These Fair Trade eco sneakers offer ethical alternatives to the main brands. All of these are made from biodegradable and vegan-friendly materials, made by indie companies who make it a mission to look after the planet. Quality vegan shoes are mostly sold online, so get your feet measured at shoe shop, to avoid the hassle of returns. They are all made from kind and sustainable materials. It’s good to let shoes dry out on alternate days so they last longer, so invest in two pairs, and they should last a long time.
Rationl was created by a woman who had a 2-month hospital stay and 4 intensive surgeries after a life-threatening brain injury. Inspired to make an impact, she designs quality long-lasting footwear that gives back to a brain and spine foundation charity which provides support and help and information (not medical animal research).
Cool Sneakers Made from Fruit!
All My Eco is a brand of cool sneakers that are made from recycled material and a leather – made from fruit! Conventional leather is not a by-product of the meat industry, is very polluting – and often produced in countries with poor animal welfare and human rights laws.
Made ethically in Europe (Barcelona), these sneakers are made with a ‘leather’ made from the discarded leaves of harvesting pineapples, so needs no land, water or fertilisers to produce. Pineapple leather is not biodegradable, so wipe-clean only (to avoid microplastics breaking off if laundered in the machine). The plastic comes from the millions of bottles floating in the ocean (and the company plants trees and donates to charities that collect ocean trash) for each pair sold.
Th sneakers are embraced with a comfy inside cushioned with recycled plastic, and are also made with soft cork (these trees are not cut down, and keeping the cork industry alive helps to keep forests intact in the Mediterranean, home to many native species).
Luxury Vegan Sustainable Sneakers
LØCI is a luxury brand of sustainable vegan sneakers. We also feature more affordable sneakers on this site. But many people do buy luxury sneakers (and likely always will) so here is a far better brand to support. ) and a lightweight recycled rubber sole with no-slip grip and extra durability. Leather is not usually a by-product of the meat industry, and most leather goods are not just polluting but made in countries with poor animal and human welfare records. 70% of sneaker companies still use animal products for uppers and bonding, but not this one!
Rather than being made with fake leather, these shoes are made from a premium material made from reclaimed ocean plastic. The sneakers also feature bamboo mesh lining, natural rubber, recycled card and foam, and cork insoles/midsoles. Each pair sold saves 20 plastic bottles from entering our oceans and landfills, and charities supported include ones to help sea turtles and ocean preservation that protects vulnerable species.
To clean, do not launder in the machine (not good for them or the ocean, as microplastics could escape). Just dilute a solution with water and remove excess dirt with a brush, then spray and brush, then wipe dry with a cloth. Leave sneakers to naturally dry, and do not place by radiators. Made to EU measurements, the sneakers can fit a wide range of foot shapes and sizes, and the company offers half-sizes for greater accuracy. Built to last, so a good investment.
Other Places to Find Sustainable Sneakers
- Ethical Wares (Wales) offers many types of shoes including these sneakers made from eco recycled materials. What’s also nice is that this company also uses profits to help feed and care for a menagerie of rescued farm animals. Leather is not a by-product of the meat industry and most leather shoes are made in the Far East, where there is little animal welfare (or human rights) laws. These shoes are all made either locally or with fair working practices in Europe.aching the sea (one-time purchase to last years). Some are made from old car seats!
- Vegetarian Shoes also makes lots of nice shoes, including trainers like these funky green ones. The founder used to make all the shoes himself, but things took off and now they are made Fair Trade, mostly in Europe with eco materials. If you live near Brighton City, you can pop by, as they also have a retail shop, though the online range is more extensive.
