But why is this important?
Well, the footwear industry is responsible fora lotof overproduction.
Read on for our top picks.
What are sustainable shoes?
Sustainable shoes are made and produced using environmentally friendly practices.
That includes design, sourcing, production, and distribution.
How do shoes impact the environment?
Think about how many pairs of shoes you ownprobablyat leastfour or five.
Then consider how many people there are on planet Earth (around 8 billion).
What if every person on the planet had four or five pairs of shoes?
That would bring us to about 40 billion pairs of shoes, at least!
Brands like Allbirds, Cariuma, Veja, and Thousand Fell take sustainability seriously, from design through disposal.
to choose the best sustainable shoes, you should also consider function.
Will you be wearing these shoes to walk long distances?
Next, take a look at the materials used.
Generally, the more minimal the materials, the less impact the shoes have on the environment.
The removable soles offer greatarch supportas is, but can also be replaced with custom orthotics.
Read our full Cariuma brand review here.
Mindbodygreen commerce editor, Carleigh Ferrante, says she considers these lace-up sneakers an especially solid pick for travelers.
Best ballet flat:Alohas Rosalind Ballet Flats
Sustainable shoes can be timeless.
Case in point: The Rosalind Ballet Flats from Alohas.
Being a ballet flat, this pick isnt the most supportive for long days on your feet.
However, Lobkova notes that Allbirds are relatively unsupportive.
Theyre truly so comfortable and great for walking the dog, running errands, or just bopping around town.
Truly, snagging a pair of the V-90s is a no-brainer.
Whats more, the Amazonian rubber sole is harvested from sustainable forests.
In fact, each pair of shoes utilizes about 10 plastic bottles.
Sure, the price tag is on the higher side, but these River Boots are worth every penny.
I (the writer) personally purchased a pair of my own and love how fashionable they look.
Between the three-inch block heel and high-knee fit, they offer a subtle flair of elegance to any outfit.
How we picked
Quality is key, especially since shoes are worn daily for many activities.
The sustainable shoes on our list fit the criteria outlined by the experts we interviewed.
We considered foot health and kept comfort top of mind.
Everyone has different feet, so its hard to speak from one perspective.
To ensure were offering a breadth of options, we took customer reviews into consideration.
Many styles on our list boast five-star reviews from the people who have tried them and wear them regularly.
Materials can make or break your experience with a shoe and the impact it has on the environment.
FAQ
What shoe company is the most ethical?
There are several ethical shoe companies, including Allbirds, Cariuma, Veja, to name a few.
Since ethics vary from person to person, its hard to say which brand is themostethical.
Is Nike sustainable?
While Nike is not the most sustainable brand on the planet, its making an effort.
Can shoes be eco-friendly?
Shoes can be eco-friendlyit all depends on the materials.
Is Adidas really eco-friendly?
What shoe material is best for your feet and the environment?
Learn more about how to pick the right shoes in our roundup ofthe best walking shoes for women.
