As the months get colder many of us are reaching for our favourite slippers. When it comes to eco friendly slippers, UK buyers are definitely fans, and with icy winters who could blame us?
The Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a rise in homeworking, has only increased the desire to find the best cosy slipper styles. In 2020, shoe retailer Shoezone recorded a 285% increase in slipper sales.
With slippers forming such a large part of our winter wardrobes, considering how we can shop sustainably and ethically is vital.
Table of Contents
What makes an eco friendly slipper?
There are some core aspects that all sustainable slippers share.
Materials
When it comes to cosy footwear, not all slippers are created equal. As a general rule, natural materials have a lighter impact on the Earth than their synthetic alternatives.
Ethically produced wool is a common component of eco friendly slippers. This material is naturally biodegradable, making it eco-friendly.
Recycled materials are also great. There are clever companies out there making cosy footwear out of products like recycled bottles! See our article on recycled clothing companies for more innovative fashion from recycled products from bottle tops to fire hoses.
Recyclability
Like all clothing, slippers can’t be worn forever. When searching for eco-friendly slippers, look for ones that can be recycled when they can’t be worn anymore. Some companies offer recycling services for consumers, so buying from these brands can be a good idea.
Ethical Production
Buying slippers that have been ethically produced make those winter nights even more snuggly. Look for brands with supply chain transparency. Certifications such as FairTrade are also great indications of ethical production and fair labour practices. For more on fair trade certifications, read here.
Top eco friendly slippers in the UK
These are thirteen of the best sustainable brands to keep your feet toasty this winter.
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Top picks
Best for affordable & wool free
£29
Best for luxury design
£46
Best for the whole family
£39
1. Muffle Up @ Etsy
Based: Canada Ships to: Internationally
Range: Men’s, women’s, and children’s slippers
Price: £33-£102
Sustainability creds: Repurposed leather and sheep’s fur, made-to-order
With charming rustic vibes or sporting vibrant prints, such as their yellow, red, and blue Lego slippers, slippers from MuffleUp are sure to brighten any winter night. They are made from soft, non-itch merino wool, repurposed leather for their soles, and reclaimed shearling lining to keep your feet snug and warm.
The brand creates a range of crocheted slippers for the whole family, from babies and kids up to women and men. Their booties are either ankle or mid-calf height.
The brand handmakes the slippers to order and can also create a range of poufs and pillows to your requirements.
2. Pretty You
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Women’s slippers
Price: £29-£60
Sustainability creds: Use of some sustainable materials
A slipper made for someone that likes a bit of glitz and glimmer, the Anya slipper from Pretty You features a faux fur finish and a bejewelled design. The slipper has an extra thick underfoot padding and non-slip sole making it extra comfortable.
Pretty You has set itself targets to improve its overall sustainability. It uses some natural and sustainable materials in its ranges, such as bamboo. However, more information regarding its supply chain or more specific policies regarding sustainability would be great to see.
3. Komodo
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Nepal
Range: Men’s and women’s slippers
Price: £35
Sustainability creds: Sustainable materials, renewable energy, sources wool from non-mulesed sheep, GOTS certified materials
Coming in eight colours, the HIDE slippers from sustainable brand Komodo incorporate lambswool to keep your toes feeling toasty on cold nights. These slippers are handmade in Nepal and have a footbed made from sustainable recycled felt. Available in a unisex style, there are four different colour options to choose from.
Komodo uses eco-friendly materials and renewable energy in its supply chains to limit its environmental impact. It takes a considered approach to production, making clothes that are made to last for years to come.
4. Falke
Based: Germany Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Women’s, children and men’s slippers
Price: £39
Sustainability creds: Products made to last, use of natural materials
Available in men’s, women’s and teen sizes, the Cosyshoe from Falke is made to keep you cosy on the coldest mornings. The slipper is crafted from Merino wool, making it lightweight while still being warm, and comes in a variety of colours.
Falke uses natural materials, such as wool, in its production. While it could share more information on its website on its specific sustainability policies, it does make products built to last, reducing the need for rapid re-purchasing.
5. Bohemia Design
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Women’s and men’s slippers
Made in: Morocco
Price: £46
Sustainability creds: Ethical supply chains, use of natural materials
With a sweet floral design the Margot slippers from Bohemia Design are made for relaxing in. These luxury women’s slippers are handmade by artisans in Morocco and include materials such as cotton twill and quality leather. Each pair also comes with a reusable drawstring bag. For the men, the Babouche leather slippers are a great choice.
Bohemia Design focuses on creating timeless pieces made in ethical supply chains. The label works with artisans around the world to craft designs that champion traditional techniques while still fitting into the modern fashion scene.
6. Shepherd of Sweden
Based: Sweden Ships to: Available in the UK through Trouva
Made in: North Macedonia
Range: Men’s and women’s slippers
Price: £65
Sustainability creds: Uses leather that is a by-product of the meat industry, supports charitable foundations, visits factories regularly
The Jessica slipper in chestnut from Shepherd of Sweden is designed to be soft and warm against the skin. It comes in a classic chestnut colour and features decorative stitching to give it some extra style.
Embracing timeless design principles, Shepherd of Sweden creates styles made to outlive shifting trends. The brand focuses on quality craftsmanship and materials. The label operates with the goal to be an industry leader in sustainable slippers.
They’re available in the UK through Trouva.
7. Betterfelt
Based: Denmark Ships to: Worldwide (Also available through Wolf & Badger)
Made in: Nepal
Range: Women’s and men’s slippers
Price: £68
Sustainability creds: Certified Fair Trade Importer, use of natural materials
With a design that comes over the ankle for extra snuggliness, the women’s Classic Boot by Betterfelt is crafted from felted wool. The shoe has a natural crepe rubber sole, providing durability without sacrificing comfort or sustainability. The signature of the artisan that crafted each boot can be found near the heel.
Betterfelt operates with an ethical supply chain. The label supports Fair Trade principles and is committed to ensuring every stage of the supply chain is ethical and sustainable.
8. Sheepland @ Etsy
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide (via Etsy)
Made in: UK
Range: Women’s and men’s slippers
Price: £29.50+
Sustainability creds: Sustainable and natural materials, slow production approach
Having spent the better part of the last four decades honing their craft, the folks at Sheepland have got slipper making down to an art form. The label crafts high-quality wool slippers, such as the comfy handmade Moccasin. The label uses British wool and sheepskin wherever possible and even incorporates handy design features such as a rubber sole for extra durability and versatility.
As well as using natural materials, Sheepland takes a slower approach to production, making items by hand. The label uses natural, undyed wool, as well as incorporating organic materials in its products.
9. Beaumont Organic
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Portugal
Range: Women’s slippers
Price: £85
Sustainability creds: Uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX certified materials, and Responsible Wool Standard wool
The Pantufus Sheepskin Herringbone slippers, come in grey (pictured) while the Ruby Sheepskin slippers come in tan so if you are looking for a classic style to keep your feet warm this winter you’ve come to the right place! They also feature a rubber sole and a fleecy insole.
Beaumont Organic use a range of sustainable materials across their range and ethically make their products in Portugal. They also have a shop in Manchester where you can pick up your slippers if you’re close by or have them delivered (£5 in the UK or free over £150).
10. Baabuk
Based: Switzerland Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Women’s and men’s slippers
Price: €79
Sustainability creds: Use of some sustainable and natural materials, uses wool from non-mulesed sheep, certified B Corporation
With natural wool uppers made from wool from non-mulesed sheep, the Mel slippers from Baabuk are designed to be soft and cosy. The slippers are handmade in Nepal. They champion natural materials that are comfortable to wear while making a limited environmental impact.
While Baabuk could do more to ensure an ethical supply chain, it does use some eco-friendly materials to help limit its impact. The label also claims to source the wool it uses from non-mulesed sheep. Baabuk holds B Corp certification.
11. Aspiga
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Men’s and women’s slippers
Price: £55 – £85
Sustainability creds: B Corp certified, transparent supply chain, OEKO-TEX certification, giveback schemes, use of natural materials
From fluffy pink creations such as the Lovisa Slipper to more traditional slipper boots such as the Pia slippers, the Aspiga slipper range features some snuggly footwear for every taste. Many of the slippers in the Aspiga collection are from the talented makers at Shepherds of Sweden and include high-quality materials such as sheepskin and EVA soles.
A B-corp certified organisation, Aspiga has proven its commitment to sustainable practices. The label engages with give-back schemes, including working with initiatives such as Water Harvest, Days for Girls, and Wandsworth Oasis.
12. Woolen Clogs @ Etsy
Based: Lithuania Ships to: Worldwide (via Etsy)
Made in: Lithuania
Range: Women’s slippers
Price: £145.85+
Sustainability creds: Sustainable and natural materials, avoids the use of harsh chemicals, cruelty free wool
Woolen Clogs, available through Etsy, are the ultimate example of coziness. Crafted from 100% wool felt, these snuggly slippers are the high quality must-have footwear for every frosty evening. There is even the option to choose from a range of different sole materials, including natural rubber and upcycled leather.
Woolen Clogs make their slipper ranges in-house and use cruelty-free wool for their products. The company ensures to craft its slippers from wool that hasn’t been treated with harsh chemicals and dyes, and sources its wool from sheep in Europe.
13. Mercredy @ Ethical Superstore
Based: Spain Ships to: Worldwide (via Ethical Superstore)
Made in: Spain
Range: Women’s and men’s slippers
Price: £39.95
Sustainability creds: Use of recycled materials, handmade, sustainable packaging, vegan
Slippers from Mercredy have a contemporary and modern component to their overall design, while still embracing the cozy comfort every good slipper needs. The company uses a muted colour palette in its designs, as seen with the pink and taupe women’s recycled slippers, and has slippers in both men’s and women’s sizes and designs.
Mercredy uses sustainable materials in its products, including recycled plastic bottles and natural rubber, and takes a handmade approach to production. The label also uses eco-friendly packaging and has vegan products on offer.
14. Mahabis
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Portugal
Range: Women’s and men’s slippers
Price: £119
Sustainability creds: Use of sustainable materials, tree planting programs, sustainable packaging, Ecologi collaboration
Sporting a design that embraces a distinctly contemporary vibe, the Curve slipper by Mahabis offers a modern take to a classic slipper. The slipper is available in a range of colour combinations, but we think that the grey and yellow is a definite style winner. The slipper comes in men’s and women’s sizes and has an upper made of recycled felt that was developed with an Italian mill.
Mahabis takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability. The brand uses recycled and sustainable materials and even plants trees for the orders it receives. It works with Ecologi for carbon offsetting and uses sustainable packaging to limit its impact.
15. Chilote @ Made Trade
Based: US Ships to: Worldwide (check import taxes)
Made in: Patagonia, Chile
Range: Unisex slippers, house shoes and baby booties
Price: £70
Sustainability creds: B Corporation, hand made by artisans using 100% locally sourced materials, QR code with artisan info, repair kit
These gorgeous unisex house shoes are hand made from sustainably sourced wool and upcycled salmon leather. Molding to your feet over time, the slippers coming in three sizes and are hand washable (unlike many slippers).
They even come with a QR code giving you the artisan information and geo location!
For sale on Made Trade’s ethical marketplace.
Cosy and Sustainable
As the weather turns colder, warm, cosy slippers become a must have item. As sustainability is on all our minds, finding slippers that have that toasty comfort, while also protecting the natural world is vital. Whether it’s slippers crafted by artisans from natural wool or sleek styles created from plastic bottles, there are some great sustainable options out there.
So, grab some cocoa, a fuzzy blanket, and slide into the snuggly vibes of some sustainable slippers this winter.
