We’ve tested and reviewed sustainable shoes for a decade — here are the best eco-friendly shoe brands for men, all with ethical labor practices.
While many apparel and lifestyle brands have made the switch to fair trade practices, that’s not always the case for footwear production. Often, shoes are manufactured in potentially dangerous working conditions or with forced labor. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Isn’t it time our shoes matched our ethics?
We’ve rounded up a list of sustainable men’s shoes for you! These fair trade shoe brands are making everything from sustainable men’s sneakers to work boots to water shoes while ensuring fair wages, full-scale benefits, and safe working environments for their employees. So whether you need kicks for a night out on the town or laid-back days in the office, these sustainable and ethical footwear companies have you covered.
Our criteria:
Our editors have worn, researched, and corresponded with sustainable shoe brands for years. We’ve selected nine of our favorite brands based on the rigorous qualifications outlined below. We update this list frequently with new faves.
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These sustainable shoe brands follow strict ethical practices in their processes, including ensuring fair wages and safe working environments. We’ve prioritized shoe brands that give back to their communities and offer inclusive sizing in their footwear.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each of these shoe brands sustainably produces their footwear, including using all natural materials and recycled/upcycled materials where possible.
- COMFORTABLE | We’ve personally tested these shoe brands and can confirm they are comfy and supportive for all-day wear.
- AFFORDABLE | Sustainable shoes can be an investment, and we’ve made sure to include our favorite options at more affordable price points on this list.
Looking for more menswear options? Browse our list of fair trade fashion brands for men and our men’s underwear guide.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Vegan
1. Allbirds
Best For | Athleisure shoes
Ethics | Certified B Corp, natural materials & recycled packaging, WRAP-certified production facility, gives back
Size Range | 8 – 14
Price Range | $98 – $160
Imagine the coziest shoes in the world that aren’t just sustainable, but fair trade, too. Welcome to Allbirds. Made with materials like merino wool or eucalyptus tree fibers, Allbirds uses sustainable sourcing methods whenever possible, right down to the recycled plastic shoelaces. As a certified B Corp, the brand also gives back. For errands, walks in the park, or just lounging around, these fair trade shoes belong in every closet. You can read our editor’s Allbirds review here for a firsthand look at the brand.
Our Editor’s Review | “As a former cross-country athlete and a current hobby runner, I found Allbirds cute and supportive enough for most runs. But, I do overpronate — and they weren’t able to offer the same support as my other running shoes. Now that I’m used to running in them, I would recommend them for shorter runs or everyday wear.” – Emily McGowan [Read the full review.]
2. Nisolo
Best For | Chukkas & ankle boots
Ethics | Artisan-made, beyond fair trade wages, transparent production practices, certified B Corp
Size Range | 8 – 13
Price Range | $150 – $280
To say we are fans of the B Corp Nisolo would be an understatement. This brand’s thoughtful and intentional approach to crafting beautiful shoes using ethical and fair trade practices is unparalleled. Every producer and artisan working for Nisolo receives fair trade wages, safe working conditions, and healthcare. The Chukka and Ankle boots are some of our favorites, effortlessly elevating your look no matter what time of day.
Customer Review | “This was my first pair of Nisolo chukas and will not be my last. Ever since I purchased I have loved and wear it daily, so much I am going to come back and purchase the other colors” – Bruce G. (Read all reviews.)
3. Thousand Fell
Best For | Zero-waste sneakers
Ethics | Zero-waste, recyclable sneakers, recycled & sustainable materials, closed-loop process
Size Range | 8 – 13
Price Range | $125 – $135 (+$20 recycling deposit)
The first-ever recycled sneakers came from Thousand Fell, launching the brand into a TGT fave! Using materials like recycled water bottles, sugar cane, and coconut husk, their comfy footwear is as sustainable as it is stylish. Their closed-loop process makes it easy to update your sneaks when you’re ready – simply send them back to the brand and they’ll recycle your old shoes into new ones, while you enjoy shopping credit for your next pair!
Customer Review | “I searched all over for some plain white sneakers that were comfortable to walk in and finally found these!” – Zachary L. (Read all reviews.)
4. Cariuma
Best For | Seasonal kicks
Ethics | WRAP-certified factories, fair wages & conditions, carbon-neutral shipping, sustainable & organic materials, gives back
Size Range | 5 – 13
Price Range | $95 – $169
Cariuma aims to make sustainable sneakers with the smallest footprint possible. The brand sources only natural and recycled materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled PET and transforms them into super comfortable sneaks, in a multitude of styles and colors (including Pantone picks!). Each ethically made pair, once in recyclable packaging, is sent via carbon-neutral shipping. Sustainable, affordable, and stylish.
Customer Review | “These are excellent shoes. This is my second pair of carameI-color Cariumas. They are very comfortable, and I wear them for work (in the office). I also have a black suede pair. I frequently receive compliments on my shoes. This is my 8th pair of Cariumas, and I always order them one size larger than my normal shoe size (11 rather than 10).” – Paul C. (Read all reviews.)
5. Quince
Best For | Boots and slippers
Ethics | BCSI-certified ethical production, sustainable & organic materials, OEKO-TEX certified, virgin plastic-free
Size Range | 7 – 13
Price Range | $70 – $80
For the minimalist, Quince is a one-stop shop for your year-round essentials: One pair of outdoor shoes, and one pair for indoors. Their Eco Cotton Canvas Everyday Sneaker is a workhorse that can take you from the office to errands to out on the town, coming in classic white or black. Pick up your new pair of slippers, which you can opt for in a festive clog style, a classic shearling boot, or as a no-slip gripper slipper.
Customer Review | “I got the sneakers in white and they look and feel great. Much higher quality than I expected at the pricepoint.” – Alex (Read all reviews.)
6. Veja
Best For | Casual sneakers
Ethics | Ethical production, organic materials, low waste, vegan options, gives back
Size Range | 9 – 12.5
Price Range | $120 – $210
Since 2005, Veja has been crafting shoes that last, while minimizing the negative impact on people and the planet. The brand uses natural wild rubber when possible and sources organic cotton up to a year before production, mutually working with farmers to create a sustainable and fair trade supply chain. The simple, unisex designs mean shoes that transcend style so we know you’ll want to try a pair or two!
7. Native Shoes
Best For | Outdoor & water-friendly shoes
Ethics | Fair trade, ethically made, vegan, cruelty-free, gives back
Size Range | 4 – 13
Price Range | $50 – $135
Native Shoes are vegan, fair trade, and all about keeping things lite, especially while in the outdoors. Believing that animals and humans should be treated equally and with respect, no hair or hide is used for this footwear. With factories in China and Vietnam, the Native Shoes team plans site visits several times a year to ensure fair wages, steady hours, and safe conditions. The best part? They recycle shoes through The Remix Project or Zappos for Good.
Customer Review | “Super happy with the Apollo 10 as it requires basically no break-in process. As you wear it more, the shoe feels molded to your feet, which is great as you can slip on and off. I have wider feet and am usually a TTS US9 and chose to go half a size up, which allowed for more room around the toe. The additional heel padding is also a great touch!” – Matt (Read all reviews.)
8. Octobre
Best For | Casual sneakers, espadrilles, & sandals
Ethics | Vegetable-tanned leather, natural & sustainable materials, ethically made in Europe, gives back
Size Range | UK 6 – 11
Price Range | $150 – $390
Octobre, the menswear branch of ethical brand Sézane, embodies Parisian style like no other. From brogues to chukkas to sandals, every pair of shoes have been thoughtfully designed to withstand the test of time. All materials are responsibly sourced, and 95 percent of production stays within ateliers in Europe. We’re big fans of the modern espadrilles, the perfect summer shoe no matter what you pair it with. Octobre gives back to organizations on a monthly basis.
9. FAIR
Best For | Formalwear & boots
Ethics | Fair trade, vegan, sustainable
Size Range | EU 39 – 46
Price Range | €70 – €179
FAIR means For All Its Rights, and this brand lives up to that philosophy by prioritizing ethical and fair trade shoe production. These beautiful vegan shoes are crafted in Portugal under safe working conditions. Plus, the brand uses sustainable materials, including PVC-free, OEKO-TEX certified, and eco-friendly microfibers. All in all, these shoes are about as mindful as they come — which makes them well worth the price. There’s something for every conscious man at FAIR.
Featured image is from Octobre
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