Anyone who has children knows kids’ shoes take a beating and last less than a year before it’s time for the next size. While fast fashion options can be tempting when it comes to kids’ shoes, if the shoes aren’t made well, they won’t even last through one child. As such, durability is key to children’s shoes and quality shoes that can be passed down from one kid to the next are even better — especially for families with siblings or cousins next in line. With kids going through shoes so quickly, sustainability is also a big bonus as many families value treading more lightly on the planet for their children’s future. However, eco-friendly kids’ shoes can be hard to find. Here are some of the best sustainably-made children’s shoes that are also durable enough to be used for more than one kid.
Plae
Plae makes shoes meant to handle the challenges of children’s play — the company even encourages customers to resell their used shoes on Kidizen as part of the REWEAR collective. The shoes feature replaceable insoles and durable components in hopes that multiple children will be able to wear the same pair of Plae shoes. On the sustainable manufacturing side, Plae shoes are made in solar-powered factories using recycled materials and water-based glues. The company also uses eco-friendly packaging and shoe stuffing materials.
Rothy’s
Rothy’s offers a collection of slip-on and velcro sneakers for kids in a cheerful range of colors and patterns. The company uses recycled materials to manufacture its shoes, including single use plastic bottles and ocean-bound plastic waste. In fact, Rothy’s has kept more than 100 tons of plastic from reaching the ocean — a feat both parents and children will appreciate. Rothy’s also limits production waste through careful knitting practices and recycles damaged returns. Parents will also love that the shoes are durable and machine-washable — both necessities for children’s shoes.
VEJA
VEJA approaches sustainability and ethics from start to finish in the production of its high quality shoes. The company uses recycled and bio materials and produces the shoes ethically in Brazil — including an emphasis on hiring socially vulnerable members of society to work in its factories for fair wages. Ample research goes into the design of VEJA’s shoes, resulting in durable sneakers kids will hopefully be able to pass on to friends or family after use. And, VEJA is committed to restoring worn shoes with the help of a cobbler at one of its stores in France.
Ten Little
Ten Little constructs its adorable kids’ shoes out of vegan leather and natural rubber soles from Hevea tree milk. The shoes were designed with the input of doctors to meet the developmental needs of growing feet and bodies. And, the shoes can be purchased in bundles with organic cotton socks and stickers for a combination of convenience and fun! The stickers come in an assortment of options including NASA, farm, dinosaurs, and dogs so kids can customize their shoes for added enjoyment.
