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Sandals are a summer wardrobe must-have. But finding a pair of sandals that is cute and comfy, and also has a lower impact on people, the planet, and animals, is not as easy a sit seems. We went on the hunt for some of the best more sustainable and ethical sandals to see you through the summer.
Sandals: the indispensable warm weather staple
As the weather gets warmer, a great summer sandal is a must-have shoe that will see you through all your warm-weather adventures—from those long walks on the beach, to picnics in the park, and backyard pool parties.
What makes a more sustainable or ethical sandal?
When it comes to more sustainable and ethical footwear, think of brands incorporating lower-impact materials into their shoes like cork, more responsibly sourced natural rubber, and recycled materials. If you prefer vegan options, check out the range of alternative leather options, including some made from grape and apple skins, and be mindful of the use of plastics in vegan footwear. You can also opt for pre-loved shoes from second hand resale platforms or your local charity shop to reduce the impact of your purchase. You can also use our directory if you’re looking for brands that align with specific values, for instance, if prioritising fair wages is top of mind, you can easily check the ‘People’ pillar ratings of brands; and if a brand must be vegan, our ‘Animals’ pillar will tell you whether they’re certified as such.
All that said, to ensure you are comfortable and well-equipped for the season, we rounded up some of our favourite comfortable, trendy, and responsibly-made sandals to keep your feet happy this summer. We’ve included different options, like practical thongs or “flip-flops”, chic heeled sandals, and slip-on flats.
