Sustainable fashion has grown from a niche market to more mainstream. Many brands have stepped up their efforts to reduce environmental impact, using eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and innovative recycling processes.
But with so many claims about sustainability, how do you know which brands are truly making a difference?
In this article, we’ll dive into the most sustainable sneaker brands of 2024. We’ll also evaluate them based on four key criteria:
- Materials: Are they using eco-friendly or recycled materials?
- Production: Are the manufacturing processes ethical and sustainable?
- Carbon Footprint: What is their impact on the environment, particularly in terms of emissions?
- Transparency: How transparent is the brand about its sustainability practices?
Table of Contents
Sustainability Criteria
| Criteria | Description | Rating Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Use of eco-friendly, recycled, or organic materials in shoe production. | 1-5 (5 = 100% sustainable materials) |
| Production | Commitment to ethical labor practices and sustainable production processes. | 1-5 (5 = Fair Trade/ethical certifications) |
| Carbon Footprint | Efforts to minimize carbon emissions throughout the supply chain. | 1-5 (5 = Carbon neutral or better) |
| Transparency | Openness about sustainability goals, production methods, and labor conditions. | 1-5 (5 = Complete transparency) |
1. Allbirds
Best for: Eco-friendly materials, carbon neutrality
Product range: Low-top sneakers, High-top sneakers, Performance sneakers, Accessories
Price range: $95–$135
Size range: Men’s and Women’s US sizes 5–14
About the Brand
Allbirds is a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers who love a clean, minimalist design. Their shoes are lightweight, breathable, and versatile, perfect for casual or active use.
Because of the natural materials used, like wool and tree fibers, they have a distinct look, with subtle colors and a soft texture.
Their shoes are known for being very comfortable and durable despite the eco-friendly materials.
In terms of customer support, Allbirds offers a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy, which allows customers to try out the shoes and return them if unsatisfied.
They have gotten a 4.3-star Trustpilot rating with an efficient customer service team, available via email or live chat, which is known for being responsive and helpful.
Sustainability Efforts
Natural Materials: Allbirds use materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fibers, and sugarcane, reducing reliance on synthetic and non-renewable materials. You can read about them here.
Ethical Labor: Allbirds partners with factories that maintain high ethical standards regarding labor conditions, worker safety, and fair wages. These factories have strict codes of conduct that ensure humane working conditions and respect for labor rights.
Carbon Neutrality: Allbirds is trying to half their carbon emissions by the end of 2025 and near zero by 2030.
Sustainable Packaging: All packaging is made from 90% recycled cardboard, which is both simple and eco-friendly.
Ratings:
| Criteria | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Materials | 4 |
| Production | 5 |
| Carbon Footprint | 4.5 |
| Transparency | 5 |
Verdict:
Allbirds is a top-tier brand in sustainability, achieving almost perfect scores across the board thanks to its use of eco-friendly materials, ethical production, carbon neutrality, and strong transparency. For those looking for a truly sustainable sneaker, Allbirds is an excellent choice.
2. Veja
Best for: organic materials, ethical production
Product range: Low-top sneakers, High-top sneakers, Running shoes, Accessories
Price range: $120–$170
Size range: Men’s and Women’s US sizes 5–13
About the Brand
Veja sneakers are known for their clean, stylish aesthetic that pairs well with casual outfits.
Veja offers a range of styles, from minimalist low-tops to sporty, performance shoes like the Condor. The materials, especially the soft leather and canvas options, give them a premium feel.
Veja also has good customer service, offering detailed support for sizing and product care through email and their website. They are transparent about potential delays or issues with stock but there have been a lot of issues with websites impersonating them.
Even with this issue they still have a 4.1-star Trustpilot rating.
Sustainability Efforts
Recycling Initiatives: Veja uses plastic bottles, cotton recycled from textile industry cuttings, and recycled polyester in many of their models.
The recycled plastic bottles are used for the lining and mesh, significantly reducing waste.
Organic Materials: Veja uses organic cotton for the canvas and laces, avoiding harmful chemicals and synthetic fibers.
Ethically Sourced Rubber: They source wild rubber from the Amazon, supporting local communities and preventing deforestation.
Fair Trade Practices: Veja ensures fair wages and safe working conditions by working with Fair Trade-certified cooperatives and small producers in Brazil.
Ratings:
| Criteria | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Materials | 4 |
| Production | 4.5 |
| Carbon Footprint | 4 |
| Transparency | 5 |
Verdict:
Veja excels in transparency, ethical production, and sustainable material sourcing, making it a strong contender in the eco-friendly sneaker market. Though they’re not yet carbon neutral, their efforts to reduce emissions and support ethical labor practices make them a top choice for conscious consumers.
3. Ethletic
Best for: fair trade, ethical footwear
Product range: Low-top sneakers, High-top sneakers, Slip-ons, Accessories
Price range: $79–$109
Size range: Men’s and Women’s US sizes 5–12
About the Brand
Ethletic is a pioneer in fair trade and vegan footwear, offering shoes that combine a minimalist aesthetic with a strong ethical backbone.
Their sneakers are perfect for casual wear, with timeless designs that focus on comfort and durability. The shoes are made from organic cotton and natural rubber, giving them a soft, premium feel.
Sustainability Efforts
- Fair Trade Materials: Ethletic uses certified Fair Trade organic cotton and natural rubber, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions.
- Vegan-Friendly: All products are 100% vegan, with no animal-based materials used in any of their shoes.
- Sustainable Packaging: The brand uses fully recyclable packaging materials, reducing waste.
- Social Responsibility: A portion of every sale is donated to social projects in the communities where their materials are sourced, supporting local development.
Ratings:
| Criteria | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Materials | 5 |
| Production | 5 |
| Carbon Footprint | 4.5 |
| Transparency | 5 |
4. Nothing New
Best for: casual and everyday wear
Product range: Low-top sneakers, High-top sneakers, Accessories
Price range: $95–$110
Size range: Men’s and Women’s US sizes 5–13
About the Brand
Nothing New offers sneakers with a modern, sleek design that combines sustainability with style. Their shoes have a minimalistic, clean-cut look, with subtle color choices that are versatile enough to complement a wide range of outfits. Made primarily from recycled materials, these shoes still have a premium feel.
Nothing New is committed to a zero-waste philosophy and designs its sneakers with recycled materials, aiming to reduce environmental impact from production to end-of-life. They offer a straightforward return policy and encourage customers to recycle their worn-out shoes, contributing to a circular economy.
Sustainability Efforts
- 100% Recycled Materials: Their sneakers are made from recycled plastic, rubber, and cotton, significantly reducing waste in landfills.
- Virtuous-Circle-Program: Nothing New encourages customers to return old shoes for recycling, which they use to make new products and you get $20 store credit.
- Energy-Efficient Manufacturing: Their production processes are designed to reduce energy and water consumption across their factories.
- Sustainable Sourcing: They source recycled materials from certified suppliers who meet high environmental and social standards.
Ratings:
| Criteria | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Materials | 4.5 |
| Production | 4 |
| Carbon Footprint | 4.5 |
| Transparency | 4.5 |
5. CARIUMA
Best for: casual and lifestyle sneakers
Product range: Low-top sneakers, High-top sneakers, Slip-ons, Accessories
Price range: $79–$139
Size range: Men’s and Women’s US sizes 5–13
About the Brand
CARIUMA sneakers feature a casual, tropical-inspired design that makes them perfect for both city streets and outdoor adventures.
These shoes are lightweight and designed for comfort, with a focus on flexibility and breathability.
Cariuma offers free shipping and returns in most regions. They also provide detailed size guides and style advice on their website, which is helpful for first-time buyers.
Their customer support is highly rated, with 4.7 stars on Trustpilot.
Sustainability Efforts
Recycled Packaging: Their packaging is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials, minimizing waste.
Natural Materials: CARIUMA uses organic cotton, bamboo, and sugarcane for their shoes, reducing dependence on non-renewable materials.
Reforestation Projects: For every pair of shoes sold, CARIUMA plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest, contributing to reforestation.
Fair Labor Practices: CARIUMA works with ethical, Fair Trade-certified factories that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.
Ratings:
| Criteria | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Materials | 4 |
| Production | 4.5 |
| Carbon Footprint | 4 |
| Transparency | 5 |
6. PSUDO
Best for: streetwear and athleisure
Product range: Low-top sneakers, Slip-ons, Unisex designs, Accessories
Price range: $98–$125
Size range: Men’s and Women’s US sizes 5–14
About the Brand
PSUDO specializes in streetwear-inspired sneakers, offering clean, modern designs that are simple yet stylish. Their shoes have a unique seamless construction, giving them a polished look with no visible stitching. They are designed for both comfort and practicality, being easy to clean and highly durable.
PSUDO provides a customer-friendly experience with free returns and exchanges. Their shoes are easy to size, and the brand provides plenty of support in terms of styling and care through their website and customer service team.
Sustainability Efforts
Energy-Efficient Facilities: Their factories are powered by renewable energy, further reducing their carbon footprint.
100% Recycled Plastic: PSUDO shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles, which significantly reduces their environmental impact.
Zero-Waste Manufacturing: The brand’s seamless construction process produces minimal waste, supporting a zero-waste production model.
Local Production: All PSUDO sneakers are manufactured in the USA, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local jobs.
Ratings:
| Criteria | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Materials | 4.5 |
| Production | 4 |
| Carbon Footprint | 4.5 |
| Transparency | 4 |
7. Saye
Best for: reforestation, vegan materials
Product range: Low-top sneakers, High-top sneakers, Accessories
Price range: $110–$140
Size range: Men’s and Women’s US sizes 5–12
About the Brand
Saye has a retro-inspired design that’s perfect for those who appreciate vintage aesthetics mixed with modern sustainability.
The shoes are often bold in design, featuring vibrant colorways and high tops that have an old-school feel. Despite being vegan and made with eco-friendly materials, they don’t compromise on quality or comfort. The shoes have a distinctive, modern look.
Saye is also committed to customer satisfaction, offering excellent post-purchase support with easy returns and exchanges.
Their website provides detailed sizing information, but there seem to be a lot of issues with their customer support leaving them with 3.5 stars on Trustpilot.
Sustainability Efforts
While Saye has made commendable strides in sustainability, they are still growing in certain areas. Here’s a look at their efforts:
Recycled Packaging: Saye uses 100% recycled and recyclable materials in its packaging, making the entire unboxing experience environmentally friendly.
Vegan and Eco-Friendly Materials: Saye uses vegan alternatives, such as corn-based leather and organic cotton, reducing reliance on animal products and conventional materials that have a higher environmental footprint.
Tree Planting for Reforestation: For every pair of shoes sold, Saye plants two trees, primarily in reforestation projects, helping to offset their carbon footprint and support biodiversity.
Made in Spain: Saye manufactures its products in Spain and Portugal, focusing on ethical labor practices and working conditions while supporting local economies.
While Saye shares some sustainability efforts, limited information on supply chain certifications, material sourcing, and full environmental impact keeps transparency at a 3. Further disclosures would improve clarity on their practices.
Ratings:
| Criteria | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Materials | 4 |
| Production | 3.5 |
| Carbon Footprint | 4 |
| Transparency | 3 |
Final Thoughts:
With these additional sustainable brands, consumers now have a wide variety of eco-friendly sneakers to choose from. Whether you prioritize fair trade, recycled materials, or carbon offsetting, brands like Nothing New, CARIUMA, PSUDO, and Ethletic offer solid options that blend style, ethics, and environmental responsibility.
Brand Comparison:
| Brand | Materials | Production | Carbon Footprint | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allbirds | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 |
| Veja | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 |
| Ethletic | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 |
| Nothing New | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| CARIUMA | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 |
| PSUDO | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Saye | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 |
