Words: Diana Bunge
Category: Top Picks
Published: 13 Sep 2021
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Slipping on a work shoe feels like a Monday morning—full of potential. Discover our favourite more sustainable work shoes to get you through the week.
More sustainable work shoes for your week
While it may sound strange, for me, slipping on a work shoe feels like a Monday morning—full of potential, excitement, and filled to the brim with boss energy. For some, this feeling is elicited with a sexy pump that clacks and clacks; for others, a happy-go-lucky flat or classic mule does the trick. No matter what size or shape you prefer, the Good On You team recognizes that most work-place appropriate shoes are leather-based, making it pretty tough to find more sustainable work shoes that align with your values. That’s where we come in.
We’re happy to report that vegan leather options abound! In line with this ethos, below you can find a plethora of vegan or vintage options, including elegant black flats, lovely vegan loafers, and for a more casual option we’ve got you covered with its sleek, vegetable-tanned leather sandals. And for those who prefer animal leather, there are some chrome-free and deadstock leather options, too. With that, happy browsing!
Business as usual
NAE
Rated: Good
Meet Jaque, the perfect pointed toe, mid-heel slingback work shoe made with vegan leather. These feminine shoes are lined with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified microfibre manufactured in a system with lower carbon emissions. NAE is a Portuguese footwear, bags, and accessories brand using innovative materials to create goods with “No Animal Exploitation”.
Find most of the shoes in sizes 36 to 46.
See the rating.
Will’s Vegan Store
Rated: Good
Timeless and classy, these stone, vegan pointed block heels are sure to impress! The shoe is lined with two types of super soft vegan suede, creating not only a lovely place to nestle your foot but allowing air to circulate, helping it stay cool throughout the day. Will’s Vegan Store produces animal and human-friendly women’s and men’s footwear and accessories at more affordable prices.
Find the women’s shoes in US sizes 5-10, and men’s in 7.5-14. Love!
See the rating.
NOAH
Rated: Good
The quintessential black flat, except this time it’s vegan and sustainable! These elegant flats come in a variety of colours and are gorgeously crafted from vegan microsuede and feature a pointed toe. NOAH creates cruelty-free and 100% vegan shoes and accessories. This German brand’s high-quality and long-lasting shoes are hand-crafted in Italy, using a small proportion of lower-impact material.
Find them in EU sizes 35-42.
See the rating.
Nisolo
Rated: Good
It goes without saying that mules take the cake in terms of comfort, sophistication, and professionalism. With a small heel, Nisolo’s Mariella is the brand’s most versatile mule. Designed to mold to your foot, you will find yourself reaching for her every chance you get. Nisolo is an American brand that prioritizes living wages throughout its supply chains while also working to combat climate change. Vegan fashion lovers note, this one is made from animal leather!
Find the collection in US sizes 6-10.
See the rating.
VEERAH
Rated: Good
Offers
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VEERAH is an NYC-based designer vegan shoe company founded and led by women to “do good and look incredible”. Its innovative apple peel leather shoe collection is crafted with cushioned insoles made from algae blooms. Each pair is transformative with interchangeable shoe accessories to create more looks with less. It is made for warriors “killin’ it with kindness”.
Find most shoes in US sizes 5-11.
See the rating.
Good Guys
Rated: Good
I can’t believe it’s not real leather! Another spin on a classic work shoe, these loafers are made in England with premium quality, lower-impact vegan leather and breathable microfibre lining. Good Guys creates cruelty-free shoes for women and men, founded and designed by Marion Hanania in Paris.
Find most shoes in EU sizes 36-42.
See the rating.
Bhava
Rated: Good
While wearing heels all day isn’t necessarily ideal, at least it can be done more ethically and with comfort in mind. This classic pump by BHAVA is doing just that, featuring a gorgeous all natural cork insole as well as state of the art shock-absorbent soles. These lovelies are manufactured in Alicante, Spain, where shoes are still being handmade by generations of artisans. BHAVA uses some environmentally friendly materials, such as organic cotton and recycled materials. It also does not use aromatic amines, PCP, formaldehyde, PVC, phthalates, azo-dyes, or chrome when creating its vegan leather.
Find the collection in US sizes 5-11.
See the rating.
Jimmy Choo (Pre-Owned)
Rated: Not Good Enough
These pumps are sure to turn heads. While Jimmy Choo isn’t doing enough for animals, people, or the environment, we do recommend giving a second-life to an old pump by purchasing vintage. The Romy Leather Heels are an absolute classic, featuring an elegant pointed toe and genuine leather.
Find the heels in EU size 35.
See the rating.
Cool and casual
Christy Dawn
Rated: Great
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, fall footwear is finally near! Christy Dawn’s Chelsea Boot is the perfect pairing for any chilly workday. Crafted from supple dead stock leather, the boot features elasticated siding for easy slip-on and a feminine, softly rounded toe. Each pair is unique with slight variations in grain, texture, and hue! The US brand rates “Great”, making it a fabulous boho option for your wardrobe.
Find the shoes in sizes 5-11.
See the rating.
Veja
Rated: Good
If you’re able to wear sneakers at work, we recommend Vejas. Veja is a French brand designing fair trade footwear, and is also a sustainable fashion pioneer. The brand uses more responsible materials, like GOTS certified cotton and vegetable-tanned leather! By not advertising, Veja is able to invest more money into strengthening its better practices.
You can find Veja shoes in women’s EU sizes 35-46, and men’s 35-47.
See the rating.
KAYU
Rated: Good
There’s nothing better than being able to slip on a pair of stunning sandals for a day in the office. Handmade in Greece and composed of 100% natural, chemical-free leather, KAYU is going above and beyond to ensure durability and sustainability. What’s more, the brand is committed to using natural materials such as straw, wood, and shells. It also partners with local artisans in the Philippines to produce its products.
Find the collection in EU sizes 35-42.
See the rating.
Well, that’s it! We hope this guide provided some guidance on how to nail your ideal professional look without needing to sacrifice your morals or boss energy in the process!
Editor's note
Feature image via Nisolo, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. We love to recommend some of the best more sustainable brands, rated "Good" or "Great". We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.
