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Sandals are a summer wardrobe must-have. But finding a pair of sandals that is cute and comfy, and also has a lower impact on people, the planet, and animals, is not as easy a sit seems. Lucky for you, we went on the hunt for some of the best more sustainable and ethical sandals to see you through the summer.
Summer sandals: the indispensable warm weather staple
As the weather gets warmer, a great summer sandal is a must-have shoe that will see you through all your warm-weather adventures—from those long walks on the beach, to picnics in the park, and backyard pool parties.
What makes a more sustainable or ethical sandal?
When it comes to more sustainable and ethical footwear, think of brands incorporating lower-impact materials into their shoes like innovative pineapple and apple leather, organic cotton, and repurposed plastic or rubber. You can also opt for pre-loved shoes from second hand resale platforms or your local charity shop to reduce the impact of your purchase. If you prefer vegan fashion, go for brands that steer clear of animal-derived materials, and if prioritising fair wages is top of mind for you, you can easily check the ratings of brands on our directory.
All that said, to ensure you are comfortable and well-equipped for the season, we rounded up some of our favourite comfortable, trendy, and responsibly-made sandals to keep your feet happy this summer. We’ve included different options, like practical alternatives to Birkenstocks, classic thongs or “flip-flops”, chic heeled sandals, as well as some second hand pieces if that’s more your vibe.