Last Updated on December 18, 2024

I am rapidly approaching my first winter in Maine, meaning that I need a pair of sustainable boots that can withstand the harsh winter months ahead. I’ve been on a deep dive for some durable and sustainable footwear that can rise to the occasion. 

Finding sustainable boots for winter isn’t as hard as you think. More fashion brands are opting for sustainable and biodegradable materials. A few of my favorite ethically sourced and sustainable boots brands include Nisolo, Coclico, and OTBT. From recycled fibers and fabrics to non-toxic glues and dyes, Going Zero Waste can help you find the right eco friendly winter shoes to fit your lifestyle! 

sustainable winter boots

One of the great things to come from the rise in sustainability is more options and choices, including for sustainable boots brands.

I’m not going to lie, sustainable shoes (and, well, fashion in general) used to have a certain look. You know what I’m talking about — shapeless, boxy, probably linen or hemp. But let me tell you, times have changed! 

Purchasing shoes that match your vibe and your morals used to be pretty tricky, but lucky for you, I’ve put my best foot forward (pun intended) and have found several great boots and sneakers that will hold up well this winter.

benefits of sustainable boots

There are plenty of ethically sourced and biodegradable shoe options out there for the coming cold months. Here are some of the top reasons why you should add sustainable winter shoes to your Christmas list!

• Your feet will stay warm and protected
• Sustainable shoes are can be cute and fashionable, all while fitting into a zero waste lifestyle

Be sure to check out my guide to the best ethical shoe brands while you are at it!

why wear eco friendly winter shoes?

Wearing sustainable winter boots is a small step we can take to better care for our planet and the natural resources around us. As Ponto Footwear puts it, “Love the planet you walk on.”

Most shoes on the market are made of leather and plastic, two materials that require a cocktail of chemicals for processing. These often contain bio-hazardous chemicals like chromium, formaldehyde, and other carcinogens. And when released, these get into our water systems and cause massive health issues.

SGS, a worldwide inspection and certification company, reported that for non-food dangerous product recalls in 2013, “More than 90% of the cases were due to chromium,” which has been found on textiles but is most commonly used on leather.

In 2020, the EU reported that they were taking a tougher stand against the chemicals found in footwear.

However, the United States has no such bans to date. Although NBC News has reported the Biden administration is taking steps to ban some of these chemicals, nothing has happened yet. 

the impact of sustainable winter shoes

The chemicals emitted not only affect the general population through polluting drinking water and affecting landfills, but they also create hazardous conditions for factory workers.

In some of the worst-case scenarios, like leather factories found in Bangladesh, workers (some of whom are children) have little to no protection against these toxic chemicals, and many workers have died from exposure.

Because of the considerable amount of time and legislation it takes to create laws that will turn the shoe industry around, it’s up to us to do what we can in the meantime. Here are some of the best and easiest ways to do your part.

• Repair the current shoes you own
• Shop secondhand when looking for sustainable boots
• Buy from companies that use sustainable materials and prioritize humane working conditions

While sustainable materials may be costlier to obtain and process upfront, the benefits to humanity and the environment are worth the cost.

By simply opting for more sustainable winter boots, you’re supporting a worldwide effort to take care of the people in the factories creating our products, the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the overall health of our planet. 

a handful of sustainable materials

Another reason I like to choose sustainable materials when shopping is because I want to support better land management, reduce waste, and support safe working environments for the artisans making clothing.

It’s also worth noting that part of wanting to curate a more sustainable wardrobe is using what you have and shopping the secondhand market as well.

Wanting to live a zero waste or low waste lifestyle means focusing first on what you truly need, and buying products that are meant to last.

These are just a few cool sustainable materials you can look for when purchasing sustainable boots or sneakers this winter.

• Cork Leather
• Recycled Plastics
• Desserto Cactus Leather

cork leather

Shoes made of cork leather are harvested from — you guessed it — cork trees. What you may not have guessed is that cork is actually a collection of dead cells from the bark of a cork tree.

No harm comes to the tree when harvesting its bark, making cork a naturally occurring renewable material.

A sustainable and vegan alternative to leather, sneakers made from cork leather are both chic and biodegradable. Sorbas is a brand that specializes in waterproof sneakers made from cork leather.

desserto cactus leather

Leather made from cacti is one of the hottest trends sweeping through the zero waste community.

The cactus, or the prickly pear plant, grows all throughout the arid desert of New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.

It is one of the most abundantly available materials for sustainable footwear. Leaves are dried in the sun for three days and don’t require any toxic chemicals or phthalates during the production process.

What you get is an organic, cruelty free leather. Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez are the co-founders of Desserto cactus leather and pride themselves on shoes that are biodegradable and sustainable.

what to wear this winter

Here are a few brands that specialize in the perfect sustainable winter boots or sneakers, shoes that will wear well during the long winter months of freezing temps.

nisolo

• A certified B corp 
• specializes in both men and women’s shoes
• Employs only adults
• Supports literacy and fair wages among employees
• Nisolo is climate neutral certified

/ shop nisolo /

womsh

• handcrafted in Italy
• high-quality and long-lasting
• Uses eco-friendly or recycled materials
• Products made by hand with a good labor rating
• PETA-approved vegan-friendly shoe line

/ shop womsh /

good guys

• 100% vegan and cruelty free
• France based/made in Italy
• Guarantees fair-trade working conditions
• PETA approved
• Men’s and Women’s shoe, boot, and sandal lines

/ shop good guys /

faqs for sustainable boots brands

is leather eco friendly?

This is always a tricky topic, and one that really comes down to personal choice. Leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, which has a notorious reputation for leaving a large carbon footprint, but there are also some benefits of leather when comparing it to plastic and vegan leather alternatives.

• It is easier to repair
• It lasts a lot longer

I’m sure vegan leather options will get better and more resilient over time, but for now, I have not had them last more than two seasons. However, I still have a vintage pair of leather boots from the 70s that are alive and kickin’ with just a little brush-up from my local cobbler.

If you decide leather is the right option for you, look for vegetable-tanned leathers that don’t use toxic chemicals.

what makes a shoe eco-friendly?

When looking for sustainable boots, you should look for three things:

• Materials used
• Factory and worker conditions
• Packaging and shipping practices

Shoes made from PETA-approved materials, recycled materials, biodegradable materials, and/or those that use a vegetable tanning process are ideal. Factory conditions and wages should be transparent and available to public records. Plus, you can look for sustainable packaging and shipping practices.

can old shoes go in the recycle bin?

You cannot recycle shoes in your curbside bin. However, some shoe companies might have specific recycling programs for their shoes. Nike has a program to turn old tennis shoe soles into basketball courts.

It’s always best to reduce the number of shoes you buy, and it’s also a good practice to repair what you have so it will last as long as possible. 

what’s the difference between snow boots and winter boots?

Both types of boots are made to protect against cold temperatures and keep you warm and dry. While snow boots are typically made for more heavy-duty protection, winter boots are great for general use during cold weather and also tend to be more fashionable.