Discovering Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Birkenstock sandals
- greenila
- Aug 7, 2024
- 4 min read
Are you a fan of the iconic comfort and style of Birkenstock sandals but eager to make more eco-conscious choices in your footwear? You're not alone!
As sustainability becomes a growing priority for fashion enthusiasts, many are seeking alternatives that marry the same beloved comfort and durability with a lighter environmental footprint. 🌿👣
In this quest for greener options, I've scoured the market to find the best sustainable alternatives to Birkenstocks. These eco-friendly brands are not just crafting sandals that are kind to your feet, but also to our planet. Whether you're looking for materials that are vegan, recycled, or responsibly sourced, these stylish sandals will have you stepping out in both comfort and conscience. Ready to discover your next favorite pair? Let’s dive in!

The Java Clogs from ECOALF are a sustainable and stylish choice for summer. Made from a blend of EVA and seaweed, these clogs are designed to be 100% vegan and free from metal components. They also feature an adjustable back strap for a perfect fit and front holes for breathability.
The Java Clogs from ECOALF are available in several colors. Besides khaki, my favorite, they also come in black, white, and navy blue. Each color offers the same sustainable and comfortable design.
They are normally priced around €79.90, however, they are currently (August 2024) on sale at approx €56,so better to rush to get a pair at discounted price! ECOALF ships internationally.
Ecoalf is a sustainable fashion brand founded in 2009 in Madrid, Spain, that focuses on creating clothing and accessories from recycled materials. They aim to reduce the environmental impact of fashion by using innovative technologies to transform waste into high-quality products. Their website offers a variety of items for men and women, including jackets, swimwear, knitwear, and more, often with significant discounts during sales.
Ecoalf is also known for its commitment to environmental initiatives, such as the “Upcycling the Oceans” project, which collaborates with the fishing industry to clean up marine waste and repurpose it into new materials. They have received recognition for their efforts, including the B Corp certification, which highlights their dedication to sustainability and social responsibility.
Anahita Yellow Flats from O2 Monde is another eco-friendly option.These flats are part of the brand luxury vegan collection, made with eco-friendly materials. The Anahita flats feature recycled piumino nylon and lug soles, inspired by the Persian god of water, Anahita. Undoubtely confortable and stylish, these sandals are quite expensive, priced at $328 but if you grab the sale you can get them for $230.
O2 Monde is a luxury accessories Italian brand that focuses on creating sophisticated, sustainable, and impeccably crafted footwear using premium biomaterials. Their shoes are made in Italy, combining innovative design with eco-friendly practices.
O2 Monde uses a variety of innovative, eco-friendly materials in their footwear such as Recycled Piumino Nylon (made from old fishing nets and other nylon waste), Cactus Leather, Pinatex, Vitigna (kind of “wine leather” made from grape industry leftovers) and Freska used for insoles (this material is made from corn and cereal).
Raffia Pantolette from LANIUS is also a great choice! These sandals are made from vegetable-tanned leather and feature raffia accents, giving them a stylish and vacation-ready look. They come with two adjustable straps and a leather footbed, making them both comfortable and versatile. They came in only 1 color, natural, and priced at €180 with a reduced price at approx €120 with international shipping.
LANIUS is a German fashion brand known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Founded by Claudia Lanius in 1999, the brand focuses on creating high-quality, eco-friendly clothing and accessories. They use organic and sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, Tencel, and vegetable-tanned leather, ensuring their products are both stylish and environmentally responsible. LANIUS offers a wide range of sustainable and stylish products including clothing, accessories and footwear,creating products that are not only stylish but also ethically and environmentally responsible, feel free to explore their entire collection!
Lipe Black Vegan Sandals by NAE Vegan Shoes are very close in their design to the classic Birkenstock model. These sandals are crafted from black Piñatex, a sustainable material made from pineapple leaf fibers. They feature a sleek design with two adjustable straps and old gold nickel-free buckles. The insole is made of cork, providing natural comfort and support. Available in black color, they are priced at $72 USD.
NAE Vegan Shoes is a Portuguese brand that stands for “No Animal Exploitation.” They offer a variety of vegan shoes, bags, and accessories made from organic and recycled materials. Their products are crafted in ethical factories in Portugal, ensuring both quality and sustainability.They use eco-friendly materials such as Organic Cotton,Recycled PET, Cork, Piñatex, Eco-Microfiber and Recycled Car Tires (used for the soles of some shoes).
NAE Vegan Shoes has a dedicated outlet section where you can find a variety of shoes at discounted prices.Get inspired to browse through their wide collection of shoes, bags and accessories and I am sure you will find what you are looking for!
I hope this post has inspired you to explore and support conscious fashion brands that are providing alternatives more sustainable to Birkenstock sandals.
By choosing sustainable options like these handpicked brands you not only add unique and stylish pieces to your wardrobe but also contribute to meaningful social and environmental change.
For more curated content on sustainable fashion and the latest updates on ethical brands, follow me on Instagram! Let's continue this journey towards a more conscious and stylish lifestyle together.