What’s Gucci Earth Fam?!
Are you looking for some everyday kicks without the existential crisis pinning your need to be fly/comfy against your need not to contribute to the collapse of the human species?
Me too fam. That’s why I’ve put together this list of brands that are at the very least trying to reduce their impact on the planet instead of behaving as though environmental science isn’t a thing.
Why shop for sustainable sneakers?
If you’re wondering what’s so bad about those crispy nike’s (or whatever other classic/essential brand is popular right now) let’s go over that before diving into some better alternatives.
Labour.
To start, the fashion industry has some serious issues when it comes to labor practices. While you might be assuming that paying $130 for your pair of Nike Air Max 90’s must mean the person making them is earning a living wage — it does not. The same goes for even more expensive, luxury brands. And if that doesn’t strike you as an issue than you might as well stop reading here.
Toxic/Harmful Materials.
Did you know that sneakers are made with harmful chemicals that wind up in the environment? Conventional sneakers are also made using synthetic fabrics that are derived from petrochemicals (fossil fuels, i.e. polyester, nylon). This isn’t so great for the environment, our climate, or for the future of our species.
Where materials used are “natural” — think cotton, rubber or leather — they are not sustainably sourced. Instead they are grown/extracted/processed using production methods that are harmful to the environment as well. These conventional methods of production/manufacturing have a huge impact on the planet and are pervasive in the garment industry.
Best to go with brands who seem to have at least heard of natural resource scarcity, pollution, or climate change; and are making an effort to use better materials, more ethical labour practices, and doing their part to help the planet out a little.
If you are concerned about costs, I totally understand. For that I’d consider just going for shoes made of natural fabrics, reducing consumption as much as possible, buying secondhand where possible, and/or saving up so you can invest in better products in the long term. That’s what I do, its not perfect but I try my best.
With that said, shoutout to you for making the effort to find more ethical sustainable sneakers! Now let’s dive into the fun stuff!
My favorite sustainable sneakers right now!
VEJA
Number one on my list is some mother lovin VEJAs of course! It feels like everyone and their mother probably knows about them by now but I’ve been dying for a pair. They just look classic, quality, and like a closet staple — like a white tee and blue jeans.
The best part is that they are made of sustainably sourced organic cotton, fair trade rubber, recycled rubber, recycled polyester, rice waste and responsibly sourced leather and suede. They come in a variety of styles (including running shoes) and in lots of color options. Though they are a little bit on the pricey side for me, I definitely think it is worth investing in responsibly made products like the ones they offer.
I tried a few months ago to get my hands on a pair of the ESPLAR LEATHER WHITE PLATINE (more my price range) and failed because of some shipping issues on my end but I think what I’d really want is the CAMPO CHROMEFREE WHITE NATURAL. I also love the RECIFE because — childhood nostalgia and pragmatism — but don’t know if they’d suit me. If you are a fan I would love to know which one of their sneakers sparks the ultimate joy for you?! Leave it in the comments if you can.
For all my vegans out there none of the the pairs I have mentioned are vegan but they do offer lots of great looking, exclusively Vegan options.
It also looks like their shoes are made in Brazil so even though the company is based in Europe, it is a great option for people who live in North America in terms of carbon emissions.
As I mentioned in the Ethical Fashion Brands for Basics post, it’s really best to purchase things that are manufactured on your side of the planet (or as near to you as possible) to reduce the amount of carbon emissions associated with transportation/shipping. Kind of like reducing your food miles.
Of course sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. And some companies do opt to ship their products by sea to reduce their impact on the planet. Many mention it on their websites so look out for that.
CARIUMA
Also made in Brazil, CARIUMA is the next on my list in terms of curating my ethical minimalist dreams. They are also more affordable than VEJA and made out of materials like self-regenerating bamboo, recycled plastics (EVA), natural rubber, cotton, cork, and premium suede.
The Vallely Off-White Vintage/Black is a great option for anyone looking for vegan sneakers.
In terms of favorites I basically love everything they have on offer but would really like the CATIBA PRO All Black Gum/Ivory. The way the sole contrasts with the black upper is just delicious. Which pair of theirs really makes you perk up??
SAOLA
SAOLA is another great brand to check out if you are looking for more sustainable sneaker options. Based in the US, their sneakers are made of sustainable materials like recycled PET bottles, harvested algae foam (in partnership with BLOOM), organic cotton, and cork.
The CANNON W’s are my favorite because of their timeless shape but they also look like they’ll be easier to keep clean for anyone concerned with that (i.e. me AF).
I would go for the CANNON W ASH ROSE because ya girl loves her some pink hues and I actually think I could get away with integrating them into my minimalist wardrobe. They are also vegan and one of the more affordable options on this list.
Rawganique
Last but certainly not least, we have Rawganique pulling in with the hypoallergenic, ethically produced everything. If you are looking for sustainable alternatives in general I would definitely look here.
Their selection of footwear includes a pair of simple 100% Hemp high tops which is just music to my ears. Hemp is such a great sustainable material to reach for on so many levels.
That’s it for this round on sustainable ethical sneakers but remember that shopping secondhand is the most sustainable fashion option wherever possible. This may be an issue for some when it comes to shoes especially but you can still keep that in mind if you’re looking for other essentials like jeans, blazers, jean jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, button downs and more. Your local thrift stores may be the ultimate plug for these staples as far as I’ve seen.
With that I highly recommend having a little circuit of secondhand shops in your back pocket. You can also find some secondhand stores online nowadays but I definitely prefer the real deal where possible.
How to clean your white sneakers.
Can’t talk about kicks without some cleaning tips! I don’t have any special tricks up my sleeve on this one but wiping off whatever it is as soon as possible is always a good idea so it doesn’t settle into the material — making it easier to clean later. This article by BHG (that’s Better Home & Gardens for the laymen) has got you though. They describe several natural options so you can steer clear of any toxic chemicals.
Want more sustainable kicks?
If you can’t find what you are looking for here check this article on sustainable sneakers or this one on vegan sneakers by the awesome and fabulous Candice Batista over at The Eco Hub. She has the tip on everything from green beauty to sustainable jewelry and so much more. Whenever I’m looking for anything specific I go straight to the Brand Directory. She does not pay me for this but I do work with her and absolutely love and trust her.
If you have any recommendations or thoughts on this topic I would love to hear from you so slide in these comments, or hit me on Pinterest or Twitter.
MOSTLY EARTHLY 