Snuggly and sustainable: 12 of the UK’s best eco friendly slippers
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.
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 twelve of the best sustainable brands to keep your feet toasty this winter.
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Top picks
1. Thought
Based: UK Ships to: Internationally
Range: Men’s, women’s, and children’s slippers
Price: £27.95
Sustainability creds: TRAID Recycling Program, natural materials, recycled fibres, sustainable packaging
With charming rustic vibes or sporting vibrant prints, slippers from Thought are sure to brighten any winter night. Slippers are made from hypoallergenic pure wool, organic materials, or sustainable bamboo and Lenzing. Made from 100% wool, the Yoko Siberian slipper is one style from this sustainable brand definitely worth a look!
With a commitment to sustainability, Thought uses eco-friendly packaging and sustainable materials. The company uses recycled materials in its product ranges and fuzzy sock collection. With everything from soft hues to artwork prints available, the Thought slipper range has something for everyone.
2. Pretty You
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Women’s slippers
Price: £29
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: £33
Sustainability creds: Sustainable materials, renewable energy, sources wool from non-mulesed sheep, GOTS certified materials
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 slippers in blue is 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. Naadam
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Women’s and men’s slippers
Price: $85
Sustainability creds: Use of natural materials, supports transparency, ambitious ethical goals
Created in a wool-cashmere blend, the Essential slippers from Naadam are luxuriously soft. The slippers embrace a neutral colour palette and are designed to be the go to style to keep your toes warm on cold mornings.
Naadam is committed to transparency and has ambitious goals to support people and the planet. By 2025 the brand aims to be carbon neutral and to make investments in herding communities in Mongolia.
9. Birdsong
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: UK
Range: Women’s slippers
Price: £69
Sustainability creds: GOTS certified materials, ethical supply chains, use of reclaimed materials, local manufacturing
Featuring eco-friendly jute soles, these cosy slippers from Birdsong include a comfortable open back design. Sustainable and ethical, these Reclaimed (faux) Fur slippers were handmade in London by women who were facing barriers to obtaining employment. The slippers incorporate reclaimed leather offcuts and are available in a neutral white hue.
Birdsong uses sustainable materials, including organic and reclaimed materials. The label champions responsible manufacturing and collaborates with its local community to source, deliver and produce the ethical products it creates.
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. Teva
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Women’s and men’s slippers
Price: £90
Sustainability creds: Use of some sustainable materials, uses wool from non-mulesed sheep
Made for relaxed days, the Reember Plushed shoe from Teva comes in a stylish feather grey tone. Designed as a camp shoe, the style is more robust than many slipper styles, featuring an outsole made from 50% rubber. Embracing cosiness, the shoe includes a tencel faux fur lining to keep you feeling snuggly. There are also a range of Reember styles available in men’s sizes.
While Teva does use materials such as polyester in its styles, it has made some progress to include more eco-friendly materials. These materials include leather sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries and bio-based Tencel products.
12. 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.
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.
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