There is a lot to love about summer—the warm weather and longer days, the prospect of an upcoming holiday, spending more time in nature, meeting up with loved ones, and of course, switching up your wardrobe. Pack up the heavy knitted jumpers and clunky boots to make room for bolder colours, soft, lightweight fabrics and a stylish, earth-friendly pair of sandals to join you on all your summer adventures!
With any season change comes the temptation to replace some of the pieces in our wardrobe that might have come to the end of their lifespan, the ones that don’t fit you anymore or that have fallen out of style. It’s no secret that the fast-fashion world produces a lot of waste by encouraging us to cycle through clothes and shoes constantly, and this is harming the environment we cherish.
But finding a pair of sandals that are both stylish and kinder to the environment, and taking a step towards a more sustainable way of shopping is a lot easier than you think. Sustainability is rooted in many things, from the way something is manufactured to the materials used and how long an item is used before it reaches the end of its life.
The best way to invest in sustainability is to find a pair of sandals with a timeless design that are long-lasting so that you can enjoy them time and time again wherever your summer adventures take you.
What are sustainable sandals made of?
Cork
Cork is a highly renewable material, extracted without damaging the trees, which regenerate and produce new cork. Its use in the construction of soles has many benefits:
- it moulds to your feet, providing a unique fit
- it’s naturally springy and it has shock-absorbing properties
- it’s a soft material, giving you a cushioned feeling with every step
- it’s flexible, providing good support all day long
- it creates a good foot climate by insulating against hot and cold
Organic cotton
Organic cotton is a natural, sustainable material:
- no pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers are used in its production
- it uses less energy to produce and its CO2 footprint is lower as a result
- it requires less water to grow because it also improves soil quality because no pesticides or chemicals are used in the production of organic cotton
- without chemical pesticides, organic cotton crops promote a thriving environment for wildlife
- it’s softer and much better for your skin because it’s not treated with harsh chemicals
Recycled polyester
One of the main issues our environment is facing right now is plastic pollution, and one of the best ways to make something sustainable is to reuse what is already in existence instead of using new resources and raw materials. Using recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic to make sandals straps is a step towards a more sustainable future.
Leather
Leather is a natural material commonly used in the production of footwear and accessories. Thanks to its long-lasting nature and tendency to age well, sandals made from leather are more likely to stand the test of time and require to be replaced less often. Leather is also naturally biodegradable.
Shop sustainable sandals
Teva
Teva’s iconic straps are made from traceable, verifiable recycled plastic using REPREVE® yarn. Their adventure-ready sandals are durable, lightweight and provide excellent support and comfort for trips that bring you closer to nature.
Natural World
Natural World sandals are made with colourful organic cotton straps, a comfortable cork sole, and they are 100% vegan. They provide stylish, everyday designs perfect for a carefree summer.
Plakton
Plakton sandals are inspired by nature, featuring a comfortable cork sole and high-quality leather straps, and timeless silhouettes in brilliant summery shades. Their versatile design makes them a go-to summer option for most occasions.
