Image: Nomadic State of Mind
Cord, upcycled leather, pineapple leaf fibres and recycled PU are just a few of the materials sustainable summer sandals are made from – discover our favourites here.
As the days get warmer in the northern hemisphere, you’ve probably started packing up some of your winter staples and replacing them with your summer ones. Swapping coats for jackets and making space in your closet for your favourite ethical swimwear can feel so good after the long winter. You might even want to give your trusty Veja’s a little break (although their canvas shoes can be worn all year round to be fair), and wear a pair of sustainable sandals on a sunny day. We’ve rounded up our favourite brands in case your charity shop search falls short and you want some ethical goods on your feet this summer.
TOMS
TOMS is a UK-based, B-Corp certified brand that makes ethical footwear that gives back. With their one-for-one system, every shoe that is purchased helps a person in need. TOMS has various programmes that give back, including helping to provide access to water, safe birth and helping give sight.
RAFA
RAFA is a women’s shoe brand designed and hand-crafted by a group of 20 artisans in Los Angeles, California. The Milli sandal is made from vegan recycled materials a deadstock metal buckle and have a double lined orthopedic foam insole – personally tried and tested (at Green Carpet Fashion Awards no less), let’s just say you won’t be taking them off half way through the day. Major brownie points.
Bourgeois Boheme
Bourgeois Boheme is a Vegan Society trademarked and PETA approved footwear brand making sustainable, cruelty-free shoes for men and women. All shoes are designed in London before being made by artisans in Portugal and the Felicity sandal (which is currently on sale, just saying…) is made from cork and Piñatex®.
Juta
Juta shoes is a social enterprise that makes hand-made to order espadrilles and sandals in east London. It uses upcycled leather and vegan materials for the top and jute for their soles. Each purchase provides well-paid, meaningful work for women who face barriers to employment. P.S: they currently have a sample sale!
Nomadic State Of Mind
Nomadic State Of Mind make hand-crafted sandals made of rope, up-cycled sail cloth, hemp, and recycled PET. The shoes are produced between the USA and a small out of work coffee farm in Nicaragua where a small community benefits from the work. The rope is made in North Carolina from partly reclaimed polypropylene cord. The brand also ensures that rope scraps are recycled and reused in art, rugs, handbags and more.
Credits: Image via @sabrinasinzianna
SUSI Studio
SUSI Studio designs vegan footwear in Los Angeles working closely with the artisans working in its factories in Portugal and Hong Kong (which is owned and operated entirely by women). Bianca, the founder, visits both factories regularly and the brand evaluates factors like fair wages, reasonable hours, and environment. Its first-ever sandal was named after the inspiring Jane Goodall and is made from recycled PU.
Palatines
Made by hand in Los Angeles, Palantines shoes are fair trade and created with a focus on craftsmanship and local supply chains. Available in both high and low heeled sandals, these sandals are the perfect shoe for long summer evenings.
For more summer stables, see our favourite ethical swimwear brands for women, men and kids.
Not quite ready for sandals? Check out our ethical footwear guide and see our favourite vegan shoe brands.
For fresher evenings or cooler country walks see our ethical spring jackets round-up.