The Conscious Summer Shoe Guide

When it comes to fashion, your summer wardrobe deserves the same care and consciousness you bring to your food or travel options, and that includes your shoes. As the temperature rises and festive events fill your calendar, now is the time to step into options that are as kind to the planet as they are stylish. But first, a simple truth: the most sustainable shoes are the ones already in your closet.

Before diving into new purchases, take a moment to show your current shoes some love. A gentle clean, a repaired strap, or a new insole can extend their life by years. From scrubbing canvas sneakers with baking soda to conditioning your leather sandals with plant-based balms, there are countless ways to refresh what you already own. For heels, a visit to a good cobbler can work wonders, especially if you're gearing up for weddings or outdoor parties.

And don’t forget: vintage and second-hand shoes can be both a stylish and sustainable treasure hunt. High heels, especially, are often worn only a few times, making them perfect candidates for a second life. If you’re looking to explore this option, check out our Second-Hand Store Guides for tips on where to find great pre-loved pairs.

Still, if you need a fresh pair, there are brands today making real efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and embrace ethical, vegan, and low-impact practices. Here’s a guide to some of the frontrunners in conscious footwear, along with their sustainability initiatives and key summer picks.

Sustainable & Ethical Shoe Brands for Summer 2025

1People

Best for: Elegant sandals and timeless styles
Sustainability Highlights: Danish brand using eco-friendly materials like Piñatex and recycled soles, focusing on low-impact production and circularity.
Vegan Options: Yes

NAE (No Animal Exploitation)

Best for: Sleek vegan sandals and heels
Sustainability Highlights: 100% vegan brand from Portugal, using sustainable materials like cork, recycled PET, and organic cotton. Ethically produced in certified factories.
Vegan Options: All products

Veerah

Best for: High heels with glam appeal
Sustainability Highlights: Luxury vegan brand using apple leather, algae foam, and recycled plastic. Focuses on comfort, durability, and women empowerment.
Vegan Options: All products

Alohas

Best for: Trend-forward sandals and heeled mules
Sustainability Highlights: On-demand production model to reduce waste. Uses LWG-certified leather, recycled materials, and has introduced vegan alternatives.
Vegan Options: Select styles available

Reformation

Best for: Minimalist and feminine heeled sandals
Sustainability Highlights: Carbon neutral company focused on traceability, water and energy efficiency, and recycled materials.
Vegan Options: Some, but mostly sustainable leather

Everlane

Best for: Clean-lined flats and summer sneakers
Sustainability Highlights: Transparent pricing, use of recycled and natural materials, and ongoing transition to net-zero emissions.
Vegan Options: Limited—look for their ReLeather and Tread lines

Walk the Talk

Whether you're slipping into strappy sandals for a beach dinner or dressing up in heels for a rooftop soirée, making a thoughtful choice about your footwear matters. Start with what you have, explore second-hand gems, and when you’re ready for something new, support brands that align with your values. And remember: sustainable fashion is not about perfection, it's about progress, intention, and walking a little lighter on the earth.