Here are top sustainable-heel picks and how to choose them — short, practical, and with reliable sources so you can buy with confidence.

Top picks (by category)

• Best everyday block/kitten heel (recycled knit, machine‑washable): Rothy’s Almond Slingback / High Point — knit uppers spun from recycled plastic bottles, cushioned footbeds and machine‑washable construction make them a low‑waste, long‑wear option. (rothys.com)
• Best luxury/innovation (vegan, plant/mycelium leathers): Stella McCartney — high‑end heels made from vegan, recycled and bio‑based materials (mycelium/plant‑based leathers in recent collections). Good if you want fashion-forward heels from a brand prioritizing material innovation. (reuters.com)
• Best mid‑price, ethically made leather heel (transparent supply chain): Nisolo Fiorela Go‑To Mid Heel — leather from LWG‑certified tanneries, brand reports on living wages and lower carbon goals; good balance of longevity + responsible leather. (nisolo.com)
• Best artisan / repairable classic heel (vegetable‑tanned, responsibly made): Poppy Barley Mary‑Jane / tailored heels — uses LWG/eco‑tanned leathers, water‑based glues and audited factories; built for resoling and long life. (poppybarley.com)
• Best recycled‑material heels on a budget: VIVAIA (chunky/stacked heels and knit uppers) — many styles made from recycled PET/repreve yarns, low‑waste 3D‑knit uppers and recycled packaging. Good value for frequently worn work heels. (blog.vivaia.com)
• Best for plant‑based/alternative leathers (cactus, grape, mycelium options): smaller designers using Desserto (cactus), Vegea (grape) or mycelium materials — look for PETA‑approved vegan / supplier certifications if you want a non‑plastic plant leather option (availability varies by season/brand). (en.bohemaclothing.com)

What to look for (quick checklist)

• Durable uppers and resolable soles — a heel you can resole/rescue extends life far more than “eco” materials alone.
• Verified material claims: recycled content (look for % and GRS/Global Recycled Standard), LWG for leather sourcing, PETA‑Approved Vegan for vegan shoes. (LWG explains tannery ratings and traceability.) (leatherworkinggroup.com)
• Low‑waste construction: 3D knit or made‑to‑order lines reduce cut waste; brands that publish lifecycle or supply‑chain info are preferable. (settingmind.com)
• Repairability and take‑back options: brands that offer resoling, repairs, or take‑back/recycling programs are more circular.

Quick buying tips

• Prefer block or kitten heels for everyday wear — they’re more comfortable and last longer.
• If you choose a shoe with recycled knit uppers, hand‑wash or use gentle machine cycles to reduce microfibre shedding. (Many brands provide washing care instructions.) (rothys.com)
• If you want to avoid plastics, look for plant‑based leathers (cactus, grape) or verified mycelium alternatives — note availability and that some bio‑leathers still include small amounts of non‑bio coatings. (en.bohemaclothing.com)

Where to buy / price range (US context)

• Rothy’s, VIVAIA: $100–$180 (everyday, recycled knits). (rothys.com)
• Nisolo, Poppy Barley: $150–$350 (ethical leather, repairable). (nisolo.com)
• Reformation: $150–$300 (plant‑lean, traceable shoe collections). (settingmind.com)
• Stella McCartney (luxury): $600–$1,000+ (designer vegan and bio‑leather pieces). (reuters.com)

If you want one quick recommendation:

• For an all‑around sustainable everyday heel that’s comfortable and easy to care for — try Rothy’s Almond Slingback or their low block heels. For a more classic leather look that’s consciously made and made to last, Nisolo’s Fiorela mid heel or Poppy Barley styles are excellent choices. (rothys.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow picks to your budget and heel height (e.g., under $150, 1.5"–2.5" heel).
• Pull current in‑stock product links for any of the brands above. (I can look those up now.)

Which would you prefer — budget, luxury, plant‑based only, or most comfortable for long days?