We’ve worn and researched sustainable shoes for a decade — these are 10 eco-friendly, ethical brands for comfortable and affordable sandals and slides that you’ll reach for all summer long.
Summer’s here and we are ready. From sipping Aperol spritzes at outdoor happy hours, to hanging out at the beach, to visiting our local farmer’s market for the most delicious strawberries, we are embracing all of the warmer weather activities and the fashion that comes along with it. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite brands that are bringing ethical and fair trade sandals to the masses. We love all the new recyclable styles and are partial to easy slides ourselves. Happy summer (and shopping)!
Why consider sustainable sandals?
Sustainable sandals are better for not only the environment, but also your personal health. Some sandals, like the popular jelly sandals, are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and present significant environmental and health concerns. PVC is non-biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals like phthalates, which pose health risks and contribute to pollution throughout their lifecycle. (Don’t fret, as we’ve listed some safer alternatives to the jelly sandal in our roundup below!) Opting to go for sustainable sandals made from eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics, organic cotton, and responsibly sourced leather, help reduce environmental impact, are often biodegradable, and are safer for our bodies.
Eco-friendly sandals are also produced using ethical labor practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers. Sustainable sandals are also designed for durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. By opting for sustainable sandals, you support practices that protect the planet, reduce pollution, and promote social responsibility, making a positive impact with every step!
Our criteria:
We’ve worn, researched, and even corresponded with sustainable shoe brands over the years. Below, we’ve compiled our 10 favorite sustainable sandals that are eco-friendly, ethically made, and are comfortable enough that you’ll want to slip them on all summer. We’ve included a variety of price points, too. We return to this list with regular updates as we find new options that meet the following criteria.
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These sustainable shoe brands adhere to ethical commitments in all they do, including labor practices like fair wages and safe working environments. We’ve prioritized brands that give back to their communities.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | All of the brands below sustainably source materials and produce their footwear thoughtfully, with most using all natural materials and recycled/upcycled materials when possible.
- COMFORTABLE | Our editors have tried all of the brands on this list, and confirmed that they’re comfortable and supportive so you can avoid the dreaded summer blisters.
- AFFORDABLE | Sandals, and especially sustainable sandals, can be an investment. We’ve chosen brands at a variety of price points so there’s something for every budget.
Be sure to check out our guides on ethical handbags, eco friendly sunglasses, and sustainable swimwear for all your summer essentials!
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best For Comfort
1. Birkenstock
Sustainable Materials | Natural cotton canvas, EVA, cork-latex, leather
Size Range | 4 – 12.5
Price Range | $110 – $145
And now for the brand that won’t need an introduction: German-based Birkenstock has been making shoes since 1774, though it wasn’t until 1902 when they developed the first ever footbed with contoured arch support. While you are probably most familiar with their suede and leather models, the brand also touts a vegan line with sustainable cork and latex for their same iconic look. The sandals are made from Birko-Flor® synthetic leather, which is comfortable, easy to clean, and made to last for decades.
2. Native Shoes
Sustainable Materials | Sugarcane-based EVA
Size Range | 5 – 12
Price Range | $30 – $32
Change happens one (literal) step at a time. Native Shoes wants us to feel better and lighter with their animal-free and eco-friendly sandals. These beach-ready sandals are hand-washable, water-resistant, and super affordable. Wear to the shore, a waterfall, or anywhere in between.
Customer Review | “Stylish enough to wear out, not feeling sloppy, at the same time comfortable and practical to run errands and chase after my baby. Highly recommend.” – Adrienne A. (Read all reviews.)
3. Alohas
Sustainable Materials | Responsibly sourced leather, vegan leather
Size Range | 5 – 14.5
Price Range | €84 – €362
Alohas makes eco-friendly, sustainable sandals handcrafted in Spain using an on-demand model that reduces carbon emissions, fights overproduction, and creates no waste. They handpick providers by working with the Leather Working Group to find ethically sourced leather from environmentally certified suppliers. Alohas also makes vegan options with plant-based material that is sleek and sophisticated enough to shake up your workwear on those sweltering summer days.
4. Reformation
Sustainable Materials | Chrome-free cow leather
Size Range | 5 – 11
Price Range | $128 – $298
A leader in both trends and sustainability, Reformation has been climate neutral since 2015, with the goal of becoming climate positive by 2025. They also track all their products’ environmental impact with RefScale, publishing everything on their site for full transparency. We love their strappy sandals to instantly transform a casual summer ‘fit into a sexy date night look, or to refresh our favorite wedding guest dress.
5. Everlane
Sustainable Materials | Recycled poly, leather, recycled rubber
Size Range | 5 – 11
Price Range | $98 – $158
Everlane’s sandals are the perfect edition to your capsule wardrobe for this and many summers to come! Choose from their ReKnit line of sandals made from recycled materials, or try their Leather Working Group certified leather styles for a classic pair that you can wear with shorts, dresses, or your favorite summer linens. We love that the brand is transparent about their pricing and factories, so you can choose something you love that also supports the things that matter to you.
Customer Review | “Love these! Super comfy and they look great. Looking to get in another color.” – Debste (Read all reviews.)
6. beek
Sustainable Materials | LWG-certified leather
Size Range | 5 – 12
Price Range | $139 – $340
beek’s commitment to sustainable feminine footwear that’s comfortable and chic makes it easy to strut in style at all hours of the day. You’ll find quality leather sandals made with soft vegetable-tanned leather and toxin free metallics—in addition to each sandal having molded arch support so your feet don’t get exhausted. They also age well the more you wear them! With every purchase, five meals are provided to a child in need through partnered food banks. Consider us hooked—we’ll take every pair possible.
Customer Review | “I have never bought a pair of shoes that were so comfortable to wear, provide great arch support, are chic and tremendously easy to walk in for hours. Love them! Buying a second pair.” – Cheryl M. (Read all reviews.)
7. Nisolo
Sustainable Materials | LWG-certified leather, EVA
Size Range | 5 – 11
Price Range | $138
When we think of sustainable and ethical footwear, we immediately think of Nisolo. Their line of boots, oxfords, mules, and sandals are all made ethically working with partners in Peru, Kenya, and Mexico. This offers jobs to more than 500 workers across their supply chain. Nisolo is best known for their huaraches, inspired by pre-Columbian Mexico and perfect for airy summer days.
Customer Review | “Love these opened toed sandals! They have already been great as transitional shoes in spring. Great for a weekend morning at the farmer’s market, but also professional enough for the office!” – Rachel H. (Read all reviews.)
8. Quince
Sustainable Materials | Recycled poly, LWG-certified leather
Size Range | 5 – 10
Price Range | $60 – $70
Made with high quality materials at affordable prices, Quince’s collection of comfy sandals will elevate your wardrobe this summer without breaking the bank. Produced in a BSCI certified factory, these sandals are either crafted from leather tanned in an LWG certified tannery or from recycled materials, promoting sustainable business practices. With no sandals exceeding $70 pre-tax, you’ll be saving significantly compared to similar products from Birkenstock, Alohas, and M.Gemi. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day free returns!
Customer Review | “These sandals feel way more comfortable than I expected. The insole is padded and the adjustable straps allow plenty of room for my wide feet, even when they swell in the summer heat. Love them!” – Carlyn T. (Read all reviews.)
9. VIVAIA
Sustainable Materials | Recycled PET, sugarcane EVA, rice husks, herbal insoles, natural rubber
Size Range | 5 – 13
Price Range | $97 – $125
VIVAIA was founded in 2020 with the goal to create timeless, comfortable, and environmentally conscious women’s footwear. The brand uses recylced materials in their stylish but wearable shoes, marrying function with design in a sustainable way. Their moisture-wicking insoles are antimicrobial and breathable, so you can confidently wear these cute heels to work without worrying about stinky feet at the end of the day. Check out our editor review for all the deats on how VIVAIA fares during long walks and airport trips!
Our Editor’s Review | “As a travel shoe, VIVAIA fared like a dream: They easily slip off for security, are comfy enough in-flight, and allow you to step off the plane in a presentable look!” – Ashley D’Arcy, Senior Editor [Read the full review.]
10. Melissa
Best For | Jelly shoesSustainable Materials | Recycled plastic, USDA-certified biobased materials
Size Range | 5 – 13
Price Range | $49 – $129
Melissa was founded in 1979 with a vision to transform plastic into extraordinary footwear. Committed to sustainability, Melissa focuses on designing, creating, and caring for shoes in eco-friendly ways. All Melissa shoes are made in Brazil by Grendene, one of the world’s largest footwear manufacturers, which owns its factories and ensures good working conditions, fair wages, and career development for over 16,000 employees. Melissa shoes are also vegan and cruelty-free, made from MelFlex, a durable PVC that can be recycled after years of use. The company also incorporates biobased materials from plants into their sandals, with each item designed for circularity.
Customer Review | “I love these. They go with everything. It’s like a shoe a Practical Barbie would wear to look everyday cute! Compliments galore.” – Jenna T. (Read all reviews.)
Featured image is from Alohas
