The Ultimate Guide to Ethical and Sustainable Work Shoes

Meet Jaque, the perfect pointed toe, mid-heel slingback work shoe made with vegan leather. These feminine shoes are lined with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified microfibre manufactured in a system free of carbon emissions. NAE is a Portuguese footwear, bags, and accessories brand using innovative materials to create goods with “No Animal Exploitation”. Find most of the shoes in sizes 36 to 46.

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Shop NAE @ Staiy.

Shop NAE @ Urbankissed.

Timeless and classy, these pink, vegan pointed block heels are sure to impress! The shoe is lined with two types of super soft vegan suede, creating not only a lovely place to nestle your foot but allowing air to circulate, helping it stay cool throughout the day. Will’s Vegan Store produces animal and human friendly women’s and men’s footwear and accessories at affordable prices. Find the women’s shoes in US sizes 5-10, and men’s in 7.5-14. Love!

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The quintessential black flat, except this time it’s vegan and sustainable! These elegant flats come in a variety of colours and are gorgeously crafted from vegan microsuede and feature a pointed toe. 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.

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Shop NOAH @ Immaculate Vegan.

“Love Fashion, Think Organic, Be Responsible” are the maxims of LANIUS. The German brand uses eco-friendly materials, like GOTS certified cotton. All LANIUS facilities are SA8000 certified and it is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation. LANIUS' clothes are available in EU sizes 34-44.

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Shop LANIUS @ Curate.

It goes without saying that mules take the cake in terms of comfort, sophistication, and professionalism. With a small heel, Nisolo’s Mariella is the brand’s most versatile mule. Designed to mold to your foot, you will find yourself reaching for her every chance you get. Nisolo is an American brand that prioritizes living wages throughout its supply chains while also working to combat climate change. Vegan fashion lovers note, this one is made from animal leather! Find the collection in US sizes 6-10.

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Shop Nisolo @ Made Trade.

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I can’t believe it’s not real leather! Another spin on a classic work shoe, the Jane loafer is made in England with premium quality, eco-friendly vegan leather and breathable microfibre lining. Good Guys creates cruelty-free shoes for women and men, founded and designed by Marion Hanania in Paris. Find most shoes in EU sizes 36-42.

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Shop Good Guys @ Immaculate Vegan.

Shop Good Guys @ thegreenlabels.

While wearing heels all day isn’t necessarily ideal, at least it can be done ethically and with comfort in mind. This classic pump by BHAVA is doing just that, featuring a gorgeous all natural cork insole as well as state of the art shock-absorbent soles. These lovelies are manufactured in Alicante, Spain, where shoes are still being handmade by generations of artisans. BHAVA uses some environmentally friendly materials, such as organic cotton and recycled materials. It also does not use aromatic amines, PCP, formaldehyde, PVC, phthalates, azo-dyes, or chrome when creating its vegan leather. Find the collection in US sizes 5-11.

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These pumps are sure to turn heads. While Jimmy Choo isn’t doing enough for animals, people, or the environment, we do recommend giving a second-life to an old pump by purchasing vintage. The Romy Leather Heels are an absolute classic, featuring an elegant pointed toe and genuine leather. Find the heels in EU size 35.

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Shop vintage shoes at Vestiaire Collective.

For those of you working folks with a little bit more leeway when it comes to dressing for work, these gorgeous, open-toed block sandals are a must-have! Made from vegan leather and responsibly sourced wood to create the lowest possible footprint, the brand’s lightweight wood platform and ergonomic shape ensure that comfort always comes first. All the pieces are made in a family-run factory in Valencia, Spain. The closeness to the studio allows the Nude Label to have a bigger control over the process and ensure good working practices. Most sandals come in sizes 36-42.

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For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, fall footwear is finally near! Christy Dawn’s Chelsea Boot is the perfect pairing for any chilly workday. Crafted from supple dead stock leather, the boot features elasticated siding for easy slip-on and a feminine, softly rounded toe. Each pair is unique with slight variations in grain, texture, and hue! The US brand rates ‘Great’, making it a fabulous boho option for your wardrobe. Find the shoes in sizes 5-11.

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Clean lines and a neutral palette are standard for American brand Coclico. These simple, perfectly formed soft, stretch leather slides with a circular wood heel are ideal for all-day wear. Each pair is handcrafted in Mallorca, Spain, using leather from tanneries with rigorous standards of beauty and sustainability. The brand seeks high standards of ethical and environmental responsibility, and the result is a union of modern minimalism and traditional quality. Find most of the brand’s footwear in EU sizes 35-41.

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Shop Coclico @ Made Trade.

If you’re able to wear sneakers at work, we recommend Vejas! Veja is a French brand designing ecological and fair trade footwear, and is also a sustainable fashion pioneer. The brand uses eco-friendly materials, like GOTS certified cotton and vegetable-tanned leather! By not advertising, Veja is able to invest more money into strengthening its ethical practices. You can find Veja shoes in women’s EU sizes 35-46, and men’s 35-47.

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Shop Veja @ LVR Sustainable.

Shop Veja @ thegreenlabels.

Shop Veja @ Outerknown.

Shop Veja @ Threads 4 Thought.

Shop Veja @ Labell-D.

Shop Veja Kids second hand @ Retykle.

There’s nothing better than being able to slip on a pair of stunning sandals for a day in the office. Handmade in Greece and composed of 100% natural, chemical-free leather, KAYU is going above and beyond to ensure durability and sustainability. What’s more, the brand is committed to using natural materials such as straw, wood, and shells. It also partners with local artisans in the Philippines to produce its products. Find the collection in EU sizes 35-42.

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Shop KAYU Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.