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We’ve worn and researched sustainable shoes for a decade — these are 10 eco-friendly, ethical brands for comfortable and affordable sandals and slides that you’ll reach for all summer long.
Summer’s here and we are ready. From sipping Aperol spritzes at outdoor happy hours, to hanging out at the beach, to visiting our local farmer’s market for the most delicious strawberries, we are embracing all of the warmer weather activities and the fashion that comes along with it. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite brands that are bringing ethical and fair trade sandals to the masses. We love all the new recyclable styles and are partial to easy slides ourselves. Happy summer (and shopping)!
Why consider sustainable sandals?
Sustainable sandals are better for not only the environment, but also your personal health. Some sandals, like the popular jelly sandals, are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and present significant environmental and health concerns. PVC is non-biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals like phthalates, which pose health risks and contribute to pollution throughout their lifecycle. (Don’t fret, as we’ve listed some safer alternatives to the jelly sandal in our roundup below!) Opting to go for sustainable sandals made from eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics, organic cotton, and responsibly sourced leather, help reduce environmental impact, are often biodegradable, and are safer for our bodies.
Eco-friendly sandals are also produced using ethical labor practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers. Sustainable sandals are also designed for durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. By opting for sustainable sandals, you support practices that protect the planet, reduce pollution, and promote social responsibility, making a positive impact with every step!
Our criteria:
We’ve worn, researched, and even corresponded with sustainable shoe brands over the years. Below, we’ve compiled our 10 favorite sustainable sandals that are eco-friendly, ethically made, and are comfortable enough that you’ll want to slip them on all summer. We’ve included a variety of price points, too. We return to this list with regular updates as we find new options that meet the following criteria.
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These sustainable shoe brands adhere to ethical commitments in all they do, including labor practices like fair wages and safe working environments. We’ve prioritized brands that give back to their communities.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | All of the brands below sustainably source materials and produce their footwear thoughtfully, with most using all natural materials and recycled/upcycled materials when possible.
- COMFORTABLE | Our editors have tried all of the brands on this list, and confirmed that they’re comfortable and supportive so you can avoid the dreaded summer blisters.
- AFFORDABLE | Sandals, and especially sustainable sandals, can be an investment. We’ve chosen brands at a variety of price points so there’s something for every budget.
Be sure to check out our guides on ethical handbags, eco friendly sunglasses, and sustainable swimwear for all your summer essentials!
Best Overall | Birkenstock, $90+
Most Affordable | Native Shoes, $40
Best For Comfort | Rothy’s, $139+
1. Native Shoes
Best For | Water-friendly sandals
Sustainable Materials | Sugarcane-based EVA, Wanderfoam™
Size Range | 5 – 12
Price | $40
Change happens one (literal) step at a time. Native Shoes wants us to feel better and lighter with their animal-free and eco-friendly sandals. Crafted with Wanderfoam™ (EVA material) blended with their signature Sugarlite™ (sugarcane-based material), these sandals are lightweight, flexible, and odor-resistant, which makes for the perfect sandal to strut on a hot summer day. These features coupled up with their washability and affordability, are why we’ve ranked these sustainable sandals as number one on our list. Wear to the shore, a waterfall, or anywhere in between.
Customer Review | “I loved how confortable these are!! They feel like they have enough support as not to be tripping easily and at the same time they feel soft and confortable. I also liked that they dont come off your feet easily. Looking forward to more opportunities in the summer to wear them!! They are very versatile for different styles.” – Yare V. (Read all reviews.)
2. Quince
Best For | Nude toned sandals
Sustainable Materials | LWG-certified leather, natural cork, EVA
Size Range | 6 – 11.5
Price Range | $60 – $90
Made with high quality materials at affordable prices, Quince’s collection of comfy sandals will elevate your wardrobe this summer without breaking the bank. Produced in a BSCI certified factory, these sandals are crafted from leather tanned in an LWG certified tannery, promoting sustainable business practices. With no sandals exceeding $90 pre-tax, you’ll be saving significantly compared to similar products from Birkenstock, Alohas, and M.Gemi. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day free returns!
Customer Review | “These sandals feel way more comfortable than I expected. The insole is padded and the adjustable straps allow plenty of room for my wide feet, even when they swell in the summer heat. Love them!” – Carlyn T. (Read all reviews.)
3. Birkenstock
Best For | Classic footbed
Sustainable Materials | Natural cotton canvas, EVA, cork-latex, leather
Size Range | 4 – 12.5
Price Range | $90 – $130
And now for the brand that won’t need an introduction: German-based Birkenstock has been making shoes since 1774, though it wasn’t until 1902 when they developed the first ever footbed with contoured arch support. While you are probably most familiar with their suede and leather models, the brand also touts a vegan line with sustainable cork and latex for their same iconic look. The sandals are made from Birko-Flor® synthetic leather, which is comfortable, easy to clean, and made to last for decades.
4. Alohas
Best For | Sandals for work
Sustainable Materials | Responsibly sourced leather, vegan leather
Size Range | 5 – 14.5
Price Range | $170 – $210
Alohas makes eco-friendly, sustainable sandals handcrafted in Spain using an on-demand model that reduces carbon emissions, fights overproduction, and creates no waste. They handpick providers by working with the Leather Working Group to find ethically sourced leather from environmentally certified suppliers to craft their sandals, which as our editor notes, require little to no break in! Alohas also makes vegan options with plant-based material that is sleek and sophisticated enough to shake up your workwear on those sweltering summer days.
Our Editor’s Review | “These sandals are made with sustainable leather, rubber, and a ZAMAK ecological finishing for the hardware. They have a crossover slingback and a 3mm heel to add a little height and chunkiness. They are so comfortable and require no break-in. A few nights ago, I wore them for hours with a skirt and felt like I was walking on clouds. These will get a lot of use over the next few years.” – Kayti Christian, Senior Content Strategist [Read our full review.]
5. Rothy’s
Best For | Machine washable sandals
Sustainable Materials | rPET, hemp, RWS-certified Merino wool
Size Range | 5 – 13
Price Range | $139 – $189
Cleaning sandals can be a pain — thankfully Rothy’s makes it easy. Crafted from ocean-bound plastic, with some styles including a blend of hemp or RWS-certified Merino wool, Rothy’s creates sustainable strappy sandals and slides that are easy to toss in the wash, so your prized footwear always looks good as new. Each pair of Rothy’s is designed for all-day comfort, featuring a contoured, cushioned footbed and flexible, breathable straps. To date, the brand has kept over 715,000 lbs of marine plastic out of oceans.
Customer Review | “Wonderful arch support, nice sides that ensure that the straps don’t cut, and they are cute!” – Sue W. (Read all reviews.)
6. Everlane
Best For | Flat sandals
Sustainable Materials | Recycled poly, leather, recycled rubber
Size Range | 5 – 11
Price Range | $98 – $188
Everlane’s sandals are the perfect edition to your capsule wardrobe for this and many summers to come! Choose from their ReKnit line of sandals made from recycled materials, or try their Leather Working Group certified leather styles for a classic pair that you can wear with shorts, dresses, or your favorite summer linens. We love that the brand is transparent about their pricing and factories, so you can choose something you love that also supports the things that matter to you.
Customer Review | “These sandals fit true to size and are incredibly comfortable! I got them in a neutral nude color but will get the black as well soon. They look nice and there is absolutely no break in time. I’m not sure how they pulled it off but these shoes are amazing!” – TinaG28 (Read all reviews.)
7. beek
Best For | Leather sandals
Sustainable Materials | LWG-certified leather
Size Range | 5 – 12
Price Range | $139 – $395
beek’s commitment to sustainable feminine footwear that’s comfortable and chic makes it easy to strut in style at all hours of the day. You’ll find quality leather sandals made with soft vegetable-tanned leather and toxin free metallics — in addition to each sandal having molded arch support so your feet don’t get exhausted. They also age well the more you wear them! Our editor raves about beek’s clogs and mules and we’re certain you’ll adore their sandals collection, too. With every purchase, three meals are provided to a child in need through partnered food banks. Consider us hooked — we’ll take every pair possible.
Customer Review | “I have never bought a pair of shoes that were so comfortable to wear, provide great arch support, are chic and tremendously easy to walk in for hours. Love them! Buying a second pair.” – Cheryl M. (Read all reviews.)
8. Melissa
Best For | Jelly sandals
Sustainable Materials | Recyclable plastic, USDA-certified biobased materials
Size Range | 5 – 13
Price Range | $49 – $499
Melissa was founded in 1979 with a vision to transform plastic into extraordinary footwear. Committed to sustainability, Melissa focuses on designing, creating, and caring for shoes in eco-friendly ways. All Melissa shoes are made in Brazil by Grendene, one of the world’s largest footwear manufacturers, which owns its factories and ensures good working conditions, fair wages, and career development for over 16,000 employees. Melissa shoes are also vegan and cruelty-free, made from MelFlex, a durable PVC that can be recycled after years of use. The company also incorporates biobased materials from plants into their sandals, with each item designed for circularity.
Customer Review | “I love my new jellies! They are stylish and I love bringing back the 90s vibe. I chose the clear brown color which is perfect, it goes with everything in my opinion. The fit is perfect, true to size. I was nervous about the material rubbing and giving me blisters but I’ve had 0 blisters. The material is soft, the sole is comfy, and these are great everyday shoes for warm weather. I will definitely be interested in buying another pair next summer in a brighter color.” – Emily P. (Read all reviews.)
9. Bombas
Best For | House sandals
Sustainable Materials | 100% EVA
Size Range | 5 – 11
Price | $50
Everyone needs a pair of cute and cushy house sandals for those backyard bbq’s and quick errand runs, and Bombas‘ sandals are a great choice to keep on hand! The Friday Sandal is made of 100% EVA material (lightweight and supportive) and is easy to clean. If you’ve ever has issues with sandals slipping off as you walk or traction problems, these sandals are cleverly made with a slightly cupped footbed and a hexagonal pattern on the outsole, preventing both. And with the $50 price point and array of vibrant colors, Bombas has truly thought of it all. Psst there’s more: With each item purchased, Bombas donates one essential clothing item to one of their 4000+ giving partners.
10. Reformation
Best For | Strappy sandals
Sustainable Materials | LWG-certified leather
Size Range | 5 – 11
Price Range | $128 – $298
A leader in both trends and sustainability, Reformation has been climate neutral since 2015, with the goal of becoming climate positive by the end of 2025. They also track all their products’ environmental impact with RefScale, publishing everything on their site for full transparency. We love their strappy sandals to instantly transform a casual summer ‘fit into a sexy date night look, or to refresh our favorite wedding guest dress.
Featured image is from Alohas
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