Something I’m routinely asked is where I source my ethical women’s shoes from. In all honesty, sustainable shoes are hard to find, even when you live, breathe, and dream about ethical fashion.
I believe it has something to do with the intricacy of shoemaking – it strikes me as far easier to create an organic cotton t-shirt than the soles, insoles, outers, and buckles of a pair of shoes. Correct me if I’m wrong though!
So, in order to redress the balance, I’ve decided to put together a quick guide to the best brands providing ethical shoes in the UK.
My Own Shoe Collection
I have a surprisingly small collection of shoes. Comprising of eight pairs of women’s shoes, I have: black Chelsea boots, black stilettos, black vegan Dr Martens, low-top white casual trainers, black sports trainers, leopard-print flats, silver sandals, and white flip-flops.
For my basics, I’ve had these for years – my stilettos barely leave the box. My Chelsea boots are a H&M rip-off of Acne’s signature boots that I wear almost every day, so while they might not be ethically made, by looking after them I’ve treated them as ethically as possible.
My truly ethical shoes are my silver Matt & Nat sandals that I treated myself to two years ago, and my second-hand leopard-print flats are my newest addition – I wore them in just last week!
And coming from the old-world cobbling capital of the UK, Northamptonshire, I also have to give a shoutout to Dr Martens, who produce a vegan version of their trademark boots, and still have a warehouse in the area. Mine are three years-old and still going strong!
UPDATE: Here’s my sustainable shoe collection if you’re interested! I’d love to know what you think!
21 of the Best Sustainable Women’s Shoes Brands in UK
So, here’s my list of ethical shoe brands available in the UK. Please do note that the brands I’ve listed all serve the UK, but may source their shoes, materials or production elsewhere. Please check with the supplier if you want to know more about their supply chain!
AllBirds*: Eco sneakers made with natural materials and low carbon footprint.
Be Flamboyant*: Vegan leather sneakers made in Portugal.
Beyond Skin: Vegan shoes that are cute, cool, glitzy and glamourous.
Bourgeois Boheme: Vegan footwear across flats, heels and boots.
Bulibasha: First-ever footwear brand using woven natural coconut fibre.
Cariuma: Brazilian shoe brand manufacturing classic looking sneakers with better production practices and materials.
Castaner*: Classic espadrilles and heeled espadrilles made with cotton in the EU.
Converse Renew*: Typical hi-top and low-top styles made from waste materials
Dr Martens*: I’m referring to their vegan leather range, which I own and love. Read my review!
Flamingo’s Life*: Bold vegan leather hi-top sneakers, made in Spain.
Gaucho Ninja*: High end, re-soleable, barefoot boots and shoes, made in the UK.
Good Guys*: As the name says, all their boots and sneakers are vegan leather, designed in France and made in Portugal.
Good News*: Streetwear sneakers that care about people and planet. Their motto: ‘giving back, one step at a time’
Green Shoes: Ready-to-wear and made-to-order ethically made, with a vegan range.
OFKT*: Classic leather brogues reinterpreted in contemporary styles, made in the UK.
Rockfish*: Natural rubber wellingtons made in the UK, stocked by Fat Face.
Rose Rankin*: Glitzy sneakers and boots, designed and made in the UK.
Veja*: French brand producing leather and vegan ethical sneakers in Spain.
Waves*: Natural rubber flip-flops made in Sri Lanka, with plastic-free packaging.
Will’s Vegan Shoes: Beautiful brogues, Chelsea boots, trainers and more – all PETA-approved.
Zou Xou: Classic, covetable styles of shoes, consciously made in Argentina with worldwide shipping.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links (denoted with '*').
Thanks Besma for this awesome guide. I was looking to buy shoes for my friend and found your guide and believe me I liked it this guide is awesome.
It’s tough to find some best ethical shoes but after your guide, I have no confusion.
Author
Glad I could help Muhammad! Hope your friend enjoys their shoes!
B x
This is awesome post. Thank you for the blogs.
Author
Thanks Andrea! x
One year ago I decided to just buy eco-friendly clothes and footwear. I bought a sneaker from po-zu. Really happy. I have been trying to buy classic loafers (thanks for the review of MAT and NAt, I almost buy from them). Under your experience, a brand where I can buy classic eco-friendly loafers? thanks
Author
Hi Esther, thanks for the comment – great to hear you love your Po-Zus! For loafers, I would recommend checking out Bourgeois Boheme or Will’s Vegan Shoes, both use vegan leather (although there are differences between the two brands, and price ranges too). You may also wish to check out Oxfam’s Online Shop*, where I’ve picked up great second-hand shoes from before too.
B x
Hey Besma, thanks to bringing ethical footwear to my attention. I have just found Waves Flip Flops, 100% natural rubber from Sri Lanka so polyurethane free and their website says that they are fair trade so have just bought a pair. Just done my little bit this year and for the oceans!
Author
Amazing! So glad I could point you in the right direction Andi – I have a pair for when I go swimming and they’re great!
B x
Wonderful guide.Thanks for sharing the article.Keep up the good work.
Author
Thanks Shweta, I certainly will do!
B x
Hello. Vgrrat lista, Thank you. Just wanted to rectify something, Veja is not a Spanish brand but French.
Thank you Alex! Now changed – I always mistakenly associate them with Spain because they make the shoes there.
B x
Hi, I wear flats a lot for work – ballet style and/or pointed – and would love some washable ones like Rothys, but can’t seem to find that sort of thing here in the UK. Any ideas please?
Hi Jenny, thanks for the comment. I’d not heard of Rothys until now – the shoes look great! Unfortunately I’ve also not seen anything like them before, UK-made or otherwise. I’ll keep an eye out and let you know if I do x
Which is the best brand for sports shoes?
Great question Sara – while Po-Zu and Veja both offer ethical sneakers, neither are designed with sport in mind. I know that Adidas partnered with Parley to create recycled plastic sports trainers, which might be worth looking into. Otherwise, Patagonia may have the type of shoe you’re looking for x
Thank you for this guide! Do you have any suggestions for loafers / office appropriate shoes that are under £200? I’m struggling to find suitable options that are available in the UK!
Hi Hollie, my pleasure! That’s a great question, especially as I was doing the same a few months ago! If you’re looking for first-hand, I would try Everlane, Matt & Nat, or my favourite wishlist place OFKT on Etsy.
Otherwise, try Oxfam Online – I picked up a pair of lace-up flats à la Alexa Chung a little while ago for only £12! You can see them in this post.
B x
Please can someone help me re socofy shoes. I got some for my birthday. But I have read concerns that shoes from China can be produced from pet leather. An email would mean alot. As I’m quite confused… Blessings Kay
Hi Kay, thanks for the comment. I’ve not heard of Socofy shoes but it looks like they’re made from cow’s leather predominantly, not sure where in the world they’re made. It may be worth contacting them directly. I hope that helps!
B x
Pics please! (Of your shoe collection) Intrigued
That’s a great idea! I’ll have to do a post in the near future.
B x
Thanks to the wonderful guide
My pleasure Loretta!
Do you have any recommendations for cosy slippers that are ethical and vegan?
Hi Johanna, that’s a great question! I am currently wearing a pair of linen slippers from Muji, which have lasted me just over 12 months now. Materials-wise they’re great, however they are made in China.
I’ll certainly keep an eye out for any others too! x
I’m also interested to hear recommendations in this category
Will have to get on an ethical slippers guide pronto!
B x
I agree with you Besma, I think finding ethical shoes really can be a challenge! Especially if you’re picky, or you have awkwardly sized feet.
I’ve looked in charity shops many times, but there is rarely shoes in my size. If on the odd occasion a pair does appear, they’re usually not to my taste, which is always a shame.
I suppose this is why you should always invest in options that will last, and also take care of your shoes to they can go the extra mile (haha).
Out of your shoes, which is your favourite pair Besma?
You’re so right Emma – I’ve only ever bought my leopard-print flats from a charity shop, and they took me a long time to find!
My favourite pair has to be my Chelsea boots, and they’ve lasted a long time now. I’m thinking of asking for a new pair for my birthday, as ethical shoes really are an investment – but I know I’ll wear them pretty much every day!