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Divia Harilela

Contributing writer for Style by SCMP, specialising in fashion, beauty and lifestyle


Eco-friendly and sustainable fashion is booming, with everyone from designer labels to fast fashion getting in on the action. While ready-to-wear seems to dominate these new markets, another category that is booming is footwear, as more specialist brands have come to the fore.
If you’re after a glamorous pair of heels, however, you will be disappointed. This new generation of labels is all about cool yet casual footwear – in particular sneakers – that are made using eco-friendly or recycled materials.
Not only are prices more accessible, but each brand has integrated sustainable principles into their businesses from the ground up.
Here are five worth checking out.

1. Allbirds
Allbirds shoes aren’t exactly the most fashion-forward, but what they lack in style they make up for in comfort and practicality. The numbers prove it – the direct-to-consumer brand was recently valued at over US$1.4 billion.
Founded in 2015 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, it launched with one iconic shoe made from breathable merino wool.
Although the material is not necessarily sustainable, the business is. It is a registered B Corp, meaning it meets the highest standards of positive impact on society and the environment while incorporating sustainable practices in its supply chain.
In addition to using recycled packaging, Allbirds partners with non-profit Soles4Souls to donate already-used shoes to communities in need.

2. Rothys
This San Francisco start-up was launched in 2016, offering a footwear essential – namely ballet flats – in a wide range of colours and prints.
It has since expanded its range to include slip-ons and other styles made from low-waste, low-impact materials, including a machine-washable yarn made from single-use plastic bottles (the company says it has repurposed 40 million water bottles to date).
The company also controls its entire production process at its factory in Guangzhou, China, ensuring that it is zero-waste while minimising its impact on the environment.

3. Thousand Fell
We talk a lot about the idea of a circular economy in fashion, and this newish brand attempts to solve the problem. Not only does it offer sneakers made from natural or recycled materials, but it also takes back its pre-worn shoes, which are then refurbished or recycled (credits can be applied to your next order).
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The collections are designed by a group of industry veterans that have worked at the likes of Cole Haan and Nike.
Innovative fabrics are used such as a leather-like substitute made from recycled water bottles, breathable foam from the mattress industry made from castor bean oil, aloe vera mesh liner, and structural components made from sugar cane, coconut husk, and palm leaves.

4. Veja
Veja has been around since 2004, but it is only recently that its white sneaker decorated with a “V” logo has dominated front rows and Instagram feeds.
Dubbed by many as the most sustainable sneaker brand in the world, the French shoe label focuses on transparency, fair trade, and social and environmental responsibility from its sourcing and production cycle.
Manufactured in Brazil, the shoes are made from materials such as organic cotton, fish leather made from tilapia, and Amazonian wild rubber. To add to its cool factor, it recently produced a range of limited-edition styles with cult designer Rick Owens.

5. Yatay
A newcomer to the scene, Italian brand Yatay has a bit of an edge over the others in that it’s a luxury brand with sustainable values – its sneakers are made in Italy and sell at designer boutiques such as L’Eclaireur and Merci in Paris.
Its unisex collection is made from bio-based leather, recycled rubber and wasted foam, and is constructed using water-based glues and finished with chic hemp laces.

To further prove its commitment to sustainability, the company plants a tree for every pair sold and each pair is engraved with an individual tree-code on the heel of each shoe. They are also packaged in a chic box which can double as a backgammon board. Score!


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French shoe label Veja focuses on transparency, fair trade, and social and environmental responsibility from its sourcing and production cycle. Photo: Handout

Veja sneakers, available at Net-a-Porter

Yatay sneakers

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Fashion & Beauty


Casual footwear that’s eco-friendly but still trendy is what specialist brands like Allbirds, Rothys, Thousand Fell, Veja and Yatay focus on
But if you’re after glamorous styles, you’ll be disappointed as these labels are focusing on casual looks



Eco-friendly and sustainable fashion is on the rise as specialist brands like Allbirds, Rothys, Thousand Fell, Veja and Yatay focus on casual looks rather than glamorous styles.
