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PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
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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. We went on the hunt for some of the best more sustainable and ethical sandals to see you through the 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 cork, more responsibly sourced natural rubber, and recycled materials. If you prefer vegan options, check out the range of alternative leather options, including some made from grape and apple skins, and be mindful of the use of plastics in vegan footwear. 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. You can also use our directory if you’re looking for brands that align with specific values, for instance, if prioritising fair wages is top of mind, you can easily check the ‘People’ pillar ratings of brands; and if a brand must be vegan, our ‘Animals’ pillar will tell you whether they’re certified as such.
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 thongs or “flip-flops”, chic heeled sandals, and slip-on flats.
ESSĒN
“I founded ESSĒN in 2016 as a response to a fashion cycle that overproduces more than it carefully crafts, chases trends more than it determines classics, and wastes more than it sustains,” says founder Marre Muijs. The shoes and accessories brand, which limits its production runs and uses low-waste cutting techniques, eschews the fashion calendar in favour of a single, permanent collection.
Agazi
Agazi is a vegan footwear brand from Poland. Its range spans sneakers, sandals, heels, and flat shoes, all made using non-animal-derived materials including hemp and apple skin and grape-based alternative leathers.
Spell
Spell is an Australian fashion brand inspired by far-off places, vintage treasures, and childhood memories. Its clothes are proudly designed and sampled in Byron Bay, and produced responsibly in factories around the world.
Most garments are available in sizes 2XS-2XL.
Bhava
BHAVA is an innovative vegan women’s footwear brand founded by designer Francisca Pineda. The brand 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.
Nisolo
Nisolo is an American brand that prioritises living wages throughout its supply chains while also working to combat climate change. Find the shoes in EU sizes 35-42.
Up-Fuse
Up-Fuse is a Cairo-based social enterprise that promotes an eco-conscious lifestyle. Believing “one’s trash is another’s fabric”, the brand works with Syrian, Ethiopian, and Sudanese female refugees in Egypt to create its unique products.
Etiko
Etiko is an Australian designer of organic fair trade clothing and shoes. The brand constantly sets the bar for upholding and campaigning the human rights of people working in traditionally exploitative industry supply chains.
Find the clothes in AU sizes 8-20, and the shoes in UK sizes 3-13.
Vesica Piscis
Vesica Piscis is a vegan footwear brand based in Spain. It uses a high proportion of lower-impact materials, uses renewable energy in its manufacturing, and works on a made-to-order basis to reduce waste.
Find most shoes in sizes 36-46.
Editor's note
Feature image via ESSEN. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion and beauty brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.
We updated this article on 5 May 2026. Our editors frequently make updates to articles to ensure they’re up to date. We refreshed our selection of products to include brands with recent ratings
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