Step into Sustainability: Top 5 Eco-Friendly Shoe Brands for Today

Sustainable footwear can pose challenges, as leather, despite its association with fashion, carries significant environmental concerns such as a substantial carbon footprint and its role in Amazon deforestation, along with the use of harmful chemicals during production. On the other hand, vegan alternatives are often crafted from plastic, contributing to long-lasting environmental issues.

Fortunately, numerous shoe brands are actively striving to mitigate the environmental impact of their products. They are committed to utilizing responsibly produced leather, ensuring both ecological and social responsibility in its creation, and exploring innovative materials.

It's worth noting that celebrities like Kate Moss, Gigi Hadid, and Meghan Markle are endorsing consciously-made footwear, demonstrating that style and eco-friendly choices can coexist. Here are five recommended sustainable shoe brands to consider.

By NATALIE KEBBE

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Aeyde

Aeyde utilizes leather that has earned certification from the Leather Working Group, signifying environmentally and socially responsible production methods. All their products are crafted in family-owned workshops based in Italy. In the last year, famous people like Gigi Hadid and Jennifer Lawrence have been seen wearing Aeyde's Mary-Jane ballet flats, showing their appreciation for the brand. As we transition into autumn, it's highly recommended to explore the brand's Berlin-made kitten-heeled boots, a style that's currently in vogue this season.

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Nomasei

In 2019, Marine Braquet and Paule Tenaillon, both former members of the Chloé team, established Nomasei with the goal of offering high-end footwear at a more budget-friendly cost. This Parisian brand has garnered a following that includes Bella Hadid and Blake Lively, with a special affinity for its color-block loafers. Their entire footwear line is manufactured in Tuscany utilizing environmentally friendly chromium-free leather.

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Pīferi

After introducing his own vegan shoe label in 2020, Alfredo Pīferi, the former head of design at Jimmy Choo, has swiftly garnered a dedicated celebrity fan base, counting Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, and Emily Ratajkowski among his supporters. His stylish footwear is meticulously crafted in Italy, employing a vegan leather substitute derived from corn and repurposing recycled PET bottles.

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Reformation

The California-based brand, Reformation, employs transparent, Leather Working Group-certified leather in its shoe collection and is dedicated to maintaining a deforestation-free supply chain. Notably, the Nylah boots from the brand have gained popularity and have been spotted on celebrities like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Hailey Bieber.

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Rothy’s

Rothy's flats, made from eco-friendly materials, are recyclable through their take-back program launched in 2021. They champion the concept of circular sustainability, recycling materials from production to product to reduce waste. Their factory control empowers them to set high environmental and social standards. Meghan Markle's endorsement of their black Point shoes in 2018 boosted the San Francisco-based brand's profile.