Nisolo Review: The Sustainable Shoes Made For All Seasons
A few years ago, I was in the market for my very first pair of sustainable boots. I’d recently learned about fast fashion’s harmful impacts and had committed to only supporting ethical brands or buying secondhand moving forward. I also desperately needed a pair of comfortable boots for the fall and winter months. I was living in London on a grad student salary, so affordability, durability, and walkability were essential.
“Everything in the collection has always been an easy sell for me, with the neutral and earthy tones and the oversized bags that can fit my purse contents, plus a few (or more) books.”
That’s when I discovered Nisolo. Or, more specifically, the Dari Commuter Boot, likely via an Instagram photo. For months I read the reviews and picked up extra shifts at work, eventually buying the boots as an early Christmas gift to myself. While they weren’t “expensive” compared to other sustainable brands, they were definitely the most expensive apparel item I’d ever owned. But they were also the most beautiful and well-crafted.
Five years later, Nisolo has become something of a name brand in my closet. I was so impressed and in love with the Dari, that I quickly began turning to the Nashville-based B Corp whenever I was searching for shoes or a new bag. Everything in the collection has always been an easy sell for me, with the neutral and earthy tones and the oversized bags that can fit my purse contents, plus a few (or more) books. Also: the simple yet elegant jewelry collection.
Nisolo, founded in 2011 by Patrick Woodyard, has one simple mission: “to push the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction.” And the company does just this. Nisolo takes pride in exceptional design and intentional craftsmanship, but most importantly, the brand cares about how its products are made. It’s what first attracted me to the brand.
“Purchases also combat climate change by protecting trees from deforestation in the Amazon Basin.”
Nisolo is committed to caring for its producers, consumers, and the planet. Artisans make most everything at a factory (owned by Nisolo) in Peru, and every purchase supports a living wage to everyone within the supply chain. Purchases also combat climate change by protecting trees from deforestation in the Amazon Basin. With every shoe or bag sold—without a middleman, I should add—the brand is literally helping people and the environment.
But it’s not just boots and bags these days. Nisolo has grown over the past decade, and so has its collection. Expanding from the essentials, the brand now makes chunky clogs, comfy slip-ons, lightweight crossbodies, and, most recently, soft sneakers for men and women. And I was fortunate enough to try out a few of the recent launches.
Here are the three items I tried and how I plan to incorporate them into my wardrobe:
Nisolo Go-To Woven Slip On, $150
“Let me tell you, the shoe is just as swoon-worthy in person!”
I’ve always wanted a slipper I can wear outside, so I immediately fell in love with Nisolo’s Go-To Woven Slip On shoe when I first saw it on the website (available in almond, black, and brandy). Let me tell you, the shoe is just as swoon-worthy in person! The upper on the shoe is handwoven, water-resistant leather (95% of Nisolo’s leather uppers are Leather Working Group Certified) and the insoles are made from shock-absorbing memory foam, making them so, so comfy, like an actual slipper.
While these are most definitely the perfect vacation shoe, I also gravitate towards them for everyday errands or when I want to look put together without compromising comfort. Break-in time was essentially zero, but because they are leather, it’s worth going for a few strolls around the neighborhood before committing to wearing them for a full day. I’ll probably wear them with socks this winter and then use them as transition shoes throughout the rest of the year.
Shop Nisolo’s Black Friday Sale for 30% off sitewide & up-to 40% off select styles through 11/29
Nisolo Clara Crossbody, $150
“Other reviewers call it a ‘bag for the decades,’ and I have to agree.”
I’m going to be honest: I’m not really a purse girlie. I prefer to keep my shoulders free and use a fanny pack when out and about. But the Clara Crossbody (woven colors include almond, bone, and brandy) may have swayed me just a bit in the “sometimes I carry a bag” direction. It’s small enough that I don’t feel overwhelmed by its size (remember when we used to carry around massive totes?), but it still has room for all my necessities, including a journal or small book if I’d like. The magnetic closure is also helpful too to keep the bag secure.
What I love most about this bag, though, is how timeless it looks. It comes in an array of colors and weaves, but I much prefer the woven bone because it just looks so fresh and minimal. Other reviewers call it a “bag for the decades,” and I have to agree. With proper care and love, I know I will own this for many years.
Shop Nisolo’s Black Friday Sale for 30% off sitewide & up-to 40% off select styles through 11/29
Nisolo Eco-Knit Sneaker, $130
“With sock-like comfort and a slip-on construction, they are truly a go-to shoe option for effortless style and guaranteed comfort (with no break-in needed).”
This is the shoe I was most excited to review from Nisolo’s newest collection. If you know anything about me, it’s that I will always reach for sneakers. Always. And the Athleisure Eco-Knit Sneakers, which come in linen, grey, or white, did not disappoint. With sock-like comfort and a slip-on construction, they are truly a go-to shoe option for effortless style and guaranteed comfort (with no break-in needed). Best yet, since I ordered the linen, they are machine washable, so keeping them clean is a breeze (just don’t put them in the dryer).
Oh, and the materials are eco-friendly and vegan too! The knitting is recycled (rPET) and made from plastic water bottles, and the laces are made from Recycled PET and recycled cotton. While I wouldn’t use these for fitness, they are excellent for walking and travel days (especially for airport security). One note is that I’d recommend sizing up by a half size if you plan to wear them with socks.
Shop Nisolo’s Black Friday Sale for 30% off sitewide & up-to 40% off select styles through 11/29
A final note, since we are only a few weeks away from winter: One of the things I love most about Nisolo’s shoes is that they can mostly be worn year-round—and I’m not just saying this because I live in LA! Take the All-Day Open Toe Clogs, for example (I’m obsessed). These can easily be worn with socks or tights and still look super cute. Likewise, I’ve worn my Dari boots on many summer occasions as they pair perfectly with floral skirts and dresses. Oh, and many of Nisolo’s shoes include a non-slip tread so you can wear them in wet or icy conditions.
I think that’s what sustainability is about, after all—finding the brands and garments you love and figuring out ways to wear them all year round with various outfits or for different occasions. Nisolo makes that mission easy. The brand is so versatile and timeless that I know I will be wearing my boots, slides, sneakers, and even my purse for many seasons—and decades—to come.
THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR FRIENDS AT Nisolo
Kayti Christian (she/her) is a Senior Editor at The Good Trade. She has a Master’s in Nonfiction Writing from the University of London and is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for sensitive people.
