How to Identify Sustainable Footwear Brands: A Guide

Photo by Google DeepMind

I’ve shared some of my favorite sustainable shoe brands in previous blog posts with you. However, it’s impossible to cover every single footwear option out there. That’s why in this post, I want to equip you with tools and tips on how to determine if a brand is truly sustainable. Knowing how to evaluate sustainability will empower you to make informed choices about when to buy and when to steer clear.

Let’s start by clarifying what we mean by a sustainable footwear brand. Essentially, a sustainable brand prioritizes environmental and social responsibility at every stage of production. This includes minimizing environmental impact using eco-friendly materials and adopting ethical manufacturing practices.

When we talk about sustainability, it’s not just about reducing environmental harm; it’s also about making positive choices for the planet and its people. This involves selecting eco-conscious materials and embracing ethical labor practices.

Now, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to determine if a brand is sustainable.

My first suggestion is to check if the brand you want to buy from is on Goodonyou.eco. Good On You is a website and mobile app dedicated to providing ethical and sustainable fashion ratings for various clothing, accessories, and footwear brands. Its mission is to empower consumers to make informed choices by offering transparent information about brands’ environmental and social impact.

The Good On You website covers many brands, but it doesn’t have them all. If you can’t find a brand there, another helpful tip is to check for certifications. Brands that prioritize sustainability often obtain certifications to demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social standards.

Some notable certifications include GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, B Corp, and Bluesign. These certifications are typically highlighted on the brand’s website. You can also find detailed information about why and how the brand obtained the certification, providing valuable insights into its sustainability practices.

Another important tip is to evaluate the brand’s environmental impact. When you visit a brand’s website, look for a tab labeled ‘sustainability’ or related keywords. This is a positive sign that the brand is transparent about its practices and values.

Explore what the brand says about its sustainability initiatives and practices. It could be concerning if you can’t find any information on sustainability. In such cases, I recommend searching for the brand online to see if you can find additional details.

If you still can’t find any information about their sustainability efforts, especially for larger brands, it might be best to avoid shopping with them. Personally, I prioritize sustainable practices and tend to avoid brands that don’t promote or discuss their sustainability efforts in any form.

These are a few of my go-to tips to help determine if a brand is sustainable or not. Let me know what you think in the comments below or if you’d like more information!