Americans toss 300 million pairs of shoes each year (according to the U.S. Department of the Interior). These discarded shoes end up in landfills where they can take up to 40 years to break down. However discouraging this information is, there is hope, as a push for sustainability within footwear manufacturing is growing. It is expected that the industry will grow by 6% over the next 10 years reaching a valuation of $17 billion in 2033. (Verified Market Research).
As I have become more observant of fashion trends and the move toward (or lack thereof) sustianability within the fashion industry, I have started to pay more attention not only to the brands I purchase from, but also the materials that go into my clothing and shoes. Most shoes are made from highly processed materials, man made leathers, plastics and foams; materials that are not only harmful to the environment in their production, but also often fail to hold up for more than a couple years.
If you’ve also experienced a lack in quality or are hoping to step up your sustainable buying in 2024, here are five of my favorite sustainable places to purchase shoes.
Allbirds are a great example of sustainability and comfort. I purchased my Tree Runner’s for a 10k I was running with a friend, and have turned out to be some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. They are aesthetically pleasing, and the brand’s commitment to transparency in their products is impressive. Price wise, they’re pretty comparable with other running or athletic shoes on the market, ranging in price from about $100 to $170.
I recently purchased my first pair of Alohas, and though the shoes are beautiful, I was most impressed with their commitment to sustainability with their on-demand fashion process. While you can purchase many items on their website, new designs are on a pre-order basis (pre-ordering also gets you a 15-30% discount), which helps them to estimate demand and avoid overproduction. Be prepared to wait a few months for your items to ship if you pre-order, but know that these shoes are stunning and the brand is committed to sustainability throughout the production process.
Alohas are on the higher end, price-wise, but their On-Demand shoes are manufactured in Spain, use certified sustainable leather, and allow the addition of carbon offsets with your purchase.
Baabuk has a variety of shoes to choose from but I ordered a pair of their Mel slippers and have been very happy with the quality, as well as their warmth and comfort.
Baabuk is family-owned and a Certified B Corp with a big commitment to sustainability and ethically made products. The components of their products and workforce are spread throughout multiple countries. Wool for their shoes and slippers is sourced from Portugal and New Zealand and the workshop in Nepal that makes their slippers employs primarily women (who are disadvantaged in the Nepalese workforce), and pays 25% higher than the national salary average.
They will also recycle their products once you’re done with them, either passing them to charities or sending them to their recycling partners who will break them down to raw materials to be used again. They will also send you a discount for your next purchase, when you recycle your old pair.
I’ve been using eBay for several years, both as a seller and a buyer. You can easily find second-hand designer, vintage, and even new items for a fraction of their retail cost. I recently purchased a pair of vintage leather Eastland Camp Mocs for $30 on eBay, and I’ve been keeping my eye out for a gently used pair of Blundstones which will most likely be my next purchase.
eBay has a variety of purchase options (set by the seller). You can bid on items, but pay attention toward auction close if it’s an item you really want, as someone may swoop in and win the bid at the last second. Many sellers have buy-it-now options on auction items, which allows you to bypass the bidding, but you may have to pay more than you’d like, and there’s always the chance no one would bid up to the “buy now” price at all. For non-auction sales, you can offen make an offer. Typically offering 15-20% off from the asking price gets a yes for me. But, don’t be afraid to submit a counterbid if necessary. Though eBay may seem daunting it can be a place for some really great deals.
Make sure to check seller’s rating and return policies especially if you’re not sure about sizing, but I have not had any problems with eBay either as a seller or buyer. Most sellers are happy to work with you to fix any issues you may have, or facilitate returns.
Secondhand
If you’re not looking for a specific shoe, you can find tons of great footwear secondhand from thrift stores, yard sales, or consignment shops. Finding good shoes at thrift stores can be challenging, as there are often lots of cheap, too well-loved or damaged items that get placed on the shelves. My recommendation is to check any shoes you grab for dry-rot and damage, and stick to footwear made from high-quality materials (like leather) and keep an eye out for shoes made in Italy or Spain as these tend to have high quality craftsmanship that will last. Keep an open mind when buying secondhand, and be patient if you’re looking for something specific, as it may take time to find.
All this being said, the best way to increase your sustainability is to simply purchase less. Purchase higher quality items when you can, use them for as long as possible, and see if there are ways to donate, recycle or reuse items you no longer want or need. Homeless shelters often take unwanted shoes and many local running stores will take used running shoes and sneakers which they then recycle or donate.
If you have a favorite brand of sustainable footwear, leave it in the comments below!
ModMango 
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