Sustainable shoes: You should consider this when buying

Sustainable products can be found more and more in everyday life. For many people, it is now particularly important to live sustainably. But what does the shoe cabinet actually look like? Sustainable shoes are more difficult to find than other products because shoes usually contain different materials and are therefore more difficult to recycle. In addition, kicks often contain substances that are harmful to health. We present models that you can buy with a clear conscience.

When are shoes sustainable?

But first the question arises: When are shoes actually sustainable? When it comes to sustainable fashion, it is important not to support fast and cheap production. Because such products are usually of poor quality, do not last long and, in the worst case, can also contain harmful substances due to poor production.

Therefore, shoes that are made of either natural and/or recycled components are particularly suitable. Vegan models, which are mostly made from apples, cork, paper or other natural sources, are particularly recommended. Organic cotton, canvas or linen are also considered sustainable and comfortable to wear. If the chosen tread also has a rubber sole, it is a truly sustainable shoe.

But: Even if the production of vegan shoes uses significantly less water than, for example, the production of leather shoes, they are not automatically sustainable. If the shoes of choice are made of plastic, it is very likely that crude oil was used in their manufacture – which is not exactly good for the environment. You should avoid such substances when buying.

At best, sustainable shoes were also produced fairly. In other words: farmers, seamstresses and employees work under safe conditions and are paid appropriately. Child labor and harmful substances do not exist in such a production. By buying fairly produced, sustainable shoes, you support these good working conditions.

Can leather be sustainable?

Chemically tanned leather is not used in sustainable shoes. Chromium salts are often used in the manufacture of leather shoes, which in the worst case can be carcinogenic and mutagenic. So sustainable shoes don’t necessarily have to do without leather and be vegan – even if that’s a particularly good option. It is important that the leather is tanned with natural plant substances such as rhubarb roots or oak bark. If the leather is processed carefully and the shoes are produced under fair conditions, they usually last a long time and can therefore also be sustainable. Because leather is robust and can be worn for years with good care.

Negative: The water consumption in the production of leather shoes is usually extremely high. An example: Around 16,600 liters of water are required for one kilogram of leather, including for keeping the animals. If you really want to wear leather shoes, you can at least make sure that the leather is certified and therefore comes from animals whose keeping is subject to certain standards, such as local feed. In addition, the soles of leather shoes should be made of rubber, not plastic.

And another tip: Buying second-hand shoes is also sustainable, because worn shoes are not thrown away, but effectively carried on.

Sustainable shoes: three trendy models

Sustainable shoes and a sense of style are not mutually exclusive. When buying, make sure that the quality is high and that the shoes will last as long as possible. The following models are sustainable and can be bought with a clear conscience.

veja

If you buy, you can be sure that they are sustainable. The French shoe label uses sustainable leather and vegan alternatives for its models: the label uses recycled plastic bottles, corn leather or organic cotton. Neither chrome nor heavy metals or acids are used in the tanning of the sneakers.

Think!

Also when buying ensures you’re choosing a model that’s better for the environment than many others. Because: They are made in Europe, consist mainly of vegetable-tanned leather and you can also make use of the repair service so that your kicks can be worn for as long as possible. Plus: The boots and Co. are recyclable and therefore particularly sustainable.

ethnic

The Ethletic brand offers fair, vegan and – which are also very fashionable. Only natural materials are used in shoe production in Pakistan, such as organic cotton and FSC rubber. The shoes are of high quality and therefore durable.

More sustainable shoes

The Allbirds label also specializes in sustainable shoes. Anyone who followed Fashion Week 2023 will certainly have come across one or the other model. Then are particularly trend-oriented and also more environmentally friendly than other brands.

In addition, these brands offer sustainable shoes:

In addition, well-known labels such as Adidas now also produce sustainable shoes. When buying, pay attention to the materials the chosen model is made of and that it is well made. If you buy your new shoes online, you can usually determine from the search that the shoes should be sustainable. Many online retailers are now also pointing this out.

By the way: With one you can also save when buying sustainable shoes.