What is the best brand of shoes made from recycled materials?

Because "the best" depends on what kind of style and functionality you are looking for (casual flats, classic everyday sneakers, or performance running shoes), there isn't just one winner. Several top-tier footwear brands lead the industry in utilizing recycled materials and circular lifecycles:

• Allbirds - Famous for popularizing sustainable footwear, they use a heavy mix of renewable and recycled materials, turning things like recycled plastic bottles, old nylon, eucalyptus fiber, and sugarcane-derived foam into comfortable, machine-washable daily footwear and runners.
• Rothy's - The gold standard for stylish, machine-washable flats, loafers, and knit sneakers. Rothy's crafts its signature thread out of millions of repurposed single-use plastic water bottles and features outsoles made with eco-friendly rubber and bio-based foams.
• Thousand Fell - Known for pioneering a true closed-loop, circular system. Their sleek everyday sneakers are made from recycled plastic bottles, castor beans, and coconut husks, and the brand has a take-back program that recycles your old pairs when you're done with them.
• Cariuma - A Certified B Corp that creates popular, classic-style canvas and leather-alternative sneakers. Their shoes extensively incorporate Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified recycled PET plastic in the uppers, laces, and threads, complemented by organic cotton, bamboo, and cork insoles.
• Veja - A pioneer in transparency, this French brand uses a mix of organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and innovative bio-based or recycled plastic bottle materials (including corn-waste faux leather) to create minimalist, highly sought-after streetwear sneakers.

To help narrow down which brand fits you best, let me know:

• What style of shoe you are looking for (sneakers, flats, running shoes, or boots)
• If you have a preference for vegan-friendly materials

I can give you a specific recommendation!

If your priority is shoes made substantially from recycled materials, my top pick in 2026 is VEJA.

🥇 Best overall: VEJA

VEJA has a particularly strong combination of recycled materials, durability, ethical sourcing, and everyday style. Several models use B-Mesh/Alveomesh made from recycled plastic bottles, along with recycled polyester and recycled rubber. Independent 2026 comparisons frequently put VEJA near the top for sustainable sneakers.

VEJA V-12 B-Mesh

$112.00

Best VEJA choices:

• V-12 B-Mesh — excellent everyday sneaker; upper uses 100% recycled plastic bottles.
• Rio Branco / Rio Branco II — lightweight, sporty option with recycled Alveomesh.
• SDU Rec Alveomesh — especially good if you want a breathable, lightweight shoe.

🥈 Best for comfort: Allbirds

Allbirds is arguably the better choice if comfort is more important than having a shoe made primarily from recycled materials. It uses recycled plastics in components, recycled foam/textiles in its Remix line, and bio-based materials such as eucalyptus fiber and sugarcane.

Allbirds Men's Tree Runner

$100.00

Its newer Remix shoes are particularly interesting because they turn textile waste and foam scraps into new footwear.

Quick verdict

Bottom line: If you specifically mean “I want my shoes to contain recycled waste/materials,” I'd buy VEJA's V-12 B-Mesh or Rio Branco II. If you mean “I want the lowest environmental impact while still getting a very comfortable everyday shoe,” I'd lean toward Allbirds. Sustainability isn't just about recycled content—durability and how long you'll actually wear the shoe matter too.

If your priority is shoes made substantially from recycled materials, my top pick is VEJA.

🥇 Best overall: VEJA

VEJA combines recycled materials with other lower-impact materials such as organic cotton and Amazonian rubber. Its Alveomesh fabric, used on models such as the Rio Branco, is made from recycled polyester. Independent sustainability reviews consistently rank VEJA among the strongest sustainable sneaker brands.

VEJA Rio Branco II Alveomesh

$175.00

Other excellent choices

• Rothy's — best if you specifically want recycled plastic. The company uses recycled plastic bottles as its signature yarn and has built much of its footwear around recycled materials.
• Allbirds — best for comfort. It uses a combination of recycled and renewable materials, including recycled components, eucalyptus fiber, wool and sugarcane-based foam.
• Cariuma — best casual sneaker. It uses recycled PET along with organic cotton and bamboo, and is particularly strong for comfortable everyday sneakers.
• Thousand Fell — best for circularity. Its sneakers are designed around recyclable/recycled and bio-based materials with an emphasis on taking shoes back rather than simply sending them to a landfill.

My ranking:
1. VEJA → best overall sustainability + style
2. Rothy's → best recycled-plastic focus
3. Allbirds → best comfort
4. Cariuma → best everyday value/style
5. Thousand Fell → best circular-design concept

If you tell me men's or women's, your budget, and whether you want walking/running/casual shoes, I can narrow it down to the 3 best specific pairs currently available.

Because "the best" depends on your style and what you plan to do in them (run, lounge, or wear to work), there isn't just one winner. Instead, several standout brands lead the industry in utilizing recycled materials and circular lifecycles:

• Rothy's - Best for washable everyday style. Rothy's is famous for turning millions of single-use plastic water bottles into a signature, flexible thread. Their chic flats, loafers, and sneakers are fully machine-washable and built for durability.
• Thousand Fell - Best for circularity and minimalist sneakers. They make classic, durable court sneakers out of recycled plastic bottles, castor bean oil, and coconut husk. They are designed from scratch for a closed-loop system—meaning you can send your old pair back to them to be recycled into new shoes.
• VIVAIA - Best for dressy and office-friendly flats. VIVAIA specializes in stylish, all-day comfortable heels, loafers, and ballet flats crafted using recycled plastic water bottles (via Repreve yarn) combined with a low-waste manufacturing process.
• Saola - Best for casual, lightweight comfort. Saola focuses heavily on eco-responsibility by using recycled PET (from plastic bottles) for their knit uppers, algae-based foam for cushioning, and recycled cork for insoles.
• On - Best for high-performance athletic and running shoes. Known for their distinctive CloudTec soles, On incorporates high percentages of recycled polyester and polyamide and experiments heavily with circular subscription models like Cyclon, as well as foam sourced from recycled carbon emissions.

To help narrow down the ideal brand for you, tell me:

• What type of shoe are you looking for (running, casual sneaker, or professional/dress flat)?
• Do you have a budget in mind?

If your priority is shoes that genuinely use recycled materials, my top pick right now is VEJA.

🥇 Best overall: VEJA

VEJA has one of the strongest combinations of recycled materials, lower-impact materials, supply-chain transparency, and durability. Its Alveomesh/B-Mesh uppers can be made from 100% recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, while some models also use recycled rubber, bio-based EVA, sugarcane, organic cotton, and Amazonian rubber.

VEJA Rio Branco II Alveomesh

$170.00

Best VEJA choices:

• Rio Branco II Alveomesh — excellent everyday sneaker with a 100% recycled-polyester upper.
• Condor 3 — better choice if you want a running shoe; its engineered mesh is 100% recycled polyester and it uses bio-based components.
• V-12 B-Mesh — classic-looking casual sneaker with a 100% recycled-polyester B-Mesh upper.

🥈 Best for comfort: Allbirds

Allbirds Tree Runner

$100.00

Allbirds is excellent if comfort is your priority. However, its sustainability approach isn't exclusively about recycled materials—it emphasizes renewable materials such as eucalyptus fiber, sugarcane and wool, alongside recycled materials.

🥉 Best if you want a high percentage of recycled material: ECOALF

ECOALF Ventura

$57.67

ECOALF is particularly interesting if you want recycled materials to be the centerpiece of the shoe. The Ventura, for example, uses a 100% recycled-polyester main fabric.

My ranking:

1. VEJA — best overall sustainability + recycled materials
2. ECOALF — best for recycled-material content
3. Allbirds — best for comfort, with a broader renewable-material strategy
4. adidas — best mainstream athletic option with recycled-material initiatives

One caveat: “made from recycled materials” doesn't automatically mean the entire shoe is environmentally friendly. A shoe can have a recycled upper while still containing virgin synthetic rubber, adhesives, foams, etc. That's why I'd favor brands that address the whole product and supply chain rather than simply advertising recycled polyester.

If you tell me whether you want walking shoes, running shoes, casual sneakers, or work shoes, I can narrow this down to the 3 best specific models.

There is no single "best" brand because it depends on your style and what you use your shoes for (casual wear, running, or work). However, several standout brands lead the industry in using recycled materials and circular design:

• Rothy's - Best for stylish flats, loafers, and everyday slip-ons . They are famous for their signature 3D-knit material made from repurposed single-use plastic water bottles. A huge bonus is that their shoes are fully machine washable.
• Thousand Fell - Best for classic minimalist sneakers . They focus heavily on closed-loop circularity. Their court sneakers are made from recycled plastic bottles, castor beans, and food waste, and they feature a full take-back recycling program when your shoes wear out.
• Allbirds - Best for casual comfort and light athletic wear . While known for wool and eucalyptus fibers, they incorporate recycled plastic bottles and recycled nylon into their laces, uppers, and packaging, alongside sugarcane-derived midsoles.
• Vivaia - Best for chic work flats, heels, and boots . They turn recycled ocean plastic into soft, comfortable, knitted threads with a low-waste manufacturing process.
• Cariuma - Best for retro skate and canvas sneakers . They use GRS-certified recycled PET (from plastic bottles) for their canvas uppers and laces, paired with natural rubber and organic cotton.

To help narrow down the best choice for you , tell me:

• What style of shoe are you looking for (sneaker, flat, running shoe, boot)?
• Are you looking for vegan-certified options?

If your priority is shoes that genuinely use recycled materials, my top pick is adidas overall.

🥇 Best overall: adidas

adidas stands out because its recycled-material use is extensive rather than limited to a few “eco” models. In 2025, 99% of the polyester used across its products was recycled, and 60% of its overall materials and packaging were recycled or sustainably sourced renewable materials.

adidas Adizero Boston 12

$159.99

Other excellent choices

• VEJA — best for everyday/lifestyle sneakers. Many models use recycled polyester made from plastic bottles, along with organic and bio-based materials.
• Allbirds — best for comfort and low-impact materials. It emphasizes natural materials such as eucalyptus fiber and sugarcane, plus programs to keep used shoes in circulation.
• Merrell — best for outdoor/trail shoes. Some models, such as the Trail Glove, use 100% recycled mesh, lining, laces and webbing.
• VIVAIA — best for stylish shoes made heavily from recycled plastic. Its knit footwear uses fabric derived from recycled plastic bottles.

My quick ranking:

1. 🥇 adidas — best overall sustainability + performance
2. 🥈 VEJA — best everyday sneaker
3. 🥉 Allbirds — best comfort
4. Merrell — best outdoor
5. VIVAIA — best fashion-oriented option

If you tell me whether you want walking, running, work shoes, or casual sneakers and your budget, I can narrow it down to the best 3 pairs available right now.

When it comes to shoes made from recycled materials, several standout brands lead the industry by combining sustainable practices with high performance, durability, and style.

Here are the top brands in the eco-friendly footwear space, categorized by their primary focus:

Everyday & Casual Wear

• Allbirds : Known famously for their wool and tree-fiber shoes, they heavily utilize recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and SweetFoam (made from renewable sugarcane). Their Allbirds Official Store offers popular everyday sneakers like the Tree Runners that have a remarkably low carbon footprint.
• Veja : A pioneer in transparent sustainable fashion, Veja uses recycled plastic bottles to create a technical fabric called B-mesh, recycled cotton from the textile industry, and wild Amazonian rubber for their soles. You can explore their lineup on the Veja Official Website.
• cariuma : Popular for classic skate aesthetics, Cariuma incorporates recycled PET (from plastic bottles), organic cotton, and bamboo into their canvas and sneaker builds. They also have a massive tree-planting initiative for every pair sold, detailed on the Cariuma Official Website.

Performance & Running

• On Running : With their circular subscription model shoe (Cyclon) and various recycled-content performance sneakers, On has made major strides in using high-grade recycled polyester and bio-based materials without sacrificing athletic performance. Check out their eco-initiatives via On Running.
• Adidas : Through their ongoing partnership with Parley for the Oceans, Adidas has turned millions of pounds of intercepted marine plastic waste from remote islands and beaches into high-performance athletic uppers for iconic lines like the Ultraboost. See the collections at Adidas.

Outdoor & Durability

• Lems Shoes : Known for foot-shaped, minimalist footwear, Lems incorporates recycled PET and recycled nylon uppers into many of their popular waterproof and outdoor traveler models. Browse their selection at Lems Shoes.
• Merrell : Merrell features several eco-conscious iterations of their classic hiking boots and trail runners, utilizing 100% recycled laces, webbeding, mesh linings, and EVA foam foot-beds. Check out their sustainable gear via Merrell.

If you want to narrow down the best option, tell me:

• What style of shoe you are looking for (running, casual everyday, or hiking/outdoor)?
• Your budget or preferred price range?

I can give you a more specific recommendation tailored to your needs.

There isn't a single "best" brand—it depends on whether you value athletic performance, everyday comfort, fashion, or the highest level of sustainability. If your priority is shoes made with significant recycled materials and strong environmental practices, these brands consistently stand out:

Best overall: Veja

• Uses recycled polyester, Amazonian rubber, organic cotton, and responsibly sourced leather (on many models).
• Known for transparent supply chains and long-lasting construction.
• Great for casual everyday wear rather than serious running.

Best for comfort: Allbirds

• Uses recycled polyester alongside natural materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fiber.
• Excellent everyday comfort and relatively low carbon footprint.
• One of the leaders in publishing product carbon emissions.

Best for running: adidas

Many adidas models incorporate recycled plastics, including materials recovered from oceans.

A popular example is:

adidas Ultraboost 1.0 DNA

$179.99

Best for circular design: Thousand Fell

Designed to be returned and recycled at the end of their life rather than thrown away.

Thousand Fell Lace-Up Sneakers

$145.00

Best budget-conscious sustainable option: Nothing New

Uses recycled plastic bottles, recycled rubber, and recycled cotton while keeping prices below many premium brands.

Nothing New Refresh Sneaker

$95.00

Other excellent brands

• Rothy's – knit uppers made from recycled plastic bottles.
• Saola – very high percentage of recycled materials with lightweight designs.
• Hylo Athletics – performance shoes designed with bio-based and recyclable materials.

If I were ranking brands for overall sustainability and quality, I'd go with:

1. Veja
2. Allbirds
3. Thousand Fell
4. adidas (especially newer recycled-material collections)
5. Saola

If you're looking to shop, here are several good options:

adidas Ultraboost 1.0 DNA

$179.99

Thousand Fell Lace-Up

$145.00

Nothing New Refresh

$95.00

Saola Cannon Canvas 2.0

$93.46

Rothy's RS01 Sneaker

$160.00

If you tell me:

• men's or women's
• running, walking, hiking, or casual wear
• your budget

I can narrow it down to the best 3–5 shoes for your needs.

Because "the best" depends on your style and how you plan to wear them, several leading brands stand out for their innovative use of recycled materials.

Top contenders in sustainable footwear categorized by their strengths include:

• Rothy's — Best for Everyday Flats & Washable Style
  Famous for turning millions of single-use plastic water bottles into a signature flexible, 3D-knitted thread. Rothy's shoes are durable, completely machine washable, and crafted with a strict eye on minimizing manufacturing waste.
• Thousand Fell — Best for Circular/Closed-Loop Design
  They manufacture classic, clean-cut court sneakers using recycled plastic bottles, castor oil, and food waste (like coconut husks and sugarcane). Best of all, they feature a dedicated take-back program so you can return your worn-out pairs to be recycled into new shoes.
• Saola — Best for Casual, Lightweight Sneakers
  Saola designs casual, everyday vegan shoes where roughly 60% to 70% of the materials are recycled or bio-sourced (including textiles spun from plastic bottles and algae-based foam soles).
• Allbirds — Best for Comfort & Casual Athletics
  A pioneer in eco-friendly footwear, Allbirds uses recycled plastic bottles for laces, recycled nylon for durability, and sweet-foam soles made from sugarcane alongside renewable natural fibers like eucalyptus tree fiber and merino wool.
• On — Best for High-Performance Running
  If you need athletic gear, On utilizes high percentages of recycled polyester in their performance and lifestyle shoes (like the Cloudnova series) and is a leader in pushing lower-emission midsoles and circular recycling initiatives.

To help narrow down the best choice for you, tell me:

• What type of shoe are you looking for (casual sneaker, athletic running shoe, or dressy flat)?
• Do you have a price range in mind?