The conversation about sustainable fashion is no longer a whisper in the wind. It’s taking the centre stage, with a particular focus on shoes. In the UK alone, the shoe industry is overflowing with an impressive number of brands that are taking the ethical route, creating amazing footwear from recycled and vegan-friendly materials. This is no longer a niche market. Major brands, startups and fashion houses are all joining the movement, creating shoes that are not only stylish but also conscious of the environment.
As consumers, you have a crucial role in making this shift a reality. By choosing to buy from brands that are committed to sustainable practices, you are not only making a fashion statement but also taking a stand for the environment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best sustainable shoe brands in the UK right now, shall we?
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Allbirds: Giving Sustainability Wings
Perhaps you’ve heard of Allbirds, the New Zealand born footwear brand that has made a noteworthy impact in the sustainable shoes scene. Allbirds offer a range of sneakers, boots and trainers that are not only comfortable and stylish but also eco-friendly.
The brand’s dedication to the environment is clearly seen in their use of materials. For instance, their iconic “Wool Runners” are made from ZQ Merino wool, which is sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare and land management. Other materials used by Allbirds include recycled plastic bottles and castor bean oil. Allbirds’ sustainable ethos does not end with materials, the brand is also dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint. They make a continuous effort to measure the carbon footprint of their operations and offset it by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Beyond Skin: Where Fashion Meets Compassion
If you’re a fan of stylish pumps, chic flats, or edgy boots, you’ve probably come across Beyond Skin. This UK-based brand is a pioneer in the world of sustainable, ethical, and vegan shoes. The brand’s mission is to create beautiful shoes without harming people, animals, or the planet.
Beyond Skin’s shoes are 100% vegan and made from a variety of recycled materials. The brand uses materials like recycled PET plastic for their faux leather and recycled faux suede, making their shoes not only sustainable but also animal-friendly. Their conscious approach to fashion extends to their manufacturing process. All of Beyond Skin’s shoes are ethically handmade in Spain, ensuring fair working conditions and wages for their workers.
Po-Zu: The Force of Sustainability
Taking the name from the Japanese word for pause, Po-Zu creates shoes that encourage you to take a step back and consider the impact your fashion choices have on the world. The brand offers a range of boots, sneakers, and sandals made from sustainable and ethically sourced materials.
Po-Zu uses materials like organic cotton, natural latex, and cork in their shoes. They also make use of Pinatex, a natural leather alternative made from the fibres of pineapple leaves. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll be excited to know that Po-Zu has a range of Star Wars themed shoes. Best of all, they’re all vegan and ethical.
Ethletic: Sneakers with a Conscience
Ethletic is a brand that is set on making a difference. They are known for creating stylish sneakers that are 100% Fairtrade and vegan. Ethletic was the first sneaker brand to be awarded the Fairtrade mark, and they continue to uphold this standard in every pair of shoes they produce.
The brand uses organic cotton and natural rubber in their shoes, ensuring that they are not only sustainable but also comfortable and durable. They also make it a point to know their supply chain and ensure that everyone involved in the production of their shoes is paid fairly and works in safe conditions.
Vivaia: Luxury Meets Eco-Innovation
Vivaia stands out for its luxury shoes made from recycled materials. The brand is known for its stylish flats, loafers, heels and boots that are as comfortable as they are chic.
Vivaia’s shoes are crafted from recycled materials such as plastic bottles and fishing nets. Each pair of Vivaia shoes is made from an average of six recycled plastic bottles. The brand also uses a 3D knitting technology to create shoes that are seamlessly woven, reducing waste during the manufacturing process. Their dedication to sustainability extends to their packaging, which is also made from recycled materials.
As you can see, the sustainable shoe scene in the UK is vibrant and diverse. Each of these brands offers a unique approach to fashion that doesn’t compromise on style or ethics. So, the next time you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes, why not choose a pair that’s not only stylish, but also kind to our planet?
Stella McCartney: Style with Substance
Stella McCartney is a renowned name in the world of fashion, and her commitment to sustainability is just as impressive as her designs. Known for her luxury clothing and accessories, the British designer has also made a significant contribution to the sustainable shoe market.
The brand’s shoes, like all their products, embody the belief that it’s possible to create beautiful, desirable fashion that is also responsible and eco-friendly. The shoes are made from a mix of innovative, environmentally-friendly materials, including regenerated nylon, recycled polyester, and sustainably-sourced rubber.
One of the key materials used by Stella McCartney is vegan leather, a plant-based, cruelty-free alternative to conventional leather. The brand utilises apple leather, a bio-based material derived from apple waste, to create some of their high-quality shoes. The result is a luxurious, durable, and ethical product that is every bit as stylish as it is sustainable.
Complementing their use of sustainable materials, Stella McCartney also ensures their supply chain is ethical. The company has an extensive policy for fair trade practices and takes steps to ensure that all their workers, from those in their own studios to their supply chain partners, are treated fairly and with respect.
Tread by Everlane: Keeping it Simple and Sustainable
Tread by Everlane, a U.S.-based brand that has gained popularity in the UK, is known for its minimalist design philosophy and commitment to sustainability. Their sneakers are designed with a focus on reducing waste, using less energy, and making a product that lasts.
Tread by Everlane’s shoes are made with a mix of recycled and natural materials. The brand uses recycled plastic and rubber, along with organic cotton, to create shoes that are comfortable, durable, and have less impact on the environment. The brand also uses leather that is sourced from gold-certified tanneries, ensuring that the material is of the highest quality and produced in an environmentally-friendly way.
Apart from its sustainable materials, Tread by Everlane is also committed to ethical production. Their shoes are made in factories that ensure fair wages, reasonable hours, and a safe working environment.
From chic heels to comfortable barefoot shoes, the UK’s sustainable shoe brands are making it easier than ever to make fashion choices that are good for both the environment and your wardrobe. Whether it’s upcycling plastic waste or using cruelty-free alternatives to leather, each brand is finding innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact.
The good news is that these brands don’t compromise on style or quality. From the high fashion appeal of Stella McCartney to the minimalist charm of Tread by Everlane, there’s a sustainable shoe brand to suit every taste and price range. By choosing to support these brands, you’re not just investing in a pair of shoes – you’re supporting a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
Remember, every time you slip on a pair of these eco-friendly shoes, you’re taking a step in the right direction. So, the next time you’re shoe shopping, consider making a sustainable choice. After all, the journey to a more sustainable world begins with a single step.
So, keep reading, continue being informed, and make conscious choices. Because when it comes to sustainability in fashion, every step counts!