9 Best Sustainable Sneakers And Tennis Shoes (2024 Review)
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
I personally reviewed the top sustainable sneaker brands — these are my 9 favorites with notes on style, sustainability, and fit.
There are few things we love more than a good pair of sneakers. Perfect for casual days at the office, running errands around town, or going on weekend adventures, we’re always delighted to find the perfect eco-friendly supportive sneaker. But sustainable sneakers that don’t use virgin plastics or harmful dyes? Not always easy to find (though we love seeing more environmentally friendly shoe brands taking the main stage!)
“Some sneakers were everyday winners, others were event-worthy afternoon wears that’ll last a lifetime, but all met various standards for style, sustainability, and fit.”
Why choose sustainable sneakers?
Sustainable sneakers aren’t just a trendy fashion statement — they’re a worthwhile investment making a real difference for the planet (and our comfort!). Shoes made with high quality materials that are low impact and nontoxic like vegetable tanned leather, recycled rubber, and even plant-based options like hemp or cork offer unique performance benefits while being environmentally responsible. For example, recycled rubber offers high traction and support, hemp is extremely breathable helping you stay dry, and cork can mold easily to your feet for overall enhanced comfort.
All this, plus the added benefit of wearing clean materials without the harmful chemicals is better for our health and our earth. This means you can say bye-bye to poorly crafted kicks made with cheap plastics and glues! Additionally, you’ll feel good knowing your supporting sneaker brands that prioritize ethical and fair working conditions throughout their manufacturing process.
Our methodology and criteria:
I tested sneakers from The Good Trade’s favorite game-changing sustainable shoe brands to find the pairs that met our standards for both sustainability and style. Each of the below brands passed my wearability test — some were everyday winners, others were event-worthy afternoon wears that’ll last a lifetime, but all met various standards for style, sustainability, and fit. I’ve tested all of these shoes for at least three months — and still wear several two years later. I’ve styled each one, and also determined which ones are “walking shoes” versus “style shoes”. See below which are winners in each of their respective “best for” categories.
Each brand I reviewed met the following criteria.
- SUSTAINABILITY | Each of these sneakers are crafted with eco-friendly, natural, and recycled materials using ethical manufacturing processes for minimal impact on our environment.
- COMFORT | Comfort is essential to footwear, and I’ve personally tested each of these sneakers ensuring they provide long lasting cushioned comfort all day, sans blisters or soreness!
- STYLE | There’s no reason why sustainable sneakers can’t be stylish too! I’ve listed my favorite shoes that can be worn for a variety of occasions whether you’re looking to dress up or down, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for at a price that works for you.
So here’s the roundup of all my faves, including notes on each one (since everyone’s feet are different, there are always pros and cons for individual footwear!) If you have any questions about the styles I tested, I’m happy to answer in the comments below.
Looking for more styles? Here are our favorite sustainable running shoes alongside our go-to ethical denim and organic t-shirts for the ultimate sustainable pairing!
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Comfortable
1. On
Best For | Shoes to wear during (and after) runs
Sizes Available | 5–11
Price Range | $130–$490
On’s CloudTec is what you get when you want to put a patent on comfort — the soles help reduce muscle fatigue so you can run longer, farther, faster. And they’re eco-friendly, too, using materials like CleanCloud, which is made from carbon emissions.
I wanted to experience the most lift and cushion possible (especially due to my osteopenia which means my bones are a little fragile), so I opted for the Cloudmonster to start. The shoes make me feel like I’m gliding, and they’re my favorite on this list to reach for when I head out on walks or a jog. I was hesitant about the style at first, as I’m forever emerging from the chunky-sneaker-style-trauma that was the 1990s, but as soon as I pulled these shoes onto my feet I was in heaven. I immediately started hopping around my apartment, enjoying their bounce. They’re great for my narrow feet (but stretchy enough for wider feet) and can be worn with or without socks. I ended up wearing these shoes for so many walks that I upgraded to the Cloudmonster 2 (which is pictured below) and almost never want to take them off. This model is better for folxs with wider foot widths.
If you’re nostalgic for the days of Skechers and New Balance, these shoes will take you back — and move you forward, fast, thanks to how comfy they are.
2. Cariuma
Best For | Classic sneaker style
Sizes Available | 5–13
Price Range | $85–$149
Launched in 2018, Cariuma is a relative newcomer that’s making big waves in the sneaker world. The brand creates a well-developed core line of shoes (no “new drops” weekly) using materials like certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX certified bamboo, and plastics that meet the Global Recycled Standard.
I’ve seen Cariuma ads everywhere, so I was curious if these shoes would be as comfortable and long-lasting as they positioned themselves to be. After I’ve worn the OCA Low for a couple months, I have one thing to say to the creators behind these sneakers: No notes. The shoe is durable, the cork insole is extremely comfortable, and these shoes had zero break in time. They’ve been my favorite to slip on without socks, thanks to not having too plush or too slick of an insole. I also really liked that these sneakers were delivered in a single box to reduce packaging waste. Okay, I do have one note — the logo on the heel and tongue of the shoe is a pretty bright green, so keep that in mind when picking your favorite color. I also had a chance to try out the SALVAS leather style and found them a bit roomier than the OCA Lows, and they look amazing with nearly any outfit. I wear them all time! For the price-meets-comfort-meets-affordability, Cariuma is the one.
If you love Superga, Keds, or Converse (maybe you grew up wearing the Payless Shoes version of Converse, like me), your feet will be so happy in a pair of comfy Cariumas.
3. Allbirds
Best For | Affordable sneakers that slip on easily
Sizes Available | 5–11
Price Range | $98 – $145
“Made from Nature” is the motto over at Allbirds. These sneakers are made with high-quality, sustainable materials, including ZQ Merino Wool (the world’s leading ethical wool brand), eucalyptus tree fibers, and recycled plastic shoelaces.
I tested the Tree Dasher 2 in a green that is no longer available, a gorgeous muted green on the outside with a lining of wool that makes them super cozy. These shoes are really lightweight, have a little extra room for folks with wider feet (but not too bad for my skinny feet either!) The shoe also doesn’t feel super flat, thanks to a bit of extra spring in the insole that adds lift and support without getting too bulky. I really appreciated that there was a little bit of grip on the soles—I always had the hardest time finding cute shoes to wear on icy winter days when I lived in the midwestern US.
Allbirds make a great alt for Nike FlyKnits, if you’d rather stick with the brand’s flagship runners (I have those and love those, too!)
4. LØCI
Best For | Vegan streetwear sneakers
Sizes Available | 6–10
Price Range | $170–$200
LØCI makes urban-lux vegan sneakers and apparel for both men and women, prioritizing eco-friendly materials like recycled ocean plastic, repurposed materials, and bio leather. LØCI’s bio-leather is their newest material to the market, containing a unique blend of recycled textiles and non-food grade corn.
I tested out the LØCI ECHO, and was immediately smitten with the balance of style, comfort, and ethics (the brand is entirely vegan, and frequently uses recycled materials). This sneaker made its way into my regular rotation immediately. I wore it with dresses, shorts, and jeans alike. Mostly, though, I couldn’t wait to wear this shoe for my 2024 walking goals thanks to the comfort and durability (I’ve probably tracked over 100 miles in these babies so far). The cork insoles are firm — and hypoallergenic — but don’t require a lot of break-in time, which is a huge perk for me (no patience over here).
I think of the crushes I had in the early aughts, and how the three stripe Adidas stole my heart. LØCI makes these nostalgic everyday wear shoes even better, sans stripes — AND vegan. Comfortable, stylish, I adore these shoes.
5. Thousand Fell
Best For | Vegan streetwear sneakers
Sizes Available | 5–10
Price Range | $145–$155
Thousand Fell makes the first-ever recycled and recyclable sneakers, making this full-circle brand a top addition to our list! These shoes are made with materials like recycled water bottles, sugar cane, and coconut husk—no leather needed.
I tried the Court sneaker and it looks even better in person if that’s possible. The shoes are sturdy, flexible while still staying structured, and offer arch support. I feel like a new person in these shoes, especially with how streetwear-inspired they feel. I’ve found this is one of the easier lace-ups on the list to just slip right into, and fits well with or without socks (although can be a little moist without, but never stinky thanks to the aloe vera liner). If you have super wide feet, I would recommend double checking the measurements on these shoes before purchasing. I’m excited about the circularity offering, and hope to keep wearing Thousand Fells for a long, long time.
If you’ve ever had a go-to pair of Adidas, I recommend Thousand Fell for when it’s time to replace your old pair.
6. Flamingos Life
Best For | Retro vegan sneakers & high tops
Sizes Available | 4–9.5
Price Range | $165–$225
Flamingos Life is a Spanish sneaker brand (that ships worldwide) committed to transparency and innovative materials. The shoes are completely vegan, and the brand releases limited runs of decade-inspired shoes that take us on a walk down memory lane.
I tested the Old 80s All White high top and immediately channeled style icon Marty McFly from Back To The Future 2 —t hese shoes are (mc)fly as heck. The terrycloth interior on the ankle is an especially nice touch, reminiscent of 80s sweat bands. They’re comfy and well-fitted, although if you’re not used to wearing this style I’d recommend a test run or two before you wear them all day! (No blisters, just to get used to them.) One note on this style in particular — it takes a minute to pull on and off, even with narrow feet, so I’d avoid high tops in general if you need to be able to slip on shoes and go in a timely fashion. *Cue B roll of Emily rolling around on the floor trying to pull these shoes on.*
If you love the look of retro Nike and Reebok cushioned high tops, Flamingos Life has you covered (you can’t go wrong with any of their sneakers, though). It also has the perk of not being as common of a household brand name which gets extra cool points in my book.
7. VEJA
Best For | Instantly recognizable cool-girl shoes
Sizes Available | 5–10
Price Range | $145–$245
You’ve probably heard of VEJA shoes by now — and for good reason. These sneakers are designed in Paris, France with eco-friendly materials and some vegan options, including wild rubber from the Amazon and organic cotton and have been spotted on celebrities and influencers worldwide.
I’ve had my suede VEJA V-10s for the longest out of any of the pairs on this list (at least two years now), and I can assure you they only get better the more you wear them. I’ve put this pair, which is a colorway that’s no longer sold, through a lot and they’re still holding up beautifully. I love the combo of a thick, sturdy sole with a thin tongue, which makes them comfy and versatile for a range of feet widths. While I didn’t have any huge issues with the break-in period, I do have a friend who dealt with a rough start with the velcro pair. My advice is to make sure you give yourself a little room (size up if you’re in between sizes/half sizes), and wear socks with these shoes, at least to start with.
These shoes are everywhere on Insta and Pinterest style boards! If you want the immediate brand recognition of brands like Nike or Adidas but with a sustainable twist — Veja is the brand for you.
8. Native Shoes
Best For | Affordable family footwear and vacation shoes
Sizes Available | 5–11
Price Range | $40–$60
Native Shoes creates ultra-light, ergonomic, innovative sneakers. Whether it’s using sugarcane-derived resin or upcycled EVA foam, the casual styles aim to reduce excess fabric and keep waste to a minimum.
I’ve had several pairs of Native shoes over the years, and was excited to test the Jefferson Print style for this review. The Jefferson is super shock-absorbent and fits my narrow feet well as far as slip ons go. These shoes are vegan and made using EVA, an odor-resistant and washable plastic (the brand does have a recycling program, which is nice). I do also like that the brand is working on more products made using Bloom, their patented algae-based material. Hot climate folks, don’t worry — I tested out walking on searing asphalt over the summer and they will not melt like I was worried they might. This is the go-to brand for busy people who are prone to spills, stepping in puddles, and forgetting socks (so no wonder I keep coming back to it).
Native Shoes look like the sustainable lovechild of Crocs and Converse, so if you like those brands you might find your next pair of shoes here. And since this is one of the most affordable brands on the list (and the shoes are stretchy), it’s a great choice for families with growing kiddos.
9. Oliver Cabell
Best For | Casual-cool workplace leather sneakers
Sizes Available | 4–14
Price Range | $214–$484
Oliver Cabell is passionate about making timeless footwear, mixing old-school methods with modern-day technology. Each bespoke pair is made with quality materials and hand-stitched in Italy, taking days to complete.
I was impressed by Oliver Cabell’s range of styles, and kept circling back to the glitter, print, and metallic offerings. For the purposes of this review, though, I stuck with a more neutral black and white low sneaker. These sneakers are easily the most expensive-looking on the list (also they are the most expensive), so they get big points for style. The laces are the perfect length to let sit untied, which looks cool and makes the shoes easy to get on and off. As a heads up, brand’s shoes do come with deliberate wear (think: distressed denim), but I found that helped me be a bit less precious about these investment sneaks! On the fit end, though, I found these Oliver Cabell shoes to be a little heavy, run a bit large, and are extremely flat. If you need a high level of support or comfort, these might not be the shoes for you — but if you’re on the flatter-footed end, these could be the perfect fit.
Oliver Cabell shoes are ideal for the sneakerhead and the fashion-forward; if you like the look of Converse with blazers, this is absolutely the place to start your sneaker search.
Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming. Say hi on Instagram!
Featured image includes shoes from Cariuma and denim jumpsuit from Ética.
