11 Non-Toxic Shoe Brands

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11 Non-Toxic Shoe Brands
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We often worry about the toxins our shoes bring into our homes–but what about the shoes themselves?

Depending on the specific materials used, shoes may contain some of the following problematic contaminants:

  1. Formaldehyde and other VOCS can be released from adhesives and finishing agents and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
  2. Phthalates are sometimes found in shoe soles.
  3. Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and chromium may be used in dyes and pigments used in shoes.
  4. Leather undergoes a tanning process that typically uses chromium, formaldehyde, and other solvents. Chrome-free leather is much cleaner, and the cleanest leather of all is chrome-free and vegetable dyed.

How can you identify a non-toxic shoe brand?

What follows are 11 shoe brands that endeavor to limit toxins and be gentler on the environment.

Best Stuff

Allbirds

Allbirds prioritizes sustainability and uses natural materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fibers to make their shoes.

Buy from ALLBIRDS
Allbirds

Bhava

Bhava crafts their shoes using eco-friendly and cruelty-free materials, such as organic cotton, cork, and recycled plastics, while also avoiding toxic dyes and glues.

Buy from BHAVA
Bhava

Bryr

Bryr focuses on handcrafted wooden clogs made from sustainably sourced materials, and with minimal chemical usage.

Buy from BRYR
Bryr

Cariuma

Cariuma employs responsibly sourced, natural materials like organic canvas, and demonstrates a commitment to minimizing environmental impact and avoiding toxic chemicals.

Buy from CARIUMA
Cariuma

Feit

Feit utilizes vegetable-tanned leathers and natural dyes, eschewing synthetic materials and harmful chemicals to create toxin-free, high-quality footwear.

Buy from FEIT
Feit

Haflinger

Haflinger specializes in comfortable, wool-felted shoes that prioritize natural, breathable materials and avoid the use of toxic adhesives or artificial dyes.

Buy from HAFLINGER
Haflinger

Nae

Nae is dedicated to creating vegan and eco-friendly footwear, employing sustainable materials like organic cotton, cork, and recycled plastics, while avoiding toxic substances in their production.

Buy from Amazon
Nae

Nisolo

Nisolo emphasizes ethical craftsmanship, utilizing vegetable-tanned leathers and natural materials to create shoes free from harmful toxins and synthetic chemicals.

Buy from NISOLO
Nisolo

Po-Zu

Po-Zu’s footwear is made with organic, natural materials like cork and coconut husks.

Buy from PO-ZU
Po-Zu

Rothy’s

Rothy’s transforms recycled plastic bottles into comfortable, washable shoes using a proprietary knit process, eliminating the need for toxic glues or dyes in their production.

Buy from ROTHY'S
Rothy’s

TOMS

TOMS is known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and they use eco-friendly materials, while also giving back to communities in need.

Buy from Amazon
TOMS

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Are there other brands of ethically made non-toxic shoes that should be in our radar? Comment below!

Stay sane,
Author's Signature

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff! 

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1 comment

Ana O'Brien

What about Veja or Dooeys House Shoes?

Also, should we be concerned about brands like Rothy’s and AllBirds that use recycled plastics — I thought it was bad for our skin to stay in prolonged contact with plastics (especially recycled plastics that might have higher probability of containing BPA/BPS)?

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