Here are reputable sustainable shoe brands you can buy in Australia — a mix of Australian labels and ethically minded international brands sold locally. For each I note what makes them sustainable and a quick style note so you can pick what fits you.
Top picks (what to know)
- Allbirds — Natural materials (merino wool, eucalyptus Tencel, sugarcane SweetFoam), carbon-accounting and product innovations (waterproof wool, plant-based leather offerings). Popular for comfortable everyday sneakers. (Allbirds.com.au)
- Cariuma — B Corp-certified sneaker brand using responsibly sourced materials, recycled components, carbon-neutral shipping and tree-planting programmes; good for classic casual sneakers. (elle.com.au)
- Veja — Global brand widely available in Australia that focuses on organic cotton, wild rubber from Brazil, transparent supply chains and fair trade sourcing; classic minimal sneakers. (widely covered across Australian retail). (elle.com.au)
- AERE — Australian brand focused on practical, ethically made footwear and garments using sustainable materials with a low‑consumption, timeless approach. Good for minimalist everyday styles. (who.com.au)
- Nomadic State of Mind — Handcrafted sandals and upcycled-material designs (hemp, reclaimed sails, vintage fabrics); artisanal, beach/casual vibe. (who.com.au)
Notable Australian / regionally available sustainable labels
- TWOOBS — Australian vegan footwear brand (PETA‑Approved Vegan) using recycled materials and transparent production practices; bright, fashion-forward sandals and boots. (who.com.au)
- Radical Yes — Melbourne-based small-run label with locally made and ethically produced styles; focuses on limited runs to avoid overproduction. Good for distinctive flats and boots. (brittslist.com.au)
- Retyre — Australian brand turning recycled car tyres into durable soles and offering circular/upcyclable designs. Good for rugged sandals and casual shoes. (sustainablysorted.com)
- Indosole — Uses recycled tyre rubber for soles and low‑waste production methods; good for sandals and casual slip-ons. (thisweekend.com.au)
- Vegan Style / Vegan Shoes (Australian retailers/brands) — Wide range of animal‑free footwear options, including upcycled and recycled-material choices for those avoiding leather/animal products. (sustainablysorted.com)
Multi-brand / ethical collections to check in Australia
- Zeroe (by Betts) — Sustainable line from a major Australian shoe retailer using recycled materials (BLOOM foam, recycled packaging). (who.com.au)
- Local artisans and small makers — Look for Australian makers who produce small runs, use local leather alternatives, repair services, and transparent supply chains (examples include many brands featured in local lists and ethical fashion roundups). (brittslist.com.au)
How to choose the best option for you
- Materials: prefer organic cotton, Tencel/Lyocell, natural wool (ask about animal-welfare standards), plant‑based leathers, recycled polyester/PET, and natural rubber.
- Certifications & transparency: B Corp, PETA-Approved Vegan, fair-trade, supplier-traceability pages, and published carbon footprints are good signs. Cariuma is B Corp; many others publish sustainability pages. (elle.com.au)
- Longevity & repairability: a truly sustainable shoe is durable and repairable — check warranties, resoling/repair services and user reviews. (productreview.com.au)
- Circularity: brands using recycled materials, take‑back schemes, or closed‑loop designs help reduce waste. Retyre and Indosole are examples. (sustainablysorted.com)
If you’d like, I can:
- Narrow this to the best choices for a particular shoe type (sneakers, work boots, sandals, heels), or
- Compare 2–3 brands side‑by‑side (materials, price, certifications, repair policy) to help you decide.
Sources: Australian retail and editorial roundups plus brand sustainability pages cited above. (Allbirds.com.au)