With their chunky buckled straps, anatomically formed footbeds, and cork and rubber soles, Birkenstock sandals are a number of the hottest footwear ever created in trendy historical past. Right now, many individuals are on the lookout for sustainable options to Birkenstocks.
The model was based in 1774 by a German shoemaker known as Johann Adam Birkenstock. It gained traction originally of the twentieth century after one among its descendants invented versatile insoles designed to assist and conform to the form of the wearer’s foot. On the time, the sandals have been thought of a style fake pas however have been extremely beneficial by physicians.
The footwear have been launched in the USA within the late Sixties the place they grew to become a wardrobe staple in hippy circles. However it was not till the Nineties that they actually started to take off amongst People. These days, Birkenstock sandals are nonetheless extraordinarily widespread and are seen by many all all over the world as vital style accent.
Nevertheless, these iconic footwear are removed from being sustainably and ethically made. In case you are making an attempt to construct a acutely aware wardrobe and solely purchase eco-friendly footwear, learn on!
On this article, now we have chosen the 9 greatest sustainable options to Birkenstocks in order that your ft can step into consolation and elegance with out harming the planet!
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Are Birkenstocks sustainable and moral?
The model is much from being sustainable and moral for various causes.
Whereas Birkenstock makes use of some eco-friendly supplies like jute or cork for its footbeds, most of its footwear are made with unsustainable ones, similar to typical leather-based and suede or artificial supplies.
Regardless that its footwear are fairly sturdy and nicely made, these supplies are a number of the worst relating to their affect on the planet.
Birkenstock additionally doesn’t appear to be doing a lot to scale back its environmental footprint aside from utilizing virtually completely solvent-free, water-based glues in its manufacturing course of. It’s removed from sufficient!
Furthermore, whereas Birkenstock sandals are made in Germany, the place the corporate has to adjust to the European Union’s strict labor legal guidelines, we have no idea whether or not it prioritizes moral practices all through its whole provide chain. Are all its staff paid honest wages and dealing in protected situations? Who is aware of?
The model additionally doesn’t appear to reveal something about who its suppliers are and the place it sources its supplies from.
For all these causes, we’re all higher off choosing a extra moral and sustainable various to Birkenstocks!
What makes a pair of sandals sustainable or moral?
A sustainable sandal is one made with high quality and longevity in thoughts. It ought to final you a lot seasons, and it’s best to be capable to put on it time and again with out seeing any important indicators of damage. As soon as it begins to wear down, see if you happen to can restore or resole it.
Additionally it is made with eco-friendly supplies and produced utilizing sustainable practices. As an example, the model ought to have taken steps to scale back its materials waste, save power and water, and decrease its use of dangerous chemical compounds.
Sustainable sandals are additionally crafted in an moral atmosphere. Employees within the provide chain ought to obtain honest wages, permitting them to dwell decently of their nation and work in a non-toxic, protected office.
Keep away from shopping for from fast fashion brands as a result of they don’t prioritize the planet and their staff. As an alternative, select a clear model that discloses how its merchandise are made and the place. Ideally, search for firms that obtained third-party certifications similar to Local weather-Impartial, OEKO-TEX Commonplace 100, or B Company.
What eco-friendly supplies must you seek for?
Sustainable sandals and footwear may be made out of a wide range of eco-friendly supplies. Probably the most sustainable is fake leather-based made out of meals waste, similar to apple leather-based or piñatex.
Different nice choices are fashions made out of recycled plastic or some other sort of recycled materials like recycled rubber or recycled automobile tires.
When you favor leather-based footwear, go for high-quality leather-based that’s vegetable-tanned and licensed by the Leather-based Working Group.
Sustainable manufacturers additionally use pure supplies similar to cork, jute, or responsibly sourced pure rubber to make their soles and footbeds.
Our prime picks for cozy, sustainable options to Birkenstocks:
1. ABLE
Supplies: Leather-based, Rubber
Worth: on sale $75
ABLE is a sustainable clothes model on a mission to create higher alternatives for ladies working within the style business.
It has a stunning pair of traditional slip-on sandals that appear to be Birkenstocks. Combining fashion, match, and performance, these white slides have a quite simple, but trendy and stylish look, and may be worn with virtually something from denims to shorts to a cute little summer season costume.
They characteristic an adjustable double strap with outsized gold-tone buckles, which you’ll modify in order that they match completely even when you’ve got wider ft. Their padded footbed is designed to maximise consolation when strolling.
ABLE makes these sandals in Brazil utilizing full-grain, Napa leather-based for each the uppers and lining and rubber for the outsoles.
The model sources its leather-based as a product of the meat business and makes use of semi-vegetable tanning to course of it. The fabric ages superbly over time, giving it extra of a classic look. Additionally it is made to face the check of time and crafted with high quality and longevity in thoughts.
ABLE additionally makes positive all staff in its provide chain are paid residing wages and are supplied with dignified, protected working situations.
2. Nisolo
Supplies: LWG Leather-based
Worth: on sale $39
Nisolo launched the Ella Platform Slide simply in time for the hotter months forward, and we LOVE the brand new fashion.
These cozy slides (which are available 3 colours) will likely be your subsequent on a regular basis go-to!
Nisolo is a certified B Corp and carbon-neutral firm identified for making ethical shoes.
They’ve been main the best way relating to paying residing wages and creating an moral work atmosphere. They publish their wages and are very clear about who makes their merchandise and the place.
3. Biankina
Supplies: Recycled Microfiber, Cork, Jute, Rubber
Worth vary: $80-90
Biankina is a sustainable footwear model primarily based in Barcelona that sells vegan footwear, together with a wide range of sandals for ladies.
From its traditional double-strap slides to one-strap fashions, most of its sandals are similar to Birkenstocks. It even has double-strap slip-ons with a platform sole in addition to a flip-flop sort of sandal that appears like Birkenstock’s Gizeh mannequin.
All of Biankina’s sandals have a timeless, trendy, and chic design, and they are often dressed up or down. You possibly can select from totally different colours, together with some metallic ones. Each mild and straightforward to put on, they’ll hold your ft snug and supported all day lengthy!
The model makes the uppers utilizing International Recycled Commonplace-certified recycled microfiber. It additionally makes use of soles made out of 100% pure rubber and reminiscence foam insoles. The cork midsoles present pure shock absorption as you stroll.
Since in addition they include jute fiber, these sandals are designed to scale back warmth conductivity, making them the proper footwear for summer season.
Biankina’s slides are handcrafted by expert artisans in an moral workshop in Spain. All its merchandise are vegan and no dangerous chemical compounds or glues are used in the course of the manufacturing course of.
And if you happen to purchase the one-strap fashion, the model will plant two timber in your buy.
use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off
4. Will’s Vegan Store
Supplies: Bio-Primarily based Vegan Leather-based, Cork, Vegan Suede, Recycled Rubber, Recycled Polyurethane
Worth: $106
Will’s Vegan Retailer creates all types of footwear and garments for men and women utilizing vegan and cruelty-free supplies. It presents a number of types of sandals and two pairs of clogs which are fairly just like Birkenstocks. The uppers, which include adjustable metallic buckles to get the proper match, are both made out of vegan suede or Italian vegan leather-based made with 69% bio-based content material.
Its fake leather-based is produced partially from cereal crops with a viscose backing cloth derived from eucalyptus timber.
The model’s sandals and clogs characteristic shock-absorbing cork footbeds offering arch assist, insoles made from recycled polyurethane, a heel cup, and sturdy, grippy outsoles made with recycled rubber. They’re additionally lined with smooth vegan suede, making them very snug to put on, even with out socks.
Will’s Vegan Retailer crafts them in Portugal and ships them utilizing plastic-free packaging. Additionally it is Local weather-Impartial Licensed, which means that it measures and offsets its whole carbon footprint.
You possibly can even use the model’s “return to recycle” service to ship again your footwear on the finish of their lives in order that they’ll get changed into new outsoles and uppers!
5. Poppy Barley
Supplies: LWG Veggie-Tanned Leather-based, Rubber, Reminiscence Foam Insoles
Worth: $218
Need the proper match? The Wanderlust Sandals from Poppy Barley have adjustable velcro straps (across the toes and again!) so as so that you can customise your match.
In addition they have further arch assist, so you’ll be able to really feel snug carrying all of them day. Poppy Barley makes use of earth-conscious, water-based glues, and their shoeboxes are Forest Stewardship Council-certified and made with 67% recycled paper, water-based inks, and natural pigments!
Poppy Barley is a Canadian model and B-Company based by two sisters in Edmonton, AB. Their firm is dedicated to rethinking each step to create sustainably made, fairly-priced merchandise designed to be worn on repeat.
6. Nae Vegan Shoes
Supplies: Piñatex, Cork, Recycled PET, Microfiber, Recycled Automotive Tires, EVA, Rubber
Worth: $96
Nae Vegan Sneakers is a Portuguese vegan footwear model that sells sustainable footwear for men and women. Every little thing it creates is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted ethically in licensed factories in Portugal.
The corporate presents an exquisite various to Birkenstock sandals with its DARCO assortment.
Its 4 unisex slides can be found in black, off-white, darkish brown, and darkish inexperienced.
They characteristic two adjustable straps with gold nickel-free buckles which you can modify for the proper match. They’re both made out of GRS-certified recycled PET, regionally sourced FSC-certified pure cork, or piñatex made out of pineapple leaf fibers.
These sandals are lined with OEKO-TEX Commonplace 100 licensed microfiber produced in a CO2-free atmosphere. So they don’t include any dangerous substances and are 100% protected to put on! The liner can be hypoallergenic and has antibacterial properties to forestall odors.
The sandals’ ergonomic footbeds present arch assist and are crafted from cork and pure rubber, and their slip-resistant soles are produced from recycled automobile tires.
Nae Vegan Sneakers additionally has a pair of vegan mule slippers which are extremely just like Birkenstock’s Boston clogs!
To prime all of it off, the model ships its merchandise utilizing 100% recyclable, recycled packaging.
7. ALOHAS
Supplies: Leather-based
Worth: $220
Crafted from luxurious cream-colored leather-based, these sandals characteristic eye-catching buckle straps that elevate any outfit. The molded footbeds provide the proper assist, making each step really feel like strolling on clouds. With an elegant stacked midsole offering a delicate 3.5 cm raise, you’ll take pleasure in simply the correct quantity of peak with out sacrificing consolation. Every pair is designed within the vibrant coronary heart of Barcelona and meticulously made in Spain, embodying distinctive craftsmanship which you can belief.
However it’s not nearly trying good. ALOHAS is on a mission to create trendy, high-quality footwear, clothes, and equipment which are variety to the planet. Emphasizing eco-friendly supplies and moral craftsmanship, they make sure that every bit minimizes its environmental affect whereas conserving you on the forefront of contemporary style.
8. Thesus
Supplies: Recycled Plastic, Cork
Worth: $138
Thesus is a Canadian BIPOC- and woman-owned model that creates sustainable footwear and equipment. Its Terrus clogs, accessible in white, beige, and sage inexperienced, are an awesome various to Birkenstock’s clogs!
In contrast to most clogs, these characteristic an adjustable again strap that helps hold them securely connected to your ft as you go about your day.
They’re additionally very versatile since you’ll be able to put on them with any outfit all year long (if you happen to add a pair of socks within the colder months).
The Terrus clogs are 100% vegan, simple to scrub, and made from 98% recycled plastic produced from repurposed marine waste collected by fishermen throughout the globe.
They’ve a footbed crafted from pure cork with a smooth lining, making them very light-weight and breathable. It offers arch assist and completely molds to your ft so you’ll be able to keep snug all day lengthy. Additionally, you will love the wide-toe field, designed to suit all foot sizes and shapes!
Thesus makes use of water-based vegan glue to bind the higher and soles collectively, and it produces every little thing by hand in a family-owned manufacturing facility in Portugal.
The model pays its staff honest wages and prioritizes transparency, high quality craftsmanship, and sustainable manufacturing practices all through its whole provide chain.
9. ELK
Supplies: Sheep Leather-based, Rubber, TPR Rubber
Worth: $239
ELK is an Australian family-owned enterprise that sells modern style items made ethically and with the planet in thoughts.
Its Uma slip-on slides should not as just like Birkenstocks as the opposite fashions on this record, however they’re nonetheless price mentioning on this article!
Offered in a stunning, eye-catching metallic fuchsia or gold, these sandals will brighten any outfit and improve your on a regular basis fashion. They characteristic a crossover strap design and a cushty molded footbed.
ELK’s Uma sandals have a rubber sole and a heel made from TPR rubber, whereas the uppers, footbeds, and lining are all crafted from sheep leather-based. The leather-based is chromium VI-free and sourced from a Leather-based Working Group audited and rated tannery, and it’ll get higher with age because it develops an exquisite patina over time.
The model may be very clear concerning the suppliers and factories it really works with, and it solely chooses companions with protected, honest, and inclusive workplaces.
ELK additionally makes use of sustainable packaging, its direct operations are 100% powered by inexperienced power, and its merchandise are freed from dangerous chemical compounds similar to heavy metals, flame retardants, PFCs, and azo dyes.
Plus, it’s a member of 1% For The Planet and Sedex, and it recurrently helps and makes donations to totally different nonprofits. It even obtained the inaugural award for Sustainable Innovation on the 2019 Australian Trend Laureate!
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