You’re here because you’re above fast fashion and are keen to purchase shoes that ‘do good’ and aren’t f*cking up the planet or people’s lives. Thank you and welcome! You’ve come to the right place as we’ve curated this list of men’s ethical footwear brands just for you.
Whatever your requirements, style preferences, tastes and budget, we hope this list cuts your online shopping time in half and that it helps you find a pair of ethical dress shoes, thongs/flip flops, sandals or sneakers that suit your needs. Have fun browsing these cool, conscious footwear brands!
1. TOMS
The socially-conscious footwear company founded by Blake Mycoskie that pioneered the one-for-one business model, TOMS is a certified B Corporation that produces affordable dress shoes, casual slip-ons, sandals, ankle boots and sneakers for men. The shoes come in a variety of natural materials such as suede, linen and canvas, and are available in a range of prints and colours. Popular styles include moccasin, slip-ons, brogues and ankle boots.
2. Allbirds
Cult footwear brand Allbirds produces soft, lightweight, eco-friendly casual shoes, sneakers and flip flops for men. Made from fibres derived from natural materials such as wool, eucalyptus and sugarcane, this Uber-cool, popular eco footwear brand has already featured in coveted publications such as Business Insider, TIME, Wall Street Journal, New Yorker, and even CNN.
Launched in 2014 and, according to TechCrunch, is backed by Leonardo DiCaprio, Scooter Braun, Maveron, Lerer Hippeau and Elephant, this brand touted as being “the world’s most comfortable shoe” is one to keep watching.
3. Brave Soles
Social enterprise Brave Soles responsibly produces a stylish range of men’s and women’s sandals handcrafted from leather and recycled tire soles and materials in the Dominican Republic. The brand’s mission is to help break the cycle of poverty and empower communities in developing countries through expanding economic opportunities, ethical trade and job creation.
Its men’s ethically-made footwear comes in a variety of styles including slip- on and thong/flip flops to suit the style-conscious gentleman.
4. Vivobarefoot
For the outdoor adventurer, there’s sustainable footwear brand Vivobarefoot that ethically produces barefoot-style shoes for on and off road activities such as hiking, running and other active lifestyle pursuits. Made from natural materials such as leather and innovative ones such as algae, Vivobarefoot is the real deal when it comes to sustainable footwear for men and women.
5. Okabashi
American owned and responsibly-made in the USA, Okabashi has been a family owned and operated shoe company producing flip flops and sandals for men (and women) in the small town of Buford, Georgia since 1984.
Okabashi shoes are produced using a closed loop manufacturing process and are made from a mix of bio-based materials, used shoes and scrap materials and contain 25% recycled material on average which are also BPA, latex, and phthalate free. Shoes come with a two-year guarantee and the brand also has a recycling program that customers can donate their well-loved and well-worn shoes.
6. NAE
For fashionable, eco-conscious and cruelty-free footwear for the blokes (and ladies), there is Portugese brand NAE. Offering seriously stylish footwear in a range of man-made and natural materials such as microfiber, microsuede, pineapple leather and cork, and in a wide range of styles from boat shoes, moccasins, dress shoes, sandals, boots through to sneakers, NAE has footwear to suit all events and occasions.
7. Etiko
Australian pioneer in ethical apparel and footwear, Etiko manufactures certified organic and fair-trade low-cut and high-top sneakers and basics for men and women. This brand is the real deal when it comes to a transparent and sustainable supply chain, winning many ethical awards and gaining top ratings across apps and fashion guides such as Good on You and Baptist World Aid.
8. Indosole
Indosole is a socially-conscious Certified B Corporation that produces vegan thongs/flip flops and stylish slides for men and women. Made from natural rubber and other synthetic materials and 100% recycled tyres and are waterproof. This is a footwear brand that can be used on all terrain and caters to outdoor lovers.
The slip-ons and flip flops come in a range of staple colours: granite, soil, black, leaf, navy and sea salt.
9. Will’s Vegan Shoes
A staple label in every man and woman’s cruelty-free wardrobe, Will’s Vegan Shoes are PETA-approved vegan, carbon neutral and packaged without plastics. The uppers feature eco-certified microfibre material and other innovative faux leather and the soles are made from recycled rubber. Available in a range of styles – oxfords, hiking boots, sandals, brogue dress shoes – and classic colours, you’re sure to find the right pair for any event or occasion.
10. Po-Zu
This British brand has been making comfortable, stylish shoes for men and ladies using ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes since 2006. Using a range of fair-trade and eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, eco-friendly microfibre and pineapple leather (Pinatex), Po-Zu produces a collection of sneakers, boots and casual slip-ons for the trendy man.
This curated list does not fully take into account all the ethical considerations that are unique to each individual. Before making a purchase, we encourage you to do your own research paying particular attention to the supply chain and your own particular set of ethics. You can also check out online tools and apps that provide product reviews and brand ratings here. This list also includes affiliate links. Click here to read more about our policies.
Feature image via Allbirds.
