Top 1 Best Sustainable Shoe For Running, Hiking, Everyday And Alternatives
Best review of sustainable shoe brands for running, hiking, casual and any activity
SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Greenly World (Updated 2/26/2024)
8/3/2023
8000 Kicks
Price Range
8000 Kicks shoes are moderately priced between $99 to $189 USD. Their Seeker sneakers retail for $139.
Materials used
Their Seeker uses a hemp upper treated with biowax for water resistance. The sole is eco-friendly EVA foam.
The uppers of all 8000Kicks shoes are made from industrial hemp fibers. They source the strongest hemp fibers available and test each fabric to ensure strength, durability and properties like being water resistant.
World's first natural hemp insoles
Features
The Seeker is a versatile casual sneaker featuring a preppy and smart 'everyday office casual' style.
Max size: 49 (EUR), 15 (U.S)
Lightweight shoes
Used for indoors and outdoors
Variations for men and women
Certifications
Their shoes are 100% vegan and PFC-free, meaning free from perfluorinated compounds.
Sustainability
They ship shoes plastic-free in recycled cardboard packaging. The hemp and eco foams use less resources to produce a pair.
Shipping
They ship worldwide from the US and offer free shipping for U.S residents and Europe for purchases over $90. They offer fast fast shipping within a few days in U.S/EU and it takes a few weeks worldwide. Moreover, they have a 60 day money back guarantee for all customers.
Ratings: 4.6/5 (350+ on Trustpilot)
4.5/5 (800 + on website)
In Summary
If you want comfortable and eco-friendly footwear made with sustainable hemp, look no further than Kicks. Their Seeker sneakers and new hemp Chelsea boot provide a preppy yet casual sustainable style solution for everyday wear. With vegan certification, high quality durable shoes, worldwide shipping and an eco-conscious ethos, 8000Kicks makes purposeful footwear the logical choice!
We highly recommend this one for everyday usage wear, and since they ship many countries worldwide, it's highly likely they can send you a pair!
The second one
They eco-friendly and minimalist footwear that provides your feet with the sensory feedback and freedom of movement they crave. Their shoes utilize sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices.
Price ranges
Adults:$99 - $159
Kids: $79
Materials Used
This footwear uses vegan leathers, recyclable TPE soles, recycled PET laces, and microsuede lining. No animal-derived materials are used, completely vegan.
Ranges and Variations
A wide range of styles are available including sneakers, sandals, and other casual footwear for adults and kids. Various colors and sizes are offered to suit different needs and preferences.
Features
The key features include a zero-drop design, wide toe box, and thin flexible outsole that allows your feet's full range of motion and a more natural walking pattern.
Max size: 15 (US), 50 (EUR), 14 (UK)
Certifications
Their manufacturing facility in Europe and Vietnam is inspected by the BSCI and Better Work organizations to ensure good working conditions.
Sustainability
Feelgrounds utilizes sustainable materials and has various programs to reduce their environmental impact like carbon offsetting all shipping emissions.
Overall
Their minimalist ethos means these shoes would suit those looking to strengthen their feet muscles and provide relief for conditions like knee pain and back pain. Anyone seeking eco-friendly footwear made with sustainable materials and ethical practices would also benefit from Feelgrounds shoes. Barefoot and zero-drop shoe enthusiasts would find their wide range of styles appealing.
Nr 3 Shoe
Price ranges: €86 - €177
They offer sustainably made sneakers made from plant-based materials and recycled rubber and operates a plastic-free and carbon neutral supply chain using sustainable materials.
Materials used
Nr 3 uses plant-based Italian vegan leather made from organic crops. Their Rubber outsoles are made from recycled rubber, and the linings are made from organic cotton and Tencel.
Ranges and variation
A variety of sneaker styles are available under the nr 3 range for workouts and everyday use such as goodyear welt, boots, sandals and more.
Features
The nr 3 sneakers feature outsoles and deep squishy recycled insoles for comfort, support and natural foot movement. They emphasis durable and long lasting shoes, that ensures less frequency to purchase.
Max size: 48 (EUR), 13 (U.S), 12 (UK)
Certifications
Some sneakers carry the EU Ecolabel certification. The company has been certified carbon neutral since 2016. The leather is OEKO Tex and REACH compliant
Sustainability Practices
They use upcycled polyester and cotton, sources materials within the EU, and has a Netherlands' warehouse to reduce shipping distances. Moreover, their packaging is plastic free and carbon neutral.
Overall
Nr 3's focus on sustainable materials, ethical production and plastic free processes mean their sneakers would appeal to those seeking eco-friendly footwear options. Their certifications, carbon neutral operations and ethical worker policies also make the sneakers a good choice for consumers concerned about a company's social and environmental impact. In summary, Nr 3 sneakers are suitable for anyone wanting footwear that matches their sustainable lifestyle values.
We've reviewed the best sustainable shoes for better quality footwear. These shoe brands are eco friendly, sustainable, and ethically sourced in many ways. NB: The list has gotten shorter and perhaps the list will get bigger again.
NB: Not all links or brand names are here at the moment.
Quicklinks
Everyday use:
8000 Kicks- Best overall (waterproof, durability, lightweight, all in one shoe) - Ships globally to 100 countries
Nr 2- Best for foot sensory and injury prevention
Summary
Overall, there are many great options to choose from and every individual needs to prioritize which shoe they want to go with or maybe a combination of more than one. You may need one for every day casual use, and also one for sports activities. We've laid the criterias here so you can consider which shoe(s) are best suited for you. It can be price, sustainability, size, certification, ethical practices, warranty so hopefully you've come so far and ready to try a pair of eco friendly shoes.
FAQs (Shoes)
How do I know what size shoe to buy?
Most brands run true to size and have a guideline. Compare and measure your foot length and width to determine the best fitting size.
What materials are best for sustainable shoes?
Look for shoes made from natural, recycled or less harmful materials like organic cotton, recycled rubber/plastics, cork or mushroom leather. Avoid PVC and other petrochemical-based shoes.
How do I care for leather shoes?
Wipe off dirt with a clean rag and use a leather conditioner periodically to protect leather from drying out. Let leather-soled shoes fully dry between wears.
How long will a pair of shoes last?
Quality shoes can last 3+ years and even up to 10 years with regular and proper care. Proper fit is key to avoiding damage. They key is to sustain the shoes for as long as possible.
How do I break in a new pair of shoes?
Wear them for short periods at first, allowing feet time to adjust. Moisturize rough areas. Thick socks can help while breaking in.
How can I repair shoes when they start to wear out?
Small rips or holes can sometimes be patched with flexible fabric glue. Cobblers can resole or reheel worn shoes professionally.
Why are sustainable shoes better than conventional shoes
Sustainable Materials
Conventional shoes are often made from petroleum-based materials like polyester and polyurethane that utilize non-renewable resources and release harmful chemicals. Sustainable shoes rely on natural and recycled materials like canvas, cork, rubber, bamboo, and others that have a lower environmental impact. Using materials like recycled polyester and cork reduces waste.
Ethical Production
The production of conventional shoes can be unethical, using cheap labor in poor working conditions. Sustainable shoe brands focus on fair wages for workers and source materials ethically. Some brands even employ disadvantaged groups to provide job opportunities. The production process of sustainable shoes involves less harmful chemicals and procedures.
Vegan Options
Sadly, conventional shoes frequently use glues and materials containing animal products like leather, suede, wool, and silk. Fortunately, many sustainable shoe brands offer vegan footwear made from plant-based and synthetic alternatives that spare animal lives while having comparable quality, style and support. Going vegan is a step toward more compassionate fashion.
Lasting Quality
Where conventional shoes tend to fall apart quickly and end up in landfills, sustainable shoes utilize quality materials intelligently crafted to withstand daily wear without breaking the bank or the environment. Sustainable brands also offer repair services and guarantees, diverting shoes from waste. Feet and the planet both benefit from shoes' longer viable lifespan.
The Greener Choice
When one chooses sustainable shoes produced and designed ethically using renewable, natural and recycled materials, it lightens their carbon footprint. Instead of opting for shoes made through environmentally taxing processes, sustainable footwear brands offer the cleaner alternative and help reduce pollution so future generations can enjoy nature too.
Conserving Resources
Conventional shoe production places high demands on natural resources, using materials, energy and water wastefully without concern for long-term impacts. Sustainable footwear brands implement eco-efficient solutions in their operations and supply chains to minimize resource depletion. By making greener material sourcing, production and design choices, these brands preserve nature for tomorrows.
Committed Brands
There are numerous footwear brands at the forefront of sustainability making great strides. They are developing innovative materials and manufacturing processes while upholding fair standards. By growing support for these pioneer brands, consumers encourage an industry-wide shift to compassionate, Earth-friendly practices ensuring people and planet thrive together for years ahead.
Environmental Impact of Footwear Industry
The environmental impact of the footwear industry is substantial. Each year, over 20 billion pairs of shoes are produced globally relying on resource intensive processes. Some disturbing statistics include:
Leather tanning for just one pair of shoes uses over 7,000 liters of water and pollutes waterways with chemicals.
Americans dump over 300 million shoes annually, most ending up in landfills where plastic and foam components leak toxic chemicals for decades.
The fashion industry emits more greenhouse gases than international flights and shipping combined due to fossil fuel-derived synthetic materials.
Sustainable brands implement greener solutions across operations and supply chains. 8000 Kicks uses this approach, sourcing natural and recycled materials that lessen environmental strain. Based in California, they ensure fair compensation and safety standards during domestic production.
8000 Kicks shoes are made with cotton, recycled PET plastic bottles, rubber and other renewable or repurposed materials. Their canvas sneakers contain plastic equivalent to four water bottles per pair. Production is small-batch to eliminate waste with durable, quality designs.
As with other leaders in the space, 8000 Kicks prioritizes transparency; detailing sourcing, manufacturing, and social accountability. While setting an example, collaboration is also key. Nike and Adidas now work to scale more sustainable practices industry-wide through initiatives like using ocean plastics.
When top brands drive mainstream norms in a healthier direction, widespread change follows. By supporting pioneers demonstrating a cleaner footprint, individuals guide this sector towards nourishing people and Earth sustainably with every step taken into the future. The footwear industry stands at a pivotal moment - collective support can propel it forward significantly.
In conclusion, sustainable shoes have clearly emerged as the preferable option footwear compared to their conventional counterparts. With attention to ethics, ecology andc ommunity benefit, these footwear brands sculpt a brighter path forward and prove fashion can successfully marry sustainability, style and comfort together.
Contacts
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