In recent years, there has been a growing demand for affordable ethical shoe brands that cater to fashion-conscious individuals.
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their purchases have on the environment and the working conditions of those involved in the production process.
Between sourcing leather from animals and adopting exploitative labor practices, the footwear industry is an embodiment of everything that we should aspire to change.
Luckily, more brands are standing up every day against the significant environmental impact and unsafe working conditions that have become the norm.
Now, shoes are made using vegan leather, fair wages are being promoted, and supply chain transparency is becoming more common.
While vegan shoes usually come with a heavy price tag, some sustainable brands are still within the affordable spectrum. Here, we compiled the most affordable ethical shoe brands, so you don’t have to make a dent in your wallet to wear ethically-produced shoes!

Best Affordable Ethical Shoe Brands
Whether you’re searching for sneakers, boots, or sandals, here are some of the most affordable ethical shoe brands that are making waves for all the right reasons.
1. Rothy’s

One of the most popular affordable ethical shoe brands is Rothy’s. The company was founded in 2012 by Roth Martin and Stephen Hawthornthwaite with the goal of creating fashionable, comfortable, and sustainable footwear using innovative materials.
Key features of Rothy’s shoes include:
Recycled Materials: | Rothy’s shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles and post-consumer recycled materials. The brand’s signature material is a proprietary knit made from recycled plastic bottles, which is used for the uppers of their shoes. |
Sustainable Manufacturing: | Rothy’s employs a low-waste manufacturing process that minimizes environmental impact. The shoes are 3D-knitted to shape, which reduces waste compared to traditional cut-and-sew methods. Additionally, the company uses vegan, eco-friendly adhesives in its production process. |
Machine Washable: | One of the practical features of Rothy’s shoes is that they are machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain. |
Circular Economy Initiative: | Rothy’s operates a recycling program where customers can send back their worn-out shoes for recycling. The recycled materials are then used to make new products, contributing to a circular economy model. |
2. Thousand Fell

Next on the list of the most affordable ethical shoe brands is Thousand Fell.
Thousand Fell is a sustainable footwear brand that focuses on creating environmentally friendly shoes. Founded in 2019 by Stuart Ahlum and Chloe Songer, the brand aims to provide stylish, comfortable, and eco-conscious footwear options.
Here are some key aspects of Thousand Fell shoes:
Recycled and Sustainable Materials: | Similar to Rothy’s, Thousand Fell uses recycled materials in its shoes. Their sneakers are made from a variety of sustainable materials, including recycled plastic bottles, natural rubber, and recycled foam. |
Removable Insoles: | Thousand Fell shoes feature removable insoles made from a blend of natural materials, such as cork and castor bean oil. This design allows for easy cleaning and replacement of the insoles, extending the lifespan of the shoes. |
Carbon Neutral Shipping: | The brand is committed to offsetting the carbon emissions associated with shipping its products. They partner with carbon offsetting organizations to ensure that their shipping practices are carbon neutral. |
3. Allbirds

Allbirds is another one of the most affordable ethical shoe brands that has taken the world by storm due to its sustainable approach to design and production.
Founded in 2014 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds aims to create comfortable, stylish shoes using natural materials and eco-friendly practices.
Here are some key features of Allbirds shoes:
Merino Wool: | One of Allbirds’ signature materials is merino wool, sourced from New Zealand. Merino wool is known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, making it an ideal material for footwear. Allbirds uses ZQ-certified merino wool, ensuring that the wool is sustainably and ethically sourced. This material not only provides exceptional comfort and breathability but also significantly reduces the brand’s environmental footprint, making Allbirds a frontrunner among affordable ethical shoe brands. |
Eucalyptus Tree Fiber: | In addition to merino wool, Allbirds also uses a material called Tencel Lyocell, derived from eucalyptus tree fiber. This material is used in the production of the brand’s Tree collection, offering a lightweight and breathable alternative to traditional shoe materials. |
Sustainable Practices: | Allbirds prioritizes sustainability throughout its supply chain. The company aims to minimize its environmental footprint by using renewable materials, reducing waste, and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes. They are also committed to carbon neutrality and have achieved certification from organizations such as Carbon Trust. |
Simple Design: | Allbirds shoes are known for their minimalist design aesthetic, focusing on clean lines and simple silhouettes. The brand offers a range of styles, including sneakers, slip-ons, and loungers, all designed with comfort and versatility in mind. |
Carbon Footprint Transparency: | Allbirds is transparent about the carbon footprint of its products, providing information on the environmental impact of each shoe style. This transparency allows consumers to make informed choices about their purchases and encourages accountability in the fashion industry. |
4. ABLE

ABLE is a women-run company that embodies a culture of empowerment and ethical practices. Founded with a commitment to supporting and empowering its employees, ABLE provides full maternity coverage, a comfortable living wage, and flexible work schedules—plus amazing shoes, of course!
In the changing world of eco-friendly fashion, Able has emerged as a great example of how affordable ethical shoe brands can make a profound impact on both the environment and the lives of individuals around the world.
Here are the key aspects of ABLE:
Recycled and Sustainable Materials: | In line with its ethos of sustainability, ABLE utilizes a variety of eco-friendly materials in its products. These include vegan leather, TPR (thermoplastic rubber), sustainable denim, semi-vegetable-tanned leather, and rubber. |
Reduced Carbon Footprint: | The brand prioritizes sourcing denim from the western hemisphere to minimize shipping distances and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, ABLE ensures that denim scraps are donated to minimize waste. |
Recycled Packaging: | Environmental consciousness extends to ABLE’s packaging practices, with all packaging being recycled to reduce its ecological footprint. The brand places a high value on transparency and accountability within the fashion industry, fostering trust and integrity with its customers. |
Product Lineup: | ABLE’s shoe collection reflects its commitment to sustainability and style, featuring neutral-colored designs with a sporty finish. The product lineup includes a diverse range of footwear options, from dress shoes to boots to sneakers, catering to various tastes and occasions. |
5. Cariuma

Cariuma is a footwear brand renowned for its commitment to sustainability and transparency in every aspect of its operation.
As one of the most affordable ethical shoe brands, Cariuma’s approach include:
Eco-Friendly Materials: | Cariuma utilizes a range of environmentally friendly materials in its shoes, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, cork, recycled PET, vegan leather and suede, sugarcane, and bamboo. These materials are chosen for their minimal environmental impact and sustainable sourcing. |
Low-Impact Inks: | The brand uses low-impact inks in its manufacturing processes, minimizing harmful chemicals and reducing environmental harm. |
Tree Planting Initiative: | Cariuma goes beyond simply creating eco-friendly shoes by actively contributing to environmental conservation efforts. The brand has planted over 2 million trees in collaboration with indigenous communities, supporting reforestation projects and biodiversity conservation. |
Transparency: | Cariuma is dedicated to transparency throughout its supply chain. Customers can trace the entire manufacturing process and raw materials used in their shoes, as well as access information about the wages of factory workers. This transparency fosters trust and accountability. |
Certified Packaging Suppliers: | The brand’s packaging suppliers are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring responsible sourcing and minimizing environmental impact. |
6. Bhava

Bhava is a vegan shoe company established in 2012 by Francisca Pineda, an advocate for ethical fashion and sustainable design who previously taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Bhava has established itself as one of the most accessible and affordable ethical shoe brands in the market, making it easier for consumers to embrace a more ethical and environmentally-friendly approach to fashion without breaking the bank.
Here are some key characteristics of Bhava:
Sustainable Materials: | Bhava prioritizes the use of sustainable materials in its shoe production. This includes cork, organic cotton, and vegan leather, chosen for their eco-friendly properties and low environmental impact. |
Comfort and Durability Testing: | All Bhava shoes undergo rigorous testing for comfort and durability to ensure that they meet the brand’s high standards for quality. They also have repairable soles, allowing for a longer lifespan and reducing environmental waste. |
Comfort and Durability: | Based in New York, Bhava designs shoes with the urban lifestyle in mind, focusing on comfort and durability. Their shoes are built to withstand years of wear and tear, making them suitable for people on the go. |
Wide Product Range: | Bhava offers a diverse product range, including sandals, flats, hikers, boots, booties, heels, and clogs. |
Animal-Free and Toxin-Free: | Bhava is a 100% animal-free company, meaning that no animal products are used in the production of their shoes. The brand also promises not to expose its workers to toxins such as heavy metals and chrome during the manufacturing process, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. |
Promotion of Healthy Shoewear: | Bhava advocates for healthy shoewear choices, discouraging styles like stilettos that may cause long-term foot problems such as disfiguration or sprained ankles. Instead, they prioritize designs that prioritize comfort and support. |
7. Native Shoes

Native Shoes is one of the affordable ethical shoe brands recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in materials. Founded with a mission to create comfortable, practical, and eco-friendly shoes, Native Shoes has introduced various environmentally conscious practices into its production processes.
Here are the key features of Native Shoes:
Sustainable Materials: | Native Shoes uses a range of sustainable materials in its shoe production, including algae foam, cork vegan leather, vegan suede, organic cotton, and recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Additionally, the brand incorporates Sugarlite, a resin derived from sugarcane, into its designs, further reducing its environmental impact. |
Reduced Carbon Footprint: | Native Shoes boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to standard shoes, emitting only a fraction of the CO2 output. The Jefferson shoe, in particular, stands out as one of the lowest-impact shoes on the market in terms of carbon footprint. |
Practical and Comfort-Driven Styles: | Native Shoes designs everyday styles that prioritize practicality and comfort. Their shoes are well-suited for daily wear, providing both style and functionality for the modern lifestyle. |
Carbon Footprint Monitoring Software: | The brand has developed its own software for monitoring, measuring, and reducing its yearly carbon footprint. This commitment to transparency and accountability ensures that Native Shoes can continuously improve its environmental performance. |
Recycling Program: | Native Shoes operates a recycling program that allows customers to repurpose old shoes into insulation, footing, and other materials. This initiative helps to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of shoe disposal. |
8. Everlane

Everlane is a clothing brand renowned for its commitment to transparency, quality, and sustainability. In addition to their clothing offerings, Everlane boasts a wide collection of shoes ranging from flats and sandals to loafers, heels, boots, and sneakers.
As one of the most prominent affordable ethical shoe brands, Everlane’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production is evident in every aspect of its operations. Here are some key features of Everlane’s shoe collection:
Sustainable Leather Sourcing: | Everlane prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices in its leather sourcing. The leather used in their shoes is sourced from a Leather Working Group Gold-certified tannery, ensuring safe chemical practices and environmental responsibility. |
Environmentally Conscious Materials: | Everlane’s shoe soles are crafted from a blend of virgin plastic and recycled rubber, while the linings are made from recycled polyester. By incorporating recycled materials into their designs, Everlane reduces waste and minimizes its environmental footprint. |
Transparency in Supply Chain: | Everlane is committed to transparency throughout its supply chain. Customers can access full details about the production process and the factory where each shoe was made on the company’s website. This level of transparency is rare in the fashion industry and sets Everlane apart as one of the affordable ethical shoe brands that values honesty and accountability. |
Comfortable Design: | Everlane shoes are known for their high level of comfort, making them ideal for everyday wear. For example, the Day Heel is designed with corporate women in mind, offering both style and comfort for those striving to achieve their career goals. Similarly, the City Boot features a comfortable heel, making it perfect for strolling around city streets without sacrificing style or comfort. |
9. Keep

Last but certainly not least among the most affordable ethical shoe brands is Keep.
Keep is a footwear brand based in Los Angeles, founded in 2006 with a commitment to producing classic, clean shoes while minimizing environmental impact.
Known for their bold styles and shoes with personality, Keep strives to offer footwear that makes a statement while also aligning with ethical principles. The brand is best known for its collection of casual sneakers.
Key characteristics of Keep shoes include:
Ethical Employment Practices: | Keep employs craftsmen from Japan, North America, and Guatemala, promoting fair wages and healthy working conditions for its workers. |
Comfort and Durability: | Keep’s work shoes are designed to be comfortable for long hours of wear, making them suitable for employees who require shoes that can withstand extended use. Additionally, their shoes are highly durable and slip-resistant, providing both longevity and safety. |
Limited Collection with Careful Curation: | While Keep’s collection may be limited, this is intentional, as the brand prioritizes quality over quantity. Each pair of shoes receives great care and attention during the production process, ensuring that customers receive a product of the highest standard. |
Water and Oil Resistance: | The uppers of Keep’s shoes are resistant to water and oil, providing additional protection and durability. The natural rubber soles are designed to be non-slip, enhancing safety for wearers. |
The Final Verdict
As it turns out, you don’t have to break your bank trying to wear a pair of shoes that’s ethically produced!
While a lot of ethical brands accompany their shoes with hefty price tags, the brands on our list above are all within the reasonable price range. They also offer all kinds of shoes you may want to wear, including boots, vegan sneakers, hikers, heels, sandals, and loafers.
If you’re interested in exploring more ethical options beyond just footwear, check out our article on the 9 Best Ethical Clothing Brands. Making conscious fashion choices has never been easier!
By supporting these affordable ethical shoe brands, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment and the lives of those involved in the production process.
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