Sustainable Ankle Boots
The conventional footwear industry is a dirty business; it produces more than 20 billion pairs of shoes a year. About 300 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills each year, with most taking 30-40 years to decompose because they’re predominantly made up of plastic and polymers.
Conventional Ankle Boots
Avoid conventional ankle boots made with toxic dyes, glues, synthetic and polluting materials. They are made with toxic tanning process or other petroleum-deriveds.
- ❌ Toxic leather: conventional leather tanning may contain chromium, arsenic, and other chemicals that pollute the environment and water supplies.
- ❌ Petroleum-based: Conventional shoes, midsoles, and insoles are environmentally harmful and made of petroleum-based foam.
- ❌ Chrome Tanned Leather: 90% of leather is chrome tanned. Chrome tanning is a widely used method in the leather industry, involving the treatment of animal hides with chromium salts, primarily chromium(III) sulfate. Toxic wastewater from tanneries can contaminate local ecosystems. It can lead to toxic chromium (VI) formation, which is harmful to humans and the environment.
- ❌ Toxic dyes: toxic to the workers and the environment.
- ❌ PFAS: they contain toxic PFAS that are not only harmful to you but also to the environment. They are found especially in waterproof footwear
Greenwashing Ankle Boots
Avoid Greenwashing ankle boots made by brands that pretend to be sustainable, eco-friendly, and claim to be made with safer materials when they are not. They will use misleading marketing claims to convince you to buy their products.
Many came with vegan leather alternatives, bringing more plastic to the world:
- ❌ PVC: Most vegan leathers today are made from PVC, made with petroleum. PVC is, for this reason, harmful to the environment.
- ❌ PU is another synthetic vegan or faux leather. By definition, PU stands for Polyurethane, a plastic polymer derived from petroleum. Even less than PVC, PU still requires petroleum.
- ❌ Unproven claims: they claim to be sustainable or safer, without certifications
The Best Sustainable Ankle Boots
The best organic ankle boots are made with natural and sustainable materials and non-toxic leather! The best leather is made with natural and sustainable leather, even better with regenerative organic leather. The most eco-friendly leather on the market is chromium-free, made with renewable resources under third-party certifications.
Certifications
- ✅ Certified by The Leather Working Group (LWG): the world’s leading environmental certification for leather manufacturing. They conduct intensive audits of leather manufacturers and assess every aspect of their operations. Transparency in the leather supply chain, saving energy and water, worker health and safety, safe chemical practices, and wastewater management. It guarantees transparency in the leather supply chain, saving energy and water, worker health and safety, safe chemical practices, and wastewater management.
The Best Vegan Boots
Here is the most eco-friendly vegan leather on the market, made with renewable resources and also by-products, that is made with plant-based material that would have been wasted.
- 🌿 Organic Hemp: Hemp has long fibers, which bring a big edge in durability when making fabrics. For that reason, hemp is in many ways the strongest natural fiber available. According to the Hemp Foundation, hemp can be even stronger than steel.
Certifications
- ✅ USDA Certified Biobased: This certification ensures that the brands are reducing their reliance on petroleum, increasing their use of renewable agricultural resources, and contributing to reducing adverse environmental impacts.
- ✅ PETA-approved vegan. This certification ensures that we are reducing reliance on petroleum, increasing the use of renewable agricultural resources, and contributing to reducing adverse environmental impacts.
- ✅ Recycled materials: recycled polyester, recycled rubber.
- ✅ ReCORK: Recycled Cork replaces this foam with a totally sustainable alternative that is more comfortable, cushioning, light, durable, and, of course, way safer, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
The Best Organic Ankle Boot Brands
👉I avoid brands that are made with toxic and controversial materials that pollute the environment, which can also include footwear!
🔎I searched for the best sustainable brands on the market, and so excited to introduce you to these approved boots brands. On this page, you will find the best organic and sustainable shoes on the market made by responsible brands using the most natural material available.
My number one sustainable brand recommendations are:
- 🌿 Saola booties are more comfortable than I was expecting! I highly recommend them! 30% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
- 🌿 Origo 10% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL. LWG Certified, leather shoes, chrome-free and vegetable-dyed. Or 100% Vegan, made with cotton canvas.
- 🌿 Nae Vegan Shoes 15% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
- 🌿 Vessi 15% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
- 🌿 8000Kicks 10% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
- 🌿 Rothy’s
- 🌿 Nisolo LWG Certified
- 🌿 Quince LWG Certified
Shop with my links to support my research! 💖
SAOLA Sustainable Boots
💖I have been wearing Saola footwear for more than 1 year! 🌿Their sustainable ankle boots are super comfortable and warm!
✅ Saola eco-friendly footwear is made using sustainable materials that are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, Global Recycled Standard certified, and OEKO-TEX certified.
🌿 I have these cute sustainable boots, and they are much more comfortable than I was expecting! I can wear them all day long and still be extremely comfortable. I really enjoy finally having friendly shoes that are also very comfortable!! I highly recommend them!
🌿Saola crafts its shoes and sustainable boots using the most recycled and bio-sourced materials possible, making them one of the most sustainable shoe brands on the market. 🌿100% vegan: upper made from grapes, Laces: organic cotton
👏 They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
- ✅ Sustainable
- ✅ PFAS free
- ✅ Recycled material
- ✅ Organic cotton laces
- ✅ Cork
- ✅ Global Recycled Standard
- ✅ Forest Stewardship Council
- 🌎 1% for the planet for every pair sold.
MATERIAL: 100% vegan; upper made from grapes and recycled plastic. Laces: 100% organic cotton
Vessi Sustainable Waterproof Shoes
Vessi was able to create sustainable shoes that are waterproof without the use of PFAS
These sustainable ankle boots are made with 💦100% waterproof, innovative Dynamic-Tex technology. Nano-sized pores prevent water from coming in, but are still breathable for the feet. They are sustainable and lightweight
💖 Vessi makes sustainable waterproof shoes and sustainable boots! While conventional waterproof shoes are made with PFAS and other toxic chemicals, Vessi was able to create waterproof shoes that are completely sustainable and eco-friendly!
👉100% waterproof technology integrated into the knit, engineered with a thousand tiny pores to keep water out and let sweat and heat escape! These sustainable winter shoes are great for the rainy autumn season and the cold winter season!
Dyma-tex® 100% waterproof technology: Vessi technology is directly integrated into the knit. It's engineered with thousands of nano-sized pores small enough to keep water out while letting sweat and heat escape.
The waterproofing is built into the shoe's material: not only will the shoes stay waterproof forever, but there is also no use of harmful chemicals, coatings, sprays, or animal by-products.
- ✅ 100% vegan materials
- ✅ Global Recycled Standard certified
- ✅ OEKO-TEX made in green certified
- ✅ PFAS-free
- ✅ Latex-free
- ✅ Waterproof without chemicals
- ✅ Recyclable packaging
- ✅ Canadian Brand
MATERIAL: Vegan, The midsoles of our shoes are made out of lightweight EVA, and the outsoles are made of rubber.
NAE Vegan AppleSkin® Vegan Heeled Ankle Boots
🌿NAE Vegan Shoes Organic Ankle Boots.
These sustainable vegan ankle boots are made with sustainable vegan leather.
🍏 Apple leather, known as AppleSkin, is a bio-based material made using the leftover pomace and peel from the fruit juice and compote industry.
The fabric is created by first taking the recovered apple waste and reducing it to a powder.
The Apple Leather used in our products is made using 50% apple waste mixed with 50% PU, coated onto a cotton/polyester canvas. Ecological, breathable, waterproof, and durable fabric has been a game changer in the industry.
Hypoallergenic and toxin-free, these boots prioritize breathability, thwarting foot sweat and suffocation.
- ✅ Apple leather
- ✅ 84% less Co2
- ✅ FSC-certified packaging
- ✅ Made in Europe, Portugal, or Spain
MATERIAL: sustainable Apple leather
Quince Certified Leather Ankle Boots
🌿 Quince certified leather boots
These sustainable boots are made with leather from a Gold-rated Leather Working Group (LWG)
✅ Gold-rated Leather Working Group (LWG) tannery, which promotes sustainable practices including reduced water and energy usage, responsible waste management, and the elimination of harmful substances.
Crafted from premium Italian calf leather, the Italian Leather Block Heel Boot is designed to soften over time while remaining supple, durable, and refined.
These non-toxic Leather Western Ankle Boots feature a western look!
Great for an organic cowgirl look!
A leather outsole that gradually molds to your foot over time for a custom-like feel, while Ortholite® cushioning and a smooth leather lining provide exceptional comfort from morning to night.
- ✅ Italian calf leather
- ✅ Gold-rated Leather Working Group (LWG) tannery
- ✅ Sustainable practices
- ✅ Reduced water and energy usage
- ✅ Responsible waste management
- ✅ Elimination of harmful substances
- ✅ BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) certified factories
MATERIAL: Italian calf leather, Gold-rated Leather Working Group (LWG) tannery
Origo Non-Toxic Boots
🌿 Origo makes sustainable women's shoes, sustainable men's shoes, and sustainable kids' shoes.
🌿 These non-toxic boots are made with natural, non-toxic leather certified by the Leather Working Group. A thin, flexible 3.5 mm sole with deep tread, foot-shaped, with a wide toe box so your toes have room to spread.
Certified by The Leather Working Group (LWG): the world’s largest leather sustainability program that trains companies on best practices to reduce their environmental impact.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather (The Gold Standard for Non-Toxic). It uses natural tannins derived from plant sources like tree bark (oak, chestnut), roots, and fruits.
- ✅ Natural leather: comes from local tanneries that are environmentally friendly.
- ✅ Chrome-free
- ✅ Vegetable-Tanned Leather
- ✅ Contributes to saving the Amazon from deforestation.
- ✅ Handcrafted by skilled artisans in León, Mexico.
MATERIAL: Non-toxic leather certified by the Leather Working Group.
8000Kicks Sustainable Boots
💖8000Kicks The Crossover Hemp Boots
These sustainable boots are made with natural hemp fiber. Vegan and feature waterproofing technology. They include a rugged sole for the most demanding terrains while keeping a minimalist design for daily wear.
The sustainable hemp ankle boots are made from industrial hemp, used since 8000 BC; it is durable, antibacterial, needs no fertilizers, and requires almost no water to grow, cleaning and restoring the nutrients in the soil.
🌿8000Kicks are pioneers in the development of hemp, and their goal is to bring back this powerful natural fiber and make amazing hemp shoes for women. Designed to take you far and beyond, whether walking, running, or just standing.
- 💪 Durable Hemp fibers
- 🍁 The world's 1st Hemp Insoles
- 💦 Dry feet all day long
- 💨 Super breathable
- 🍁 Anti-smell Hemp Insoles
- 🌱 Vegan and biodegradable
- 🥾 Ready for any terrain
- Made in Portugal
MATERIAL: Hemp fibers
Groundz Grounding Boots
Groundz Organic AION Sneakers
🌿 These grounding boots are made with sustainable and natural ingredients, plus they are grounding!
These sustainable ankle boots are made with 95% Bamboo Fiber, 5% Stainless Steel conductive thread, and their insoles are made with castor bean oil-based foam and a naturally antibacterial cork top layer
🌿 Earthing supports reduced inflammation and pain, faster recovery, improved circulation, better sleep, and more balanced biological rhythms. More than just a sandal.
- ✅ Eco-friendly
- ✅ Natural Materials
- ✅ Grounding footwear
- ✅ Earthing
- ✅ Barefoot Wide Toe Box
MATERIAL: 100% premium metal-free natural Nappa leather, 100% premium metal-free natural Nappa leather, 100% Bamboo Fiber, 95% Bamboo Fiber, 5% Stainless Steel conductive thread, Castor bean oil-based foam, Naturally antibacterial cork top layer
Nisolo Sustainable Boots
💖 Nisolo has a collection of sustainable leather shoes, leather sandals, leather boots, leather bags, leather backpacks, leather belts, and leather wallets.
These sustainable boots are made with non-toxic, LWG-certified leather
✅ The Leather Working Group (LWG) Certified: the world’s leading environmental certification for leather manufacturing. They conduct intensive audits of leather manufacturers and assess every aspect of their operations.
✅ B Corp
They focus on the following 5 areas:
- People: Pursuing 100% living wages that cover the basic needs of People within supply chains.
- Planet: Pursuing 0% Net Carbon through the reduction and offsetting of carbon emissions.
- Transparency: Measuring, tracking, and publicly sharing Sustainability Facts in a digestible, consumer-facing label.
- Accountability: Validating practices through public-facing self-assessment, 3rd-party verification & certifications.
- Collaboration: Advocating for a more sustainable industry through interdisciplinary collaboration.
MATERIAL: Leather Working Group Certified
Rothy's Sustainable Boots
🌿Rothy's
These sustainable ankle boots are made with 12 plastic bottles knitted into this pair of shoes.
Recycled plastic: their turn bottles found in the ocean and on land are transformed into their signature thread
Rothy’s factory is the world’s first shoe manufacturer to receive both LEED Gold and TRUE Zero Waste Platinum certification.
Rothy’s has purchased 1,356,434.34 kilograms of yarn, which is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, as certified by the SCS Recycled Content certification.
- ✅ Recycled plastic
- ✅ Water-resistant
- ✅ LEED GOLD certified
- ✅ Zero waste certified
MATERIAL: 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, as certified by the SCS Recycled Content certification.
MADE IN: Designed in their San Francisco design studio, made in Dongguan, China, where they own and operate our factory.
Humble Suds Revive Yo' Boots Kit
💚Humble Suds Revive Yo' Boots Kit brings your boots and leather shoes back to life without toxic chemicals!
This organic boot kit revives your sustainable boots, natural leather shoes, leather men's shoes, and leather goods with organic ingredients.
Revival Boot+Leather Conditioner comes in a black stainless steel tin and can be applied with the soft cloth included. The natural brush features natural horsehair to buff shoes naturally and add high shine without scratching the delicate leather. It also comes with a small muslin bag to store these items.
Plus, it keeps your house free of dust and smelling beautiful. You can even use it to condition your organic cutting board and wooden utensils. Infused with white grapefruit essential oil for an added cleaning boost. Safer ingredient you can eat.
Directions: Test a small area prior to full application. After testing, apply with a dry cloth in a circular motion. Wipe away excess. Not recommended for use on suede. Store at room temp.
- ✅ Organic Ingredients
- ✅ Gluten-Free
- ✅ Vegan | Cruelty-free
- ✅ Phthalate-Free
- ✅ No Mineral Oil
INGREDIENTS: Organic cold expeller-pressed virgin coconut oil, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic raw beeswax, vegetable glycerin, grapefruit oil, and lemongrass oil.