Sustainable Shoes VS Non-Sustainable Shoes

If something is biological, sustainably and ethically made, it has the bad reputation of being expensive. Talking about this subject with my friends, made me realize that the reputation might be a reason why people don´t buy this kind of products. While some sustainable brands are indeed more expensive than non-ethical ones, the difference might not be crazy high. And when comparing the quality, the difference in price is really worth it.

I found five of my favorite ethical footwear brands and compared them to a non-ethical one. This way you can see the difference in price and style.

1. Veja and Adidas

Veja is a French brand of ecological and fair trade footwear. The shoes are made of organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon and vegetable-tanned leather.
The shoes on the left are €130,- and the ones on the right are €94,95

2. Ethletic and Converse

Ethletic is a German brand that makes fair, sustainable and vegan shoes. ‘All shoes’ are made from fairtrade certified organic cotton and natural rubber soles. Except for the metal eyelets, natural materials are used exclusively.
The shoes on the left are €64,90 and the ones on the right are €65,-
Shop Ethletic shoes HERE.

3. Nae and Vans

Nae is a Portuguese footwear brand with a vegan philosophy and concerned with environmental sustainability. They work with alternative materials to leather such as cork, ecological microfibers, pineapple leaves and recycled plastic bottles (PET).
The shoes on the left are €99,- and the ones on the right are €100,-

4. Veja and New Balance

The shoe on the left is made from high-quality and sustainable materials. For the upper material, a mesh made from recycled plastic bottles (PET) is used, while faux suede panels on the toe and heel help to protect against scuffs. The V on the side is made from natural rubber, the sole as well.
The shoes on the left are €99,- and the ones on the right are €100,-

5. Matt & Nat and Zara

Matt & Nat is a Canadian brand that makes vegan footwear and accessories. They use vegan leathers and eco-friendly materials like recycled nylon, cork, and rubber.
The shoes on the left are €85,- and the ones on the right are €49,95.

6. Cosi Cosi and Zara
Cosi Cosi is a German vegan footwear brand. The shoes are made in Italy, often with a creative use of cork and high-quality synthetic leather and their bags are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles.
The shoes on the left are €109,- and the ones on the right are €45,95

I hope this comparison helps you to have an open mind to ethical and sustainable brands. In my opinion, exploiting nature and people is wrong. And unnecessary. Some brands are working hard against it. We, consumers, can decide what products to choose.

For more brands that support fair living wage and the environment, you can check this list that I put out for you. Keep an eye on it, I constantly update it.

P.s.: If you know of a brand that is not on this list, please let me know in the comments below.

With Love,

Alisson