Sustainable sandals: 9 picks that take people and the planet to heart

It seems that sustainability is on everyone's mind right now, thanks to the serious (and scary) effects of climate change. One of the ways we think about it is in relation to our purchases, big and small, fashion included. So, if you're in the market for a new pair of sandals — for everyday wear, for work or for a special occasion — these nine options are made by companies that use sustainable materials and that pay the people who work in their factories fair wages. Scroll through to find your new favourite pair of go-to sandals for summer 2019, no matter your style and budget.

Reformation, the L.A.-based brand beloved by planet-conscious cool girls, just released a collection of sustainably made shoes. These grass-green, super versatile sandals are made with leather that's vegetable tanned, unlike 90 per cent of the leather on the market that's tanned with chromium sulfate (an industrial process that can expose workers the carcinogens and produce hazardous waste). Sizes are a little limited right now through the whole shoe collection, but Reformation is promising a restock soon.

Reformation Menage sandal, approx. $266.15, Reformation

Named after Jane Goodall, these soft lavender sandals would be perfect for a bride who wants something that she can dance the night away in but is still a little fancy. And, like all of Susi's footwear, they're made with vegan, recycled materials in their factories (and one happens to be owned and fully staffed by women).

Susi Studio Jane, approx. $141.11, Susi Studio

While this shoe is made with an animal byproduct, the makers claim that their process produces less CO2 emissions than meat and leather–producing cattle farms. Pirarucu is a popular fish in Brazil, but after it's processed for consumption, the skin is often thrown away. Osklen found a way to use that skin in the construction of its accessories, like these black slides.

Osklen Pirarucu Long Slide Sandals, approx. $439.50, Osklen

The people at Everlane are pros at creating pieces that are the perfect combo of trendy and classic. Their designs are also produced ethically in their factories around the world and priced appropriately — especially if you're a bit afraid of colour. These little red sandals are a great way to add something unexpected to your summer uniform, whether it's a slip dress or a white button-down and black jeans.

Everlane The Strappy Sandal, approx. $104.86, Everlane

The soles of these shoes are handmade with tire rubber that's both upcycled and super comfortable, which means you can walk all day in your cute, neutral sandals. In addition to sourcing leather from local sources, though May this year the Canadian co-founders of Brave Soles are committing to helping employees (one at a time, in an initiative fostered through sales of their product and upcycling of tires) find a "path to statehood."

Brave Soles The Bohemia, $86, Brave Soles

Get vacation-ready with these sandals. They're handmade in Greece with locally sourced, vegetable-tanned leather, and decorated with pom-poms and tassels made from fair-trade cotton and vintage charms.

Sunday Tracker Black Pom Pom, Tassel & Vintage Charm Sandals, approx. $69.73, Sunday Tracker

It looks like the slide trend will prevail this summer — and poorly made ones will probably be ubiquitous. But instead of grabbing a pair that you'll want to throw away by the end of the season, try these ones from Indosole, made with vegan materials and recycled-tire soles.

Indosole ESSNTLS Slide Women Shore, approx. $60.49, Indosole

Handcrafted in L.A. by their team of 20 local artisans, Rafa's strappy sandals, with their block heel, are ideal for a summer garden party. Aside from their vegan, recycled materials, they also have an orthopedic-foam insole, so you'll be comfortable all day — and probably all night, too.

Rafa The Simple Sandal – Peony, approx. $470.56, Rafa

It's been three years since this Canadian brand debuted its first shoe collection, and as with all its accessories, Matt & Nat focuses on reducing its environmental impact by eschewing all animal byproducts in its designs. The brand also has personal relationships with each of its factory owners, and one (for now) of its factories operates by the SA8000 Standard, a social certification for the fair treatment of workers.  

Matt & Nat Lorena – Berry, $55, Matt & Nat

Tara MacInnis is a Toronto-based writer and editor with a deep love for lipstick, jumpsuits and dogs. Follow her on Instagram @tara_macinnis.