Our editors have walked in hundreds of platform sandals to find the best options for comfort, style, and durability. These are our favorites.
As many of our favorite ‘90s sitcoms return to the mainstream (hi Sister, Sister!), so too do the styles—like platform sandals! And while it may be a trend, sustainability is forever—which is why we prioritize responsible brands and ethical sourcing when it comes to our leather shoes. If you’re looking for a new pair of platform shoes (or flatforms), check out these responsible brands using their platforms for good.
Why choose ethical leather?
When you opt for ethical leather and artisan-made sandals, you’re saying no to unethical practices like animal cruelty and exploitative labor. Plus, you’re supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and fair trade practices through conscious fashion choices. Some of our listed sandals are artisan-made, while others use vegan materials or deadstock and upcycled leather. For secondhand options that are a bit more affordable, we recommend searching these brands on secondhand clothing sites like Poshmark and Depop.
Our Criteria:
Our editors have worn, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to select the best brands for sustainable platform sandals. We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet the below criteria.
- SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS | Each of these brands uses sustainable materials like upcycled leather, recycled fabrics, and eco-friendly materials while minimizing waste and excess production in their manufacturing.
- CONSTRUCTION | Many of these platform sandals are made using Artisan craftsmanship and heritage techniques, ensuring they are durable and long-lasting while looking and feeling luxurious.
- ETHICS | Each of these sustainable brands is intentional about sourcing and manufacturing the materials for its shoes, employing cruelty-free practices, and ensuring safe and fair working conditions for its employees.
Looking for more sustainable shoes? Here are the best sustainable sneakers and the best sustainable shoes overall.
1. Alohas
Sustainable Materials | Responsibly sourced leather
Sizes Available | 5 – 14.5
Price Range | €160 – €210
Alohas partners with skilled artisans in Alicante, Spain to bring these gorgeous designs to life. What’s more, the team operates under an on-demand production model to minimize waste. Simply pre-order a pair (at a discounted price!), and then you’ll receive them in a few week’s time. Trust us—the wait is worth it. In addition to responsibly sourced leather platforms, Alohas has vegan-friendly soles too. (We’re obsessed with the checkered options!) Alohas ships worldwide.
Customer Review | “Genuinely these are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn. Customer service was also amazing, I ordered the wrong size and they made the exchange process quick and seamless. They’re expensive but worth every penny, they will be my go to shoe all summer in NYC.” – S.M. (Read all reviews.)
2. Nisolo
Sustainable Materials | LWG-certified leather, EVA
Sizes Available | 5 – 11
Price Range | $138
For pain-free long walks on hot summer days, Nisolo’s flatform sandals deliver! Both easy to slip on and built on comfy shock-absorbing insoles, these LWG-certified sandals are built for those of us with on-the-go lifestyles who love lightweight, supportive sandals. After a few wears, the leather on Nisolo’s sandals will mold to your feet for a perfect blissful fit. Plus, they’re sustainably made with 100% living wages and 0% net carbon.
Customer Review | “I struggle with back pain, but I have been able to wear these sandals without any issue. They are super comfy and I do not get blisters. SO comfy.” – Berenice (Read all reviews.)
3. Rothy’s
Sizes Available | 5 – 13
Price Range | $129 – $189
Rothy’s makes ultra-comfortable wedge sandals featuring a super-cushy footbed and a stretchy heel strap for an easy, buckle-free style that you can dress up or down. Crafted from Rothy’s signature thread spun from plastic bottles, it took about four bottles to knit the straps of these shoes. Plus, there’s no break-in period with these sandals! In 2023, Rothy’s factory achieved TRUE Platinum certification, validating its zero waste practices. Our favorite feature: All styles are 100% machine washable, ensuring they last for the long haul—simply toss them in the wash with cold water, air dry, and wear again!
Customer Review | “Super comfortable and walkable, with just the right amount of fancy. I love ‘em!” – Julie P. (Read all reviews.)
4. MATT & NAT
Sustainable Materials | Vegan leather, recycled materials
Sizes Available | 5 – 10
Price Range | $90 – $115
Founded in 1995 in Montreal, MAT(T)ERIAL and NATURE (MATT & NAT) is driven by the motto “live beautifully”. The brand never uses leather or animal-based materials, and utilizes linings made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, recycling over 9 million bottles annually. Each collection uses high-quality vegan materials, including biodegradable polyurethane (PU), recycled windshield glass resin (PVB), nylon, rubber, and experimental fruit skin fibers. No matter how you choose to style their platforms, you’ll be receiving compliments all summer long!
5. Camper
Sustainable Materials | Recycled poly, EVA
Sizes Available | 6 – 11
Price Range | $35 – $340
Founded in Mallorca Spain, Camper strives to craft unique footwear that’s made responsibly and gives back to greater communities. Camper aims to make all components of their products certified and traceable from raw materials to end-of-life. They also collaborate with leading designers to create unique, sustainable designs. As a family business, the brand is constantly refining their standards and processes, including committing to only using responsible materials by 2030. Camper also gives back through their long-term partnership with Esment in Mallorca , which supports education and employment for people with learning difficulties.
Customer Review | “Love these sandals. Comfy, colorful and fit perfectly. Worn every day since they arrived” – Dl Hawthorne (Read all reviews.)
6. Teva
Sustainable Materials | REPREVE fibers, mesh & foam straps
Sizes Available | 5 – 12
Price Range | $60 – $100
For all your outdoor adventures, Teva has your back. From music festivals to day trips to leisurely hikes, these beloved shoes come in flatform styles. There are dozens of styles and colors to pick from, including vegan-friendly options. You can also recycle your sandals via Teva’s take-back program—some of the recycled materials are used again in new designs.
Customer Review | “Another great one in my small collection. Very comfy.” – Yevheniia (Read all Reviews.)
7. Lemon Jelly
Sustainable Materials | Recyclable PVC
Sizes Available | 5.5 – 11
Price Range | $48 – $75
Slip your toes into Lemon Jelly’s sustainable platforms. This PETA-approved vegan brand ethically produces its shoes in Portugal in low-waste factories powered by renewable energy. Though some shoes are made with PVC, they’re recyclable—and Lemon Jelly carries a 100 percent recycled collection as well. We want to rock these affordable, ethical, and colorful platforms all summer (and year) long!
Customer Review | “I love the sparkles in the black shoes!!! Comfortable and adorable. I have them on today….. love them!” – Nancy P. (Read all reviews.)
8. Vagabond
Sustainable Materials | Chrome-free tanned leather
Sizes Available | 5 – 11
Price Range | $120 – $150
A brand originating in Sweden, Vagabond has been crafting contemporary shoes for nearly half a century. This line of chunky sandals is the quintessential ‘90s aesthetic, including the Courtney which is a blast to the past! Vagabond partners with ethical factories in Asia as well as LWG-verified tanneries across Europe to offer fun, fashion-forward styles. When you’re ready to get rid of your shoes, the brand will also take them back to recycle.
Featured image by Alohas
