Top 10 European Sustainable Shoe Brands Sourcing & Producing in Europe
In today’s conscious world, we are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices in our purchasing decisions. European sustainable shoe brands are at the forefront of this movement, combining centuries-old craftsmanship with modern, sustainable practices. This article highlights the top European shoe brands that are 100% European in production and material sourcing, setting new standards in sustainability.
What Does 100% Europe Mean in Connection with European Sustainable Shoe Brands?
European Production
When we say a brand is 100% European, it means that the entire production process takes place within Europe. From the design and crafting of the sustainable european-made shoes to the final assembly, every step occurs in European countries renowned for their shoemaking heritage, such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Germany. This not only ensures high-quality craftsmanship but also supports local economies and maintains strict adherence to European labor laws.
European Material Sourcing
100% European also signifies that the materials used in the shoe production are sourced from within Europe. This includes leather, organic cotton, natural rubber, vegan leather alternatives, and recycled materials, all obtained from European suppliers. Sourcing materials locally reduces transportation emissions, supports local industries, and ensures that the materials meet stringent European environmental and ethical standards.
Why Does Production in Europe & European Craftsmanship Matter?
Stringent Environmental Regulations
European Union regulations are among the strictest in the world, ensuring that manufacturers adhere to high environmental standards. This means reduced pollution, better waste management, and minimal use of harmful chemicals. Shoes produced in Europe are often subject to these rigorous standards, guaranteeing a lower environmental impact.
Ethical Labor Practices
Europe has robust labor laws that protect workers’ rights. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours, ensuring that the people who make your shoes are treated fairly and ethically. By choosing shoes made in Europe, you are supporting these ethical labor practices and helping to combat exploitation in the fashion industry.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Europe is known for its rich heritage in shoemaking. Countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal have long-standing traditions of producing high-quality, durable footwear. This craftsmanship is often passed down through generations, ensuring meticulous attention to detail. European-made shoes are not only stylish but also built to last, offering better value over time.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Producing and sourcing materials within Europe reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. This is particularly important in the fashion industry, where transportation can significantly contribute to overall emissions. By choosing European-made shoes with locally sourced materials, you are helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
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Top 10 European Shoe Brands Sourcing & Producing in Europe: 100% Europe
Bobbies
Bobbies is a renowned European brand dedicated to crafting elegant and sustainable footwear. Designed in Paris, their shoes are meticulously manufactured in their own traditional workshop in Santa Maria da Fiera, Portugal, and family-owned workshops in Portugal, with leather goods produced in Spain. Bobbies sources long-lasting materials locally or from nearby suppliers, including Leather Working Group (LWG) certified leather from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and France. They also use leather soles and rubber from Portugal, partnering with Bolflex for high-quality rubber, and acetate from Italy. Discover Bobbies’ collection of elegant and sustainable footwear, where Parisian design meets European craftsmanship.
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Ivylee
Ivylee Copenhagen is a Danish footwear brand known for its minimalist designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Each collection embodies a contemporary take on femininity, offering timeless, versatile shoes that elevate any outfit. Designed in Copenhagen and handmade in Portugal, Ivylee’s footwear is crafted using carefully selected European materials, ensuring both quality and sustainability. By partnering with family-owned factories, the brand guarantees responsible production, minimal waste, and a transparent supply chain. Ivylee encourages slow fashion, promoting mindful consumption through shoes that are built to last, combining Scandinavian simplicity with modern edge.
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Copenhagen Studios
Copenhagen Studios is a European brand known for its contemporary and sustainable footwear. Designed in Copenhagen, their shoes are produced by small manufacturers in Portugal and Italy, ensuring high standards of craftsmanship and ethical practices. The brand sources leather from family-owned tanneries in Italy, guaranteeing premium quality and sustainability. Discover Copenhagen Studios’ collection, where modern Danish design meets exceptional European craftsmanship.
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Womsh
Womsh is a leading European brand that creates sustainable and stylish footwear. Manufactured in Italy and Portugal, Womsh ensures top-notch craftsmanship and ethical production practices. The brand sources sustainable materials from within Europe, including leather from EU slaughterhouse waste processed without heavy metals or chemicals, Uppeal (vegan leather made from apple waste) from Italy, and materials from upcycling and recycling such as plastic bottles, recycled cotton from textile scraps, and regenerated soles. Discover Womsh’s collection, where innovative sustainability meets elegant European design.
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COG
COG is a European brand that designs conscious and innovative footwear, produced in small family workshops in Porto, Portugal. The brand prioritizes sustainability by sourcing ecological, plant-based, and recycled materials from suppliers close to France, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Germany. COG uses components of recycled plant origin such as grape marc, cork, organic cotton, and rubber, as well as recycled synthetic plastics and microfibers, including plastic bottles recovered from the sea, PET, polyester, and water-based polyurethane. Discover COG’s collection, where eco-friendly materials and ethical production create stylish, sustainable footwear.
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ID.Eight
Id.Eight is a European brand dedicated to creating eco-conscious and fashionable footwear. Their shoes are produced in Europe using sustainable materials with European origins. Id.Eight uses four types of BioBased materials for the upper part of their shoes, derived from agricultural or industrial by-products: Bioveg (corn) made in Italy, Uppeal (apples) made in Italy, Pinatex (pineapple) made in Spain, and Vegea (pomace) made in Italy. They also incorporate recycled synthetic materials like polyester, mesh, Lycra, rubber, and recycled cotton, sourced from Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Discover Id.Eight’s collection, where sustainability meets innovative design.
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Aeyde
Aeyde is a European brand known for its timeless and sustainable footwear. Designed in Berlin and handmade in family-run factories in Tuscany, Italy, Aeyde combines contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. The brand sources all materials sustainably from their countries of origin through a select network of local suppliers in Europe. This includes leathers sourced from the European food industry and upcycled metals. Discover Aeyde’s collection, where elegant design meets responsible production.
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Ella & Witt
Ella & Witt is a German brand dedicated to creating stylish and sustainable vegan footwear. Designed in Germany and produced in Portugal, Ella & Witt ensures high-quality craftsmanship and ethical production. The brand sources plant-based and recycled raw materials from European suppliers, prioritizing sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. Discover Ella & Witt’s collection, where contemporary design meets eco-friendly innovation.
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Palmroth
Palmroth is a European brand offering luxurious and sustainable footwear. Designed and produced in Portugal and Finland, Palmroth ensures exceptional craftsmanship and quality. The brand sources carefully selected, high-quality materials from responsible EU producers, including waterproof leather from Italy that resists water, dirt, and salt stains, as well as sheep’s wool and leather linings for added comfort. Palmroth also offers vegan options, emphasizing sustainability and ethical production practices. Discover Palmroth’s collection for durable, fashionable footwear that aligns with your values. Experience the perfect fusion of luxury and sustainability with Palmroth.
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Scarosso
Scarosso is a luxury Italian footwear brand headquartered in Milan, specializing in meticulously handcrafted shoes and accessories for men and women. Their products are primarily made in Montegranaro, Italy, in close collaboration with family-owned workshops. Scarosso is committed to using locally sourced materials from Italy and the South of France, offering a contemporary interpretation of timeless classics. The brand values exceptional quality, artisan heritage, and sustainability, delivering authentic “Made in Italy” craftsmanship directly to consumers at fair prices. Explore Scarosso’s collection for footwear that embodies Italian tradition and modern elegance.
Shop at Scarosso
Choosing shoes that are 100% European in production and material sourcing not only supports local economies but also ensures adherence to high standards of environmental and ethical practices. Brands like Bobbies, Copenhagen Studios, Womsh, COG, ID.Eight, Ayede, and Ella & Witt are leading the way in sustainability, offering stylish, high-quality footwear that makes a positive impact on the world. By prioritizing European-made shoes with locally sourced materials, you are making a conscious choice to support sustainable fashion and reduce your carbon footprint.
Editor’s note: Feature image from Bobbies. All images are from brands mentioned. Brand recommendations (unpaid advertising).
