It can be entertaining seeing the rise and fall of certain clothing trends, especially when it comes to shoes. From platforms to fur, the fashion industry has done it all; but now, that’s become the problem.
Fast fashion, epitomized by trendy and seasonal styles, is harmful to our earth. It creates endless waste, leads to lower quality goods, and promotes poor working conditions for factory manufacturers.
The best fashion brands nowadays are ones that embrace classic styles. They don’t follow trends but instead create quality products that last you for years. If you want to stop contributing to fast fashion, here are some earth-friendly brands that are making major strides in creating sustainable alternatives for your feet.
Everlane
Everlane has been a big name in sustainable fashion for years. With everything from denim to accessories to shoes, Everlane can help you stock your eco-friendly wardrobe.
They are built on honesty and transparency with their consumers. This is why you can see each factory’s location and name that they use to produce their clothing and shoes. They create high-quality products that are meant to withstand the test of time so that you can feel better about your ethical footprint.
But to Everlane, quality isn’t the only fashion statement. Their pieces are classic but stylish, so you’re not only wearing something sustainable but super chic.
Allbirds
Dubbed as the “World’s Most Comfortable Shoe,” Allbirds are a great sneaker choice for comfort and functionality.
Allbirds use Merino sheep’s wool for their shoes. The wool taken from these sheep is used to create Allbird’s super comfy sneakers. They’re breathable yet sturdy and can even be thrown in the washing machine when they get dirty!
In addition to their humanely sourced sheep’s wool, Allbirds also uses recycled plastic, cardboard, and castor bean oil to complete production.
Unlike many other companies, Allbirds is a carbon-neutral business. This means they use and rid the environment of just as much carbon as they put into it. But they don’t want to stop there. Allbirds also claims to want to become carbon negative in the near future, which means the production of their shoes will eliminate more harmful carbon from the atmosphere than it produces.
Rafa
For those who want to add a little more flair to their shoe collection, Rafa creates iconic luxury shoes that “transcend trends.” Their timeless designs are handcrafted in LA by a group of only 20 artisans. Talk about a personalized shoe.
However, their prices certainly reflect this. Though they are comparable to other luxury designer shoe brands, they may be pricey for some consumers. In the spirit of sustainability though, they are meant to last quite a while, so investing in a never-going-to-go-out-of-style wardrobe staple like Rafas could be worth the splurge.
They’re completely vegan and created using sustainable practices, like using water bottles to make the ultra-popular suede textures and signature pops of color.
Rothy’s
Rothy’s have been gaining popularity lately because, well let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be impressed by a comfy shoe made out of plastic water bottles?
Their shoes are made by taking recycled water bottles, chipping them into flakes, and converting them into tiny pellets. The pellets are then spun into threads, which are used to craft over a dozen different styles.
Their shoes are unique and even machine washable! Nothing screams “every day wear” like being able to toss them in the washer when they’re looking grimy. Aside from plastic, they also use Merino wool, eco-friendly rubber, and vegan leather.
Aside from their innovative production methods, they also strive to become a zero-waste company and believe sustainable style is the future of fashion. With more companies striving to not only reduce their carbon footprint but eliminate it, brands like Rothy’s could be one to look forward to seeing progress in the future.
Nisolo
The neutral colors and natural materials in Nisolo’s range of shoes means they’re versatile and essential to any sustainable closet.
Nisolo is another carbon neutral company dedicated to providing more for the world than it takes. So, you can rest assured that Nisolo always has you and the planet in mind. They even offer free at-home try-on, so you can ensure the best fit before you buy it.
Though their shoes use leather, it’s high quality, sustainably sourced, and ethically produced. As with most high-quality leather, they’re meant to last for years and shape to your unique foot.
For people looking for a quality shoe that they don’t have to feel guilty about wearing, Nisolos does the job right.
Saola
Saola sneakers and shoes are also made from recycled materials. Seeing a trend here? Organic cotton, algae, and cork are other materials they use aside from the go-to recycled plastic water bottles.
However, unlike other companies, they’re not only dedicated to sustainability but the preservation of wildlife. This effort is even reflected in their name, “Saola.” A saola is an extremely rare mammal said to be found in the Annamite Mountain region of Asia.
Like the saola, many animal species are in decline and in danger of becoming extinct if humans don’t change our reckless habits. The Saola brand aims to protect and preserve wildlife through its own brand by donating 1% of all profits to environmental protection organizations.
Best Fashion Brands to Be Eco-Friendly
Some of the best fashion brands aren’t just the ones that have you, the consumer in mind, but the planet. Fast fashion is no longer fashionable! Keep it cute and eco-friendly by buying from these footwear sellers rather than large manufacturers.
And for more lifestyle, business, or education information, look at some of our other posts like this!
