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The hunt for the perfect sustainable summer sandals seems like a year-long task, one that takes away from your summer fun. Here at Eco-Stylist, it’s our mission to hunt down the perfect eco-friendly sandals that are better for the planet, the people who make them, and of course, your wardrobe. From vegan sandals to sandals made with recycled materials, make sure you get the best pair of ethical sandals by shopping Eco-Stylist’s favorite eco friendly summer sandals.
So, we rounded up the top 9 ethical, eco-friendly, fashionable, and sustainable sandals for summer. From the capsule wardrobe fan to the dedicated vegan there’s sure to be a comfortable sandal for everyone, all with the Eco-Stylist stamp of approval. Let’s have a sustainable summer!
1) For the Eco-friendly Fashionista
The Serena sandal by Adelante is a must for the fashionista who values style, comfort, and ethical production. The 2-inch stacked leather block heel and memory foam footbed provides all-day comfort.Â
What’s even more comforting is the fact that each pair is ethically, and proudly, handcrafted by a skilled Guatemalan craftsman. But the thing that sparks this fashionista’s interest is if any of the nine available colors don’t speak to you, there is an option to fully customize the design, letting you pick the perfect color combination. You deserve to be picky without worrying about sustainability!
Sustainability Rating: Gold | $225
2) The Certified Eco Friendly Cool Girl Sandal
Fully adjustable, versatile, and made with LWG Silver-certified Italian leather, the Nomi shoe by Koio is the effortlessly cool, chunky, summer eco-friendly sandal of your dreams. Handcrafted in Italy with responsibly tanned leather in a facility that safely and carefully manages emissions, waste, energy and water consumption.
These trendy sandals are detailed with contrast stitching and fully adjustable velcro straps, making sure you don’t have to sacrifice sustainable practices for style solidifying their status as a no-brainer addition to any outfit. Sustainable and ethical, these leather sandals are the perfect choice!
Sustainability Rating: Certified | $295
3) The Classic Ethical Sandals for Summer
Nothing says summer like a pair of platform espadrilles! Especially the Atella sandal by Koio that is handmade in Spain, AKA the birthplace of espadrilles.
This summer staple is made with responsibly tanned leather and suede, while the sandal’s sole is hand-woven from undyed jute fibers that are 100% biodegradable, meaning they will fully decompose back into nature at the end of their life. You simply cannot go wrong with this ethical take on the most classic pair of summer sandals. Sure to pair perfectly with your favorite summer dress or comfiest pair of jeans.
Sustainability Rating: Certified | $255
4) For the Sustainable Summer Trendsetter
What summer shoe roundup would be complete without a fabulous pair of flip-flops? These Flatform Flip Flops by Filippa K are made with super soft lamb leather from a gold-rated LWG tannery with environmental and traceability certificates, meaning the only footprint you’ll be leaving on the beach is yours.Â
This modern take on the chunky flip-flop of the 2000s is almost too easy to slip on and wear with everything in your closet.
Sustainability Rating: Certified | $510 (Currently on sale for $306)
5) Sustainable and Ethical Sandals for Him
Don’t worry boys we didn’t forget about you! The Ostuni shoe by Koio is the perfect comfortable and classy slip-on for summer. These artisan sandals are designed to be worn as a slide or slip-on, the LWG-certified suede is able to be folded down in the back for your preferred method of wear.
Need them in all four colors? Well, don’t worry because they are handmade with undyed jute fibers and responsibly tanned Italian suede, making them 100% biodegradable.
Sustainability Rating: Certified | $225
6) For the Sustainable Sandal Loving Vegan
The Chaco Z/1 USA Classic is a vegan-friendly sandal created in collaboration with Taylor Stitch to bring you the best on-the-go sandal to bring out your inner granola. This adventurous sandal showcases both the longevity that Chaco has built their name on, and the meticulous eco-focused design expected from Taylor Stitch.
The classic Z strap is made from recycled materials and is finished with a sturdy and grippy sole for outdoor wear. These ethical and sustainable sandals are the perfect addition to your next summer adventure.
Sustainability Rating: Certified | $110
7) For the Sustainable and Ethical Loafer Lover
The Viento by Adelante is a light-as-air loafer, ethically handmade for the lazy days of summer. Along with being stylish, these shoes are incredibly comfortable, outfitted with plush memory foam insoles and lightweight leather.
They prioritize comfort and convenience featuring a pull tab in the back for easy off and on. They are made in men’s sizes but, being they are made-to-order, this classy loafer is perfect for anyone with an eye for style.
Sustainability Rating: Gold | $225
8) For the Eco Androgynous Dresser
The Salerno clog by Koio combines a trendy silhouette with sustainable materials, making it the ideal slide for summer fun! If that’s not enough to convince you, it’s offered in both women’s and men’s sizing.
The sandals are made with soles crafted from FSC-certified natural rubber sourced to prevent deforestation as well as made from recycled cork and rubber. Choose between soft blue suede or creamy black leather, both responsibly tanned and LWG certified. Making this shoe a thoughtfully made alternative to one of the hottest footwear silhouettes of the summer.
Sustainability Rating: Certified | $225
9) A Sustainable Summer Sandal for Your Capsule Wardrobe
The Huarache Sandal by Nisolo proves that the perfect summer sandals are ones that can go seamlessly from day to night, from vacation to staycation, and from night in to night out. These all-purpose sandals combine functionality, style, and high-quality construction that is handmade to last and mold to your foot, so you can wear them summer after summer.
You can look good and feel good about wearing them too because throughout their construction process, Nisolo prioritizes lowering carbon emissions as well as paying all of their employees a living wage. The perfect sandal for wherever your summer fun takes you.
Sustainability Rating: Certified | $138-150
Why eco-friendly materials?
Fast fashion brands tend to use cheap materials which don’t last as long, don’t feel as good, and harm the planet. The way unsustainable materials are produced can create excess water waste, textile waste, and pollution.
The poor construction, cheap materials, and short-lived popularity of fast fashion cause a short life cycle, leading to many clothes ending up in landfills, continuing the cycle of waste. One of the ways to combat this phenomenon is to be mindful of purchasing products that are made with recycled, ethically sourced, and sustainable materials.
How do I know if something is made sustainably?
You can shop our website and let us do the hard work for you, or, here are some things to look out for when shopping sustainably.Â
One of the ways to be mindful of your shopping habits is by paying attention to how a material is processed. Is it made using less water? Lower carbon emissions? Is it recycled or lower waste? Is it fair trade? These are all good questions when seeking out sustainable materials.
Another good way is by looking for third-party certificates, but always make sure to do your own research! An example is quite a few shoes in this article are created with LWG-certified leather or FSC-certified rubber.
What is LWG certified leather?
LWG stands for Leather Working Group, which is a third-party certification for retailers and brands that analyzes the ethicality and sustainability of leather production and processes. The Leather Working Group was established in 2005 as a collaboration between brands, suppliers, and environmental organizations.
The aim of the group is to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry, ensuring that leather production is meeting certain environmental standards, and that animals used in leather production are treated humanely. Brands and retailers can apply for a LWG certification, which is awarded based on a rigorous and independent auditing process of the leather supply chain. The certification covers the entire leather production process from animal welfare and raw material sourcing to leather manufacturing and chemical management.
The LWG certification is recognized worldwide as a credible and trustworthy certification for sustainable and ethical leather production. Brands and retailers that have received the certification are able to demonstrate their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices to their customers, encouraging environmentally conscious consumerism. Check out our guide on the sustainability of leather to learn more.
What is FSC certified rubber?
FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the FSC certification supports sustainable forest management and is a solution that ensures socially and environmentally responsible natural rubber production. However, it is important to note that the FSC certification is not specific to natural rubber production, but rather is a certification for responsible and sustainable management of forests and their products.
This certification focuses on promoting responsible land use, fair labor practices, and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems in rubber plantations. FSC certification provides businesses and consumers with the option to purchase natural rubber products made in a way that is sustainable and ethical for people and nature alike.
How do I know these sandals are sustainable?
The brand’s Eco-stylist features have passed our criteria based on transparency, fair labor, and sustainability practices. We look at the whole process from start to finish, from where the material is sourced to the time you put it on your feet to make sure it meets our high standards. The products we feature are the cream of the crop when it comes to being better for the planet and the people.
What makes a sustainable brand?
We vet every brand using our sustainable brand criteria. Learn more about our criteria here.
Looking for more ethical sandals or summer shoes?
Check out our shop where you can find more of your favorite styles from eco-stylist approved brands. We curated over 1500 items in order to help you dress like you give a damn.
Looking for other eco friendly summer fashion?
Check out our shopping guides where we have carefully curated the best in ethically made fashion. In addition to sandals you’ll also find guides to the best men’s brands for summer, summer dresses, and more.
Want more sustainable brands?
Visit our brand directory, where we have gathered the world’s best brands when it comes to fair wages and sustainable production. Browse 100+ brands to discover your next favorite brand.
Bella Tabor is a writer at Eco-Stylist. She currently studies fashion communication at Iowa State University. Bella will be traveling to Italy this fall to continue her studies across the globe!
