Short answer: yes — there are several stylish work-ready shoes that prioritise sustainability without looking like “eco” footwear. Below are reliable options (styles for formal and business-casual), what makes them sustainable, and quick buying tips for Australia.

Good brand/style choices

• Beckett Simonon — classic leather dress shoes and loafers made-to-order (reduces overproduction) from LWG-certified Italian leather; built for long life and repairability. Good if you want formal oxfords/derbys/loafers. (beckettsimonon.com)
• Nisolo — polished loafers, brogues and low heels made with ethically sourced leather, fair wages and a focus on longevity (B Corp / ethical manufacturing reputation). Great for business and smart-casual looks. (gq.com)
• Veja — clean, minimalist sneakers (easily dress-down-for-work or smart-casual offices) made from organic cotton, wild rubber from Brazil and recycled plastics; widely praised for transparent sourcing. Best for relaxed or business-casual workplaces. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Allbirds — simple, comfortable sneakers and casual slip-ons built from renewable and recycled materials (merino, eucalyptus/Tencel, sugarcane SweetFoam soles); good for casual workplaces and commuter comfort. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Rothy’s — smart flats, loafers and slip-ons made from recycled plastic bottles (machine-washable styles that work well in offices that accept a more relaxed shoe). Recommended where flats/loafers are common. (people.com)

Where each fits at work

• Formal/corporate: Beckett Simonon, Nisolo (classic leather oxfords, loafers, monkstraps).
• Smart-casual / business-casual: Veja (minimal sneakers), Allbirds (neat sneakers/loafers), Nisolo (dress-casual styles).
• Comfortable flats/office-friendly slip-ons: Rothy’s (recycled-knit flats/loafers).

Other sustainable options to consider

• Local/handmade shoemakers or small ateliers (longer-lasting, repairable; lower transport footprint).
• Vegan/synthetic-innovation brands (for leather-free options) — check brand transparency and materials lists.

How to evaluate sustainability quickly

• Look for supply-chain transparency (materials list, factory info).
• Third-party signals: Leather Working Group (LWG) for tanneries, B Corp or Climate Neutral, and reputable sustainability write-ups.
• Durable construction and repairability matter more than “green” materials alone — long life = lower lifetime footprint.

Practical tips for buying in Australia

• Try in-store if possible (fit can differ a lot across brands). If buying online, verify returns and warranty (especially for formal shoes).
• Consider made-to-order or high-quality leather that can be resoled — repairability extends life and improves sustainability.
• Buy secondhand or from resale platforms (e.g., Depop, eBay, local marketplaces) for premium shoes at lower footprint.
• Maintain shoes (clean, condition, resoling) — that’s one of the best sustainability moves.

If you’d like, I can:

• Suggest specific models in your size and workplace dress code (formal vs smart-casual), and show Australian retailers or local stock availability.
• Or scan for the best current picks within a price range (I can check Aussie stores/stock).