Nike shareholders voted against addressing voters’ rights. So here are 10 brands offering ethically-made sneakers as an alternative to Nike women sneakers.
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With their cool designs and performance materials, Nike has long been a go-to sneaker brand for athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. They’ve also taken sustainable and ethical initiatives like using recycled materials and collaborating with NGOs to improve work-place standards. However, this past week saw the brand vote against its ethical standards and commitments, sparking an internal and external debate about how committed the brand truly is to uplifting workers or if it’s merely another form of greenwashing.
At Nike’s annual meeting this month, shareholders voted against a proposal introduced by the Domini Impact Equity Fun to enter into binding agreements with supply chain workers to better address human rights issues in high-risk nations. The proposal was also introduced last year urging Nike to pay $2.2 million in allegedly unpaid wages to 4,000 garment workers in Cambodia and Thailand and to evaluate the performance of its supply chain management, including an investigation into forced labor and wage theft issues.
Shareholders voted against the proposal stating that there there are already controls in play to address labor issues. However they are not legally binding. Domini also noted in their proposal that the brand must publish a report on the impact of adopting worker-driven social responsibility (WSR) to create binding agreements on safety standards. Elsewhere it was questioned why the brand failed to join the Pakistan Accord like brands like Adidas and Puma. And, executive compensation, with the CEO earning $29.2 million for fiscal 2024 was also brought into question.
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As a global brand that states “Throughout our global supply chain, we’re advocating for better practices and greater transparency and empowering systems that help everyone excel,” this latest news goes against its mission of responsible sourcing and transparency. With an estimated 118 factories in 8 different countries making Nike shoes at different stages, it’s hard to see how responsible sourcing and production can be achieved if agreements aren’t binding and responsibility isn’t taken when human and wage violations are brought to the attention of the brand.
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With news stories like these, The Wellness Feed doesn’t believe in only bringing to attention the bad and ugly. We also believe in highlighting the positive- and that includes talking about the brands who are doing right. These are brands who are B Corp certified for meeting environmental and social standards. Their partner factories meet the International Labour Organization’s standards for safe workplaces. Other brand partner with factories in regions that have strict policies about wages and labor rights. And, all of these brands offer appealing styles that have the same performance and comfort you’re used to from bigger global brands.
Looking for ethical alternatives to Nike womens sneakers? Read about the brands and click the links to learn more about their factories and production standards. Happy shopping!
Veja™ Rio Branco Sneakers $160
Low-tops are made in Brazil from sustainable materials, including recycled Alveomesh and soles constructed of wild rubber from the Amazonian Rainforest in Brazilian factories that respect International Labour Organization rules and pay living wages.
Alohas Tb.490 Rife Sheen Red $170 (Sale $145)
Made from nylon, suede, and rubber soles these sneakers are made locally in Alicante, Spain or Portugal.
Cariuma White LWG Leather/Ice $139
These simple white sneakers are made from leather sourced from LWG-certified Gold Rated tanneries and a recycled mesh lining in factories that are 3rd party verified to meet the International Labor Organization (ILO) minimum wage guide.
These vintage style sneakers are made with organic cotton, natural rubber, and eucalyptus fiber in factories that meet ILO Core Labor Standards and are audited by 3rd parties to ensure social and environmental standards are met.
These durable sneakers are designed to protect your feet on mountainous terrains and the city. Made from suede, nylon, and rubber in factories based in Spain and Portugal.
Extra support has made these a favorite shoe for runners. Made from 30% recycled content in Vietnam-based factories. The company also chooses factories in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act.
These everyday sneakers are made from chrome-free leather and recycled polyester in factories based in China and Portugal that have undergone 3rd-party audits for meeting ethical and environmental standards.
Thousand Fell Women’s Lace Up $125
Made from a combination of recycled polyester and plant-based materials such as sugarcane and coconut, and vegan-leather these sustainable are great for everyday wear. Made in a family-owned factory in Brazil.
These white tennis-style sneakers are made from Leather Working Group Gold-Certified leather, recycled polyester, and rubber in 3rd-party audited factories in China, Portugal, and Brazil.
Boden Erin Retro Tennis Sneakers $150
These vintage-style sneakers are made from suede and textiles in factories that are vetted for fair trade. In 2008 Boden joined the
Ethical Trading Initiative and adopted the Responsible Sourcing Commitment.