UGG boots have undoubtedly been a vogue staple for chilly climate for a few years now. First worn by Australian surfers within the Fifties, these brown fur-lined, sheepskin boots grew to become extraordinarily well-liked within the early 2000s.
Everybody from celebrities to stay-at-home mothers had a pair, and UGGs had been vital in our closets. Whereas they had been momentarily declared “over” in 2012, they shortly made a comeback because the model launched new types. In 2023, everybody was loopy about UGG’s mini, below-the-ankle platform boots and embroidered Tasman slippers – they usually haven’t gone out of favor for winter 2024-25!
Nonetheless, whereas we can’t deny that UGG boots are very cozy and comfy, they’re removed from being probably the most sustainable and moral sneakers in the marketplace.
In case you nonetheless wish to select cozy consolation and stylish fashion this yr, ensure to get considered one of these seven sustainable alternate options to UGGs as a substitute. Because of them, it is possible for you to to say goodbye to chilly toes whereas making a better option for the planet.
ARE UGGS SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL?
UGG has taken completely different steps through the years to scale back its environmental footprint. As an illustration, it has launched sustainable supplies in its collections reminiscent of upcycled wool, Tencel lyocell, or recycled polyester.
Nonetheless, there may be loads of room for enchancment. Its sneakers are nonetheless made with sheepskin and leather-based, that are among the most unsustainable supplies. The leather-based is artificially dyed and handled, so it might comprise many dangerous chemical substances we shouldn’t be involved with.
Most UGG boots are additionally made in Asia, primarily in China and Vietnam, the place there may be little to no environmental regulation.
Furthermore, the corporate’s provide chain is not certified by any labor requirements. So there is no such thing as a proof that employees are paid a good residing wage and that they’re handled nicely and dealing in secure, wholesome circumstances.
Whereas UGG might not be the least eco-friendly and moral footwear model, it nonetheless has a protracted solution to go to be thought-about sustainable.
Fortunately, there are completely different manufacturers we are able to store from which are doing rather a lot higher when it comes to ethics and sustainability!
WHAT MAKES A PAIR OF SHOES SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL?
A sustainable pair of sneakers is made with eco-friendly supplies and constructed to final for a few years. It needs to be designed to resist fixed put on with out carrying out in a number of seasons. If doable, attempt to purchase sneakers that may be resoled and repaired, although these might be tough to search out.
The model producing them also needs to make the most of sustainable manufacturing practices and implement completely different zero-waste initiatives reminiscent of energy- or water-saving methods. It also needs to reduce its use of poisonous chemical substances and materials waste.
A sustainable footwear model additionally makes its sneakers with its employees’ well-being in thoughts. All the employees within the provide chain needs to be paid truthful wages permitting them to dwell decently, and work in secure, humane circumstances.
The corporate also needs to be clear about how its merchandise are made and the place. Ideally, it has obtained completely different third-party certifications reminiscent of B Company or OEKO-TEX Customary 100.
Lastly, ensure to avoid fast fashion brands and low-cost types yow will discover on web sites like Amazon. These manufacturers present little or no details about how their merchandise are produced, and their sneakers are often poorly made and never constructed to final.
WHAT MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?
Most sustainable alternate options to UGGs are made with high-quality artificial supplies or sustainably sourced sheepskin. Whereas these supplies should not ultimate when it comes to sustainability, they’re often long-lasting, that means that it is possible for you to to put on the sneakers for a few years.
Nonetheless, completely different manufacturers additionally make their boots with extra eco-friendly supplies reminiscent of corn “leather-based”, or recycled supplies reminiscent of recycled PU, recycled wool, or recycled polyester. One firm even crafts them utilizing recycled mattresses! Lastly, lots of them additionally make their soles from pure rubber.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR COMFY, SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO UGGS
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