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A good accessory will take a woman from the office to after work drinks and from 2020 to 2030. These pieces are handcrafted from blemish-free materials that are stitched and sewn to be durable, long-lasting and to become better with each wear. Take the Chelsea boot. The close-fitting ankle-length silhouette originated in London in the 1960s and hasn’t gone out of style since. When it’s made well it’s a perennial favorite that you’ll wear everywhere and with everything for years to come. Sure, it’s tempting to be swayed by the quick bang for your buck designs from fast fashion retailers, but it’ll pay off more in the long run to invest in a quality pair. It’ll also pay off for the environment if you go a step further and invest in sustainable Chelsea boots.
The Humanity Behind Our Clothes: Why Ethical Fashion Matters
These boots have been chosen for the ethical and eco-friendly initiatives from their brands and retailers to minimize their negative impact. For the vegan-lovers, there are a few designs here that you’ll love, but as a disclaimer most of these are leather. But, each boot is made with the intention of being a stylish piece that you can wear for years and dispose of safely.
Cowboy Influenced Erika Boot
With a dash of western design wrapped into a modern silhouette, the Erika Boot is an versatile addition for winter wardrobes. The subtle cow motifs makes it stylish and the the pointy toe and 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.
Minimalist Black Ankle Rain Boot
Owning a well-made rain boot is already a must for a woman’s closet. Owning a minimalist’s dream sustainable Chelsea boots is essential for a modern woman. Lightweight and black, this is a classic boot that perfectly combines purpose, sustainability and versatility to reduce waste.
Environmental Impact: These boots are made from from rubber sustainably sourced from Sri Lanka and organic cotton for the sock-like lining. They are also plastic-free and use 80% less energy than traditional rain boots during production. As a brand, 90% of the materials used in their products are sustainable and traceable. That means that plastic is never used in the shoes and materials like rubber are carefully chosen for how the farms manage reforestation to minimize their environmental impact.
Custom Espe Boot
When the Chelsea boot meets custom design, it results in the Custom Espe Boot. Between the abundance of color on the flower print and the fact that the boot supports independent shops as a way to create a positive social impact, it’s a must-have accessory for any sustainable wardrobe.
Our makers earn anywhere from 50-400% above the Fair Wage minimum in Guatemala, depending on their skill and job description.
Ethical Impact: While these boots are made from natural cotton and leather, the environmental impact or traceability of these materials isn’t well documented on the brand’s site. What is known is that the materials are sourced from small collectives in Guatemala where the materials are then taken to small workshops where the boots are made by hand.
Heeled Chelsea Boot
Nisolo adds a stacked heel to the sustainable Chelsea boot for a fashionable update. The wooden 3” heel stands out along with a pointed toe for an easy to slip on shoe perfect for looking stylish on the go.
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.
Low Heeled Carmen Chelsea Boot
The modern version of the classic Carmen Chelsea boot is made for all-day walking and year after year wear. Also, Nisolo’s Carmen Chelsea boot contributes to combating climate change by protecting the trees from deforestation in the Amazon Basin.
The Classic Chelsea
Black, classic and stylish – these Chelsea boots are all-time favorites. They are crafted using natural materials and responsible production practices for a sleek design that is meant to be worn for years to come.
Ethical Impact: Fortress of Inca is a brand that takes pride in it’s people. They transparently show the small ateliers in Peru who make their shoes. Not only are the men and women artisans highlighted, but if you find that a particular artisan story resonates with you, you can buy the shoes that they handmade.
Clunky-Heeled Chelsea Boot
Get them before you can, because all boots on The Real Real are pre-loved and there’s only one in stock. The high shine of these sustainable Chelsea boots are a fashionable upgrade to a classic boot. With a stacked heel they’re an ideal fashion accessory for a night out.
Environmental Impact: The future of fashion is circular. And, not only is The Real Real a circular company focusing on reselling high-fashion clothing and accessories, they’ve made the pledge to go carbon neutral in 2021.