Converse: Iconic, But Falling Short on Sustainability and Ethics
Converse shoes have been iconic for decades. We’ve all thrown on a pair, whether to add some edge to an outfit or keep things casual. But while Converse holds a nostalgic place in fashion, their sustainability and labor practices leave plenty to be desired. Sure, they’ve made some moves—organic cotton here, recycled polyester there—but these steps often feel like the bare minimum when compared to other brands making bolder strides for the planet and their workers. The good news is that there are plenty of brands with shoes like Converse to ethically style your wardrobe.
For starters, Converse’s environmental impact still involves significant reliance on synthetic rubber and dyes, many of which release harmful chemicals into the environment. Their production processes largely lean on mass manufacturing hubs with spotty environmental records, especially in countries with lax environmental regulations. While Nike (their parent company) claims overarching sustainability goals, Converse itself lacks transparency on how these goals play out in its supply chain. Are they meaningfully reducing emissions? Are they using safe, eco-friendly chemicals in their dyes and adhesives? It’s hard to tell, and that opacity doesn’t inspire confidence.
Then there’s the question of labor practices. Converse primarily outsources production to factories in developing countries, where wages often meet the legal minimums but fall short of providing a living wage. A lack of robust worker empowerment programs also casts a shadow on their labor practices. Workers in these factories typically don’t have union representation, so they lack a voice in negotiating fair wages or improved working conditions. Furthermore, Converse’s limited disclosure on the sourcing of materials, like leather, raises red flags. Ethical and humane treatment of animals is a growing consumer priority, and many brands are meeting this demand with transparent sourcing; Converse hasn’t kept pace.
In short, while Converse may have a legacy of style, its record on sustainability and ethics is less than inspiring. Luckily, there are alternative brands that make sustainable choices central to their mission, without compromising on style or quality. Read on to find eco-conscious shoes like Converse that outshine Converse in both design and impact.
Top Sustainable Alternatives to Converse
1. Cariuma
Price Range:
$79-$139
Sustainable Materials:
Fair Trade Organic Cotton, FSC Certified and Recycled Rubber
Cariuma thinks it’s cool to care.
They believe in making things in a way that’s better for people and the planet. That’s why they design sneakers to be good looking, ultra-comfy, and consciously made – and why Cariuma started their own Reforestation Program in brand’s founders’ homeland, Brazil, where the rainforests are home to an increasing number of endangered plants and animals.
For every pair of sustainable sneakers purchased, Cariuma plants a pair of trees in the Brazilian rainforest to directly aid in the restoration and preservation of these natural habitats
2. Psudo
Price Range:
$128
Sustainable Materials:
75% Recycled Materials
Psudo is committed to local manufacturing using ethical labor. Their sneakers are 100% locally sourced and produced at a solar-powered facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Psudo sneakers are also made with a singular, eco-friendly fabric made of 75% recycled material – they eliminated the laces and all the typical waste that comes with multi-component footwear. Psudo has also packed in comfort technology with antimicrobial, anatomically correct foot support for all-day wear. Their breathable and sweat-wicking slip-on sneakers will make your sock drawer obsolete!
3. 8000Kicks
Price Range:
$129
Sustainable Materials:
Hemp, Repurposed Algae
Super lightweight and durable, 8000Kicks’ Bloom foam outsoles are made of algae collected from harmful algal blooms – and these bloom soles can flex and bounce back to their original shape even after years of action.
In order to make this planet a better place, 8000Kicks is empowering customers to opt-in for a more sustainable lifestyle by providing a superior eco-friendly footwear solution. This means looking to minimize carbon emissions and caring to protect the most needed members of our community by providing them with comfortable and durable hemp products.
4. Nothing New
Price Range:
$95 – $108
Sustainable Materials:
100% Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic
Thoughtfully selected fully recycled materials designed for comfort, longevity, and sustainability, Nothing New proves that old is the new new. 5.6 plastic bottles repurposed and 160 gallons of water are saved with every pair of sneakers they produce. And although their shoes are built for sustainability and longevity, nothing can last forever – so send your used Nothing New shoes back and they’ll pay for shipping, give you $20 off your next purchase, and make sure nothing goes to waste!
5. Etiko
Price Range:
$74-$130
Sustainable Materials:
Fair Trade Organic Cotton, FSC Certified and Recycled Rubber
The word Etiko is derived from the Greek word “Ethical” and that’s exactly what this brand stands for. Ethical human labor rights. Etiko was the very FIRST fashion brand in the southern hemisphere to become fair trade certified. Etiko is based out of Australia and is a family owned footwear, clothing, and sports ball company. At the time of creation, they were looking for brands and apparel that was not made by a poor worker or made in an underdeveloped country. When they couldn’t find one, they created the brand themselves. They support ethically sourced labor, cotton growers, rubber tappers, workers in apparel and sports balls, and more. They also pay their employees premiums to ensure they can live properly outside of their jobs.
6. Good News London
Price Range:
$100 – $194
Sustainable Materials:
Eco Sock, Recycled Rubber Outsole, Organic Cotton Upper
This London based brand mission is “To create a platform we can use to promote a healthy planet. Giving back, one step at a time”. In the making of their sneakers, they use recycled rubber soles, organic cotton and weave uppers, and a recycled eco-lite footbed. They are adamant about keeping their process simple, promoting fair trade by monitoring their supply chain, and using materials that are environmentally and socially progressive. They also donate their deadstock and faulty shoes to the homeless and to refugees in need.
7. Novesta
Price Range:
$65-$88
Sustainable Materials:
Natural Rubber and 100% Cotton and Linen
A Slovakian company committed to ecological footwear. Novesta was started in 1939, by Jan Antonin Bata. He wanted to keep environmental standards top of mind when manufacturing their shoes. Their materials consist of natural rubber and 100% linen and cotton. Only the sole is machine pressed, but a craftsman finishes with manual work which creates the tire marks look- Novesta’s unique trademark. They are one of the last companies in Europe to be purely handmade and European produced. Their classic chunky sneaker look is timeless, and can be recognized all around the world.
8. Veja Shoes
Price Range:
$90-180
Sustainable Materials:
Organic Fair Trade Cotton, Wild Rubber
Veja shoes is committed to doing things differently. Passionate about creating timeless shoes, they have less styles, but take more time creating their styles and do so with the intention that the look and feel will be enduring. Their organic cotton is purchased by Veja Shoes purchasing team directly, and they ensure that fair trade principles are respected before the cotton is woven into laces and uppers. Since 2004, Veja shoes has purchased more than 265 tons of fair trade cotton from Brazil, Taua, and the state of Ceara paying more than 63% market price. Veja Shoeshas also purchased 195 tons of wild rubber for their soles, preserving 120,000 hectares of the Amazon forest.
9. Po-Zu
Price Range:
$65-$120
Sustainable Materials:
Linen, Pinatex, Organic Cotton, Wool, Cork, Chrome Free Leather, Coir, and Natural Latex
In Japanese, ‘Po-Zu’ means ‘to pause’. Their intention is to provide your feet some rest from the frantic pace of the busy life we live, and ultimately halt the destruction the footwear companies are causing our planet and people. This footwear company based out of Portugal is known for their exceptional and sustainable materials. All of these materials come from naturally renewable sources and are responsibly harvested. No pesticides, bleaches, or toxic dyes are used. They use linen, Pinatex, organic cotton, wool, cork, chrome free leather, coir, and natural latex. Their factories are handpicked, have strict non-toxic policies, and recycle almost all of their waste, including fabric cut’s and H2O. They even have pictures of all their shoemakers on their website and vow to treat them with respect and pay them fairly.
In Conclusion
As sneaker season approaches, let’s rethink what fills our closets and look beyond the usual brands toward sustainable alternatives. Choosing an eco-friendly shoe over a pair of Converse makes a genuine impact. With each purchase, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting fair labor, recycled materials, and ethical sourcing. You’re investing in companies committed to a greener future and the well-being of their workers. It’s a simple but powerful reminder of how one pair of shoes can bring positive change from production to purchase.
Looking to explore more game-changing brands? Be sure to check out our ultimate fast fashion guide. IndieGetup makes it easy to find clothing that aligns with your values. Click here to discover more conscious brands working toward a sustainable future.
