7 Responsibly Made Platform Sandals For That Extra Bit Of Oomph
Platform Shoes For Summer
As many of our favorite ‘90s sitcoms return to the mainstream (hi Sister, Sister!), so too do the styles—like platform sandals! And while it may be a trend, sustainability is forever.
If you’re looking for a new pair of platform shoes (or flatforms), check out these responsible brands using their platforms for good. Pair them with another trend we love—matching sets—for a truly vintage look! Or see what else is inspiring our summer capsule this season.
1. Alohas
Ethics | On-demand production, vegan-friendly options, ethically made in Spain Materials | Responsibly sourced leather Our Pick | Marshmallow Cactus ($190) Price | $115–$194
Alohas partners with skilled artisans in Alicante, Spain to bring these gorgeous designs to life. What’s more, the team operates under an on-demand production model to minimize waste. Simply pre-order a pair (at a discounted price!), and then you’ll receive them in a few week’s time. Trust us—the wait is worth it. In addition to responsibly sourced leather platforms, Alohas has vegan-friendly soles too. (We’re obsessed with the checkered options!) Alohas ships worldwide.
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2. Coclico
Ethics | Made in small batches, responsibly sourced leather, secondhand shop available Materials | Italian leather, sustainable & recycled cork Our Pick | Seaview Flatform ($375) Price | $325–$395
Coclico wants us to invest in our closets for a lifetime, so this luxury brand crafts timeless shoes we adore. Made in small batches in Spain using responsibly sourced leather, these beautiful flatforms (and wedges) will give you the height you’re looking for. And while Coclico sandals are definitely on the pricier side, the brand has a secondhand shop with deeply discounted options as well as payment plans.
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3. Lemon Jelly
Ethics | Vegan, ethically made in Portugal, renewable energy, gives back Materials | Recyclable PVC Our Pick | Sunny Platform Slides ($58) Price | $58–$64
Slip your toes into Lemon Jelly’s sustainable platforms. This PETA-approved vegan brand ethically produces its shoes in Portugal in low-waste factories powered by renewable energy. Though some shoes are made with PVC, they’re recyclable—and Lemon Jelly carries a 100 percent recycled collection as well. We want to rock these affordable, ethical, and colorful platforms all summer (and year) long!
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4. Vagabond
Ethics | Ethically made, recyclable shoes, gives back, sustainable chrome-free leather Materials | Sustainable leather, Tencel Our Pick | Courtney Sandals (€90) Price | €69.95–€160
A brand originating in Sweden, Vagabond has been crafting contemporary shoes for nearly half a century. This line of chunky sandals is the quintessential ‘90s aesthetic, including the Courtney which is a blast to the past! Vagabond partners with ethical factories in Asia as well as LWG-verified tanneries across Europe to offer fun, fashion-forward styles. When you’re ready to get rid of your shoes, the brand will also take them back to recycle.
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5. Matisse Footwear
Ethics | Ethically made in family-owned and/or ethical factories, recycled & vegan materials Materials | Leather, suede, EVA wedge Our Pick | Femme Platform Sandal in Natural ($95) Price | $32–$140
Based in Los Angeles, Matisse Footwear is a one-stop shop for ethical and affordable footwear—including some retro platform sandals! Combining this season’s most vibrant colors, these platforms are perfect for dinner, dancing, and everything in between. Matisse works with majority family-owned factories around the globe and ensures safe working conditions for all employees.
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6. Teva
Ethics | Sustainable practices, some sustainable materials & recycled polyester, vegan, take-back program Materials | REPREVE fibers, mesh & foam straps Our Pick | Jadito Slingback ($100) Price | $60–$100
For all your outdoor adventures, Teva has your back. From music festivals to day trips to leisurely hikes, these beloved shoes come in flatform styles. There are dozens of styles and colors to pick from, including vegan-friendly options. You can also recycle your sandals via Teva’s take-back program—some of the recycled materials are used again in new designs.
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7. Lisa Says Gah
Ethics | Ethically made in China, cruelty-free materials, eco-friendly packaging, gives back Materials | Leather & faux fur Our Pick | Dakota Flatform in Pink Cow ($179) Price | $179
Animal-inspired wear without the leather? Consider us a fan! Lisa Says Gah’s Dakota Flatforms come in colorful and eclectic patterns, including cow print made with faux fur. Regardless of which style you pick, these flatforms are ethically made in a woman-owned and -run factory from Dongguan, China, where all employees are guaranteed safe working conditions. Get free US shipping on orders over $80.
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