| Items in this article are hand-selected and vetted for their commitment to minimizing their impact on the environment. If you purchase one of these items we may or may not earn a commission. |
“These boots were made for walking” isn’t just the name of a catchy tune. It’s the one thing that all of these boots have in common. Crafted with cushioned footbeds and sturdy outersoles that give plenty of traction, each of these sustainable boots promise to be the shoes that you’ll keep coming back to day-after-day.
They’re also chosen for their style and sustainable credentials too. They’re crafted by brands that care and show how they are sustainable too. So, we’ve included a few highlights about how these brands reduce their environmental impact and increase their positive human impact. Of course, you can always scroll down to their sustainability pages to read about the nonprofits that they give back to or view their ethical report showcasing their wages for their garment workers in Kenya. And, if you’re vegan or plant-based, we’ve also included a pair or two for you to enjoy too! Happy shopping.
ABLE Thelma Ankle Boot
The softest suede is wrapped into a modern silhouette, making the Thelma Boot a versatile addition for winter wardrobes. The pointed toe makes it stylish and the above-ankle length make it sleek and stylish. Not to mention that the camel color never goes out of fashion.
Ethical Impact: This lifestyle brand was built to create opportunities for women oppressed by the cycle of poverty in Ethiopia. The company focuses on providing women from impoverished communities in Ethiopia an opportunity to provide for themselves and their families through a reliable and safe income source.
All Able boots are leather, but the brand doesn’t specify whether or not it’s a byproduct of the meat industry or procured in another manner to make it eco-friendly.
Alohas Can Can Vegan Beige
A chunky rubber sole and light color set this boot apart. Wear it as a contrast to spice up any look and enjoy the fact that its made from recycled materials and vegan leather sourced from cactus and corn.
Environmental Impact: Alohas prides itself on being a business with values that promote sustainable consumption and healing the environment. This means that items are ordered early so that only the shoes that are needed are made to order in an effort to reduce overstock and waste. Recycled materials, vegan leathers and used. And, carbon offset programs and local suppliers are used to reduce their CO2 output.
Vivaia Rachel Wool Boots
These stylish sustainable boots are made for walking. The uppers are breathable and the padded footbed promises all-day comfort.
Environmental Impact: Sustainable materials like wool and recycled plastic bottles are used for the insoles and lining. And, each boot is shipped in 100% recycled cardboard. Their shoe factory- located in Dongguan, China- is carefully assessed for it’s fair treatment of employees and environmental impact. That means renewable energy is used and improved working conditions and benefits ensure employees mental and physical health and safety.
Nisolo All Weather Amalia Boot
The classic combat boot receives an update with a slimmer shape and features like studded rubber soles, memory foam insoles and waterproof uppers. These sustainable boots are durable enough to be worn everyday for all occasions.
Environmental Impact: All leather used in Nisolo boots are sourced from the meat industry as byproducts that would otherwise be thrown out. When it comes to the boots themselves, they are handmade in factories where vegetables dyes are used instead of harsh chemicals. The artisans who make the shoes are given a living wage and educational resources to ensure that they have the opportunities to save and invest in their futures.
Boden Isadora Hiking Boots
These boots are handmade in India from a factory that Boden has built a 30-year relationship with. The brand has a strict no-slavery policy and customers can rest assured that they’re paying for an ethically-made item. And, while these aren’t vegan, they are made by a company that supports using more sustainable materials like recycled packaging and cotton.
Environmental Impact: With a current mission to ensure that 95% of all womenswear clothing is polyester-free or made from recycled polyester, Boden is aware of microplastics and the environmental impact from plastic-based materials. Their eco friendly swimwear is made from regenerated nylon, has a transparent supply chain, gives fair wages, has a give back policy and uses eco-friendly packaging.
Huckberry The Outdoor Slipper Boot (Recycled)
These boots combine the comfort of slippers with sturdy details like a stub-proof toe box, moisture-wicking wool and a tractioned outsole. Indoor or outdoor, you’ll enjoy wearing them everywhere.
Environmental Impact: Huckberry doesn’t label itself as a sustainable brand, but their materials and the way their items are made are worth noting. This pair of boots is made from a blend of recycled wool and synthetic materials and natural rubber. They’re also handmade in Portugal which enforces healthy and fair work environments.
If you need extra support or comfort in your everyday boots, these insoles are made from a luxe cactus leather and microbial foam that promise to mold to your foot’s arch and provide shock absorption.
Environmental Impact: Most soles are made from plastic-based materials. These are sourced from cactus leather for softness, cork for shock absorption and plant-based latex foam for comfort. All materials used are plant-based and sustainably sourced.