbon Footprint: Producing a single pair of traditional running shoes emits approximately 13.6 kg of CO₂, primarily due to energy-intensive manufacturing processes and synthetic materials. Innovative, lower carbon materials used by more eco minded shoe brands use significantly less energy to produce.
- Waste: According to research done by Vivobarefoot, approximately 22 billion pairs of shoes are discarded into landfills each year, where they can take decades to decompose. More mindful options are often designed for durability and recyclability. Some of the brands on this list offer take-back programs which keeps their sneakers out of landfill for longer.
- Water: Traditional footwear manufacturing can consume up to 8,000 liters of water per pair. The most sustainable sneaker brands implement water-saving techniques and use materials that require less water to produce.
- Labor abuses: The footwear industry often suffers from opaque supply chains, making it challenging to identify and address labor abuses. According to the 2023 KnowTheChain Apparel & Footwear Benchmark, the average score among 65 major brands was just 21 out of 100, indicating widespread deficiencies in managing forced labor risks and implementing robust human rights due diligence practices. Ethical brands focus on transparency and continuously work to address any ethical concerns in their supply chain.
- Vote with your dollar: Every purchase of cheaply made sneakers reinforces a system that exploits workers, pollutes the planet, and prioritizes profit over responsibility. When you support brands that focus on ethical labor, eco-friendly materials, and transparency, you send a clear signal to the market that sustainability matters.
How we selected this list of ethical sneaker brands:
- Performance: We’ve personally tested and curated the majority of brands on this list for comfort (for us and the planet) and longevity.
- Sustainability & Ethics: We can happily say that each brand on this list prioritize responsible materials, fair treatment of workers throughout their supply chains, low-impact packaging, and in many cases circularity.
Our new Brand Rating System takes this much further (for brands who opt in to be rated) by expanding our evaluation to 22 different sustainability-related criteria, including things like climate action, impact on biodiversity, and chemical use. Look out for the sneaker brands on the list below who have opted in to be rated and find other rated brands here.
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
The Best Eco-Friendly Sneakers
8000Kicks make the world’s “first waterproof cannabis sneaker”. After wearing them to death (actually they’re still going) over a 4 year period, they are arguably the most durable sneaker we’ve tested. 8000Kicks has been comprehensively rated and reviewed by us – find the full rating here.
For the athletically inclined (and those who love wearing slippers), we can confidently say after wearing many pairs over a period of 5 years, Allbirds offers the most comfortable eco kicks on the market thanks to its natural, bio-based, and recycled materials.
Cariuma makes a huge range of sustainable low tops, high-tops, and more. They’re made from various materials including organic cotton, FSC and OEKO-TEX-certified bamboo, natural rubber, and ethically sourced Brazilian sugarcane. We personally love their Catiba Pro sneakers which we’ve been wearing for years – stylish and functional!
Poppy Barley’s highly reviewed Eyelet Sneaker is made mostly from Leather Working Group certified leather. They’re made ethically in production facilities that the Certified B Corp audits at least every 2 years. Poppy Barley has been rated on their sustainability credentials by us—find the full rating here.
Index: Ethical Sneaker Brands
- 8000Kicks Jump to brand
- Poppy Barley Jump to brand
- Cariuma Jump to brand
- Allbirds Jump to brand
- Baabuk Jump to brand
- Thousand Fell Jump to brand
- Grounded People Jump to brand
- Saola Jump to brand
- VEJA Jump to brand
8000Kicks
Compostable
All or some products are compostable, either in an industrial facility or at home
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materials
Repairs Offered
Product can be easily repaired directly by the brand.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Upcycled
Products have been upcycled from an unusable or undesirable form into new products.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
OEKO-TEX 100
PETA
Portugal-based 8000Kicks offers two sneaker styles, the versatile Explorer V2 and the Seeker, as well as active sneakers suitable for the gym or running.
Each shoe upper is made from responsibly sourced hemp fabric, which is not only durable but also waterproof thanks to a PFC-free coating combined with a breathable membrane.
They also feature a recycled polyester lining, antimicrobial and antibacterial hemp insoles, and outsoles made of either Bloom Foam algae or natural and recycled rubber.
Their factories pay above living wages and provide employee benefits such as free education, healthcare, and social security. 8000Kicks regularly inspects the factories and has representatives stationed in each country.
Their shoes have a carbon footprint of just 4.1kg of CO2.
8000Kicks has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
My Personal Review of 8000Kicks’ Explorer V2:
“I’ve been wearing the Explorer V2 Allblack for three years, all day (I work from home), almost constantly and they’ve proven to be an incredibly reliable, everyday shoe. They’re definitely among the toughest and most durable footwear I’ve owned. I’ve even used them for five-mile runs and shorter hikes. The soles are beginning to show some wear, but the uppers are still good. The fit is more on the wide side, with a roomy toe box (I do have narrow feet). I’d describe them as slightly larger than true to size. Initially, I wasn’t too excited about the waterproof feature, but it’s actually been quite convenient—especially in my rainy climate. I also like the all-black colorway, which does a great job of concealing dirt, and trust me, mine have seen plenty!”
Review by Lyall Mabin, SJ’s Co-founder
Poppy Barley
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Handcrafted
Products have been made by hand, typically by an artisan or group of artisans.Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materialsThoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
B Corp
LWG
Poppy Barley’s Eyelet Sneaker blends timeless style with sustainability. It’s made predominantly from Leather Working Group (LWG) certified leather, water-based glue, EVA and rubber. As a Certified B Corp, the brand prioritizes transparency—disclosing Tier 1 suppliers and conducting direct factory audits every two years.
Designed in Canada and made with quality in mind, Poppy Barley supports product longevity through its repair program and trade-in initiative. For packagaing, they use certified organic cotton dust bags, FSC-certified shipping boxes, and soy-ink tissue paper.
Customers review these sneakers at 4.8/5 stars (on average) and say they’re super comfortable but slightly on the small side so you may want to size up.
Poppy Barley has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
Cariuma
Cariuma has not been rated.
Price Range: $85–$169
Cariuma makes sustainable skate sneakers including low tops, high-tops, and more. They have great color options to choose from and look out for their limited-release collaborations.
Cariuma uses various sustainable materials, including organic cotton grown with regenerative methods, FSC and OEKO-TEX-certified bamboo, natural rubber, and ethically sourced Brazilian sugarcane. Their ethical leather sneakers have an upper made of LWG Gold-certified leather and suede.
The insoles are made from cork and mamona oil, and the laces, thread, and labels are made with GRS-certified recycled PET bottles. Only bluesign®-approved, non-toxic dyes are used.
Following ILO guidelines, the Certified B Corp prioritizes pays living wages and ensures a manageable work week. Their WRAP-certified manufacturing partner adheres to their Code of Conduct.
My Personal Review of Cariuma Catiba Pros:
“Joy and I each own a couple of pairs of the Catiba Pro in both the Low and High versions. Although they are designed as skate shoes, they work perfectly for casual, everyday urban wear. Compared to the standard OCA, these feature extra padding, enhanced grip, and reinforced rubber protection, specifically tailored for skateboarding needs. This added support, however, makes them heavier than typical sneakers, and they wouldn’t be my first choice for extended walks or a full day of activities, as my feet felt a bit fatigued. That said, they are especially durable, and I love the old-school aesthetic with its suede details. Even after three years of intermittent use, including some skateboarding, both pairs show very little wear. We expect these to have some of the best longevity.”
Review by Lyall Mabin, SJ’s Co-founder
Allbirds
Allbirds has not been rated.
Price Range: $90–$130
San Francisco-based Allbirds makes everyday sneakers for women and men. Their Tree lines are made of eucalyptus pulp TENCEL Lyocell grown with 95% less water and produced in a clean, closed-loop process. Their Wool lines are made using ZQ Merino. You’ll also find organic cotton, bio-based nylon, and recycled polyester used for some styles.
Midsoles and outsoles are made from SweetFoam® or FSC-certified natural rubber. They also use a castor bean oil-based insole foam, and laces are made from recycled water bottles.
The Certified B Corp’s finished fabrics are assembled at a WRAP-certified factory in China, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Allbirds uses 90% recycled cardboard packaging and is Carbon Neutral.
My Personal Review Of Allbirds Sneakers:
“Over the years, I have tried a few different types of sneakers from Allbirds including their classic Wool Runner, the Tree Dasher and more recently the Tree Runner Go. For my Tree Dasher review, check out our article on sustainable running shoes. I wore the Wool Runner for YEARS and found them to be my most comfortable shoe that I could wear with any casual outfit. I did not pay attention to washing guidelines and put them in the washing machine and they were never quite the same after that (but I still wear them most successfully for gardening). I’ve been wearing the Women’s Tree Runner Go in Rugged Beige for about a year now and they’ve quickly become my go to shoe for everyday wear. They go with everything and can be dressed up a little if they have to be. For example, I recently had to travel for a conference and was able to get away with taking just these (and some running shoes) and simply paired them with a smart pair of wide leg pants and a nice blouse and they looked great. They are a bit dirty now though so I’ll soon be testing how washable they truly are.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ’s Co-founder
Baabuk
Baabuk has not been rated.
Price Range: $135–$199
Baabuk is an ISPO Gold award-winning brand that make sustainable slippers and shoes.
With several unisex styles to choose from, there’s a wooly sustainable sneaker for everyone, including our personal favorite, the Sky Woolers, which come in 13 different colors.
The Shunya Wooler is Baabuk’s most sustainable sneaker yet. The 100% leather-free and 99% plastic-free shoe features a plant-based Strobel made of TENCEL and vegetable-derived PLA and a plastic-free PLIANT® sole made from natural rubber. The 1% plastic comes from the water-based synthetic glue.
This Certified B Corp’s sneakers are 100% made in Portugal, including sourcing the wool from sheep in Serra de Estela Natural Park. Felting occurs in Portugal’s historic Burel Factory, famous for its long wool-making tradition using either hand techniques or 100+-year-old machinery. The sneakers are then sewn at ateliers in nearby Porto.
Their durable sneakers are machine washable, and you can return your old pair to the brand for recycling.
My Personal Review of Baabuk’s Sky Wooler:
“I own a pair of the Sky Woolers in the Navy Moka color. This high-rise sneaker is one of my favorite year-round shoes for everyday wear, thanks to the temperature-regulating merino lining and water-repellant 100% wool upper. I adore these sneakers for casual wear. While the flat, less cushioned sole doesn’t really make it suitable for exercise, it is perfectly comfortable for all-day casual wear, especially in the winter when they keep my feet warm without the weight of a winter boot.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Thousand Fell
Thousand Fell has not been rated.
Price Range: $149 + $20 Recycling Credit
Thousand Fell creates zero waste, closed-loop, recyclable, and recycled sneakers.
They use vegan bio leather (made from rPET and corn waste resin) for the uppers and sustainably sourced natural Amazonian rubber for the soles, along with other sustainable materials like bio foam from soya bean oil, recycled rubber from yoga mats, and recycled polyester for the mesh lining and laces. For bits that usually require plastic, locally sourced food industry byproducts like sugar cane, palm leaf fibers, and coconut husk are used.
The brand’s ethical sneakers are made in a family-owned factory in Brazil. Thousand Fell uses water and carbon offset programs and packages its shoes in an organic cotton tote bag that can be reused or repurposed. The shoe box is also the shipping box, made with recyclable, FSC-certified, and carbon-neutral cardboard. If you live in NYC, a bike messenger will deliver your shoes to minimize the shipping impact.
Their Recycle & Earn program allows you to send back your old TF shoes for $20 towards a new pair. And Thousand Fell is a member of 1% for the Planet.
My Personal Review of Thousand Fells’ Slip-On & Lace-Up:
“I own the Women’s Slip-On and Lace-Up shoes, and both are incredibly comfortable. The lace-ups have a classic design that I can wear all day without any discomfort, thanks to their soft, cushioned insoles. They seem really durable, and I appreciate the option to send them back for recycling when they’re no longer usable.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Grounded People
Grounded People has not been rated.
Price Range: $109-$149
Grounded People make a small but mighty collection of vegan high top sneakers and a casual skater style, and they’re one of the most ethical sneaker brands on our list.
Many of the sneakers feature a 100% recycled canvas cotton upper, EVA insoles, and an outsole made from recycled car tires. Other styles feature onMicro vegan leather uppers and natural rubber soles.
Sneakers are made in Brazil, mostly by hand, in a 100% vegan factory that ensures fair wages and a safe working environment. They’ve partnered with Retraced to map each step of a product’s journey and share the details on each product page.
The brand supports several nonprofits through the LACES program.
My Personal Review of Grounded People’s Campinas Sneakers:
“I own a pair of the Campinas unisex sneakers and love how the paired-back minimalist design works with any outfit. The zero-drop means they’re comfortable all day long, and they appear well-made, so I’m hoping these will last a long time. In fact, I recently grabbed them for a concert at which I had floor tickets, meaning I was on my feet in line and dancing ALL DAY, and by the end, my feet were the least achy thing about me.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Saola
Saola has not been rated.
Price Range: $115–$140
SAOLA offers an impressive line of supportive sneakers. The Canon Knit and Tsavo lines feature uppers made from a minimum of 83% recycled plastic bottles, PA, and spandex. The polyester lining is 40% recycled, and the PU insoles are 80% recycled with a 100% recycled cork top layer.
The EVA midsoles are 35% recycled, and the outsoles are made from 56% synthetic rubber, 39% natural rubber, and 5% cork. Laces are made with organic cotton. Uppers are dope-dyed, which uses less water and energy than traditional dyeing techniques.
SAOLO’s shoes are manufactured in Vietnam. They work closely with their manufacturing partner, and regular visits combined with third-party audits ensure that high social standards are maintained.
As a member of 1% for the Planet, proceeds go to conservation organizations.
VEJA
VEJA has not been rated.
Price Range: $150-$210
Brazilian for “look”, French brand VEJA is changing how the world sees sneakers using biodegradable, recycled, and partially biobased materials for their high-tops, low-tops, volley sneakers, trek shoes, and ethical tennis shoes.
About ⅔ of VEJA’s men’s and women’s sustainable sneakers feature leather uppers sourced from LWG Gold-certified tanneries. Their vegan models swap leather uppers for organic and regeneratively grown cotton, CWL (organic cotton with a 54% bio-based coating made from P.U., corn starch, and ricinus oil), or a recycled polyester mesh.
This Certified B Corp purchaes materials like rubber and organic cotton for double market prices. All raw materials are sourced and processed in Brazil, except for select cotton farming and spinning, which takes place in nearby Peru.
Sneakers are assembled in a factory near Porto Alegre, where workers are protected by a fair trade code of conduct. They’ve calculated their scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and have a plan in place to reduce them, and offer ways for shoes to be repaired or recycled at their shops in Bordeux, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Brooklyn, and London.
VEJA’s Paris warehouse provides opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
Thanks for this very interesting article!
I didn’t know many companies … so thanks to the description of each one it helped me to understand a little more about their eco-sustainable choices.
In particular, the history of the Saola company is interesting, I bought the Cannon Rose Gold from them and they are very comfortable!
I found a similar pair of shoes in the ACBC store. Now I can’t do without both!
Very detailed and complete article with all useful information, congratulations again 🙂
Super interesting article. I would love to know your opinion about the French brand VEJA?
Hey Larissa, thanks for the comment! Veja looks interesting! We’ll take a look on our next update of this article, thanks for the suggestion!