Pamper Your Feet with Earth-Friendly Footwear

There’s nothing like walking the streets of New York City, and, luckily, the days of wearing unsightly earth-friendly footwear are over. In fact, over the years I’ve found footwear brands with options that are as comfortable as they are stylish enough to wear in this fashion-forward city I call home. Here, my shopping list of six sustainable shoes. 

I’m not sure how it’s possible, but the ReVelvet Penny Loafers from Rothy’s are not only earth-friendly, but they’re comfortable enough for at least 10K steps (Trust me, I’ve taken them on quite a few test drives). Knit from 19 recycled plastic battles, they seem to move with you and, best of all, they’re machine washable, too. ($189; Rothy’s)

The oka-b Mary Jane Ballet Flats are super adorable and can go the distance, no matter if you’re walking the dog or doing dropoff. Handmade in Buford, Georgia, these flats are 100% recyclable and are made from a blend of used shoes, scrap material and the company’s proprietary bio-based material (45% soy by weight and is BPA, latex, rubber and phthalate-free). Bonus: You can wash these in the dishwasher and, when you’re done, simply return them to the company for recycling and get a discount on your next purchase. ($58; oka-b).

With the turn of the calendar page to colder temps, the lightweight waterproof Adore suede boot from Helly Hansen, a style-forward manufacturer of all things outdoors, will keep your feet warm and you’ll feel good about the fact that they’re crafted from 30% rubber and the laces and lining are 100% recycled, as part of the Norwegian company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability. ($140; Helly Hansen)

The East Wood Chelsea waterproof boot by Danner is designed for hiking and everyday wear, which we define as block-by-block all-day walks. And, once you’ve overworn your pair, you can simply send them to the company’s Recrafting Center in Portland, Oregon, where, since 2012, artisans spend their days breathing new life into your boots, adding new components and replacing soles and stitching, all with the goal of  reducing environmental waste. ($200; Danner)

If you’re the kind of person who likes to emulate Melanie Griffith in Working Girl and routinely swap your sneaks for heels once you get to the office, these sneakers by Mammut are for you. They’re 100% decarbonized, made of recycled materials and Fair Wear certified. And they’re cute, too! ($149; Mammut)

And, of course, no sustainable footwear story is complete without a mention of the trainers designed by Veja, the French footwear brand. Founded in Paris in 2004, the brand produces its shoes in Brazil, using sustainable and fair-trade materials. We love the Campo Canvas varieties—and judging from how ubiquitous these are—these are definitely the ‘it’ sustainable pair of the season. ($155; veja.com)