11 Best Boots For Women From Sustainable Brands (2024)
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We’ve reviewed dozens of sustainable boots for women— these are our top fair trade and ethical boot selections for comfort and style with a range of price points and size options.
No matter the season, boots are always trending when it comes to our sustainable wardrobe. From calf-high boots and ankle booties to chunky boots we can pair with dresses or hiking boots we can take on the trails, a quality shoe knows no bounds—and, for us, a boot is always classic. That said, many boots (like anything in fast fashion) often compromise when it comes to sustainable materials and ethical production methods, which has us begging the question: how can I find a quality boot that’s also sustainable?
What makes a boot sustainable?
Sustainable boots should be made with the utmost craftsmanship and with the best of the best in materials. Some materials we love to watch for include deadstock fabrics, Leather Working Group-certified leather (or vegan options), and recycled rubber. Another sure sign a boot is likely made with sustainable materials is handmade and/or made-to-order options. Though the price point will be higher, these boots will last for decades and can be repaired by a cobbler if/when the time comes.
Our criteria:
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These boots are made by sustainable brands that adhere to ethical and responsible labor practices, ensuring their employees receive fair wages and have safe working environments.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each of these boots is made by a brand that practices sustainability throughout their manufacturing process, including using all-natural and organic materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials where possible.
- DESIGN | From knee-high boots to classic Chelseas, we’ve compiled a roundup of boots for every possible occasion and need.
- COMFORT | Comfort is key when it comes to boots. We’ve read thousands of reviewers from real customers and tested these brands ourselves to ensure optimal comfort.
These sustainable boots form women pair perfectly with sustainable jeans and these cozy sweaters! For a summer look, pair with one of our favorite sustainable dresses.
Best Overall | Most Stylish | Best For Activewear
1. Patagonia
Best For | Buffalo hide work boots
Sustainable Materials | Vegetable tanned leather, recycled materials in soles, handmade by 5th generation cobblers in Portugal
Size Range | US 6–11
Price Range | $369
Patagonia is well-known for its rigorous eco-friendly and sustainable practices, and these work boots are no exception. Made from byproduct hides of the brand’s humanely harvested meat for their popular Patagonia Provisions® Buffalo Jerky, these tough yet comfy work boots are durable, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking. The soles are crafted in part with recycled rubber, and the leather is treated with wet-green tanning technology that uses tannins from waste olive tree leaves (aka, safe for the environment and safe for you!).
Customer Review | “Received as a gift. Truly beautifully crafted boots. They fit perfectly and I imagine will soften in time. If you appreciate quality and are able/willing to make an investment, these are worth it.” – Kelly (Read all reviews.)
2. Sézane
Best For | Parisian-style boots
Sustainable Materials | Made in the European Union, shipped in recycled packaging, third party audited factories
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $205–$450
Sézane effortlessly combines fashion and function for its Parisian-inspired style. This French brand is thoughtful in the sourcing and production of its materials, including for its dreamy Lena Low Boots. These boots are made from eco-friendly vegetable-tanned leather, a natural and biodegradable process that does not leave harmful chemicals in the environment. The majority of these pieces are made within the European Union, partnering long-term with ateliers. Seamlessly go from day to night with these investment boots.
3. Koio
Best For | Handmade Italian boots
Sustainable Materials | Leather Working Group certified, handcrafted in Italy
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $365–$395
Koio, a luxury sustainable brand, crafts shoes ethically in Italy with high-quality eco-friendly materials. The family-owned brand is so committed to the highest quality of luxury and sustainable design that every pair of shoes passes through the hands of 42 master craftsmen for a flawless finish. Their materials are eco-conscious, aiming not just for climate-neutral but climate-beneficial options like ecosystem-restoring regenerative leathers from the Swiss Alps and LWG-certified leathers from Italy.
Customer Review | “She loves this! Was looking for a chunky boot with excellent quality, and this is perfect! If you want a major step up from platform chunky Doc Martens, this is it!” – Phill (Read all reviews.)
4. Nisolo
Best For | Handmade casual boots
Sustainable Materials | Leather Working Group certified, 100% carbon offsetting, artisan-made in ethical working conditions
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $200–$250
Rain or snow, Nisolo’s boots have got your feet covered—literally. Best known for its chukka boots, the brand has paved the way for intentionally designed, responsibly made products. For example, the leather used is always a byproduct of the meat industry—like in our favorite Mia Everyday Boots. Plus, these boots are made ethically in a Nisolo-owned and operated factory in Peru, where all makers are paid fair wages.
Customer Review | “I love these Mias, they fit my feet perfectly and they are so comfortable. The heel is just the right height . I have several pairs of Nisolos and this is my favorite, waiting for a sale to get another pair!” – Amy S. (Read all reviews.)
5. Alohas
Best For | Knee-high boots
Sustainable Materials | Pre-ordering system, made locally in Spain & Portugal, sustainable leather, vegan options available
Size Range | US 5–14.5
Price Range | €160–€362
Alohas add a flair to your wardrobe with their unique and trendy multi-style boots. Handcrafted in Spain and Portugal using sustainable cow leather or vegan alternatives, Alohas only works with artisans who believe in ethical and sustainable craftsmanship. Their pre-order model also helps prevent the overproduction of shoes and materials wastage. We love all of its designs, especially the bi-color options. They are super comfy, easy to style, and will give your outfit just the right amount of oomph!
Customer Review | “These boots are so versatile and extremely comfortable. They have become a staple in my wardrobe and I’m so happy I bought them!” – Kasia S. (Read all reviews.)
6. Beklina
Best For | Artsy boots
Sustainable Materials | Ethically handmade in Peru, some recycled materials
Size Range | US 5.5–11
Price | $456
Beklina was one of the original eco-boutiques to be found online, since its launch in 2006. For more than 15 years, this brand has curated quality products include handmade clogs, swimsuits, and more—all of which is produced ethically in Peru, Nepal, and the USA. We love the Matisse Booties for their hand-carved heel, durable Italian leather, and a deep black color that’s sure to match any wardrobe.
7. Reformation
Best For | Dressy or work-appropriate boots
Sustainable Materials | Deadstock and recycled materials, ethically produced, small batch production
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $298–$598
It’s no secret that we are big fans of sustainable brand Reformation, whose denim, formal dresses, and shoes are consistently top of our lists. Their boot collection similarly delivers on style and sustainability, using deadstock fabrics and ethical production, so you can feel good about your beautiful new kicks. We especially have our eye on the Remy Knee Boot, which is made in multiple colors and materials.
8. VIVAIA
Best For | Breathable, water-repellent boots
Sustainable Materials | Recycled PET, recycled faux fur, sugarcane EVA, rice husks, natural rubber, herbal insoles
Size Range | US 5–13
Price Range | $145–$200+
We always look to VIVAIA for their comfy and breathable boots! These boots are water repellent and made with a stretchy fabric that molds to your feet—additionally their antimicrobial soles to help you feel fresh all day. The popular Square-Toe Ankle Boots come in a rich, classic black and also in fun prints like leopard and tweed making them a gorgeous addition to our wardrobe for all seasons.
Customer Review | “These boots are great looking but even more importantly they are so comfortable! I recently purchased another pair!” – Lois V. (Read all reviews.)
9. On
Best For | Athletic boots
Sustainable Materials | Circularity program, International Labor Organization and Ethical Trading initiative standards
Size Range | US 5–11
Price Range | $170–$330
Sustainable athletic wear company On is at the forefront of technological innovation when it comes to running shoes that are as high performing as they are environmentally friendly. In their Zurich-based lab, the brand has created materials from carbon emissions and bio-based renewable materials that will help guide the industry away from fossil fuels and into the future. With a line of clothing and shoes designed to be recyclable and transformed into new products, we are especially excited to take these sustainable (and adorable!) boots on our next hike.
10. Thesus Outdoors
Best For | Hiking-style boots
Sustainable Materials | Eco-friendly, natural, and recycled materials, water-based vegan glue, handmade in a family-run factory in Portugal
Size Range | US 6–12
Price Range | $190–$250+
Thesus Outdoors aims to be sustainable by design; more than 90 percent of its materials are eco-friendly and traceable, and the brand is aiming to close that 10 percent gap! Its footwear is crafted with fair trade natural rubber, recycled plastics, and reclaimed ocean waste—including its famed weekend boot. Our editors have personally tried this shoe and love it for weekend hikes around LA or trips with friends to the mountains. While we wouldn’t recommend it for long-distance trekking, it’s a perfect boot for nature escapes and weekend adventures. Like Timbs, but sustainably made.
11. Zou Xou
Best For | Lug boots
Sustainable Materials | Made on-demand by artisans, family-owned Leather Working Group certified tanneries, vegetable tanning
Size Range | US 5–11.5
Price Range | $320–$365
Zou Xou (prounounced ‘zu – ‘zu) is a slow fashion and footwear brand bringing you the best from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The brand offers both ready-to-ship and made-to-order collections so you can get the perfect fit, every time. Each pair is expertly handcrafted by Argentinian shoemakers using age-old techniques in small batches. These are boots you’ll love for a lifetime.
Customer Review | “This is the exact boot I was searching for! It’s comfortable, stylish, but can easily be dressed down as well. The leather is gorgeous. Pretty obsessed!” – Maria G. (Read all reviews.)
Featured image from Reformation
