Etiko (organic cotton fair trade sneakers)

Etiko (Australia) offers one-time purchase of Converse-style sneakers. The difference is that these are made ethically in Pakistan from organic cotton, with latex rubber soles, non-toxic dyes and no animal glues, sent in post-consumer cardboard boxes.

This brand also offers low-cut, hemp and ballet flat sneakers.

This brand is recommended due to offering something unique, but of course there are additional shipping charges for ordering from Australia (you may also be asked to provide ID, to avoid fraudulent orders).

What would make things easier is for small wholesalers to order from them, to sell them in the UK, which would encourage more purchases, due to reduced shipping costs and times.

As most good brands of sustainable vegan sneakers are sold online, get your feet measured in a shop, to save the hassle of returns (Europeans don’t offer half-sizes, so choose the larger size and wear thicker socks!)

Vegan sneakers are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth (laundering is not recommended, but if you do, use a microfiber filter) to stop microplastics leaching from the machine, into the sea).

I gave them a shot as my last brand lasted a year tops (the laces were thinner and snapped, my supports rubbed through the heel, which destroyed my socks).

Etiko sneakers look like they’ll go the distance.  The laces are thicker, the heels haven’t worn through. They’ve been surviving Zumba and boxing for a couple of months now!

I got them on sale and went a size up – how wonderful to have boots that fit my feet properly, and allow my toes to wriggle. Knowing they are ethically sourced and made, makes my heart happy too!