Let’s be real – shoes take a beating. Whether you’re walking to work, exploring a new city, or chasing your dog around the park, a good, durable pair of tennis shoes is a wardrobe essential. But most mainstream sneakers are packed with synthetic materials, glued together with harsh chemicals, and manufactured in ways that are definitely NOT eco-friendly.
Lucky for us, a handful of thoughtful brands are reimagining sneakers – making them stylish, durable, and much kinder to the planet. If you’re looking to step into sustainability (literally), here are a few of the best brands to check out.
1. Veja
Veja is basically the poster child for sustainable sneakers – and for good reason. They’ve built transparency into every level of their production, from sourcing fair trade organic cotton in Brazil to using wild rubber from the Amazon (helping protect the rainforest from deforestation). Their signature minimalist look goes with just about everything, and they’ve even released vegan versions using corn waste and recycled materials.
Best for: Classic everyday sneakers
Materials: Organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, recycled plastic bottles, chrome-free leather
Price: $130–$200
🌍 Available worldwide. Manufactured in Brazil.
2. CLAE
CLAE makes refined, low-profile sneakers with a sustainable twist. Many of their styles feature innovative vegan materials like cactus leather and recycled mesh, and their signature Uppeal textile is crafted from apple waste fibers left over from the juice industry. It’s a clever way to reduce food waste while creating a durable, stylish material. CLAE is a great choice if you’re after something a little more elevated and minimalist – without the bulky, athletic look of typical sneakers.
Best for: Sleek, city-ready styles
Materials: Vegan leather, recycled mesh, organic canvas
Price: $90–$180
🌍 Based in Los Angeles; ships internationally.
3. MOEA
MOEA (short for Mother Earth) is all about bio-based sneakers. Instead of leather, they use agricultural food waste to create vegan leather alternatives. The result is a line of sneakers made from coconut, pineapple, mushrooms, and more. Their designs are modern and playful, and while they’re newer on the scene, they’ve already made a name for themselves in the vegan footwear world.
Best for: Vegan innovation and bold design
Materials: Apple, pineapple, and grape leather, recycled rubber
Price: $110–$145
🌍 Made in Portugal. Ships across Europe and beyond.
4. Ecoalf
Ecoalf was founded with a single goal: stop trashing the planet. Their sneakers are part of a wider line of sustainable fashion, and they make shoes from things like recycled tires and post-consumer waste. Some of their styles are chunkier and sportier, which makes them great for walking or travel. They’re also a certified B Corp.
Best for: Durable shoes with a strong mission
Materials: Recycled ocean plastic, used tires, organic cotton
Price: $90–$150
🌍 Based in Spain, with a growing global presence.
5. Thies 1856
Thies 1856 is one of Germany’s oldest shoe brands, but they’ve embraced sustainability in a big way. Their vegan sneaker line is made using materials like cork, recycled PET bottles, and natural rubber. They’re stylish in a quiet way – understated, comfy, and surprisingly lightweight.
Best for: Lightweight, ethical options with heritage
Materials: Ocean plastic, vegan leather, cork, natural rubber
Price: $100–$140
🌍 Made in Portugal. Available across Europe.
6. Allbirds
Allbirds has become a household name in the world of eco footwear – and for good reason. Their shoes are insanely comfortable (thanks to merino wool and cushy sugarcane soles), and their carbon footprint is clearly labeled on every product. Great for travel, work, or weekend errands, these are sneakers that actually feel good on both your feet and your conscience.
Price: $98–$160
Materials: Merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, sugarcane EVA, recycled plastic
Best for: Ultra-comfy everyday sneakers
🌍 US-based, ships worldwide from the US, UK, EU, and beyond
Things to Keep in Mind
🌲 Materials: Look for organic, recycled, or bio-based options, and avoid shoes with heavy synthetic blends unless they’re recycled.
🌲 Manufacturing: Brands that produce in Europe often follow stricter labor and environmental regulations.
🌲 Durability: A sustainable shoe isn’t just about what it’s made of – it should last a long time too. Well-constructed soles, good stitching, and replaceable insoles are all good signs.
There’s no need to sacrifice style or comfort when choosing planet-friendly footwear. Whether you want sleek and minimal or sporty and bold, these brands are proving that sustainable sneakers can do it all.