When it comes to footwear, functionality and aesthetics are not the only factors to consider. As conscious consumers, it is important to choose eco-friendly and ethical options that align with our values. This is especially true for boots, which can be challenging to produce sustainably and dispose of responsibly.
To help reduce our impact on the environment, Sustainable Jungle has scouted out some of the best sustainable and ethical boot brands. Through independent research and confirmation of claims from brands, they have compiled a list of their top picks. In this article, we will take a closer look at these brands and their eco-friendly and ethical practices, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your next pair of boots.
Ethical & Fair Trade Boots Kicking Fast Fashion to the Curb
As the fashion industry moves towards a more sustainable future, ethical and fair trade boots have emerged as a popular alternative to fast fashion. These boots are made with eco-friendly materials, are cruelty-free, and are manufactured under safe and ethical working conditions. Here are some of the top brands that are leading the way in producing ethical and fair trade boots.
1. Bhava
Bhava is a cruelty-free and vegan shoe brand that produces a wide range of footwear, including ethical boots with an innovative kick. Their sustainable knee-high boots and boot uppers are made of vegan leather that is REACH-compliant and free of formaldehyde, phthalates, azo dyes, and chrome. The sustainable women’s boots are handmade by one of two main manufacturing partners in Spain and India, with factories that are personally vetted for safe working conditions. Bhava also uses natural rubber soles, eco-suede linings, cork insoles, and some heels made with wood. The Claudia Platform Ankle Boot is a standout product, with a dark vegan leather upper and wooden platform sole and heel.
2. Nisolo
Nisolo is a certified B-Corp that produces ethically-made accessories, including a wide range of eco-friendly sandals and sustainable winter boots. Their sustainable winter boots are made of ethically-sourced leather that is a by-product of the meat industry. Nisolo works with certified Leather Working Group (LWG) tanneries to collect this leather. They also partner with two other factories and groups of independent artisans in Mexico and Kenya, respectively. In their own Peruvian factory, they provide needed employment opportunities for locals, going above and beyond to ensure fair wages and financial support like assisting with home loans. Nisolo is Climate Neutral-certified and offsets its carbon emissions through a partnership with Ecosphere+ to tackle deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest. Their Heeled Chelsea Boots are a fan favorite, made with a luxuriously smooth and high-quality leather and a chunky wooden heel.
3. ABLE
ABLE is a company that empowers women by providing job opportunities and fair wages. Their sustainable women’s boots are made of upcycled deadstock leather, including Napa, nubuck, microsuede, and crocodile. Other materials in these sustainable women’s boots include cotton laces and natural rubber soles. 90% of ABLE’s workforce are women, and their partners are based in Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, China, India, Portugal, and Tennessee. They support their staff by providing partial ownership in the company, full maternity coverage, options for 100% health coverage, and infertility and/or adoption assistance. ABLE’s Dorset Boots are a popular choice, made of upcycled deadstock leather with a classic design.
4. Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn is a sustainable fashion brand that produces ethically-made dresses, jumpsuits, and boots. Their sustainable women’s boots are made of vegetable-tanned leather that is free of chrome and other harmful chemicals. The boots are handmade in small batches by artisans in Mexico, ensuring that each pair is unique. Christy Dawn also uses recycled materials in their packaging and shipping materials, reducing their environmental impact.
5. VIVAIA
VIVAIA is a vegan shoe brand that produces sustainable women’s boots made of recycled materials. Their sustainable women’s boots are made of recycled plastic bottles, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional boots. The boots are also machine-washable, making them easy to care for and maintain. VIVAIA is committed to using sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that their products are cruelty-free and produced under safe working conditions.
6. Thesus
Thesus is an ethical shoe brand that produces handmade boots using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Their sustainable women’s boots are made of vegetable-tanned leather and natural rubber soles. The boots are handmade in small batches by artisans in Greece, ensuring that each pair is unique. Thesus is committed to using transparent production practices, ensuring that their products are ethically made and cruelty-free.
7. Sezane
Sezane is a fashion brand that produces stylish and sustainable women’s boots made of vegetable-tanned and chrome-free leather. The boots are handmade in small batches by artisans in Italy, ensuring that each pair is unique. Sezane is committed to using ethical working conditions and artisan-made products, ensuring that their products are produced under safe and fair conditions.
8. Matisse Footwear
Matisse Footwear is a fashion brand that produces sustainable women’s boots made of eco-friendly materials. Their sustainable women’s boots are made of vegetable-tanned leather and natural rubber soles. The boots are handmade in small batches by artisans in Mexico, ensuring that each pair is unique
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How We Found The Best Sustainable Boots
When it comes to sustainable boots, it’s important to consider the materials used, supply chain and labor practices, carbon commitments and green practices, and community and charitable giving of the brand. With this in mind, the team at the sustainable and ethical fashion guide conducted research to find the most ethical boot companies.
Final Thoughts On The Most Ethical Boot Companies
After thorough research, the team at the sustainable and ethical fashion guide found that there are several brands that stand out for their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in the production of their boots.
One such brand is Allbirds, which offers a range of sustainable footwear options, including sneakers and boots. All of their products are made from sustainable materials, such as merino wool, and they use recycled materials for their packaging.
Another brand that caught our attention is Fortress of Inca, which offers a range of sustainable leather boots. They use responsibly sourced leather and prioritize fair labor practices in their supply chain.
Coclico is another brand that stands out for their commitment to sustainability. They offer a range of sustainable and eco-friendly materials for their boots, such as vegetable-tanned leather and natural rubber soles.
Nomasei is a luxury brand that offers sustainable boots made from recycled natural rubber and vegan glue. They also prioritize fair labor practices and give back to their community through charitable giving.
Overall, we found that the most ethical boot companies prioritize sustainable materials, fair labor practices, carbon commitments and green practices, and community and charitable giving. By supporting these brands, consumers can feel good about their purchase and contribute to a more sustainable future.
