We’re stepping into the summer season (albeit slightly too hot as a result of the heatwave), and now is often the time people truly evaluate their perennial accessories. Over the past few years, buying trends have shown a rising interest in footwear, with customers becoming more discerning about where they choose to shop and are eager to invite new, innovative designers into the fold.
Sylvie Mus wears the Flattered Malva Shoes
For over a decade, I’ve been dedicated to sustainable lifestyle and fashion choices, steadily expanding my archive of eco-conscious brands. Along the way, I’ve tested countless styles and curated a collection of durable, stylish, and ethical shoe brands, each rivaling their high-end designer counterparts, yet offering the added value of sustainability that many luxury labels still lack.
What makes a shoe brand sustainable isn’t a straightforward answer. I’m continually stating the fact that sustainability can be an incredibly nuanced term, and to become a more sustainable shopper is to make more conscious decisions, shift the mindset around shopping, and consider materials and the integrity of brands you support.
Lizzy Hadfield wears the Dear Frances Balla Pumps
However, when it comes to looking for sustainable shoe brands, there are a few things to consider. Typically, sustainable brands are categorised by a concise production (limited quantities will ensure that brands are producing products in line with customer demand and a transparent supply chain) and consideration of materials. Plus, producing high-quality footwear is inadvertently sustainable as it will see a person through many seasons and on some occasions a lifetime.
If you’re wondering where to start, fret not. Below, I’ve listed 7 sustainable shoe brands, chosen for their brand mission statements, the goals of their founders and, for the most part, how they fared when I tested them in real life. Rest assured that like me, you’ll be proud to welcome these brands into your shoe capsule.
Julies Fi wears Bobbies Reem Shoes
How to Tell if a Brand is Sustainable
There are no official rules, as sustainability is a common term used frequently now, to mean different things, but there are a few elements worth looking at when assessing whether a brand is sustainable. These are…
– Supply chain visibility, materials and ethical practices from design and production to packaging and marketing.
– Consideration of environmental impact and putting actions in place to help minimise waste and carbon emissions.
– Durability of the product as well as a commitment to a sustainable mission statement.
– Openess and strong communication about sustainable practices and where a company can improve, so there is no risk of greenwashing or tricking the customer with buzzwords.
– Certifications from third-parties such as B Lab (B Corp), GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Fair Trade.
See the Best Sustainable Shoe Brands
- The Best Sustainable Shoe Brand for Loafers: Dear Frances
- The Best Sustainable Shoe Brand for Mules: Flattered
- The Best Sustainable Shoe Brand for Heeled Sandals: Florrie London
- The Best Sustainable Shoe Brand for Ballet Pumps: ESSĒN
- The Best Sustainable Shoe Brand for Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals
- The Best Sustainable Shoe Brand for Espadrilles: Flabelus
- The Best Sustainable Shoe Brand for Occasionwear: Bobbies
Shop the Best Sustainable Shoe Brands:
1. Dear Frances
Style Notes: Dear Frances has become a highly coveted independent brand, starting as a whisper among Fashion insiders and gradually dominating the fashion scene. The brand is renowned for expertly crafting classic silhouettes and directional shapes from high-grade and robust leather, and they are intended to take pride of place in a person’s forever wardrobe. Concieved in 2016 by powerhouse couple Jane Frances and Scott O’Connor, the brand sought to spearhead Italian craftsmanship and marry it with design components to evoke the strength and metamorphosis of womanhood. Each piece is wearable art, though designed to withstand ample use and movement with the wearer through many life chapters. Loafers are amongst the brand’s most beloved pieces. More recently, Dear Frances envisioned the whimsical Balla Pump—a response to the acclaim of the mesh shoe. The brand’s latest instalment comes in the shape of the Chianti Mesh collection, comprising a red wine-stain-like hue across bags, block heel pumps and ballet flats. Dear Frances wears their intention boldly when it comes to sustainability. The pieces are made to endure seasons (and fleeting trends) and be weather-wicking; the collections are concise, and the measured method follows through to production in their Italian atelier.
BEST FOR: LOAFERS
Loafers are a staple in Dear Frances’ collection. The newly released Gio Loafer (awash with a sophisticated brown hue, no less) is synonymous with the brand’s DNA. Simple yet effective, the supple slip-on loafer was created with sophistication and comfort at the forefront. The design features a step-down heel enabling you to wear it in one of two ways.
Colours: This style is available in a chestnut brown and black colourway.
Size Range: EU size 35-42
2. Flattered
Style Notes: You’d be remiss to miss seeing your favourite Scandinavian women in the likes of Flattered, as it’s a brand gaining traction across the EU. Aptly named, its arsenal is chic, understated and timeless, with each of its designs paying homage to the nonchalance and minimalism associated with Scandinavian style. What started in 2013 as a functional slipper brand by couple, Hanna and Gustav (inspired by the Scandinavian custom to swap outdoor shoes for indoor slippers) has evolved into a fashion-forward leather accessories brand. Some things remain, however, such as the importance of functionality and commitment to utilising environmentally conscious materials and processes. On the website, you’ll find a plethora of streamlined, vintage-inspired footwear and clean shapes. The slip-on mules are among the most celebrated classics.
BEST FOR: MULES
Flattered
Malva Suede Brown
Look no further than Flattered for svelte mules reminiscent of the much-coveted ’90s styles. From pointed-toe kitten heel mules to flat rounded-toe shapes, you’ll find a considered edit you’re bound to fall head over heels for. My pick of the bunch is the Malva design (a shoe I’ve owned for a few years). It’s chic, comfortable and elevates the simplest ensembles.
Colours: You’ll find three classic shades, including a cool-toned grey and a warm oak hue.
Size Range: UK size 5-12
3. Florrie London
Style Notes: Designed for living fully and wholeheartedly, Florrie London is a brand that moves with intentionality and authenticity, from start to finish. The eponymous founder sought to bring self-assured, female-led design to the world of luxury footwear, having spent her former years designing for Aquazurra. What resulted in Florrie London is an amalgamation of Italian craftsmanship with a distinct British essence— a nod to two of the founder’s prominent influences. Florrie London honours heritage and nostalgia with subtle nods to Florrie’s world, including the green (sustainably sourced) insoles inspired by Italian vintage finds and the O-fastening, reflecting Florrie’s playful design ethos. The pieces are designed in her London studio and handcrafted in a family-run atelier in the suburbs of Florence, Italy.
BEST FOR: HEELED SANDALS
Florrie Footwear
Matilda Sandal 75
The Matilda Sandal is Florrie’s signature style. Comprising a barely there crossover strap and 75mm heel, it offers a sleek silhouette that was envisioned for dancing the night away. The shoes are conceived with optimal wearability at the forefront, so it’s one to note for nuptials!
Colours: The six colourways feature a range of shades, from glistening gold to striking rouge.
Size Range: UK size 3-9
4. ESSĒN
Style Notes: Marre Muijis founded ESSĒN in a bid to disrupt the perpetual cycle of overconsumption, instead seeking to introduce a label dedicated to refining rewearable classics that women will own for a lifetime. Honing in on her adoration of minimalist and refined designs, Muijis’ designs flirt with androgyny, resulting in ESSĒN’s clean, timeless and elegant shapes. ESSĒN is committed to small batch and on-demand production—a proven method to minimise impact. Since the brand’s inauguration, they’ve developed the colourways of the much-loved Foundation Flat. From the use of toxic-free materials to committing to a 100% livable wage and transparent supply chain, it’s a brand you’ll be proud to invest in.
BEST FOR: BALLET FLATS
ESSĒN
The Foundation Flat
Since the brand’s inception in 2016, the Foundation flat has remained a core piece in ESSĒN’s arsenal. Featuring a gloved toe (lending it a contemporary flair), a slightly elevated heel and a clean stitch, it’s distinguishable amongst the typical ballet flats we’re most familiar with.
Colours: This much-loved design is available in a whopping fifteen colourways.
Size Range: EU size 35-43
5. Ancient Greek Sandals
Style Notes: Why Ancient Greek? According to ancient myth, gods and goddesses would frequent Crete to be bestowed with fresh sandals enriched with magical powers, which is an adorable narrative. Founders Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou were both established within the footwear industry before partnering for Ancient Greek Sandals, having spent a period working for shoe designers and in an established footwear family business. Together, they built Ancient Greek Sandals, a brand specialising in centuries-old traditional techniques—from hot stamps, lacing, cut-outs, printing, braiding, beading and embossing. Expert craftsmanship is in the brand’s DNA, paired with timeless designs envisioned for balmy days, island-hopping or in the comfort of your home.
BEST FOR: SANDALS
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Saionara Leather Flip Flops
Thanks to The Row, SS25 paid homage to the flip-flop once more, but Ancient Greek Sandals spearheaded flip-flops long before. They’ve concieved one of the most elegant and versatile flip-flops I’ve seen to date. Featuring a cushioned sole, minimalist design, and clean finish, this is the style I advise you to invest in this summer.
Colours: The Saionara leather flip flop is available across six colourways—from neutral to the trend-inspired orangey-red.
Size Range: EU size 34-42
6. Flabelus
Style Notes: Founded in 2020, Flabelus is a brand still in its infancy. Its brand USP was the intention to disrupt and reimagine the espadrille as we once knew it. Since its inception, it’s widened its arsenal and you’ll find many Spanish-inspired designs and vibrant colour pairings. The styles boast an avant-garde flair, and the brand often welcomes artist collaborations. The production is based in Alicante, and Flabelus honours the artisans behind the creations of its designs, is intentional about the fabrications used to craft the shoes and seeks to educate on the importance of making well inforrmed decisions within the fashion indutry, thus widening its community of conscious consumers and the conversation on sustianable progress.
BEST FOR: MARY-JANES
FLABELUS
Dora Single-Strap Linen Mary Jane Flats
Flabelus’ range invites many spirited designs, including the whimsical Dora linen shoe. The rubber sole comprises recycled materials, each piece is hand-sewn, and the insoles comprise organic cotton, ensuring breathability and absorbency.
Colours: Fabelus’s wide array of colours is one of the brand’s unique selling points. Each style is available across many colourways and contrasting patterns.
Size Range: UK size 4-9
7. Bobbies
Style Notes: French label Bobbies is synonymous with Parisian style, and you’ll find many of its pleasantly fragrant boutiques dotted around the capital. Concieved in 2010 by childhood friends Antoine Bolze and Alexis Maugey, the brand offers the coveted classic of a French woman’s accessories wardrobe, whilst keeping an ecological and humanist-centred approach at the forefront. From the limited production runs, to the fabrications and craftsmanship, it channels a holistic approach and embodies what it means to be a sustainable brand in 2025.
BEST FOR: FRENCH-INSPIRED OCCASION WEAR
Bobbies’ considered capsule features the timeless styles beloved by Parisian women, complete with playful adornments such as this overstated bloom.
Colours: The three colourways include black, champagne and yellow.
Size Range: UK size 2.5-8
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