Back to school season inevitably means new shoes for growing feet –– why not choose a few pairs of sustainable shoes this year? After all, around 20.5 billion pairs of footwear were produced in 2020 alone. When you think about the amount of resources that go into that many sneakers, slides, and more, it just makes sense to support brands making the footwear industry a greener place. Especially for kiddos whose growing feet go through more pairs than most! We've got some recommendations ….
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Robbie Sugarlite™ Block Child
Is there a better way to get kids excited about shoes than telling them they're made of sugar? It's true –– Native Shoes has designed a sugarcane-based material for their shoes that has a smaller greenhouse gas impact than 100% plastic alternatives!
$50
Veja Canary Alveomesh Grafite Tonic
With a look that wouldn't put them out of place on any playground, these cute sneakers are made from 100% recycled polyester Alveomesh, and the rest of the shoe is composed of recycled and natural components.
$95
Ten Little Everyday Sandals
Even though it's almost back to school season, there's still time for sandal weather! Consider these vegan sandals with natural rubber soles that have been carefully crafted to be high-traction and closed-toed to make the most out of recess time.
$36
Rothy's The Kids Strap Sneaker
No laces, no problem. These sneakers come with a double strap to create the perfect fit in just a few seconds. With a zero waste mindset and thread spun from plastic water bottles, the Strap Sneaker is made with eco-friendly innovation and play in mind.
$85
PLAE ty
A hybrid sneaker/sandal with handy Velcro straps and airy, breathable mesh, the ty is perfect for highly active kids. Best of all, there's no worries about growing out of them too fast: PLAE has a resale opportunity to recoup the cost of those gently-worn shoes.
$64
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