The best ethical sandals for summer 2026

The hunt for the perfect sustainable summer sandals seems like a year-long task, one that takes away from your summer fun. Here at Eco-Stylist, it’s our mission to hunt down the perfect eco-friendly sandals that are better for the planet, the people who make them, and of course, your wardrobe. From vegan sandals to sandals made with recycled materials, make sure you get the best pair of ethical sandals by shopping Eco-Stylist’s favorite eco friendly summer sandals. 

So, we rounded up the top 9 ethical, eco-friendly, fashionable, and sustainable sandals for summer. From the capsule wardrobe fan to the dedicated vegan there’s sure to be a comfortable sandal for everyone, all with the Eco-Stylist stamp of approval. Let’s have a sustainable summer!

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1) For the Eco-friendly Fashionista

The Serena sandal by Adelante is a must for the fashionista who values style, comfort, and ethical production. The 2-inch stacked leather block heel and memory foam footbed provides all-day comfort. 

What’s even more comforting is the fact that each pair is ethically, and proudly, handcrafted by a skilled Guatemalan craftsman. But the thing that sparks this fashionista’s interest is if any of the nine available colors don’t speak to you, there is an option to fully customize the design, letting you pick the perfect color combination. You deserve to be picky without worrying about sustainability! 

Sustainability Rating: Gold  | $295

2) The Certified Eco Friendly Cool Girl Sandal

The Blue Denim Espadrille by Up-Fuse brings a casual yet stylish twist to sustainable summer footwear. With its classic espadrille silhouette and denim finish, it’s the perfect shoe to pair with breezy outfits on warm days.

Handcrafted in Egypt, each pair is made from upcycled plastic bags and other repurposed materials, giving waste a new life while reducing environmental impact. Lightweight, breathable, and versatile, these espadrilles embody Up-Fuse’s mission to merge design with sustainability.

Sustainability Rating: Certified | $35

3) The Classic Ethical Sandals for Summer

The Adeline Sandal by Beckett Simonon is a refined summer staple designed to go with everything in your warm-weather wardrobe. Whether paired with linen trousers, sundresses, or shorts, its woven knot detail and softly squared toe make it an effortlessly polished choice for everyday warm-weather wear.

Handcrafted from premium full-grain leather in a family-run studio in Bogotá, Colombia — fair wages, healthcare, pension, and a 44-hour work week guaranteed — every pair is made to order in small batches, eliminating unsold inventory entirely. The leather-lined insole and EVA sole provide flexible all-day comfort, and the sandal develops a beautiful patina over time. Note: made-to-order, allow 8–12 weeks for delivery. US shipping only.

Sustainability Rating: Silver | $219

4) For the Sustainable Summer Trendsetter

The Marina by Adelante is a versatile sandal that blends comfort with elegance, making it a go-to for summer days and nights alike. With its minimalist silhouette and buttery leather straps, it’s designed to pair effortlessly with everything in your wardrobe.

Handmade to order in Guatemala, each pair is crafted by skilled artisans earning above living wages, ensuring fair compensation and lasting quality. Using LWG-certified leather, these sandals are as sustainable as they are stylish—a timeless choice you’ll keep reaching for season after season.

Sustainability Rating: Gold  | $245

5) Sustainable Sandals for Her

The Olivia Sandal by Beckett Simonon is the kind of women’s sandal you buy once and wear for years. Soft full-grain leather forms a graceful crisscross design that molds to your foot over time, while the adjustable ankle strap ensures a secure, personalized fit. The cushioned leather-lined insole and lightweight EVA sole keep every step comfortable — from morning errands to evening dinners.

Handcrafted in a family-run studio in Cúcuta, Colombia, by artisans paid fair wages with full healthcare, pension, and paid leave — the same ethical manufacturing story that runs through everything Beckett Simonon makes. Made to order in small batches, eliminating unsold inventory entirely. Allow 8–12 weeks for delivery. Free shipping within the contiguous US.

Sustainability Rating: Certified | $219

6) Sustainable and Ethical Slip-Ons for Him

Don’t worry boys, we didn’t forget about you! The Lido Nubuck Loafer by Koio is the perfect summer shoe — sleek enough for dinner, relaxed enough for a weekend afternoon. Handcrafted in Florence from premium Italian calf nubuck, it features a moc toe silhouette, hand-stitched side detailing, and a lightweight Cassetta rubber sole that delivers genuine sneaker-level comfort in a loafer profile. It pairs effortlessly with light chinos, denim, or shorts — the kind of versatile summer staple you’ll reach for constantly.

The Lido is built on LWG-certified leather from a responsibly managed Italian tannery, with a sole made from 50% FSC-certified natural rubber and 40% recycled rubber. True to size — if you wear a half size, size up to the nearest whole. Free shipping on US orders over $150.

Sustainability Rating: Certified | $265

7) For the Sustainable Sandal Loving Gentleman

The Tomas by Adelante is a refined slip-on that balances ease and sophistication, making it the perfect warm-weather companion. With a sleek silhouette and hand-burnished leather, it’s versatile enough for travel, coffee runs, beach walks, or everyday wear.

Each pair is crafted to order in Guatemala by skilled artisans earning above living wages, ensuring not just quality footwear but also a direct social impact. Made with LWG-certified leather, these slip-ons are built to last while keeping sustainability and ethics at the forefront.

Sustainability Rating: Gold | $295

8) For the Sustainable and Ethical Loafer Lover

The Viento by Adelante is a light-as-air loafer, ethically handmade for the lazy days of summer. Along with being stylish, these shoes are incredibly comfortable, outfitted with plush memory foam insoles and lightweight leather. 

They prioritize comfort and convenience featuring a pull tab in the back for easy off and on. They are made in men’s sizes but, being they are made-to-order, this classy loafer is perfect for anyone with an eye for style. 

Sustainability Rating: Gold | $265

9) A Sustainable Summer Sandal for Your Capsule Wardrobe

The Touch-Strap Platform Sandal by Veja shows that sustainable style can be bold and versatile. With its chunky sole and minimalist straps, this unisex sandal is designed for everyday wear—from laid-back afternoons to summer nights out.

Crafted with 100% calf suede uppers and a platform sole made with a mix of rubber, recycled rubber, and synthetic rubber, these sandals balance durability and comfort while reducing reliance on virgin plastics. As with all of Veja’s footwear, ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency are central, so you can step into summer with confidence and style.

Sustainability Rating: Silver  | $67-112

Why eco-friendly materials? 

Fast fashion brands tend to use cheap materials which don’t last as long, don’t feel as good, and harm the planet. The way unsustainable materials are produced can create excess water waste, textile waste, and pollution. 

The poor construction, cheap materials, and short-lived popularity of fast fashion cause a short life cycle, leading to many clothes ending up in landfills, continuing the cycle of waste. One of the ways to combat this phenomenon is to be mindful of purchasing products that are made with recycled, ethically sourced, and sustainable materials. 

How do I know if something is made sustainably?

You can sign up for our sustainable personal styling subscription and let us do the hard work for you, or, here are some things to look out for when shopping sustainably. 

One of the ways to be mindful of your shopping habits is by paying attention to how a material is processed. Is it made using less water? Lower carbon emissions? Is it recycled or lower waste? Is it fair trade? These are all good questions when seeking out sustainable materials. 

Another good way is by looking for third-party certificates, but always make sure to do your own research! An example is quite a few shoes in this article are created with LWG-certified leather or FSC-certified rubber. 

What is LWG certified leather?

LWG stands for Leather Working Group, which is a third-party certification for retailers and brands that analyzes the ethicality and sustainability of leather production and processes. The Leather Working Group was established in 2005 as a collaboration between brands, suppliers, and environmental organizations. 

The aim of the group is to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry, ensuring that leather production is meeting certain environmental standards, and that animals used in leather production are treated humanely. Brands and retailers can apply for a LWG certification, which is awarded based on a rigorous and independent auditing process of the leather supply chain. The certification covers the entire leather production process from animal welfare and raw material sourcing to leather manufacturing and chemical management. 

The LWG certification is recognized worldwide as a credible and trustworthy certification for sustainable and ethical leather production. Brands and retailers that have received the certification are able to demonstrate their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices to their customers, encouraging environmentally conscious consumerism. Check out our guide on the sustainability of leather to learn more. 

What is FSC certified rubber?

FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the FSC certification supports sustainable forest management and is a solution that ensures socially and environmentally responsible natural rubber production. However, it is important to note that the FSC certification is not specific to natural rubber production, but rather is a certification for responsible and sustainable management of forests and their products.

This certification focuses on promoting responsible land use, fair labor practices, and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems in rubber plantations. FSC certification provides businesses and consumers with the option to purchase natural rubber products made in a way that is sustainable and ethical for people and nature alike.

How do I know these sandals are sustainable?

The brand’s Eco-stylist features have passed our criteria based on transparency, fair labor, and sustainability practices. We look at the whole process from start to finish, from where the material is sourced to the time you put it on your feet to make sure it meets our high standards. The products we feature are the cream of the crop when it comes to being better for the planet and the people. 

What makes a sustainable brand?

We vet every brand using our sustainable brand criteria. Learn more about our criteria here.

Looking for more ethical sandals or summer shoes? 

Check out our shop where you can find more of your favorite styles from eco-stylist approved brands. We curated over 1500 items in order to help you dress like you give a damn.

Looking for other eco friendly summer fashion?

Check out our shopping guides where we have carefully curated the best in ethically made fashion. In addition to sandals you’ll also find guides to the best men’s brands for summer, summer dresses, and more.

Want more sustainable brands? 

Visit our brand directory, where we have gathered the world’s best brands when it comes to fair wages and sustainable production. Browse 100+ brands to discover your next favorite brand.

Editor’s Note (07/07/2026 Update):

This article was refreshed in 2026 to replace out-of-stock items and update the roundup with newer, better styles for your most sustainable summer yet.