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I’ve personally researched and reviewed the top sustainable shoes on the market. These are my picks for women’s sneakers based on fit, style, durability, brand ethics — and how they’ve worn over the past 3 years (and about 3,400 miles walked).
There are few things we love more than a good pair of sneakers. Perfect for casual days at the office, running errands around town, or going on weekend adventures, we’re always delighted to find the perfect eco-friendly supportive sneaker. But sustainable sneakers that don’t use virgin plastics or harmful dyes? Not always easy to find (though we love seeing more environmentally friendly shoe brands taking the main stage!)
“Some sneakers are everyday winners, others are less-frequent wears that’ll last a lifetime, but all met my standards for style, sustainability, and fit.
Why consider sustainable sneakers?
Sustainable sneakers aren’t just a trendy fashion statement — they’re a worthwhile investment making a real difference for the planet (and our comfort!). Shoes made with high quality materials that are low impact and nontoxic like vegetable tanned leather, recycled rubber, and even plant-based options like hemp or cork offer unique performance benefits while being environmentally responsible. For example, recycled rubber offers high traction and support, hemp is extremely breathable helping you stay dry, and cork can mold easily to your feet for overall enhanced comfort.
All this, plus the added benefit of wearing clean materials without the harmful chemicals is better for our health and our earth. This means you can say bye-bye to poorly crafted kicks made with cheap plastics and glues! Additionally, you’ll feel good knowing your supporting sneaker brands that prioritize ethical and fair working conditions throughout their manufacturing process.
What certifications should you look for in a pair of sustainable sneakers?
When it comes to shoes, it’s a different game than for more intimate items like undergarments or mattresses. I like to look for brands that make their shoes with recycled materials, vegan materials, or — if I choose leather — ethical certifications from the Leather Working Group. If a brand uses cotton or wool, I look for GOTS certified cotton or GOTS certified materials outside of cotton. OEKO-TEX materials are also a good bet, but a little more rare within the shoe space. Fair Trade, as always, is a big plus in my book.
Transparency is key, so check if the brand shares details about their supply chain and labor practices (bonus points for those fair trade certifications or B Corp status). A good sustainable sneaker should also be made to last — because the most eco-friendly choice is one you don’t have to replace in a few months. And of course, choose a pair you actually love to wear — because sustainability is also about feeling good in what you put on each day.
In addition to these certifications, I also look for brands with top ratings for comfort; as I get older, I want shoes that will support my knees, hips, and back whether I’m out for a leisurely stroll — or on a cross-city hike.
How long should a sustainable sneaker last?
Generally, a pair of sneakers should last you between 6 and 12 months of continuous wear. While that sounds short for such an investment, this includes daily wear and between 300 and 500 miles of walking. If you have work shoes, dress shoes, sandals, or slippers that you wear as well — that can stretch the lifespan of your sneakers even further.
There’s nothing stopping anyone from wearing sneakers until their socks hit the ground (and then some), but the tried-and-true way to tell if your shoes are near their life’s end is if you experience any foot or knee pain that wasn’t there to begin with. You can even see evidence that it’s time to get new shoes: take a look at them sitting on the ground — are they leaning lopsided? Is the tread worn out? Are there excessive creases in the tongue or on the toe area?
For sneakers that aren’t entirely done with their functionality, consider local donation organizations. For shoes that have seen better days, you might consider GotSneakers or other local recycling programs that typically convert old sneakers into things like playground turf or other rubber goods.
Our methodology and criteria:
I tested sneakers from The Good Trade’s favorite game-changing sustainable shoe brands to find the pairs that met our standards for both sustainability and style. Each of the below brands passed my wearability test — some were everyday winners, others were less-frequent wears that’ll last a lifetime, but all met various standards for style, sustainability, and fit. I’ve worn all these sneakers for the past three years, walking over 3,400 miles total while rotating between these top favorites. I’ve styled each one, and also determined which ones are “walking shoes” versus “style shoes”. See below which are winners in each of their respective “best for” categories.
I’m also including a “before” and “after” photo for each pair so you can see how they’ve aged over time; because truly, the most sustainable sneaker is the one you can come back to after many months and miles of wear.
Each brand I reviewed met the following criteria.
- SUSTAINABILITY | Each of these sneakers are crafted with eco-friendly, natural, and recycled materials using ethical manufacturing processes for minimal impact on our environment.
- COMFORT | Comfort is essential to footwear, and I’ve personally tested each of these sneakers ensuring they provide long lasting cushioned comfort all day, sans blisters or soreness!
- STYLE | There’s no reason why sustainable sneakers can’t be stylish too! I’ve listed my favorite shoes that can be worn for a variety of occasions whether you’re looking to dress up or down, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for at a price that works for you.
- LONGEVITY | I’m only sharing the brands that I’ve kept — and worn — for the past three years
So here’s the roundup of all my faves, including notes on each one (since everyone’s feet are different, there are always pros and cons for individual footwear!) If you have any questions about the styles I tested, I’m happy to answer in the comments below.
Looking for more styles? Here are our favorite sustainable running shoes alongside our go-to ethical denim and organic t-shirts for the ultimate sustainable pairing!
1. LØCI
Best For | Vegan streetwear sneakers
Sizes Available | 6 – 10
Price Range | $172 – $200
LØCI makes urban-lux vegan sneakers and apparel for both men and women, prioritizing eco-friendly materials like recycled ocean plastic, repurposed materials, and bio leather. LØCI’s bio-leather is their newest material to the market, containing a unique blend of recycled textiles and non-food grade corn.
I tested out the LØCI ECHO, and was immediately smitten with the balance of style, comfort, and ethics (the brand is entirely vegan, and frequently uses recycled materials). This sneaker made its way into my regular rotation immediately. I wore it with dresses, shorts, and jeans alike. Mostly, though, I couldn’t wait to wear this shoe for my annual walking goals thanks to the comfort and durability (I’ve probably tracked hundreds of miles in these babies). The cork insoles are firm — and hypoallergenic — but don’t require a lot of break-in time, which is a huge perk for me, a woman with very little patience.
I think of the crushes I had in the early aughts, and how many of them stole my heart with those iconic three stripe Adidas sneakers. LØCI makes these nostalgic everyday wear shoes even better, sans stripes — AND vegan. Comfortable, stylish, I adore these shoes.
If you’re looking for vegan streetwear, LØCI is the way to go — these European shoes are on-trend and I love the shape that’s reminiscent of decades past. Plus, these are extremely comfortable and I wear them multiple times a week! I’ve worn them hiking and stepped in a muddy puddle early on, but I still love them dearly.
2. Thousand Fell
Best For | Vegan streetwear sneakers
Sizes Available | 5 – 10
Price Range | $139 – $169
Thousand Fell makes the first-ever recycled and recyclable sneakers, making this full-circle brand a top addition to our list! These shoes are made with materials like recycled water bottles, sugar cane, and coconut husk — no leather needed.
I tried the Court sneaker and it looks even better in person if that’s possible. The shoes are sturdy, flexible while still staying structured, and offer arch support. I feel like a new person in these shoes, especially with how streetwear-inspired they feel. I’ve found this is one of the easier lace-ups on the list to just slip right into, and fits well with or without socks (although can be a little moist without, but never stinky thanks to the aloe vera liner). If you have super wide feet, I would recommend double checking the measurements on these shoes before purchasing. I’m excited about the circularity offering, and hope to keep wearing Thousand Fells for a long, long time. I’ve worn them solo-travelling in Spain, during half a dozen mattress factory tours, and to many citywide metro adventures; and after all this, they still clean up well!
If you’ve ever had a go-to pair of Adidas, I recommend Thousand Fell for when it’s time to replace your old pair.
Unleash your inner skater with Thousand Fell — these were my only sneakers on a two-week solo trip through Spain and they withstood all sorts of different terrains beautifully, not a blister to be had (thank goodness). They also clean up nicely with a wet washcloth!
3. On
Best For | Shoes to wear during (and after) runs
Sizes Available | 5 – 11
Price Range | $130 – $550
On’s CloudTec is what you get when you want to put a patent on comfort — the soles help reduce muscle fatigue so you can run longer, farther, faster. And they’re eco-friendly, too, using materials like CleanCloud, which is made from carbon emissions.
I wanted to experience the most lift and cushion possible (especially due to my osteopenia which means my bones are a little fragile), so I opted for the Cloudmonster to start. The shoes make me feel like I’m gliding, and they’re my favorite on this list to reach for when I head out on walks or a jog. I was hesitant about the style at first, as I’m forever emerging from the chunky-sneaker-style-trauma that was the 1990s, but as soon as I pulled these shoes onto my feet I was in heaven. I immediately started hopping around my apartment, enjoying their bounce. They’re great for my narrow feet (but stretchy enough for wider feet) and can be worn with or without socks. I ended up wearing these shoes for so many walks that I upgraded to the Cloudmonster 2 (which is pictured below) and almost never want to take them off. This model is better for folxs with wider foot widths.
If you’re nostalgic for the days of Skechers and New Balance, these shoes will take you back — and move you forward, fast, thanks to how comfy they are.
On is the best option for runners and are perfectly lightweight for travel — especially if you like to explore on foot. If you’re particularly mud-prone like I am, consider getting a pair that’s not white, haha.
4. Flamingos Life
Best For | Retro vegan sneakers & high tops
Sizes Available | 4 – 9.5
Price Range | $185 – $220
Flamingos Life is a Spanish sneaker brand (that ships worldwide) committed to transparency and innovative materials. The shoes are completely vegan, and the brand releases limited runs of decade-inspired shoes that take us on a walk down memory lane.
I tested the Old 80s All White high top and immediately channeled style icon Marty McFly from Back To The Future 2 — these shoes are (mc)fly as heck. The terrycloth interior on the ankle is an especially nice touch, reminiscent of 80s sweat bands. They’re comfy and well-fitted, although if you’re not used to wearing this style I’d recommend a test run or two before you wear them all day! (No blisters, just to get used to them.) One note on this style in particular — it takes a minute to pull on and off, even with narrow feet, so I’d avoid high tops in general if you need to be able to slip on shoes and go in a timely fashion. *Cue B roll of Emily rolling around on the floor trying to pull these shoes on.*
If you love the look of retro Nike and Reebok cushioned high tops, Flamingos Life has you covered (you can’t go wrong with any of their sneakers, though). It also has the perk of not being as common of a household brand name which gets extra cool points in my book.
Who wants a dose of nostalgia!? Flamingos Life is a Spanish vegan sneaker brand that makes shoes from a bygone era — just don’t try to put the high-tops on in a rush, it takes longer than you’d think!
5. VEJA
Best For | Instantly recognizable cool-girl shoes
Sizes Available | 5 – 10
Price Range | $135 – $245
You’ve probably heard of VEJA shoes by now — and for good reason. These sneakers are designed in Paris, France with eco-friendly materials and some vegan options, including wild rubber from the Amazon and organic cotton and have been spotted on celebrities and influencers worldwide.
I’ve had my suede VEJA V-10s for the longest out of any of the pairs on this list (at least four years now), and I can assure you they only get better the more you wear them. I’ve put this pair, which is a colorway that’s no longer sold, through a lot and they’re still holding up beautifully. I love the combo of a thick, sturdy sole with a thin tongue, which makes them comfy and versatile for a range of feet widths. While I didn’t have any huge issues with the break-in period, I do have a friend who dealt with a rough start with the velcro pair. My advice is to make sure you give yourself a little room (size up if you’re in between sizes/half sizes), and wear socks with these shoes, at least to start with.
These shoes are everywhere on Insta and Pinterest style boards! If you want the immediate brand recognition of brands like Nike or Adidas but with a sustainable twist — Veja is the brand for you.
Veja is iconic, and for good reason — the shoes are sturdy, stylish, and look as good with athleisure as they do a flowy dress. The suede isn’t super easy to clean, but gosh darn I love how these have withstood the test of time.
6. P448
Best For | Statement-making, sustainable leather sneakers
Sizes Available | 5 – 12
Price Range | $298 – $595
P448 is the best of the best when it comes to high-quality, European sneaks to last a lifetime for both men and women. The brand has historically used recycled materials in its shoes, and also sources leather from invasive species to help restore ecosystems (lionfish or python sneakers, anyone?). The brand also reduces its environmental impact with eco-friendly packaging (reusable dustbags and 100% recycled boxes) and water-saving tanning processes for its suede. Additionally, P448 supports social responsibility as a signatory of the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, advancing gender equality in its practices.
The P448 John style that I tested is a bold twist on the classic Italian low-top. Handcrafted in Italy, it features recycled silver glitter uppers with off-white recycled suede accents — making them eye catching and a perfect complement to a casual outfit. The memory foam insole is comfy and makes the shoe fit to your feet (not the other way around, ouch). I love how balanced the sparkle is with the suede accents, and like most of the brand’s shoes, the branding is subtle but tasteful.
Since the brand only offers whole US sizes, they recommend sizing down but I found my size 6.5 feet were a tad bit crunched in the 6s I selected – although the width is quite perfect. I’m planning to keep on wearing these with and without socks on short walks until I get a little stretch into them; otherwise, I’ve had none of those obnoxious heel blisters I’ve gotten from other leather sneakers.
If you’re looking for sustainable shoes with a story, P448’s sneakers are your new conversation starter.
My inner child is over the moon about these sparkly shoes from P448. They’re comfy, cute, and the brand uses innovative materials and recycled leathers to make these shine even brighter. I did have to size up but was able to find a pair that stole my heart — another silver pair!!! They’re so comfortable and I’ve worn them for at least a hundred miles of walking in the past two months.
7. Native Shoes
Best For | Affordable family footwear & vacation shoes
Sizes Available | 5 – 11
Price Range | $55 – $145
Native Shoes creates ultra-light, ergonomic, innovative sneakers. Whether it’s using sugarcane-derived resin or upcycled EVA foam, the casual styles aim to reduce excess fabric and keep waste to a minimum.
I’ve had several pairs of Native shoes over the years, and was excited to test the Jefferson style for this review. The Jefferson is super shock-absorbent and fits my narrow feet well as far as slip ons go. These shoes are vegan and made using EVA, an odor-resistant and washable plastic (the brand does have a recycling program, which is nice). I do also like that the brand is working on more products made using Bloom, their patented algae-based material. Hot climate folks, don’t worry — I tested out walking on searing asphalt over the summer and they will not melt like I was worried they might. This is the go-to brand for busy people who are prone to spills, stepping in puddles, and forgetting socks (so no wonder I keep coming back to it).
Native Shoes look like the sustainable lovechild of Crocs and Converse, so if you like those brands you might find your next pair of shoes here. And since this is one of the most affordable brands on the list (and the shoes are stretchy), it’s a great choice for families with growing kiddos.
My Native Shoes sneakers are a forever staple in my daily wardrobe — so easy to put on to hop out and check the mail, comfortable enough to walk a whole afternoon in (with or without socks!) I love that they’re extra forgiving for feet that tend to swell. Take one look at the “after” picture — that should tell you all you need to know about how much I’ve loved these shoes.
Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, playing with her two cats, or crafting. Say hi on Instagram or follow along with her Substack, Pinky Promise.
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