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28 Apr

13 Comfortable and Sustainable Flats You’ll Love

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Comfortable flats in all their forms have skyrocketed in popularity lately in the ‘90s and early noughties resurgence. Here’s how to get your hands (er, feet) on some sustainable flats.

From ballerinas to mules, flats are back

Picture this: it’s 2003, and you just slipped on a fresh pair of ballet flats with your favourite low-rise skinny jeans, ready to hit the town. Except—hang on, it’s 2022?!

That’s right—flats are back in all their glory. We’re talking classic comfy ballerinas, mules, and slingbacks. Bonus points if the toe is pointier than a witch’s hat.

As ever, trends fade in and out, and we discourage purchasing something just because you’ve seen it crop up on every fast fashion website. But if you need versatile, high-quality shoes you can love on for years to come (whether they’re “trending” or not), we’ve curated some of the cutest and comfiest sustainable flats on offer. Let’s put our best foot forward.

NAE

Rated: Good
A pair of brown cork sustainable flat shoes by NAE.

Lili Cork Women’s Ballerina Vegan Shoes – Ships internationally from Portugal

Upgrade your ballet flats with these brown cork vegan shoes with a deep tread.

NAE is a Portuguese footwear, bags, and accessories brand using innovative materials to create goods with “No Animal Exploitation”. Its sustainable materials include recycled PET from bottles, OEKO-TEX® certified microfibres, recycled car tyres, natural cork, recycled thermoplastic, and even pineapple leaf fibre. Find most of the shoes in sizes 36-46.

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Shop NAE.

Shop NAE @ Staiy.

Shop NAE @ Urbankissed.

Will’s Vegan Store

Rated: Good
stone flats by Will's Vegan Store

Point Flats – Ships internationally from the UK

Available in black, pink, or stone vegan suede, these pointed-toe flats are perfect from casual to corporate.

Will’s Vegan Store produces animal and human friendly women’s and men’s footwear, clothing, and accessories at affordable prices. Find the women’s shoes in US sizes 5-10, and men’s in 7.5-14.

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Shop Will’s Vegan Store.

Shop Will’s Vegan Store @ Immaculate Vegan.

Nisolo

Rated: Good
A pair of brown woven sustainable mules by Nisolo.

Ama Woven Mule – Ships within the US

If you prefer the look of a mule, these woven leather ones are super versatile and come in a range of natural hues to complement any outfit.

Nisolo is an American brand that prioritises living wages throughout its supply chains while also working to combat climate change. Available in EU sizes 35-42.

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Shop Nisolo @ Made Trade.

Shop Nisolo.

ABLE

Rated: Good
image of person in loafers and close up image of loafers by ABLE

Millie Loafer – Ships within the US

With a modern square toe, the Millie Loafer in bold Snake or tan colours, boasts luxe lining in upcycled leather that guarantees comfort without sacrificing the look.

ABLE is a US-based clothing and accessories brands, that works with communities all over the world to make a meaningful impact, producing slow fashion that pays a living wage to women who have faced extraordinary circumstances.

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Shop ABLE.

 

Etiko

Rated: Great
A pair of dark blue ballerina sneakers by Etiko.

Ballet Flats Navy Organic Fairtrade – Ships internationally from Australia

These basic women’s ballet flats from Etiko are just built different: made from natural latex rubber and hand stitched organic cotton.

Etiko is an Australian designer of organic, eco-friendly, and fair trade clothing and shoes. The brand constantly sets the bar for upholding and campaigning the human rights of people working in traditionally exploitative industry supply chains. Find the clothes in AU sizes 8-20, and the shoes in UK sizes 3-13.

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Shop Etiko.

AERA

Rated: Good
A fair of sustainable back pointy flats with a heel strap by AERA.

Jackie – Ships within the US

Combining elegance and comfort, Jackie is the vegan slingback of your dreams.

AERA is a US vegan luxury shoe brand, making footwear without the footprint. Its shoes are certified vegan. The brand went to great lengths to ensure that all components are made from non-animal ingredients, yet still maintain the quality and style expected from a luxury shoe. Available in US sizes 5-12.

See the rating.

Shop AERA.

VEERAH

Rated: Good
A pair of bright red pointy ballerinas by VEERAH.

Vicky – Ships internationally from the US

Offers

Vegan heeled sandals and pointed-toe pumps by VEERAH.

VEERAH – Site-wide

Step into timeless glamour with VEERAH's versatile vegan shoes, from pointed-toe pumps and chic flats to stylish stilettos crafted from apple peel leather. Exclusive 10% off with code VEERAHGOOD10. (Ends: 26 MAR)

Checkout code: VEERAHGOOD10
Shop now

There’s no place like home—or like these cute and comfy pointed-toe ruby red flats from VEERAH.

VEERAH is an NYC-based designer vegan shoe company founded and led by women to “do good and look incredible”. Its innovative apple peel leather shoe collection is crafted with cushioned insoles made from algae blooms. Each pair is transformative with interchangeable shoe accessories to create more looks with less. It is made for warriors “killin’ it with kindness”. Find most shoes in US sizes 5 to 11.

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Shop VEERAH.

Elk

Rated: Good
A pair of metallic grey flat shoes by sustainable brands Elk.

Silver Mora Flats – Ships internationally from Australia

Flats of the future, the Mora in silver features an artsy side cut-out and is made from REACH certified leather.

A pioneer of independent Australian design, Elk was founded in Melbourne in 2004. Elk creates bi-annual collections that are informed by a design ethos where simplicity and sustainability meet innovation. Find most items in AU sizes 6-18.

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Shop Elk.

Thesus (Alice + Whittles)

Rated: Good
A pair of khaki mule clogs by Thesus.

The Terrus – Ships internationally from Canada

The perfect flat to throw on for city walks or light hikes, Terrus is thoughtfully designed to keep your feet cool and comfortable all day long.

Thesus favours transparency, ethical manufacturing practices and sustainable materials as a means of creating long-lasting, positive change. Find the Terrus in EU sizes 36-42.

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Shop Thesus.

1 People

Rated: Good
top view and side view of Capri Vegan Sandals by 1 People

Capri Vegan Sandals – Ships internationally from Denmark

Treat those toes to these easy slip-on Two Strap Vegan Sandals made of soft eco suede and ethically harvested wood heels, taking these earthy treads to that next level.

1 People is a Danish-designed lifestyle and luxury brand. Its pieces are thoughtfully crafted by small family-run manufacturers using sustainable and certified materials. Find the collection in sizes 36-41.

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Shop 1 People.

NOAH

Rated: Good
A pair of bright blue mules with blue and white straps by NOAH.

Vegan Slip Isabella – Ships internationally from Germany

These vegan women’s pointed slip-ons are giving us beach holiday on the Amalfi Coast vibes.

NOAH creates cruelty-free and 100% vegan shoes and accessories. This German brand’s high-quality and long-lasting shoes are hand-crafted in Italy, using a small proportion of eco-friendly material. Find them in EU sizes 35-42.

See the rating.

Shop NOAH.

Shop NOAH @ Immaculate Vegan.

Gucci (Pre-Owned)

Rated: It's A Start

Pre-Loved Gucci Shoes – Ships internationally

Founded in 1921, Gucci is an Italian luxury fashion house that produces menswear, womenswear, as well as shoes, bags, and other accessories. The brand has good policies to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, but still uses exotic animal skin. The good news is that you can find many of Gucci’s modern luxury pieces second hand. Sizes vary.

See the rating.

Shop Gucci Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Reformation (Pre-Owned)

Rated: Good

Pre-Loved Reformation Shoes – Ships internationally

LA-based Reformation creates killer clothes that don’t kill the environment. The brand also ensures that a large proportion of its suppliers pay a living wage. Sizes vary.

See the rating.

Shop Reformation Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Editor's note

Feature image via Nisolo, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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