6 Amazing Ethically Made Kids Shoe Brands

It can be tough to find ethically-made kids’ shoes. A lot of wonderful fair-trade brands still haven’t branched out into kids’ sizes. So what can you do when you’re shopping for the whole family? You don’t need to compromise your values to find kicks that your little ones will love.

Unethical Practices

Unfortunately, many factories engage in unethical practices in order to cut costs in an ever-more competitive economy.

They underpay their workers and force them to work in unsafe conditions. They may even engage in child labor. (Read more about that in our article about fair trade shoes). 

Many companies that make kids’ shoes are not eco-friendly. They contribute to climate change and to the pollution of our land, air, and water.

But by being intentional about the companies you support, you can ensure that your kids’ shoes are made in safe, healthy working conditions by adults who are paid fairly. And you’ll be supporting companies that care about the environment, too. 

So whether you’re searching for the shoes in which your toddler will take his first steps, or the lace-ups that will help them learn to tie their own shoes, or the sneakers in which your 8-year-old will play her first soccer game, these five brands can help. 

When you buy ethically-made kids’ shoes, you’re not just putting shoes on your child’s feet. You’re making an investment in the future of the world in which they’re going to grow up.

Read on to learn about five brands that are committed ethical practices.

6 Companies Making Awesome Ethical Kids’ Shoes

Inkkas

Inkkas are quite possibly my favourite looking shoes on this list, and that’s no small feat. They produce exciting designs that will make your little ones feet stand out in a crowd.

Perfectly demonstrated I think by their Blake Slip-Ons and Spectrum High-Tops.

Cute I’m sure you’ll agree 🙂

They’re reasonably priced too so they won’t break the bank.

Although they’re not vegan, they do hold the principals of fair trade and respect for the environment close to their heart.

Working closely with local Peruvian artisans to support communities, they also have a One Shoe One Tree policy aimed at reforesting areas of the world badly affected by deforestation.

Zuzii

Zuzii makes beautiful oxfords for kids. Their classic, minimalist designs will satisfy even the most picky wearer. These shoes can go from everyday wear to more formal events, too. 

Although Zuzii is not going to be the right fit if you’re looking to shop vegan, they are committed to making their shoes in ethical conditions in the Los Angeles, California.

Buying shoes that were made in the United States is a great choice because it means that the factory in which they were made must obey the U.S.’s high standards for safe, healthy working conditions.

Plus, they’re committed to environmental sustainability, too.

As they say on their website:

…when quality, sustainability, and people are more important than profit, it gives new meaning to the word value

We can’t help but agree. 

Fayvel

As a kid, I would have absolutely flipped out over Fayvel’s shoes. The shoes are a “blank canvas” that kids can customize themselves using Fayvel’s colorful “Frieze Tags“.

These patches attach to the shoe with hook and loop fasteners. They come in themes, like “Medieval,” “Under the Sea,” “Superheroes,” “Fairies,” and more. (Check out the full list here).

Fayvel encourages wearers to trade and share patches with their friends, or even have a shoe party, where friends can all decorate their new kicks together.

And, these customizable shoes are 100% vegan.

The company’s mantra? “Dream big. Smile often. Love always. Play hard. Respect all. Be yourself.” 

Keep Company Shoes

Keep Company makes super cute slip-ons and lace-ups for kids. Their shoes are exciting and colourful – perfect for expressing your child’s unique personality.

All Keep Company products are vegan and cruelty-free.

They also use sustainable, organic, and natural materials whenever possible.

While you’re there check out the rest of their apparel – Keep Company offers a wide range of cool clothing options and accessories too.

Gro Five

Gro Five is a truly innovative, special company. Their shoes were designed by parents who were tired of having to constantly buy new shoes for their kids as they grew. So they created Expandals – miraculous shoes that can grow five sizes. 

They’re durable and long-lasting, too. They’re made with synthetics and are built to stay comfortable even after years of use. 

And helping you buy fewer pairs of shoes means that fewer pairs will end up in landfills, too. 

Gro Five was created especially to help kids in poverty. Their nonprofit organization has donated 200,000 pairs of shoes to kids in 100 different countries. Talk about getting bang for your buck. 

Azerbaijani Socks

Okay, maybe slipper socks don’t exactly count as shoes (answers in the comments 😉 ), but I couldn’t resist including this wonderful brand on this list. 

This brand provides employment for women in rural Azerbaijan. Creating these socks has a part of Azerbaijani culture for generations. By providing flexible, fairly paid employment, Azerbaijani Socks helps support local families. 

Their slippers for infants and kids are beautiful and cozy too.

Great brands support their workers and the planet, too. Buying ethically-made kids’ shoes isn’t just good for your family — it’s good for families all over the world.