In a continuation of our series, here is are 5 Ethical and Eco-friendly Sandal Brands to Kick Off Your Summer. Yep, I said it, “kick off your summer.” Turns out, I’m turning into my husband…
Sometimes in our search for ethical clothing and fashion, things like accessories and shoes get forgotten (or at least this was the case for me. But, I am an advocate of small continuous change…and shoes came a little later). However, the footwear industry is not much different than its clothing counterpart, guilty of using sweatshop labor and environmentally hazardous practices.
But, as you know (you’re here, aren’t you?!), we don’t have to sacrifice our values for style. There are so many gorgeous shoe brands that are doing it right, as in beautiful, sustainable, ethical. I can’t guarantee any of the stiletto sandals are comfortable, but I can promise that they meet my ethical standards ;).
So, here are 5 ethical and eco-friendly sandal brands to kick off your summer. And yes, the list is short. Intentionally so. I have chosen sandals that first and foremost, I LOVE. I want to wear them, all of them. Secondly, these are sandal brands that are making shoes that are classic. My style has changed quite a bit in the last few years (thank you motherhood!), and I want a go with everything shoe that I can wear to work, dinner, the grocery store, the park… etc. (and thank you Southern California for allowing me to wear sandals everywhere, all year long!). I also am looking for shoes that source responsibly and sustainably and are ethically produced. High standards!
There are quite a few more brands out there that are doing it right in terms of ethics and environmental standards, but don’t speak to my hear the way that these do. The way to a man’s heart might be through his stomach, but one way to my heart is shoes. Well, that and wine. So, I wanted styles that spoke to my heart. For more brands that are doing things right, see my Big List of Ethical Fashion.
1. Nisolo
Nisolo’s is committed to pushing the fashion industry in a more sustainable and ethical direction, one that values the end product but also the environment and the producers. They are committed to paying above fair trade wages, providing healthcare, and ensuring safe working conditions. They also partner with Soles4Souls to divert shoes from landfills and Ecosphere to plant trees in the Amazon Basin. Plus, those huaraches!
3. Eileen Fisher
As I’ve written about before, I consider Eileen Fisher, the woman, an ethical fashion pioneer and the brand, a corporate ethical beacon. While their website doesn’t say much about the specifics of their footwear division, I wholeheartedly believe in their Vision2020. To me, if they are as pro-active in their sweater and tee-shirt sourcing, their dying and commitment to alternative energy and human rights, then I can trust their ethics when it comes to sandals! Combine that with their commitment to making clothing and shoes that last, and you have a truly beautiful sandal.
4. Rafa
With only a few simple styles, but LOTS of great color options, Rafa sandals are beautiful and minimalist. They use vegan recycled textiles for the uppers and recycled metal for their buckles. Everything is hand-made using sustainable processes, in LA. They are made to order, so they produce significantly less waste than many other shoe lines, and are timeless and built to last.
5. Coclico
At Coclico, they believe that luxury isn’t the ability to purchase endlessly, but the privilege of choosing wisely. I just LOVE this! And upon reading this, realized that they may have created my new shopping motto! Clean lines and neutral palettes are at the heart of their designs, making styles that last. They partner with Native Energy to track their environmental impact, source responsible leather and recycled materials, and work with an ethical factory in Mallorca, Spain.
Obviously, shopping inline with your values takes time and sometimes a little extra money. But, if you find things you love, and buy consciously, you can make a huge difference. Don’t forget about your shoes! And for more on our Ethical Stylist’s Guide to Summer, take a look here.
Also, I’d love to hear about any brands that you think I am missing. Or if you are a shoe designer, I’d love to hear what you are doing to better the industry!