Etiko Hi-Top Organic Fair Trade Sneakers

Etiko (Australia) offers one-time purchase of Converse-style sneakers. The difference is that these are made ethically in Pakistan from organic cotton, with latex rubber soles, non-toxic dyes and no animal glues, sent in post-consumer cardboard boxes.

These sneakers are also available in styles for children. See the site for correct sizing advice.

This brand also offers low-cut, hemp and ballet flat sneakers. This brand is recommended due to offering something unique, but of course there are additional shipping charges for ordering from Australia (you may also be asked to provide ID, to avoid fraudulent orders).

What would make things easier is for small wholesalers to order from them, to sell them in the UK, which would encourage more purchases, due to reduced shipping costs and times.

Etiko is an Aussie company, so not local. But one pair should last you a long time, and there are presently no similar alternatives in the UK. This company does wonderful work in Australia promoting the fair trade fashion cause, and also sells organic cotton t-shirts.

Hi-top sneakers are very popular with young people, so these make a great zero waste gift for your forward-thinking teenage son or daughter! Or any other relative who likes to look cool, while doing good for the planet!

As most good brands of sustainable vegan sneakers are sold online, get your feet measured in a shop, to save the hassle of returns (Europeans don’t offer half-sizes, so choose the larger size and wear thicker socks!)

Vegan sneakers are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth (laundering is not recommended, but if you do, use a microfiber filter) to stop microplastics leaching from the machine).