The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable and Ethical Unisex Shoe Brands 2025

Cosmic Terra by Psudo feels like a smart everyday slip-on that leans hard into sustainability — in our testing we liked that 75% of the upper is recycled material. We found the high durability and breathable construction make them great for daily wear, though they aren’t water resistant. Be aware the printed laces hide the slip-on nature and some users report the shoe runs small, so order a size up. At a 7.5/10 score it’s a solid eco option if you prioritize ease and materials.

Veja’s V-10 sneakers balance street-ready style with eco-conscious materials, and in our testing they earned an 8/10 for durability and design. We found the construction — including organic textiles and responsibly sourced rubber — keeps them looking sharp across seasons, but the shoes can feel stiff at first and the tongue may dig in during early wear. If you need significant arch support, this isn’t ideal; breathable performance isn’t their strength, so reserve them for shorter days or add supportive insoles.

These Veja V‑10s lean into eco materials like organic cotton and Amazon wild rubber, and in our testing they felt notably durable and stylish across outfits. Our experience shows they can be stiff at first, with a firm tongue that sometimes digs into the ankle, so plan for a break-in period before long days. Breathability is limited, which led to warmer feet during extended wear, but for anyone prioritizing sustainable sourcing and longevity these sneakers remain a smart, ethical choice despite those comfort caveats.

CARIUMA’s OCA Low Canvas Sneakers feel like our top-rated value pick — in our testing they scored a 9/10 for combining truly sustainable materials like organic cotton and natural rubber with an unbeatable price. We found them comfortable out of the box, though the canvas upper will need regular cleaning to keep them looking fresh and can feel snug initially for wider feet. With fair labor practices and decent breathability, these are the go-to everyday sneaker if you want eco-friendly style without breaking the bank.

During our review the Barefoot Sneakers scored a solid 7/10 for prioritizing sustainability with Italian vegan leather made using bio oil from organic cereal crops in a carbon-neutral process. We found the construction and fair labor practices commendable, and they offer breathability and water resistance for everyday use. Be aware they feel heavier than expected, which can affect comfort on long walks, and durability is only medium, so if you’re after ultra-light footwear for all-day wear these may not be the lightest choice.

In our testing the Venturi II earned a 7.5/10 for blending sustainable materials like recycled polyester and Amazonian rubber into a stylish, durable sneaker. We found the high durability and breathable upper work well for daily wear, but comfort is mixed—some users said they felt less comfortable than expected. Sizing trends small in length so plan to size up, and remember they aren’t water resistant; for dry-city days these are a strong eco-conscious pick with serious longevity.

In our testing the Jefferson Slip-on Sneakers scored a 6.5/10 as a breezy, convenient everyday shoe with sustainable credentials. We found the lightweight construction and perforated upper keep feet cool and make the slip-on design perfect for quick errands, and the brand notes fair labor practices and sustainable materials. Downsides include material that can make feet sweaty during long wear, reports of fraying around the edges after a few uses, and a tendency to run slightly large—so consider sizing carefully.

The Lace Up Sneaker (Black) is one of our higher scorers, earning an 8.5/10 for marrying sustainable materials with everyday performance. We found the recycled-plastic-bottle upper and machine-washable construction make these easy to care for and a strong eco-minded choice, and their high durability means they hold up to lots of wear. Just note the laces can be slippery and untie more easily than expected, and some folks may miss stronger arch support if they need added stability.

In our testing the Primus Lite III by VivoBarefoot scored a 6/10 as a sustainability-minded barefoot trainer that prioritizes flexibility over cushion. We found the recycled-material construction and minimalist sole deliver excellent ground feel and breathability, which appeals if you want natural movement and eco-conscious materials. But the minimal cushioning can be harsh if you’re new to barefoot shoes, and there are some quality concerns that limit longevity; for road running beginners seeking plush support, these may feel too raw despite their green credentials.

If you're after a low-fuss sustainable sneaker, Rothy's Slip On Sneaker (about $99 at rothys.com) earned a 7.5/10 in our testing. We found the recycled-plastic-bottle upper is lightweight, breathable and machine-washable, giving easy upkeep and reliable all-day comfort, and the construction shows high durability and fair labor practices. During our review the shoe’s toe-box can feel snug for some wearers, color options are limited, and the price is a bit higher than basic casuals—so try them on or confirm returns before buying.

Bettina Tall Boots make a dramatic style statement — during our review we appreciated the luxe, shiny patent leather that instantly elevates any outfit. We found them impressively durable and crafted under fair labor practices, but the patent finish is a bit noisy on the move and may draw attention you don’t always want. Calf fit can be hit-or-miss, so measure carefully before buying; while not the top scorer at 6.5/10, they’re an excellent pick for occasions where style trumps practicality.

The Chelsea boot feels premium from the first step; in our experience the A-grade full-grain leather and Portuguese craftsmanship give it a refined look and excellent longevity. We found the heat-activated arch support molds nicely to the foot, improving comfort for long days, but the brand provides little information about sustainable materials or fair labor practices, which is a drawback for conscious shoppers. Breathability and water resistance are also unverified, so treat this as a high-quality, traditional leather option rather than an eco-first pick.

The adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 earned its high 8.5/10 rating in our testing for delivering serious trail performance with sustainable touches and a reliable Gore‑Tex lining that keeps feet dry. We found the nylon mesh upper with PU overlays provides excellent traction and durability across wet and muddy terrain, though ankle support is limited so avoid very technical routes. Sizing trends large for some users, and the soft foam midsole can show wear on rocky trails, but for versatile day hikes this is a standout, eco-aware pick.

In our experience Claude by RUDSAK feels luxurious — the leather is top-notch, soft and nicely finished — but the style only ekes out a 5.5/10 because of major execution issues. We found several customers reported delays, partial shipments, and shipping confusion, and there are recurring concerns about product durability that undercut confidence. Because the brand doesn’t emphasize sustainable materials or fair labor practices, and breathability and water resistance aren’t present, this one reads more like a traditional leather pick than an ethical, eco-conscious choice.

These Nisolo Huarache Sandals earned a 7.5/10 in our testing and are a go-to if you want durable, versatile leather sandals that breathe. We found the high-quality leather construction and breathable woven design make them great for warm-weather wear and casual-to-semi-formal outfits, and they’re made under fair labor practices with sustainable materials. Expect an initial break-in period that can cause blisters and note sizing runs large—order a half-size down—and some users report the leather may separate from the sole over time.

During our review the Criss-Cross Wedge Sandal (Black) scored a 7/10 as a comfortable, easy-care wedge that leans sustainable. We found the knit straps provide a gently stretchy, accommodating fit for varied foot widths and that the machine-washable construction makes upkeep simple—great for travel or everyday rotation. The downside is the relatively high price and limited ankle support from non-adjustable straps, so if you need secure fastening for long walks these won’t be ideal despite high durability and breathable materials.

Our experience shows the JC Sandals by Nomadic State of Mind are a standout travel-friendly pick, earning an 8/10 for comfort and ease of maintenance. Handmade with soft polypropylene rope that molds to your foot and weighing under 10 ounces, they feel almost custom and pack down easily, plus they’re machine washable and colorfast. Caveats: the rope can fray with heavy use and some users notice an unpleasant odor when sandals get wet, and the limited arch support isn’t ideal for long, supportive wear.

During our review The Weekend Slide scored a 7/10 as a sustainable, comfortable sandal that’s easy to keep fresh. We found the recycled-plastic-bottle and natural-hemp construction plus a contoured footbed deliver real arch support and breathable comfort, and the machine-washable build makes maintenance simple. Downsides include straps that can dig for some wearers, limited neutral-only color options, and a relatively high price—so while durable and supportive, these are best if you prioritize eco materials and fuss-free upkeep over bold color choices.

The Point II is a stylish, well-made shoe that earned a 7/10 in our review thanks to sustainable construction and a roomy toe box that reduces squishing. During our review we noticed the shoes are machine washable, which helps longevity and makes upkeep easy, but we also found a notable breaking-in period that can cause initial discomfort. The high price means they aren’t the budget pick, yet fair labor practices and durable materials make them a good long-term investment for someone prioritizing feel and ethics.

Everlane’s Shoes are a reliable everyday option that, in our testing, stood out for immediate comfort thanks to soft leather and an adjustable bow tie that lets you dial in the fit. We found the rubber sole adds useful traction versus typical ballet flats, making them practical for urban wear, though sizing can be inconsistent so try them on or size up. The leather may show light wrinkling over time and arch support is limited, but their sustainable materials and fair labor practices make them a thoughtful choice.

Hand Embroidered Shoes are a beautiful, artisanal pick — during our review the handcrafted embroidery and padded insoles made a strong first impression and customization options are a real plus. We found fit can be unpredictable, with some customers reporting they run large, so double-check measurements before ordering. There’s limited information about sustainable materials or labor practices, which lowers their appeal for ethical shoppers, but if you value unique design and hand-finished details these offer personality and reasonable comfort for special occasions.