In recent years the sneaker market has become big business. Sneakers make up a significant chunk of the 23 billion shoes made each year. So, we’ve dived a little deeper into Brands for ethical trainers in the UK that have a positive footprint.
Quick Links
What makes an ethical trainer?
In a world of overconsumption, the most sustainable option is to not buy more products. However, if your old trainers are so worn out that you need to buy new, then opting for an ethical brand can help to lower your impact. Our guide on how to recycle your old pair can help you reduce your impact further.
Here are some core things to look out for when searching for sustainable footwear brands.
Materials
Conventional trainers, often made from nylons, plastics and unsustainable rubbers, don’t score the best marks for sustainability. Ethical trainer brands are working to change this by using materials that are renewable, recycled, and that use a conscious production model.
Certified natural materials such as GOTS organic cotton, recycled rubber, recycled plastic bottles and even coffee grounds or fishing nets are the building blocks of sustainable trainers. They mean the use of less water, less virgin materials and a lower carbon footprint.
A growing number of brands are joining the movement to end plastic waste and reuse it in their shoes. The good news about this is that they´re not so commonly washed, so microplastic shedding is much less of a problem than for clothes.
People, animals and the planet
Truly ethical brands are kind to people, the planet and animals. When shopping for ethical trainers look for brands that have robust policies that ensure workers’ rights are upheld. It´s also great to find brands that are certified by organisations such as Fairtrade.
Vegan brands have the least risk of animal exploitation, but if buying from brands that use products such as wool or leather, make sure they are from managed sources certified by organisations such as the Leather Working Group.
Waste
It takes the average pair of shoes thirty to forty years to decompose. When considering the monumental amount of shoes created each year, that´s a lot of footwear littering the world.
Sustainable brands work to change this, providing practical ways for consumers to dispose of their old shoes when they´re worn out. This could be an in-house recycling program or other practical sustainable disposal solutions.
And brands that use biomaterials such as sugar cane and corn waste are even working towards their trainers becoming fully biodegradable, reducing their environmental impact even further.
Sustainable brands also consider the waste generated in production. This means taking steps to reduce waste and responsibly handling any unavoidable waste created. This includes methods such as using closed-loop systems and avoiding dumping that adds to pollution levels.
For tips on how to recycle running shoes check out our article here.
Brands creating ethical UK trainers
Our website is reader supported. We sometimes earn a small affiliate commission for purchases made through links in our posts, at no extra cost to you. Read more about our policy.
This brings us to our guide to the best sustainable trainer brands making shoes with a minimal environmental footprint. If you are looking for running shoes specifically, then we have more great brands to be found in our running shoes article.
Top picks
Best for sustainability & cool
Best for variety of styles
Best for chunky trainers
1. Cariuma
Based: Brazil Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Men’s and women’s footwear
Price: £60 – £105
Sustainability creds: Global Recycled Standard, GOTS certified materials, WRAP certified manufacturing partner, B-Corp certified, I’M GREEN certified sugarcane, tree planting initiatives
Cariuma believes that comfort and sustainability should go hand in hand. The Brazilian label has become the home of ethical trainers with a timeless appeal, designed to keep your feet happy all day long.
The brand takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability. It sources sustainable materials, promotes ethical production and has been certified by B Corporation.
2. Koi
Based: UK Ships to: UK, USA, Europe (Stockists in UK, USA, France and Spain)
Made in: China
Range: Men’s and women’s footwear
Price: £35 – £90
Sustainability creds: Recycled and recyclable packaging, vegan
Koi styles are quirky, bold and creative. A brand unafraid of bright colours, a chunky design, or shoes decorated with charms and studs, the shoes from Koi truly are unique in the marketplace.
The brand does still have a bit of work to do to be a 100% ethical brand and doesn’t use only strictly sustainable products. However, it does have impressive vegan credentials and has made concrete steps to embrace a more sustainable outlook. These steps have included introducing recycled and recyclable packaging boxes.
This post first appeared on Good Maker Tales: Sustainable & Ethical Fashion, please read the originial post: here
