As an Amazon Associate and Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
Avoid conventional shoes made with toxic dyes, glues, and polluting materials. They are made with toxic and synthetic materials such as nylon, synthetic, or other petroleum-derived materials.
❌ Conventional shoes, midsoles, and insoles are environmentally harmful and made of petroleum-based foam.
❌ PFAS: they contain toxic PFAS that are not only harmful to you but alos to the environment. They are found especially in waterproof footwear
Avoid Greenwashing shoes made by brands that pretend to be sustainable, eco-friendly, and claim to be made with safer materials when it is 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.
❌ 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.
❌ Toxic dyes: toxic to the workers and the environment.
The best organic shoes are made with natural and sustainable materials
✅ 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.
🌿 Organic Cotton: made without toxic chemicals and pesticides. It protects the soil and 💦water (71% less water used) and energy⚡️ (62% less energy), while 👩🌾protecting farmers who work the crop! ☁️ Biodegradable, vegan, breathable, durable, and anti-mycotic.
🍍Piñatex (Pineapple leather): made with leaf fiber leather Piñatex®inatex Organic material, made from pineapple leaves that result from the waste of the pineapple harvest. The fibres that are not used in Piñatex are distributed as fertilizer.
🍏 Apple leather: also 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. Apple Leather
🌵 Cactus Leather: DESSERTO USDA-certified cactus is grown in an organic farming system in the fertile and mineral-rich region of Zacatecas, Mexico. Cactus naturally regenerate the soil. It takes approximately only 3 leaves of cactus to create one linear meter of Desserto.
🥭 Mango leather: Fruit Leather created by Koen Meerkerk and Hugo de Boon, crafted from natural mangos
🍄 Mushroom leather: Mylo
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
✅ Recycled materials: 100% of this sneaker’s lining is recycled polyester. It also has a sole made with 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.
👉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 shoe 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 shoe brand recommendations are:
Shop with my links to support my research! 💖
15% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
30% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
10% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
💖Allbirds are the world's first net-zero carbon shoes.
Incredibly soft and comfortable, and has a low carbon footprint. Made with superfine New Zealand Merino wool, which they developed into our very own material with a premium Italian mill.
💖 It’s soft and itch-free on the inside, durable on the outside, and ethically sourced to ZQ Merino’s high standards for a cozy fit that treads lightly on the planet.
Contoured and delightfully bouncy, our Brazilian sugarcane midsole is called SweetFoam™
💖 The layered castor bean oil, which emits less carbon than petroleum-based foam, and ZQ Merino wool for a cushiony, moisture-wicking, and odor-reducing insole.
The laces are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. One old plastic bottle becomes one pair of shoelaces.
💖 Wool Runner is carbon neutral thanks to sustainable practices, like using natural materials and buying offsets.
MATERIAL: ZQ Merino Wool, recycled plastic bottle lace, natural rubber blend full-length outsole
💖I have been wearing Saola footwear for more than 1 year! 🌿Their sustainable booths 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, and OEKO-TEX certified material.
🌿 Saola I have these cute boothies 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 is crafting its shoes using the most recycled and bio-sourced possible materials, making them one of the most suitable shoe brands on the market. 👏 They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
🌿100% vegan: upper made from grapes 🌿Made from recycled, bio-sourced, and organic materials. 🌿Laces: using organic cotton
🌎 1% for the planet for every pair sold.
MATERIAL: 100% vegan, upper made from grapes, recycled plastic. Laces: 100% organic cotton
👉 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 shoe brands on the market, and so excited to introduce you to this new brand. 🌿Saola is crafting its shoes using the most recycled and bio-sourced possible materials, making them one of the most suitable shoe brands on the market. 👏 They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
🌿100% vegan: made with recycled plastic 🌿Vegan upper made from grapes 🌿Laces: using organic cotton
Sustainability certifications:
MATERIAL: 100% vegan, made from recycled, bio-sourced, and organic materials. Laces 100% organic cotton
💖 Vessi makes sustainable waterproof shoes! 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!
❄️They keep water, snow, slush, and mud out while keeping feet breathing! Great for Autumn and Winter seasons!
👉100% waterproof technology integrated into the knit, engineered with a thousand tiny pores to keep water out and sweat and heat escape!
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.
💚 Stormburst High Top is Vessi's most adventure-ready design combines the comfort of a sneaker with the grip and coverage of an outdoor boot. It is my favorite model.
✅ Oeko-Tex certified ✅ PFAS - free ✅ waterproof without chemicals ✅ reflective hits
Canadian Brand I’m wearing them now, they are comfortable and perfect for the season! 🎄💖
MATERIAL: Vegan, The midsoles of our shoes are made out of lightweight EVA, and the outsoles are made of rubber.
💖8000Kicks Hemp Runners are one of the most comfortable, sustainable shoes on the market.
8000Kicks women hemp shoes are made from industrial hemp, a Sativa branch, known as the sober cousin of marijuana. Industrial hemp has been used since 8000 BC, and its properties include being anti bacterial, needing no fertilizers and almost no water to grow, it cleans and restores the nutrients in the soil, and it is also very durable. In fact, Hemp is so strong that Henry Ford even built a car out of it.
🌿8000Kicks are pioneers in the development of hemp and our goal is to bring back this powerful natural fiber and make amazing hemp shoes for women. Designed to take you far and beyond, walking, running or just standing.
💪 Durable Hemp fibers 🍁 The world's 1st Hemp Insoles 👟 Performance soles with a Carbon Speed Board 👝 Shoelaces pocket 💨 Super breathable 💡 Reflective laces 🦶 Ankle support 👣 Wide toebox 🌱 100% Vegan and sustainable;
MATERIAL: Hemp fibers
💖 Many of you have asked me for a sustainable shoe brand. Most shoes on the market are made conventionally, some of them carry 𝙋𝙁𝘼𝙎 like Wolverine Worldwide, maker of Hush Puppies, Keds, Chaco, Sperry, and Merrell brands that have been accused of contaminating our water. These chemicals are harming both the wildlife and humans that come in contact with them. And have you noticed the strong odor conventional shoes emit? 🙊 I once had a Steven Madden pair of shoes that was way too smelly to wear! This brand has been accused of violating Proposition 65 warning law requirements by failing to inform consumers of toxic chemicals used in their materials. You can find a lawyer’s notice of violation here. Why keep buying toxic products from irresponsible and greedy shoe manufacturers when we can find nicer, safer, and eco-friendly shoes? ✅ Here is one of my recommended shoe brands: Vivaia, sustainably made with 3D technology, with renewable material in a zero-waste process! 💚 Not only are they super pretty, but they are flexible, lightweight, highly elastic, and extremely comfortable, thanks to the latex foam, typical of eco-friendly mattresses. Latex foam is a new experience for your feet, and you can wear them all day long! 💚Let's talk about the materials!💦Did I mention they are fully machine or hand-washable? You can also wear them to the beach! They will arrive to you in a 90% recycled cardboard box, without artificial colors or odors. 🌎 To help prevent these environmental impacts, the best thing to do is to recycle ♻️ or donate your used shoes, so that they do not end up in landfills.
MATERIAL:🐠 Knit upper, made from 6 ocean-found plastic bottles 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙚: made with soft, natural latex foam 𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙚: made with carbon-free rubber, shock resistant, fungus-proof, and odor resistant
20% off code: FATHERS20
🌿 Origo Sustainable Shoes The Everyday Sneaker for Women and Men
Made with Cotton Canvas, vegan, breathable, and sustainable choice.
Introducing Gen 3, the latest iteration of our Origo line. Your everyday sneaker, in classic Burgundy cotton canvas. Lightweight, and easy to wear. Gen 3 offers an enhanced and roomier fit, taking the Origo collection to the next level. 100% Vegan.
commitment to the planet: putting natural materials and sustainability first, and crafted by skilled artisans in León, Mexico.
✅ Chrome-free vegetable dyed leather natural leather shoes
✅ Sustainably sourced natural materials reduce their environmental impact.
✅ Smart packaging limits excessive waste and is free from single use plastic.
✅ Each pair purchased contributes to saving the Amazon from deforestation.
MATERIAL: cotton canvas, Soy protein. Made in Mexico
💖 Crafted with silky-smooth eucalyptus tree fiber and a fitted collar, our ballet flat never misses a beat.
Made With Eucalyptus Tree
Silky-Smooth Material
Ribbed Collar For A Perfect Fit
CARE: Pull out the insoles. Slip your shoes into a delicates bag and toss them in the washing machine—gentle cycle with cold water with your favorite organic detergent. When they’re done, shake off any excess water and let them air dry.
Handy tips: Don’t put them in the dryer. And don’t worry, they’ll go back to their original shape in no time.
You can hand wash your insoles on their own.
🌳 Proprietary knit feels silky smooth, breathable, and pleasantly cool thanks to eucalyptus tree fiber responsibly sourced from FSC® Certified forests.
🌳 They layered castor bean oil, which emits less carbon than petroleum-based foam, and ZQ Merino wool for a cushiony, moisture-wicking, and odor-reducing insole.
MADE IN: South Korea
🌿Biankina makes amazing shoe wear!
Biakina Organic Espadrille Wedges are made with the most sustainable and recyclable material on the market! Great for this spring or summer.
Pack them for sustainable trips!
✅ These organic Espadrille Wedges are made with organic cotton canvas; they are comfy, sustainable, and breathable espadrilles!
3.5-inch wedge heel, these shoes add a touch of elegance and are environmentally friendly. The Mediterranean-inspired design
These shoes are sustainable, effortlessly chic, made with biodegradable, recyclable jute fiber that is carbon positive and insulates to reduce heat conductivity. They are handcrafted by Spanish skilled artisans
MATERIAL: Certified Organic cotton canvas, Natural Jute, and vulcanized rubber sole
Biakina eco-friendly Sneakers are made with the most sustainable and recyclable material on the market! Great for this spring or summer.
✅ These organic sneakers are made with breathable organic cotton canvas upper, soft cotton laces, and an all-natural rubber sole.
These shoes are sustainable, effortlessly chic, made with biodegradable, recyclable jute fiber that is carbon positive and insulates to reduce heat conductivity. They are designed in Barcelona and handcrafted by Spanish skilled artisans
MATERIAL: Certified Organic cotton canvas, Soft Cotton Laces, All-Natural Rubber Sole
🌱This sneaker is made from leather that's Gold-certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG). They also offer a vegan version!
💖Comfortable, ultra-durable, and sustainable
✅ LWG Gold-certified leather: it's responsibly tanned in a facility that safely and carefully manages emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste. ✅ FSC®-certified natural rubber: 50% of this sneaker’s sole is Forest Stewardship Council®-certified (FSC®) natural rubber. This certification ensures the rubber is sourced from a forest that’s responsibly managed to prevent deforestation. ✅ Recycled materials: 40% of this sneaker’s sole is recycled rubber. It also has an OrthoLite® Hybrid insole made with recycled foam and rubber from previous production processes.
MATERIAL: Lined with LWG-certified Italian leather (Cow), Set on a 100% rubber sole (50% natural, 40% recycled, 10% conventional). Threaded with waxed cotton laces. Fitted with a removable OrthoLite® Hybrid™ insole. Finished with hand-painted edges
MADE IN: Handmade in Tuscany, Italy. Designed in New York
💚 SOLE Jasper Chukka are made with innovative materials including the first ever ReCORK Recycled Cork midsole. For everyday casual comfort. It's soft, lightweight and breathable.
💚 These organic shoes features SOLE recycled cork flips harness the power of super sustainable material to give you the comfort that’s easy on the earth. SOLE insoles are world's first sustainable insoles clinically proven to be the most effective over-the-counter orthotic insoles on the market.
Best for: Everyday wear, strolls, apres-anything, campsite slippers, travel and around the house.
Soft, supple upper: With no rigid structural elements, the upper packs down flat.
Sneaker meets slipper: Ever wish you didn't have to take off your slippers to leave the house? Wish granted.
Midsole: The first shoe to feature the ReCORK Recycled Cork midsole: flexible, lightweight, cushioning and made from recycled wine corks.
Upper: Combining Merino wool and upcycled bison fiber for the ultimate in natural warmth and temperature regulation.
Insole: Natural cork topsheet adds premium next-to-skin feel for sockless wear.
Laces: Elastic stretch for easy on and off. Tie them once and live your life.
✅ PFAS free
MATERIAL: ReCORK Recycled Cork midsole, Upcycled Bison Fiber, Merino wool knit upper, EVA insole with natural cork topsheet, Elastic stretch laces, Bonus Recycled PET laces and Natural rubber blend outsole.
🌱The Vegan 01 is the first sneaker from Pale Blue Dot, Koio's brand of planet-saving vegan sneakers.
💖Ethically made from apple leather in a Wind colorway, it's set on a partially recycled rubber sole for all day comfort and has organic cotton laces—because organic is better for the planet and all of us humans.
Made in Portugal
Constructed from Apple leather
Lined with soft recycled material
Set on a partially recycled rubber sole
Threaded with organic cotton laces
Fitted with a natural latex and cork insole
✅ Vegan Apple Leather: with 22% coming from waste! ✅ USDA Certified Biobased: The upper leather of this sneaker is USDA Certified Biobased and
✅ 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: 100% of this sneaker's lining is recycled polyester. It also has a sole made with recycled rubber.
MATERIAL: Apple leather in a Wind colorway, partially recycled rubber soles, organic cotton laces.
MADE IN: Made in Portugal. Designed in New York
🌱 The Koio Rose is handcrafted in Italy from Italian leather in a fresh Lilac colorway, it has slim foot-framing straps and rests on a comfortable 2.25-inch block heel. It's detailed with an adjustable buckle so you can customize the fit.
Handmade in Tuscany, Italy
Constructed from LWG-certified full-grain Italian leather (Goat)
Lined with LWG-certified Italian leather (Goat)
Set on a 2.25-inch block heel
Detailed with an adjustable buckle fastening
Fitted with a cushioned insole
💖FSC®-certified natural rubber: 50% of this sneaker’s sole is Forest Stewardship Council®-certified (FSC®) natural rubber.
MATERIAL: made from leather that's certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), meaning the hides are responsibly tanned in facilities that safely and carefully manage emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste.
MADE IN: Italy designed in New York
💖Allbirds Women's Wool Runners are soft and comfortable.
These organic shoes are made with superfine New Zealand ZQ Merino wool, a cushiony, moisture-wicking, and odor-reducing insole from an Italian mill. Soft and itch-free on the inside, durable on the outside, and ethically sourced.
Brazilian sugarcane midsole is called SweetFoam™
💖 The layered castor bean oil, which emits less carbon than petroleum-based foam, and ZQ Merino wool for
🌳Wool Runner is carbon neutral thanks to sustainable practices.
ZQ Merino to ensure their wool is held to high standards of farming, land management, and animal welfare. One recycled plastic bottle equals one pair of Allbirds laces. The packaging is made from 90% recycled cardboard
MATERIAL: ZQ Merino wool, Brazilian sugarcane midsole, recycled plastic bottle laces.
🌿Rothy's women’s slip on loafer, are sustainable, iconic driving loafers. Versatile style with unmatched
Soft, flexible upper in a sun-faded pink. No break-in period, ever.
Dual-density insoles in tan create a comfortable feel.
Gum outsoles with raised nubs for extra grip and durability.
A cream and tan stripe grace the heel of the shoe.
Fully machine washable, so they’re like new again and again.
✅ 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.
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.
🌿Rothy's Ballerina are all wrapped up in comfort. In a pastel pink purl stitch pattern features a flexible upper, square-toe vamp and a removable ankle tie for a wear-it-your-way style.
MADE IN: designed in their San Francisco design studio, made in Dongguan, China, where they own and operate their factory.
🌿Rothy's iconic best seller is also available in blush pink, my favorite! It features a spacious toebox, added elastic, sculpted outsoles and our innovative In Love Insole™ for all-day comfort. All machine washable.
🌿Rothy's espadrille in ivory with a black captoe features breathable hemp, cushy footbed, and a lightweight outsole.
This much-loved, signature sneaker is the OCA. Crafted from high-end, raw materials, it features lightweight cushion technology, the perfectly weighted rubber sole, and a classic cap-toe design for a crazy-comfy, go-to look.
Rio de Janeiro is bursting at the seams with color.
From the Escadaria Selarón’s world-famous mosaic tiles to the kaleidoscopic costumes of Carnival, the OCA Low in Rose Canvas captures the festive culture of Brazil.
Handcrafted using a robust canvas, the OCA Low Canvas exists at the intersection of functionality and style.
MATERIAL:
Insoles:100% vegan made from organic mamona oil bio-based with cork insert with CARIUMA logo, it ensures optimal comfort and fit, better for the planet, they also come with added arch support.
Upper: Cotton canvas Lining: Cotton canvas Sole: 100% slip-resistant rubber Laces: Made with recycled plastics, and debossed metal aglets Construction: Handmade vulcanized sneaker; stitched midsole
The OCA Low boasts a unique cap toe design and a fully-stitched lightweight outsole for a durable, long-lasting shoe.
Finishing our OCA Low sneakers with debossed metal aglets...it’s all in the details!
🌿Now you can step out fearlessly and walk comfortably in any shoe after applying this clean-crafted hydrating balm.
Blisters Bee Gone® Blister Prevention Hydrating Balm is a fast-drying formula infused with 100% pure Texas Beeswax to create a barrier and protect feet from blisters, while coconut & almond oils hydrate tired feet for soft, smooth skin. Apply on problem areas to create an invisible shield, telling blisters to buzz off but do not apply on broken skin.
✅ 100% pure Texas Beeswax
✅ Protects feet from blisters
✅ Hydrates tired feet for soft, smooth skin.
INGREDIENTS: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, (Pure Texas) Beeswax, Glycine Soja (soybean) Germ Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Silica, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate.
💚 SOLE insoles are clinically proven to be the most effective over-the-counter orthotic insoles on the market, helping your feet carry their load, eliminating pain, reducing fatigue and preventing injury. Their custom-moldable design gives you all the benefits of personalized support at an affordable cost. Made with ReCORK recycled wine corks.
Repositions the natural padding under the heel bone and helps prevent lateral movement. Sturdy yet flexible support prevents excessive arch strain while allowing the foot to move naturally. Customizes to the shape of your foot without compromising orthopedic support. Relieves pain and pressure in the ball of the foot by lifting toe bones into natural alignment.
💚 Cork: a footwear material that grows on trees! They also have Soles made from ReCORK recycled wine corks:
Natural elasticity makes for excellent shock absorption. Moisture-wicking and odor-reducing. Naturally molds to your unique feet within days of wear. Firm enough to provide long-lasting support.
Supportive, sustainable flips. The footbed features their signature shape for all-day support that molds to your feet with wear.
Wear-moldable orthopedic shape
Equalizes pressure distribution
Reduces plantar fascia strain
Improves balance and posture
Maximizes natural heel cushioning
Shock-absorbing and moisture-wicking recycled cork footbed
MATERIAL: cork backed by natural tree rubber, water-based non-toxic inks safe for the skin and breathing.
🌿NAE Vegan Shoes Organic Men's Sock. Soft, breathable, and eco-friendly.
These organic socks are made with GOTS Certified organic Cotton.
These organic cotton socks come in several colors and are featured here in grey, white, and black. • Vegan and cruelty-free design • Sustainable production practices
This classic set includes three versatile shades. Crafted from soft, breathable organic cotton, these socks prioritize comfort and sustainability.
Each pair proudly features the ‘Animal Friendly’ message on the sole, a gentle reminder of your commitment to kindness.
Practical, eco-friendly, and effortlessly stylish.
MATERIAL: 80% Organic Cotton, 17% Recycled Polyamide, 3% Elastane
I don't recommend Hush Puppies since they found PFAS in their products
Hush Puppies shoes sparked a water contamination crisis