“While considering sustainability on the one hand, there’s still the matter of fashion and versatility on the other.“
Wearing your sustainable bona fides on your feet isn’t easy. As we’ve previously noted, vegan leather marketed as cruelty-free still relies on petroleum-based products, while trying to shop at the most affordable end of the footwear spectrum tends to come with a host of problems both social and environmental. But this summer, there’s a great group of brands offering people- and planet-friendly styles ideal for warm-weather holidays.
While considering sustainability on the one hand, there’s still the matter of fashion and versatility on the other. For a few years now, summer travel’s reigning aesthetic has been the low white sneaker. And it’s a well-deserved crown; they’re comfortable, easy to find across a range of price points, and go well with pretty much everything. But we can trek through the airport in our good old white sneakers and then throw an equally versatile but very different look in our carry-ons, no?
Whether it’s a solid pair of sandals that can be dressed up or down, a pair of breathable Mary-Janes, or an airy pair of leather slip-ons, the five options we’ve found here are all multifunctional summer staples. But what we like best, of course, is that they’re made by companies putting real time and thought into sustainable innovation, from their materials to their shipping standards to production practices.
Cariuma Boat Shoes. Courtesy of Cariuma
North Stars:
Boat shoes have been having a higher-key moment ever since Miu Miu sent a pair down their spring-summer 2024 runway. But in reality, this comfortable classic has been a quiet staple since at least the Kennedy years. When it comes to both practicality and fashionable staying power, Cariuma’s white-laced boat shoes keep you in spitting distance of the white sneaker look while still offering something different. And we particularly like Cariuma’s take on this preppy classic for its recycled microfiber lining, leather outer sourced from LWG-certified Gold Rated tanneries, and insole made from cork and bio-based foam. The company also plants two trees in Brazil for every pair of shoes they sell.
Statement of sustainability
Price: $159
Jibs Black Slip-Ons. Courtesy of Jibs
North Stars:
Made from a breathable perforated leather ideal for comfortably walking around, Jibs’ slip-ons give you the airiness of sandals with the more versatile closed-toe look of a sneaker, making it easy to take these to either the beach or out to dinner without looking out of place in either setting. Jibs are also built to last, but since no shoes are destined to become multi-generational heirloom items, the brand developed a leather that can be properly composted in fewer than 200 days (as opposed to conventional leather, which composts in around 50 years). On top of that, Jibs’ soles are made from a recycled rubber blend, and the shoes are all manufactured by family-owned factories in Brazil.
Statement of sustainability
Price: $85
Elio flats by Arianne. Courtesy of Arianne
North Stars:
After a few years in the mix, mesh ballet flats seem to be sartorially sticking around— understandably so, since they’re breathable and easy to pair with a range of different looks. We like this option from Arianne, which works with traditional artisans in Elche, Spain, over half of whom are women, and all of whom are paid a fair living wage. The company’s packaging is both recycled and kept to a minimum, while local production practices cut down on water and energy waste. Though the priciest shoe on our list, leather’s longevity factor makes them worth the investment.
Statement of sustainability
Price: $374
salt+umber's Santiago flats. Courtesy of salt+umber
North Stars:
Dress them up, dress them down, or bop around in these sandals by the pool — with a padded footbed and woven gold straps, these are good to go for both the beach and out to dinner later. The brand works with women artisans and pays a living wage, is Prop 65-compliant, and like Arianne, salt+umber uses minimal, all-recycled packaging.
Statement of sustainability
Price: $168
Vivaia AdaptAll Mary-Janes. Courtesy of Vivaia
North Stars:
With a knit upper made from recycled plastic bottles and a cushioned sole designed for comfort, Vivaia’s Mary-Janes marry an enduring style with walkability and eco-friendly materials. In addition to shipping their packages in all-recycled cardboard, the brand also donates thousands of shoes to the non-profit Soles4Souls, which provides footwear and apparel to those in need. Working with DHL GoGreen Plus, which uses Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Vivaia has also reduced its shipping carbon emissions by over 21%.
Statement of sustainability
Price: $139
Susannah is a Berlin-based freelance writer specializing in travel, food, culture, and the film and television industry. She’s written for BBC, Thrillist, Atlas Obscura, Serious Eats, and The Cut, among many others. You can check out more of her work here.
