Environmental sustainability with style; yes please! The best eco-friendly shoes not only set planet-friendly fashion trends we love to wear but are also more durable, longer-lasting products made from innovative renewable, recyclable, and ethically sourced materials.
We’re sharing some of our favorite footwear from eco-friendly shoe brands that use sustainable materials, plus advance the future of sustainable fashion with their zero-waste, carbon-neutral, clean energy, pollution prevention, and water conservation policies.
Check out our list of top eco-friendly shoes for men, women, and kids:
15 Best Eco-Friendly Shoes to Buy in 2021
1. Nike Air VaporMax 2021 FK
The Nike VaporMax 2021 Flyknit is made with at least 40% recycled content by weight: post-consumer and post-manufactured waste turned into an airy, ultra-stretchy, soft cushioned shoe with recycled Flyknit fabric and TPU heel clips. In addition, we love that Nike listened to its consumers and added laces to its latest model to create an even better true-to-size fit.
This popular style is just one of many eco-friendly Nike sneakers introduced as part of the brand’s Move to Zero journey to operate as a zero-carbon and zero-waste company.
Earn up to 6% cash back at Nike when you shop with Giving Assistant.
2. Tamarindo Jetty Chukka Boots
Every single pair of these full-grain leather Jetty Chukka Boots diverts roughly 13 ocean-gathered plastic bottles from becoming landfill- and marine waste.
This eco-friendly men’s shoe has slip-resistant rubber pads and a padded footbed for all-day comfort, plus has a unique handmade look, thanks to Tamarindo’s Luxetech Handsewn Comfort Technology.
Tip: Giving Assistant shoppers earn 5% cash back on Shoes.com purchases.
3. Native Shoes Kids Slip-On Sneakers
Native Shoes makes ethically-made, 100% vegan footwear, including these lightweight, waterproof, eco-friendly slip-on sneakers ready to tackle all of your kids’ summer adventures.
The Unisex Jefferson Slip Ons are stylish, odor-resistant sneaks you can wipe off easily when they get dirty and are available in Baby, Walker, Toddler, Little Kid, and Big Kid sizes.
Earn 2% cash back on Bloomingdale’s purchases when you shop with Giving Assistant.
4. Prada Recycled Nylon Chunky Boots
Prada is an Italian luxury brand with a handful of high-end, eco-friendly shoes, like these chunky boots featuring tonal recycled nylon and leather, plus Prada’s signature triangular logo plaque. Other features: A cap toe, rubber lug sole, and two-inch heel.
Save more with Saks Fifth Avenue coupons and earn 4% cash back through Giving Assistant.
5. TOMS Michelle Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Take a walk on the wild side with these eco-friendly, round-toe slip-on wedge pumps. Natural Cheetah Michelle espadrilles by TOMS have OrthoLite® Eco X40 Hybrid™ insoles made with 32% eco content: 15% waste foam, 12% bio-oils, 5% recycled content.
Shopping Tip: TOMS run true to size and are available in medium width only; however, Michelle runs slightly on the narrow side, so we recommend buying a half size up for a wider fit.
You can earn 3% cash back at Macy’s when shopping with Giving Assistant.
6. Veja X Rick Owens V-Knit Stretch Runner Sneakers
Rick Owens is a California-born, Paris-based designer known for groundbreaking, experimental collections. So when he approached Veja with his idea for minimalist running shoes made from banana oil, rice husk, and recycled plastic bottles, they didn’t hesitate to bring his vision to life.
The V-Knit Stretch Runner Sneakers have a reinforced toe, flat heel, and recycled tech lining—choose from various styles and colors, such as yellow, pink, burnt orange, cream, black, and two-toned combinations.
Earn 3% cash back at Bergdorf Goodman when you shop with Giving Assistant.
7. adidas by Stella McCartney ASMC Ultraboost Sandal
Go sockless to embrace the sandal’s full effect or wear with socks for a sportier look. The ASMC Ultraboost Sandal is a high-performance shoe stylishly made with Primeblue: a Primeknit material partly made from recycled marine waste, Parley Ocean Plastic™.
Available in unisex sizing, this style tends to run large; we suggest opting for a half size down.
Find Bandier coupon codes to save more, plus earn 3% cash back through Giving Assistant.
8. GANNI Recycled Rubber Sandals
Ganni is a Copenhagen-based, trend-setting girl’s brand dedicated to incorporating responsible materials and production processes into the design of its clothing and shoes. It’s the eye-catching tonal topstitching, easy-on-easy-off Velcro® straps, and chunky platform soles that did it for us with these olive green recycled rubber sandals.
This eco-friendly shoe style is also available in Black and Sky Blue.
You can earn up to 6% cash back on Net-a-Porter purchases through Giving Assistant.
9. Thousand Fell Vegan Leather Lace-Up Sneakers
Thousand Fell is a sustainable shoe brand designing built-to-last footwear in New York City and manufacturing its creations in Brazil. Why we love these lace-up, eco-friendly vegan sneakers:
- Made from stain-proof bio-leather
- An anti-odor mesh liner coated in aloe vera
- A 100% recycled poly, natural rubber outsole
Thousand Fell also takes back every pair of shoes sold and refurbishes them to give to someone in need or reuses the raw materials to avoid landfill waste.
Find Madewell coupon codes to save more, plus earn 1.5% cash back through Giving Assistant.
10. Everlane Court Sneaker
Here is stylish comfort straight out of the box; that’s what customers are saying! No need to break in these 100% full-grain leather casual shoes. Plus, less energy, less waste, and less virgin plastic are involved in creating these versatile, eco-friendly sneakers for men and women.
Things we like: The sole is a blend of natural and recycled rubber, the lining is 100% recycled polyester, and the shoe’s carbon footprint is 100% offset in partnership with NativeEnergy!
You can earn 13% cash back at Everlane as a Giving Assistant shopper.
11. Nisolo Men’s Huarache Sandal
A must-have for the summer! The handwoven leather craftsmanship, breathability, and sustainability of these beautifully made, waterproof Huarache Sandals make it one of Nisolo’s best-selling men’s shoe styles.
Why we love Nisolo: This Certified B-Corp is dedicated to ensuring every purchase you make supports a living wage to 100% of the people creating its top-rated footwear, plus they offset 100% of its carbon emissions.
Shopping Tip: Customers say sizing runs a bit large, so we suggest ordering a half-size down.
Save more with Nisolo promo codes, plus earn up to 6% cash back through Giving Assistant.
12. Matisse Footwear Ocean Ave Platform Sandals
Matisse crafts its artisanal women’s heels, boots, and other shoes in family-owned factories that use sustainable practices to impact the planet positively. The brand lessens its water-shed waste and uses recycled leathers and textiles whenever possible.
Why we love these block heel platform sandals: The eye-catching, textured detail of braided raffia, a material that is 100% biodegradable and recyclable, gets you ready for summer fun!
Find Urban Outfitters coupon codes, plus earn up to 5% cash back through Giving Assistant.
13. TOMS Kids Alpargata Chambray Stars Slip-Ons
We’re over the moon for these star-studded chambray kids’ shoes from the TOMS Earthwise™ Collection, where every single item involves eco-friendly materials and eco-friendly processes.
The shoes have an adjustable Hook and Loop strap and slip-resistant traction and are 100% vegan. Available sizes to fit future planter defenders: Tiny (ages 1-5) and Youth (ages 5 -12).
Save more with TOMS coupon codes and earn 3% cash back as a Giving Assistant shopper.
14. Okabashi Flip-Flops
Okabashi flip-flops are designed with foot wellness in mind; for example, the shoes’ contoured footbed offers arch support for comfortable, all-day wear. In addition, we love that these thong sandals are slip-resistant and waterproof (beach day, anyone?).
These Okabashi shoes are made sustainably in the USA with 100% recyclable materials; and have a two-year quality guarantee on craftsmanship. Available in White, Black, and Bronze.
Find the latest Target coupon codes to save more when you shop with Giving Assistant.
15. Vans Eco Theory Sk8-Hi Decon SF Shoes
Van’s Eco Theory is a unisex eco-friendly shoe line available with slip-ons, low-tops, and these Cement Blue/Marshmallow hi-tops. This classic Vans style has 100% organically grown cotton canvas uppers, a responsibly sourced natural rubber outsole, and renewable hemp laces.
Save more with Vans promo codes and earn 2% cash back through Giving Assistant.
Pay it Forward with Your Eco-Friendly Shoe Savings
Sustainable materials, a carbon-neutral production cycle, and ethical hiring processes are important considerations when buying a new pair of eco-friendly shoes. When you shop brands that partner with Giving Assistant, you can feel good about your purchase.
We’ve partnered with thousands of online stores who pay you when you shop with them. That means free cash back to you just for shopping! Keep or donate any portion of your cash back earnings to your nonprofit of choice and make a positive impact when you shop.
Be sure to download the Giving Assistant Button, our free browser extension automate your coupon savings, cash back earnings, and nonprofit donations. You can make your next pair of shoes do something good for the planet with ease. Every purchase makes a difference.
Consider these other Eco-Friendly Gift and Product Ideas: