12 Best Sustainable Footwear Options for Men in 2025
When it comes to sustainable fashion, shoes are often overlooked. But think about it—your footwear sees more daily use than almost any other item in your closet. From casual wear to city commutes, your shoes take you everywhere. And since most people have several (or more) pairs, their environmental impact adds up fast!
Thankfully, many sustainable brands are stepping in with better options. Many sustainable shoe brands aren’t just about eco-marketing or green washing—they’re built with natural materials, fair wages, and sustainable practices that truly make a difference. We’re talking organic cotton, natural cork, merino wool, vegan leather, and even soles made from upcycled tires and plastic bottles.
As conscious consumers, choosing eco-friendly shoes is a powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying stylish shoes and ultimate comfort.
Why Sustainable Shoes Matter
Shoes touch every part of the supply chain: farming organic cotton, tanning leather, molding soles, and shipping worldwide. That’s why eco-friendly footwear is one of the best swaps a man can make to reduce his carbon footprint.
Check out this article on Global Shoe Waste: The Environmental Impact of Footwear by unsustainablemagazine.com
Conventional shoes often rely on cheap synthetic materials, unfair labor, and harmful glues. On the other hand, these sustainable brands prioritize:
Eco-friendly materials (organic, recycled, or plant-based)
Ethical production with fair wages
Transparency in the supply chain
Lower environmental impact and sometimes carbon neutral goals
That’s not just good for the planet—it’s good for the people who make and wear them.
Below are my top picks for 2025—12 pairs of sustainable men’s shoes that are definitely worth checking out.
1. Allbirds Tree Runners
If there’s one brand that set the standard for sustainable sneakers, it’s Allbirds. Made with organic cotton laces, eucalyptus tree fibers, and natural rubber soles, these shoes feel featherlight.
Allbirds is even working on making its supply chain more transparent—fun fact: Allbirds’ computer systems track carbon footprint per shoe, so you know exactly how your pair stacks up. How cool is that?!
Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber, sugarcane midsole
Best for: Everyday casual wear
Price range: $$
2. Veja V-10 Sneakers
The organic sneaker everyone recognizes. Veja uses organic cotton, wild rubber, and eco-friendly materials sourced through fair trade partnerships in Brazil.
These white sneakers pair well with jeans and shorts! They also come in versions made with faux leather from corn waste.
Materials: Organic cotton, wild rubber, vegan leather options
Best for: Weekend wear, city strolling
Price range: $$$
3. Nisolo Mateo All-Weather Boots
Nisolo is big on ethical practices, paying fair wages and producing in small batches for quality. Their leather boots are part of the Leather Working Group, which ensures tanneries meet strict environmental impact standards.
These are a great option for men who want rugged style but with sustainable materials.
Materials: Leather (responsible tanning), rubber soles
Best for: Fall/winter sustainable footwear
Price range: $$$
4. Ethical Wares Kapital Office Shoes
Heading to the office? Ethical Wares has you covered. The Ethical Wares Kapital office shoes are polished, comfortable, and made with vegan leather. The brand is known for ethical production, offering eco-friendly footwear that still feels formal enough for city office shoes.
Materials: Vegan leather, natural rubber soles
Best for: City office shoes, business wear
Price range: $$
5. Cariuma IBI Slip-On
Cariuma is a newer brand that’s gaining traction with eco-friendly footwear. Their IBI slip-ons use bamboo knit uppersand recycled plastic bottles, making them breathable and lightweight.
Plus, Cariuma plants two trees for every purchase—a right direction step toward sustainability.
Materials: Bamboo knit, recycled plastics, natural rubber soles
Best for: Travel, casual wear
Price range: $$
6. Ethical Wares Union Street Shoes
If you’re hunting for eco-friendly shoes with an urban edge, the Ethical Wares Union Street shoes are perfect. Made with synthetic materials that avoid animal products, they’re versatile enough for casual wear but sharp enough for office use.
Materials: Synthetic materials, faux leather
Best for: Work and play versatility
Price range: $$
7. Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
For the minimalist guy, Vivobarefoot nails sustainable footwear design. These shoes mimic barefoot walking while being crafted with eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics and algae foam.
Their supply chain is fully transparent, and the brand emphasizes sustainable practices across production.
Materials: Recycled mesh, algae-based EVA
Best for: Workouts, casual everyday wear
Price range: $$$
8. Rothy’s RS01 Sneakers
Rothy’s shoes are knit from plastic bottles, but you’d never guess it. They’re sleek, breathable, and machine-washable (just use mild soap).
Their eco-friendly footwear line for men is growing, and the RS01 stands out as a perfect fit for sustainable sneaker lovers.
Materials: Recycled plastics, natural rubber soles
Best for: Commuting, eco-friendly shoes for daily life
Price range: $$$
9. Toms TRVL LITE Slip-On
Toms has come a long way since their one-for-one model. The TRVL LITE line focuses on eco-friendly materials, including natural rubber soles and organic cotton uppers.
They’re lightweight, breathable, and designed for ultimate comfort while reducing environmental impact.
Materials: Organic cotton, natural rubber
Best for: Friendly options for summer travel
Price range: $$
10. Baabuk Merino Wool Sneakers
Wool sneakers might sound unusual, but merino wool is breathable, temperature-regulating, and naturally odor-resistant. Baabuk sources responsibly and produces in small batches to minimize supply chain waste.
They’re also incredibly cozy—perfect sustainable men’s shoes for fall or winter.
Materials: Merino wool, natural rubber soles
Best for: Colder weather, travel
Price range: $$
11. Indosole ESSNTLS Sandals
If you’re searching for sustainable sandals, Indosole makes some of the best. Their soles are made from upcycled tires, keeping waste out of landfills.
They’re durable, water-friendly, and ideal for eco-friendly footwear during summer.
Materials: Recycled tires, natural rubber
Best for: Warm-weather sustainable sandals
Price range: $
12. Brave Gentleman Vegan Dress Shoes
For formal occasions, Brave Gentleman makes vegan shoes that rival luxury conventional shoes in style.
The brand focuses on ethical practices, fair trade, and sustainable production, making them one of the standout sustainable brands in menswear.
Materials: Vegan leather, natural cork soles
Best for: Weddings, office, black-tie events
Price range: $$$
How to Care for Sustainable Footwear
Want your eco-friendly shoes to last longer? A little care goes a long way. Always check your brand’s specific recommendations on how to clean and store your shoes, since every pair is made with unique sustainable materials. Taking good care of your footwear not only keeps them looking fresh, but also extends their lifespan—reducing the need for replacements and cutting down on waste.
A simple routine like wiping away dirt after each wear, letting them fully air dry, and storing them in a cool, dry place can make all the difference. If your shoes are made with natural materials like organic cotton or merino wool, gentle cleaning methods help preserve their texture and quality. And for shoes with natural rubber soles, avoid extreme heat or harsh cleaners that can cause early breakdown. Treating your sustainable shoes with care is the perfect way to protect your investment while honoring the environmental impact they were designed to reduce.
Check out these 7 Ways to Preserve Your Favorite Pairs by www.thecommons.earth
Final Thoughts
The world of sustainable footwear is moving in the right direction. From organic sneakers to sustainable sandals, from vegan leather to merino wool, there are now eco-friendly footwear options for every occasion and style preference.
Whether you need office shoes for work, white sneakers for weekend casual wear, or rugged boots for adventure—there’s a sustainable brand making it happen with sustainable practices and ethical production.
Remember, shopping in small batches, looking for eco-friendly materials, and supporting brands with fair trade and fair wages policies are all steps in the right direction. The bottom line? Choosing sustainable men’s shoes isn’t just about style—it’s about supporting sustainable brands that care about the planet, their workers, and you!
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