Footwear is more than just a functional necessity—it’s a statement piece that can make or break an outfit. For those who embrace bold, expressive fashion while staying committed to sustainability, finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a challenge.
Many sustainable footwear brands prioritise minimalist aesthetics, but for true style hunters, sustainability should never mean sacrificing personality or flair.
I have listed 8 favourites below!
April 2025
In the world of secondhand fashion, shoes present a unique dilemma. While nearly everything in a sustainable wardrobe can be pre-loved, footwear is often an exception due to hygiene, durability, and personal comfort. Unlike clothing, shoes are something we often wear to pieces, making it harder to find quality secondhand options that still have life left in them. While secondhand shoes can sometimes be a great find, buying new from ethical, eco-friendly brands ensures that every step taken in style is also a step towards a more sustainable future.
This guide highlights the best sustainable footwear brands that cater to my maximalist lovers who live with expressive styles. Whether you’re after vibrant sneakers, or statement boots, these brands prove that sustainability and maximalism can go hand in hand.
Firstly... What makes shoes truly sustainable?
When can we call a brand a sustainable footwear brand?
1. Materials matter
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in a shoe’s sustainability. Some of the most eco-friendly options include:
- Natural & Renewable Fibres – Organic cotton, hemp, and cork are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact.
- Recycled & Upcycled Materials – Brands are turning plastic bottles, fishing nets, and rubber waste into stylish, durable footwear.
- Vegetable-Tanned or Chrome-Free Leather – While leather can be controversial, responsibly sourced leather that avoids toxic tanning processes is more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.
- Plant-Based & Innovative Fabrics – Materials like Piñatex (made from pineapple leaves) and Mylo (mushroom leather) offer vegan options without relying on plastic.
2. Ethical production & labour practices
A shoe’s sustainability isn’t just about what it’s made of—it’s also about who makes it. Ethical footwear brands ensure:
- Fair wages and safe working conditions for artisans and factory workers.
- Transparent supply chains that avoid exploitative labour.
- Local production to reduce carbon footprints and support communities.
3. Durability over trends
Fast fashion thrives on fleeting trends, but sustainability is about longevity. The most eco-friendly shoe is one that doesn’t need replacing often. Investing in well-crafted, high-quality footwear reduces waste and the overall demand for production. Look for:
- Sturdy stitching instead of glue-heavy construction.
- Repairable designs with replaceable soles.
- Timeless styles that outlast seasonal trends.
4. Debunking the “vegan = sustainable” myth
Many assume that all vegan shoes are automatically eco-friendly, but that’s not always the case. Many vegan leathers are made from petroleum-based plastics like PU (polyurethane) and PVC, which contribute to microplastic pollution and don’t biodegrade. Sustainable vegan footwear brands prioritise plant-based, biodegradable alternatives or recycled materials to minimise their impact.
5. End-of-life considerations
Even the most durable shoes eventually wear out, so what happens next? Sustainable brands focus on circularity by:
- Offering recycling programmes where old shoes are repurposed.
- Designing biodegradable footwear that naturally decomposes.
- Creating modular shoes with replaceable parts to extend their lifespan.
8 best sustainable shoe brands and stores
(That are not only minimalist!)
1. Project CECE - the go-to shop for sustainable shoes
While the following brands are great examples, Project CECE brings many of them together onto one platform! Project CECE has done the hard work so that you can find sustainable products as easily as possible. If browsing thourgh multiple websites seems too difficult, their e-store brings it all together!
2. NAE Vegan Shoes – ethical & edgy
NAE (No Animal Exploitation) Vegan Shoes is a Portugal-based brand that combines sustainability with fashion-forward design. They use innovative materials like Piñatex (pineapple leather), apple leather, and recycled PET, creating stylish and cruelty-free footwear. From chunky platform boots to bold strappy heels, NAE caters to those who love statement pieces without harming the planet.
3. Veja – cool-girl sneakers with a conscience
veja-store.com
Veja has become the go-to brand for stylish, sustainable sneakers. Known for its clean yet distinctive aesthetic, the French brand uses organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, and upcycled materials to create footwear that’s both trendy and responsible. With their signature “V” logo and fresh colour combinations, Veja sneakers effortlessly fit into any maximalist wardrobe while maintaining an eco-friendly ethos.
4. Veerah – glamorous & sustainable heels
veerah.com
For those who love elegance with a touch of drama, Veerah is the ultimate sustainable luxury brand. Specialising in high-fashion, vegan heels, Veerah’s shoes are made from apple leather and feature customisable accessories like detachable ankle straps and embellishments. Their bold designs prove that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on glamour—perfect for those who love to turn heads.
5. Tabita Ringwood – Artistry Meets Sustainability
tabitharingwood.com
Tabita Ringwood redefines sustainable footwear with her avant-garde, sculptural designs. Handmade in the UK, her shoes combine upcycled leather, deadstock fabrics, and reclaimed materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Each pair is a work of art, making them ideal for those who see fashion as a form of self-expression. If you want shoes that double as conversation starters, Tabita Ringwood is the brand to explore.
6. ESSEN – elegance with colours and a sustainable soul
essenthelabel.com
ESSEN is a footwear brand that redefines sustainable luxury through minimalist yet striking and colourful designs. Handcrafted by artisans in Italy and Portugal, their shoes are made from responsibly sourced leather, chrome-free tanning, and upcycled materials. While ESSEN leans towards clean lines and timeless silhouettes, their refined detailing and sculptural shapes make them perfect for those who appreciate statement pieces. Their products are on-demand, which means manufacturing goods only when they are required.
7. AERA – luxury footwear with a positive impact
aeranewyork.com
AERA is redefining luxury footwear by combining bold, high-fashion aesthetics with a strong commitment to sustainability. This New York-based brand creates impeccably crafted, 110% sustainable vegan shoes, meaning they offset more carbon and water than they use. Their collections feature striking silhouettes, from sculptural heels to sleek, statement-making loafers, proving that ethical fashion can still be daring and sophisticated.
8. Prev - multiple modern twists on sustainability
prev.shop
Prev is a forward-thinking shoe brand that merges sustainability with contemporary design. Known for its use of eco-friendly materials like recycled leather and vegan alternatives, Prev offers stylish, durable footwear that doesn’t compromise on quality. With a focus on minimalist aesthetics and timeless silhouettes, Prev’s shoes are perfect for those who want to invest in long-lasting, sustainable pieces that fit seamlessly into any wardrobe.
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Styling shoes from sustainable footwear brands in a maximalist manner
Summer brings festivals, relaxing on the beach and endless white nights. Of course we are going to upgrade our wardrobe! But what does it look like with secondhand clothes?
1. Play with colour
Maximalism is all about embracing a vibrant palette, so don’t shy away from pairing your sustainable shoes with eye-catching colours. If you’ve chosen shoes in a bold hue like cobalt blue, bright red, or mustard yellow, let them be the focal point of your outfit. Pair them with a mix of contrasting tones or complementing shades. For example:
- Bright shoes with patterned trousers: A pair of green vegan boots could pop against a patterned floral skirt or trousers. The key is to balance the boldness of your footwear with patterns or colours that highlight their vibrancy without overwhelming the outfit.
- Monochrome with a twist: Opt for a monochromatic look with one bold shade, like pairing fuchsia shoes with a pink dress in varying textures (think satin, velvet, and tweed), creating a rich, layered look that feels cohesive.
2. Play with proportions
Maximalist fashion often embraces exaggerated proportions—oversized blazers, wide-leg trousers, or voluminous skirts. When styling your sustainable footwear, try playing with these proportions to create a visually compelling outfit. Consider:
- Chunky shoes with tailored pieces: If your footwear features chunky heels or platforms, balance them with more tailored items like high-waisted trousers or a fitted jacket. The contrast between the oversized footwear and sleek clothing will create a balanced yet daring look.
- Feminine footwear with oversized silhouettes: Pair a pair of elegant, sustainable heels with an oversized blouse or voluminous skirt to juxtapose the delicate nature of the shoes against the boldness of the outfit.
If you are curious about the secondhand-only maximalist and sustainable fashion mindset, connect with me on Instagram!
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