Ballet flats and slip on trainers are great versatile footwear staples. However, as with many footwear styles, they haven’t always been the most sustainable options. But, the good news is that there are fantastic sustainable companies making ethical ballet flats that protect people and the planet.
In our handy round up, we’ve taken a look at some of the best brands making sustainable slip on trainers and eco-friendly ballet flats, perfect for any occasion.
Ethical Ballet Flats and Eco Friendly Slip Ons
So who are these brands? Whether you are looking for classic styles or vibrant designs, we’ve found great ethical options for your shoe collection.
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1. Etiko: Ballet Flats
Based: Australia. Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £52
Made in: Pakistan
Sustainability creds: GOTS-certified cotton, recycled offcuts, products certified by Fairtrade International – Small Producers Organisations, vegan, use of sustainable materials, sustainable packaging
With the tagline of ‘wear no evil’, Etiko is the maker of stylish ethical ballet flats. Available in blue or black, these shoes are made from GOTS-certified canvas and use REACH-certified organic dyes.
Etiko is an example of how a modern ethical company can run. Taking social responsibility seriously, the label ensures safe and fair supply chains. Looking out for animals as well, all products are cruelty-free.
2. Ethletic: Dancer
Based: Germany Ships to: UK, USA & Europe
Price: €59.9
Made in: Pakistan
Sustainability creds: Fairtrade, GOTS, PeTA Cruelty Free, FSC certified rubber
Sustainable ballet flats with arch support for all day comfort, the Dancer shoe from Ethletic is simple and classic. Incorporating sustainable and ethical materials, the shoe contains 100% Fairtrade cotton and is available in red, black, blue or grey.
Ethletic has taken a refreshing approach to ethical production. The brand is transparent about its production and has traced its supply chains to ensure fair practices every step of the way.
3. Etiko: Slip On Trainer
Based: Australia. Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £60
Made in: Pakistan
Sustainability creds: GOTS-certified cotton, recycled offcuts, products certified by Fairtrade International – Small Producers Organisations, vegan, use of sustainable materials
With built in arch support and constructed from organic cotton canvas, the slip on trainers from Etiko are proof that sustainable can still be comfortable. These stylish shoes also contain no toxic dyes or animal based glues.
With the coveted ‘great’ rating on Good On You, Etiko demonstrates an ethical and sustainable attitude to production. The label uses sustainable materials and has traced its supply chain, ensuring all workers receive a living wage.
4. Ethletic: Deck sneaker
Based: Germany. Ships to: UK, USA & Europe
Price: €64.90
Made in: Pakistan & Sri Lanka
Sustainability creds: Fairtrade, GOTS, PeTA Cruelty Free, FSC certified natural rubber, use of natural materials
Sporting a maritime-inspired look, the Deck slip on trainer from Ethletic is constructed from fairly traded canvas twill cotton. These ethical shoes offer a great option for vegan flat shoes.
The label has reimagined how garments and footwear should be created, taking an ethical stance to production. Workers receive fair pay, materials are sourced from Fair trade supply chains and products are PeTA approved.
5. Inkkas: Slip On
Based: USA. Ships to: Worldwide
Price: $69
Made in: Latin America
Sustainability creds: Tree planting programs, produces in small batches, slow production model, vegan products, handmade shoes
With vibrant colours and a selection of original sketched designs, the Trek Slip On shoe from Inkkas is sure to brighten up any outfit. Making footwear that is sturdy, stylish and sustainable, these ethical flats have reinforced stitching.
Footwear from Inkkas is handcrafted in Latin America. The company plants trees for every purchase and implements small batch production practices to make its high-quality shoes.
6. Will’s Vegan: NY slip-on sneakers
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £72
Made in: Portuga
Sustainability creds: Vegan, recycling service, carbon neutral products, use of sustainable materials
Made with Italian vegan leather, the NY Slip On Sneaker from Will’s Vegan Store is breathable and water resistant. The shoe features insoles made from recycled rubber and flexible rubber outsoles.
With carbon-neutral certified products, Will’s Vegan Store has made progress to adopt a sustainable outlook. The label is proudly a vegan brand and offers a return-to-recycle service to stop used products going to landfill.
7. Allbirds: Tree Breezer
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £105
Made in: South Korea & China
Sustainability creds: Certified carbon neutral, use of sustainable materials, renewable energy used in supply chains
The Tree Breezer by Allbirds is the perfect go-to for a casual style. Available in a wide range of colours, these eco-friendly flats are made with eucalyptus tree fibre and are even machine washable.
Allbirds has made good progress in reducing its environmental impact. The label uses sustainable materials and renewable energy to limit its environmental footprint. We’d love to learn more about their work and labour policies across the supply chain.
8. Allbirds: Tree Lounger
Based: USA. Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £105
Made in: Vietnam
Sustainability creds: Certified carbon neutral, use of sustainable material
Another Allbirds style, the Tree Lounger offers a more robust shoe while still being comfortable and stylish. These ethical slip on shoes are lightweight, breathable and great for everyday wear.
Allbirds uses innovative fabrics, including FSC certified TENCEL Lyocell. It has made environmentally conscious material choices when making its sustainable shoes, opting for midsoles made with sugarcane based foam rather than plastic foams.
9. Cariuma: IBI Slip On
Based: Brazil Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £110
Sustainability creds: Certified B Corp, reforestation projects, use of Bluesign certified dyes, sustainable materials, factory certified by Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production
Made from sustainably harvested bamboo and recycled plastics, the IBI slip on shoe from Cariuma is casually chic and enviably comfortable. These sustainable flats are also vegan, machine washable, and lightweight.
A B-Corp certified organisation, Cariuma plants trees for every purchase and champions the use of sustainable materials. The company ensures that all workers are paid fair wages. The label also offers free shipping options.
10. Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather: Keith vegan velcro low
Based: France Ships to: UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, EU, Sweden
Price: £113.90
Made in: Portugal
Sustainability creds: Vegan leather, local manufacturing, use of some sustainable raw materials, sustainable packaging
The Kieth low top from Good Guys is the perfect blend of edgy modern minimalism and whimsical retro charm. Whilst not 100% slip on, their nostalgic velcro straps make them easy to slip on and off. These vegan shoes come in a chic black and white colour palette to go with any outfit.
The first French vegan shoe company, Good Guys takes a strong stance against animal cruelty in the fashion industry, providing great vegan options for consumers. The label uses vegan materials, is certified by PeTA and has even had Emma Watson as an ambassador.
Good Maker Tales readers can also get an extra 15% off with the code GOODMAKERTALES.
11. Alohas
Based: Spain. Ships to: Worldwide
Price: €140
Made in: Spain
Sustainability creds: Leather Working Group certified materials, limited production runs
Ballet flats from Alohas are cute without sacrificing comfort. Made from soft, sustainably sourced leather, these shoes are made to be versatile and designed to become everyday favourites.
Alohas has started to incorporate sustainable practices. While the label does use materials derived from animal products, it uses LWG certified leather, and implements limited product runs to minimise waste.
12. Stella X Adidas: Court Slip On
Based: Germany Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £170
Sustainability creds: Use of some natural and renewable materials in some products, goals to reduce toxic substance use
Made in collaboration with Stella McCartney, the Adidas Court Slip On is versatile and contemporary. The shoe contains organic cotton components and is available in three colour styles.
Adidas has made some steps to increase its sustainability, including setting goals to eliminate the use of dangerous substances. However, it still has a way to go. Stella McCartney as a brand does better than Adidas in regards to sustainability and is rated a high Good by Good On You.
13. Adidas: Ultraboost Slip On DNA
Based: Germany Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £160
Sustainability creds: Use of some sustainable materials in some products, goals to reduce toxic substance use
Swapping laces for a crisscross strap, the Adidas Ultraboost Slip On is made to combine comfort and running performance. Available in monochrome shades, this shoe is sleek, fresh and contemporary.
Adidas has begun to use some sustainable materials, including the use of recycled materials in this style, however, overall the company does still have a way to go. The label has shown little evidence of protecting biodiversity across supply chain locations.
Sustainable Slip Ons
From the trendy to the classic, the chic to the contemporary there are great eco-friendly and ethical ballet flats available for UK conscious consumers searching for the perfect shoe. These sustainable shoe brands and styles are working to create a cleaner, greener tomorrow and proving that the best casual style is one that looks out for people and the planet too.
Our guide to ethical trainers has more sneaker style shoes to choose from. And if you are looking for vegan styles, take a look at our extensive round up of vegan shoe brands.
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