The white sneaker: a classic that every wardrobe needs.
Versatile, comfortable, and effortless.. but, what about sustainable?
Not all sneakers are created equally. To tread lightly on our planet, it’s important to prioritize sustainability when picking our footwear.
So, without further ado, here are the best sustainable white sneakers you can find in 2024.
Rothy’s: The Lace Up Sneaker
Alohas: White Vegan Leather Sneakers
Cariuma: Off-White Canvas
The Best Sustainable Sneakers
1. Rothy’s – The Lace Up Sneaker
Best lightweight summer sneaker
Rothy’s is a San Francisco-based brand dedicated to circularity and recycling materials, aiming to create a continuous loop from material to recycling by using recycled post-consumer waste. They’re committed to pushing innovation in sustainable manufacturing, all without compromising style with their sustainable white sneaker.
Materials
Rothy’s uses recycled materials, like recycled plastic bottles. They use algae-based foam for the footbeds and natural, toxic-free rubber for the outsoles. Additionally, their boxes and packaging are from recycled materials as well.
Labor Practices
Rothy’s manufacturers their sustainable sneakers in their own factory in Dongguan, China, which guarantees full transparency of production. They also have a sustainability counsel that oversees their practices.
Key benefits
- A simple, classic casual sneaker
- Lightweight and great for summer weather
- Machine washable and easy to care for
- Good cushioning and a soft body making them easy to break in
Considerations
- Some say this shoe has a narrower fit. This may be important to note if you have exceptionally wide feet, though as someone with feet on the wider side myself, I’ve never had any issue with these.
- Made from recycled plastic, these may make your feet sweat more than others if you wear them without socks.
Pricing
$169. Rothy’s also offers a $30 credit if you bring your worn-out Rothy’s back to the store to be recycled.
My Take
These have been my go-to sustainable sneakers for the past three summers. I routinely washed them in the washing machine when they got dirty (but don’t put them in the drier!) and found that they stayed comfortable throughout summers of wear.
2. Alohas – Apple Bright White
Best stylish, year-round sneaker
Alohas prioritizes sustainability through on-demand production, eliminating excess materials and making them a top choice for the best sustainable sneakers.
They offer discounts to encourage on-demand shopping, with a phased approach: 30% off at launch, dropping to 15% after two weeks, and then items are produced in two batches.
Materials
Alohas uses a variety of more sustainable materials; this sustainable white sneaker uses vegan leather which is made from cactus and corn.
Labor
Their shoes are produced locally in Spain, ensuring a lower carbon footprint, labor conditions, and craftsmanship.
They collaborate with Leather Working Group-certified suppliers for sustainable materials and offer a carbon offset feature, allowing customers to donate towards forest regeneration and renewable energy projects.
Key benefits
- A sleek, classy look elevated with vegan leather
- A thicker sole provides both a fun, chunky look as well as a bit more distance off the ground/ protection from rain or mud
- Able to wipe clean
Considerations
- Aloha’s tend to be a wider fit
- The chunkier shoe can be heavier than a canvas or recycled polyester option.
- Vegan leather may get crease lines after wear.
Pricing
Aloha’s unique pre-order purchase model allows customers to take 15-20% off if ordered in advance. This limits waste from overproduction – a win-win! If you pre-order, these sustainable sneakers are $128.
My take:
Aloha’s are great for classier dress up/ dress down sustainable sneakers, and I love how the pre-order model challenges how we think about our relationship with clothes and shoes. This shoe is great for someone looking for a more stylish sustainable white sneaker that is less concerned with using it to walk around all day.
3. Cariuma Off-White
Best casual canvas sneaker
Cariuma was founded by two Brazilian friends who wanted to reinvent the sneaker game in a way that was eco-friendly. They focus on classic, timeless styles that are high-quality and low-impact.
Materials
Cariuma uses ethically tapped natural rubber, organic Mamona oil and cork to prioritize comfort and eco-friendliness in their sustainable sneakers.
Labor
Cariuma promotes high transparency into their supply chain, and their garment workers earn 49% over the minimum wage. With a focus on reforestation, the brand plants two trees for every pair sold, contributing to rainforest restoration.
Key benefits:
- Comfortable fit, especially for various foot types and arches.
- Wide toe box, suitable for bunions and comfort.
- Stylish and versatile color options.
- Lightweight and cushioned footbed
- Minimal/ no break in period; comfortable right from the box.
Considerations
- A canvas shoe can stain more easily
- The Cariuma Off-White is a low-ride sneaker; depending on your preference, this may or may not be your preferred fit.
Pricing
These sneakers are $79. Cariuma’s shoes typically range from $79-$130.
My Take
Prioritizing comfort at a lower price range, this is a great sustainable white sneaker for someone with a more casual style who spends a lot of time on their feet.
Final Thoughts
What I love about these sustainable footwear brands (Rothy’s, Alohas, and Cariuma) and their different sustainable white sneakers is that they all have taken a unique approach to sustainability.
From using organic and ethically-sourced and innovative materials, to repurposing waste like recycled water bottles, to prioritizing natural materials, they all touch on different but equally important areas. It excites me to see approaches like these so many future-thinking practices!
FAQ
Is recycled nylon sustainable?
Some of these products, like Rothy’s, use recycled nylon in their products. Recycled nylon is made from waste plastics, like water bottles and fishing nets. It’s spun into fibers that are then used to make the garment.
Recycled synthetic materials, like nylon, are more sustainable as they don’t use more crude oil.
How can I partake in sustainable fashion?
It can feel overwhelming once you learn about the dark sides of fashion today: how can we partake in fashion without contributing to the detrimental impacts the industry has on people and the planet? If you’re curious to learn more about building a sustainable wardrobe, you can check out my guide to creating a sustainable wardrobe with some easy tips to start you on your journey.
How can I tell if a brand is sustainable?
Good on You is a great resource for sustainable and ethical fashion that will show you a brand’s rating based on how it treats the planet, people, and animals.
