In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly imperative, the fashion industry is stepping up its game to offer consumers sustainable alternatives without compromising style. At SDGicity, we’re passionate about eco-friendly fashion and have scoured the market to bring you the ultimate list of the top 10 sustainable sneakers for 2024. Join us as we unveil these innovative footwear options that not only look good but also make a positive impact on the planet.
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Our Criteria Used to Rate the ‘Best Eco-Friendly Sneakers’
Given that footwear is sometimes a culprit for being part of the ‘fast fashion’ industry that gives rise to huge amounts of textile waste and unfair labor practices we used the same criteria we look to rate all products in the sustainable and ethical fashion category with:
- Ethically sourced materials
- Fair labor practices
- Companies that produce their products in a cruelty-free or vegan manner
- Waste management practices
- Thoughtfully packaged products that are zero waste or as low waste as possible
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Sneakers
With the rise of fast fashion and its detrimental effects on the environment, more and more consumers are seeking sustainable alternatives. Eco-friendly sneakers have emerged as a popular choice, offering style-conscious individuals a guilt-free way to step out in fashion. These sneakers are crafted using sustainable materials and production methods, making them a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Sneakers of 2024
- Materials sourced ethically: 10/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 9/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 10/10
- Waste management: 9/10
- Product packaging: 8/10
Allbirds isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement—a movement toward a more compassionate, eco-conscious future that I am proud to be a part of. Their motto ‘Made from Nature’ really resonates with me and upon researching I found out that the materials that go into them include ZQ Merino Wool (one of the world’s leading ethical wool brands), eucalyptus tree fibers, and recycled plastic shoelaces.
2. Oliver Cabel Belmont Runners
- Materials sourced ethically: 9/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 9/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 10/10
- Waste management: 9/10
- Product packaging: 9/10
We love these sneakers as they mix old school charm with the modern considerations of sustainability super well. With a commitment to transparency and ethical practices, Oliver Cabell embodies the values that resonate deeply with conscious consumers like myself. Their dedication to sourcing materials ethically is evident in every pair of sneakers, with a focus on using premium materials like Italian leather and recycled plastics. This not only ensures quality craftsmanship but also reduces the environmental impact of production.
- Materials sourced ethically: 9/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 9/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 10/10
- Waste management: 8/10
- Product packaging: 8/10
Cariuma excels in sourcing materials ethically using sustainable materials like certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX certified bamboo, and plastics that meet the Global Recycled Standard. They are also very transparent in their labor practices partnering with factories that provide safe working conditions and fair wages to their workers which we love.
4. Rothys
- Materials sourced ethically: 9/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 9/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 9/10
- Waste management: 9/10
- Product packaging: 9/10
Rothy’s innovative approach to crafting sneakers from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles and post-consumer plastic, not only reduces waste but also gives new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans. By prioritizing recycled materials in their production process, Rothy’s demonstrates a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability that we admire.
5.Ecoalf Feroe Trainers
- Materials sourced ethically: 9/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 9/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 9/10
- Waste management: 9/10
- Product packaging: 9/10
By using recycled materials like discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles, the Feroe line of trainers by Ecoalf not only reduces waste but also transforms it into stylish, high-quality products that are great for trail or street runners.
6. Veja Runner
- Materials sourced ethically: 9/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 9/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 9/10
- Waste management: 8/10
- Product packaging: 9/10
These shoes give off definite ‘cool girl’ vibes and are known to be worn by many celebs…but with good reason and its great to see them being promoted given their practices of ethical sourcing of organic cotton, sustainably harvested rubber, and vegetable-tanned leather.
- Materials sourced ethically: 9/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 8/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 10/10
- Waste management: 9/10
- Product packaging: 9/10
Thousand Fell demonstrates a strong commitment to waste management by using recycled materials in their sneakers and contributing to the circular economy. These shoes are made with materials like recycled water bottles, sugar cane, and coconut husks which is innovate and comfy at the same time. One of the things that we love best is that these shoes contain an aloe-vera liner and that means no stinky shoes – even if you wear them with no socks!
- Materials sourced ethically: 9/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 9/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 10/10
- Waste management: 8/10
- Product packaging: 8/10
Vivobarefoot uses sustainable and ethically sourced materials like recycled PET and wild rubber, promoting environmental conservation and ethical practices with the aim to prevent waste from going to landfill which is an admirable quality we love. We also love that their products are 100% cruelty free and not tested on animals and that they are super comfy whilst also being sturdy and functional whilst going on your favorite trail runs.
9. Toms Kameron Sneaker
- Materials sourced ethically: 8/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 9/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 8/10
- Waste management: 8/10
- Product packaging: 8/10
We love that TOMS is really transparent in both its materials sourcing as well as labor practices. This company is a member of the Fair Labor Association – working with suppliers that conduct their businesses ethically, engage with workers, ensure safe working conditions, and establish human rights compliance and social responsibility. We also love that they actively support mental health and donate to fund access to millions of people worldwide who need help accessing these services.
10. Adidas
- Materials sourced ethically: 8/10
- Fair Labor Practices: 8/10
- Cruelty-Free products: 7/10
- Waste management: 8/10
- Product packaging: 8/10
Adidas is possibly a slightly controversial addition to the best sneakers of 2024 list however our investigations have shown that this company has made vast strides in improving their practices, using sustainable materials like recycled polyester and sustainable cotton, but there’s still room for improvement in transparency and traceability. Likewise in terms of supporting animal rights, Adidas does not exclusively produce cruelty-free products, as some lines may include animal-derived materials so make sure the specific line you are buying aligns with your values.
Making a Difference, One Step at a Time
By choosing eco-friendly sneakers, consumers can play a part in reducing the fashion industry’s environmental footprint. From recycled materials to ethical production practices, each pair of sustainable sneakers represents a step towards a more sustainable future. So why wait? Step into sustainability today and make a difference with every step you take.
