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Our team of editors has been reviewing sustainable fashion for over a decade. We’ve worn and walked in dozens of boots to find the very best ones. These are our top picks for fair trade and sustainable women’s boots, available in various sizes, prices, and styles.
No matter the season, boots remain a timeless staple in our sustainable wardrobe. From knee-high silhouettes to everyday combat styles, they’re endlessly versatile and effortlessly cool. But like much of fast fashion, many boots fall short when it comes to responsible materials and ethical production — so how do you find a pair that’s truly built to last, both in style and sustainability?
How to find sustainable boots:
Sustainable boots aren’t just about style — they’re about thoughtful craftsmanship and materials that stand the test of time. When shopping, look for boots made from carefully sourced materials like deadstock fabrics, Leather Working Group–certified leather, high-quality vegan alternatives, and recycled rubber. These choices minimize waste, reduce environmental impact, and ensure a longer-lasting product. Another hallmark of sustainability? Handmade or made-to-order options. While these boots often come with a higher price tag, they’re an investment in quality that will last for years — decades, even — and can be repaired by a skilled cobbler when needed. Choosing boots like these isn’t just a purchase; it’s a commitment to building a wardrobe that’s conscious, enduring, and timeless.
Our criteria:
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These boots come from brands committed to ethical and responsible labor, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for everyone involved in their production.
- ECO-FRIENDLY & SUSTAINABLE | From all-natural and organic materials to low-impact manufacturing and recycled or upcycled components, these women’s boots are thoughtfully made with the planet in mind.
- DESIGN | Whether you’re after knee-high elegance, classic Chelseas, or everyday staples, this curated selection has a boot for every occasion and wardrobe need.
- COMFORT | A great boot should feel as good as it looks. We’ve pored over thousands of customer reviews and tested these styles ourselves to ensure lasting comfort, so your feet are happy from morning to night.
Pair your new boots with sustainable jeans and these cozy sweaters. For a summer look, here are our favorite sustainable dresses.
Best Boots Overall | Sézane, $250+
Best Knee High Boots | ALOHAS, $330+
Best Leather Boots | Everlane, $178+
Best Waterproof Boots | VIVAIA, $145+
1. Sézane
Best For | Parisian-style boots
Sustainable Materials | Made in the European Union, shipped in recycled packaging, third party audited factories
Size Range | US 4–11
Prices Starting At | $250
Sézane effortlessly combines fashion and function for its Parisian-inspired style. This French brand is thoughtful in the sourcing and production of its materials, including for its dreamy Aline Mid Boots. The majority of Sézane’s leather boots are made from eco-friendly vegetable-tanned leather, a natural and biodegradable process that does not leave harmful chemicals in the environment. The majority of these pieces are made within the European Union, partnering long-term with LWG-certified ateliers. Seamlessly go from day to night with these investment boots.
2. ALOHAS
Best For | Knee-high boots
Sustainable Materials | Pre-ordering system, made locally in Spain & Portugal, sustainable leather, vegan options available
Size Range | US 5–14.5
Prices Starting At | $330
ALOHAS add a flair to your wardrobe with their unique and trendy multi-style boots. Handcrafted in Spain and Portugal using sustainable cow leather or vegan alternatives, Alohas only works with artisans who believe in ethical and sustainable craftsmanship. Their pre-order model also helps prevent the overproduction of shoes and materials wastage. We love all of their designs, especially the block heel options. They are super comfy, easy to style, and will give your outfit just the right amount of oomph!
3. Quince
Best For | Affordable boots
Sustainable Materials | LWG-certified leather, recycled materials, produced is BSCI-certified factories
Size Range | US 5–11
Prices Starting At | $80
For an affordable boot upgrade this fall, we suggest checking out Quince‘s modest collection of leather boots and recycled knit boots. Tanned in LWG-certified factories and ethically produced in BSCI certified factories, Quince’s classic boots are crafted to fit like a glove, but with cushion and support for all-day wear. The brand’s Italian leather boots especially stand out thanks to the buttery soft-stretch leather that can be dressed up or down, elevating your fits while keeping you on budget. Choose from the black, bone, or merlot shades!
Customer Review | “well, what else is new – these are wonderful. comfort, price, wearability unbeatable. flattering, great height, good toe – no brainer if you’re looking for an everyday bootie” – Zoë B. (Read all reviews.)
4. Reformation
Best For | Dressy boots
Sustainable Materials | Deadstock and recycled materials, ethically produced, small batch production
Size Range | US 5–11
Prices Starting At | $298
It’s no secret that we are big fans of sustainable brand Reformation, whose denim, formal dresses, and shoes are consistently top of our lists. Their women’s boot collection similarly delivers on style and sustainability, using deadstock fabrics and ethical production, so you can feel good about your beautiful new kicks. We especially have our eye on the Davina Slouch Boot, which is available in two shades of suede.
5. Everlane
Best For | Work-appropriate boots
Sustainable Materials | LWG-certified leather, recycled plastic bottles, cleaner chemistry
Size Range | US 5–11
Prices Starting At | $178
From kitten heels and ankle boot to glove boots, knee-highs and more, Everlane is up there as one of our favorite unassuming shops for cool weather footgear. Our go to for sustainable workwear, Everlane’s boots are an essential for keeping up your style in the office. Made with materials like LWG-certified leather and recycled plastic bottles, each boot molds to your feet for the perfect fit, is easy to clean, and are made with modest heel heights to keep you looking chic and comfy at the same time. Everlane works hard to minimize harmful chemicals in their products through their cleaner chemistry commitment.
6. VIVAIA
Best For | Breathable, water-repellent boots
Sustainable Materials | Recycled PET, recycled faux fur, sugarcane EVA, rice husks, natural rubber, herbal insoles
Size Range | US 5–11
Prices Starting At | $145
We always look to VIVAIA for their comfy and breathable boots! These boots are water repellent and made with a stretchy fabric that molds to your feet — additionally their antimicrobial soles to help you feel fresh all day. The popular Square-Toe Ankle Boots come in a rich, classic black and also in fun prints like leopard and tweed making them a gorgeous addition to our wardrobe for all seasons.
Customer Review | “These boots are great looking but even more importantly they are so comfortable! I recently purchased another pair!” – Lois V. (Read all reviews.)
7. Koio
Best For | Handmade Italian boots
Sustainable Materials | Leather Working Group certified, handcrafted in Italy
Size Range | US 5–11
Prices Starting At | $365
Koio, a luxury sustainable brand, crafts mid-length and ankle boots ethically in Italy with high-quality eco-friendly materials. The family-owned brand is so committed to the highest quality of luxury and sustainable design that every pair of shoes passes through the hands of 42 master craftsmen for a flawless finish. Their materials are eco-conscious, aiming not just for climate-neutral but climate-beneficial options like ecosystem-restoring regenerative leathers from the Swiss Alps and LWG-certified leathers from Italy.
Customer Review | “She loves this! Was looking for a chunky boot with excellent quality, and this is perfect! If you want a major step up from platform chunky Doc Martens, this is it!” – Phill (Read all reviews.)
8. Nisolo
Best For | Handmade casual boots
Sustainable Materials | Leather Working Group certified, 100% carbon offsetting, artisan-made in ethical working conditions
Size Range | US 5–11
Prices Starting At | $250
Rain or snow, Nisolo’s boots have got your feet covered — literally. Best known for its Chelsea boots, the brand has paved the way for intentionally designed, responsibly made products. For example, the leather used is always a byproduct of the meat industry — like in our favorite Eva Everyday Boots. Plus, these comfortable boots are made ethically in a Nisolo-owned and operated factory in Peru, where all makers are paid fair wages.
Customer Review | “I purchased these in black last year and now bought my second pair in auburn. It’s a great boot! They can be dressed up or down, and I always get complements on them.” – Amy M. (Read all reviews.)
9. Patagonia
Best For | Buffalo hide work boots
Sustainable Materials | Vegetable tanned leather, recycled materials in soles, handmade by 5th generation cobblers in Portugal
Size Range | US 6–11
Prices Starting At | $369
Patagonia is well-known for its rigorous eco-friendly and sustainable practices, and these work boots are no exception. Made from bison leather from the Wild Idea Buffalo Company in South Dakota (known for regenerating the prairie ecosystem of the Great Plains), these tough yet comfy work boots are durable, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking. The soles are crafted in part with recycled rubber, and the leather is treated with wet-green tanning technology that uses tannins from waste olive tree leaves (aka, safe for the environment and safe for you!).
Customer Review | “Received as a gift. Truly beautifully crafted boots. They fit perfectly and I imagine will soften in time. If you appreciate quality and are able/willing to make an investment, these are worth it.” – Kelly (Read all reviews.)
Featured image by Sézane
