Looking for sustainable and eco-friendly flat shoes? Look no further than this article, which provides a guide to the best sustainable flats on the market. These flats are not only cute and comfortable, but also made of durable materials that will last for years to come.
In a fashion industry that often prioritizes fast fashion, it can be difficult to find sustainable options. But this article aims to change that by starting at the bottom with sustainable flats. Whether you prefer mules, loafers, ballet flats, or oxfords, there is a sustainable option for everyone.
The Best Supportive Flats For Your Feet & The Planet
When it comes to eco-friendly and comfortable flats, there are a plethora of options available in the market. Here are some of the best supportive flats that are not only good for your feet but also for the planet.
1. Allbirds
Allbirds’ Tree Breezers are one of the most eco-friendly and comfortable flats available in the market. They are made from eucalyptus tree fiber, sugarcane, and merino wool, making them highly breathable and flexible. The flats also have supportive insoles that provide more support than traditional flats. Allbirds is committed to using renewable materials and reducing their carbon footprint. Their flats are also some of the most affordable eco-friendly ballet flats available.
2. Bhava
Bhava is a vegan shoe brand that uses eco Ultrasuede and cork in their flats. Their vegan leather is REACH-certified and free of PVC, AZO-dyes, chrome, formaldehyde, aromatic amines, and phthalates. Bhava is committed to using sustainable, natural, and renewable materials, and all of their shoes are equipped with repairable soles. The brand is also transparent about their supply chain and labor practices and partners with the first 100% female-owned-and-run footwear workshops in India.
3. Nisolo
Nisolo is a sustainable shoe brand that makes ethical flats and sustainable shoes and accessories for both men and women. Their flats are mostly made from LWG leather obtained as a byproduct of the meat industry, and they are committed to ongoing audits from farm to factory. Nisolo is a Certified B Corp and contributes a portion of the profit from each product they sell to help protect the forests of the Amazon Basin. They also collaborate directly with independent artisans in Nairobi, Kenya, applying the same fair work principles.
4. Darzah
Darzah is a non-profit that empowers women in Palestine’s West Bank through their embroidery work. Their Tatreez ethical flat is named after and made using an ancient form of Palestinian embroidery that requires incredible skill and time. These fair trade flats take at least 18 hours to embroider, and most Darzah artisans work from home. 80% of the leather for their products is tanned using vegetable-based tanning agents, and the rest is tanned with non-poisonous Chrome or Zarnikh.
5. ABLE
ABLE is a sustainable fashion brand that creates ethical flats and other fashion accessories for women. Their flats are made from high-quality leather and are designed to last. ABLE is committed to transparency in their supply chain and labor practices and partners with ethical factories in Peru, Mexico, and Ethiopia. The brand is also committed to empowering women and ending generational poverty through their employment model.
6. Rothy’s
Rothy’s is a sustainable fashion brand that creates eco-friendly flats made from recycled plastic water bottles. Their flats are machine-washable and come in a variety of colors and styles. Rothy’s is committed to using sustainable materials and reducing their carbon footprint. The brand is also transparent about their supply chain and labor practices and partners with ethical factories in China.
7. The Root Collective
The Root Collective is a sustainable fashion brand that creates ethical flats and other fashion accessories for women. Their flats are made from high-quality leather and are designed to last. The Root Collective is committed to transparency in their supply chain and labor practices and partners with ethical factories in Guatemala. The brand is also committed to empowering women and ending generational poverty through their employment model.
8. Nida Lu Handmade
Nida Lu Handmade is a sustainable fashion brand that creates ethical flats and other fashion accessories for women. Their flats are handmade from high-quality leather and are designed to last. Nida Lu Handmade is committed to transparency in their supply chain and labor practices and partners with ethical factories in Indonesia. The brand is also committed to empowering women and ending generational poverty through their employment model.
9. Fortress
Fortress is a sustainable fashion brand that creates ethical flats and other fashion accessories for women. Their flats are made from high-quality leather and are designed to last. Fortress is committed to transparency in their supply chain and labor practices and partners with ethical factories in Italy. The brand is also committed to reducing their environmental impact and using sustainable materials.
In conclusion, there are many sustainable and comfortable flats available in the market. These brands are committed to using eco-friendly materials and reducing their carbon footprint while also providing supportive and stylish flats for women.
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How We Found The Best Sustainable Flats
When it comes to finding the best sustainable flats, the process can be overwhelming. With so many brands claiming to be eco-friendly and sustainable, it can be difficult to distinguish between those who are genuinely making an effort and those who are simply greenwashing. To cut through the noise, ethical fashion criteria are used to identify the best sustainable flats.
Materials
One of the most important considerations when it comes to sustainable flats is the materials used. The fewer materials a shoe contains, the better. Natural, organic, or renewable materials are preferred over synthetics, but when it comes to footwear, durability is also a key factor. Flats made from recycled plastic, such as repurposed plastic water bottles, are a great option. Vegan leather is also accepted, as long as it is made from non-PVC fabrics. Leather can be sustainable if it is sourced responsibly as a byproduct and tanned using chrome-free or vegetable agents. Recycled or upcycled leather is the most sustainable option.
Certifications
Certifications play a vital role in identifying sustainable flats. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), ZQ Merino, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Leather Working Group (LWG), and Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) are some of the certifications to look for.
Supply Chain and Labor Practices
The fast fashion industry is known for its poor treatment of workers, who often work long hours in unsafe conditions for low wages. Ethical fashion brands that pay living wages and have transparent production practices are preferred. Certifications such as B-Corp, Fairtrade, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), ISO14001, Social Accountability Standard International SA8000, and BSCI can help identify such brands.
Green Business Practices
Sustainable flats made from recycled materials are great, but having a way to dispose of those materials is even better. Repairable designs and recycling programs are important considerations. Carbon offset programs, clean energy and water practices, green packaging, regenerative agriculture, and local sourcing are other ways sustainable flats brands are reducing their carbon footprint.
Community and Charitable Giving
Brands that use their success to support those in need or organizations trying to do good are especially appreciated. Supporting such brands can make you feel even better about your purchase.
Final Thoughts on Eco-Friendly Flats
In conclusion, finding the best sustainable flats requires careful consideration of various factors, including materials, certifications, supply chain and labor practices, green business practices, and community and charitable giving. By supporting sustainable flats brands, you can make a positive impact on the environment and society. Remember, the most sustainable and eco-friendly flats are the ones already on your feet, so take good care of them.
