“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.
Whether it’s a solid pair of sandals that can be dressed up or down, or an airy pair of slip-ons, the seven 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.
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 one of the priciest shoes on our list, leather’s longevity factor makes them worth the investment.
Statement of sustainability
Price: $165
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
Rothy's Daily Driver. Courtesy of Rothy's
North Stars:
A casual loafer can quickly dress up a summer outfit, transitioning summer dress ensembles from casual beach attire to sit-down dinner-ready or adding the final flourish to a boat day get-up. This prim, modern loafer option from Rothy’s comes in a range of colorways, and not only looks nice, but offers comfortable arch support and a pegged outsole for better grip. Rothy’s signature plastic bottle-derived threads make up the soft fabric upper, saving about 15 bottles from the landfill per pair. They’re also machine-washable for a fast, easy clean after a long summer’s day out. For something a touch more elevated, the Double Bit Loafer Mule features a gold hardware signet.
Price: $149
Nisolo Fisherman Sandals. Courtesy of Nisolo
North Stars:
Huaraches (another classic summer footwear style) may be Nisolo’s bread and butter, but this women-led brand’s sandal selection has much more in store. With a close-toed design, durable leather certified by the Leather Working Group, and open straps for breathability and visual flair, these fisherman sandals are the ideal blend of practical, stylish, and sustainable. The gold buckle hardware adds a pop of color, and a cushioned footbed keeps arches supported throughout the day.
Price: $198
Reformation Amelia Thong. Courtesy of Reformation
North Stars:
The flip-flop is a summer staple, but at the same time, growing up means aging out of the cheap, plastic department store renditions and finding an elevated version. Reformation’s Amelia model is that find. A touch on a pricey side for a thong sandal, yes, but these are made to last, crafted from two-toned polished leather and sustainably produced in Brazil. Reformation also has a whole litany of sustainability measures, from a product carbon footprint tracker to the Happy Endings revitalize, restore, or reuse program. Made with premium materials and chic colorways, this is a thong that will withstand many a sweaty summer walk for years to come.
Price: $148
Beek Whirlybird. Courtesy of beek
North Stars:
With a unique strap design comprised of linked dots, these playful leather slides are a whimsical addition to the summer wardrobe. The colors are another fun touch: bright shades like sunshine yellow or gleaming gold, perfect for the weather. This women-founded brand is very thoughtful with the leather sourcing for its shoes, using degradable or recyclable leather from meat-reared cows or sheep or tanned leather that’s been certified by the Leather Working Group. Most of their packaging materials are recyclable as well, and each pair of shows sold supports three meals for children through beek’s partnership with The Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
Price: $240
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.
