Best Eco-Friendly Kids Shoes in 2025: Non-Toxic Options for Growing Feet

As parents, ensuring our children's health and safety is paramount, and this extends to the shoes they wear. Choosing non-toxic and eco-friendly shoes is crucial for supporting healthy foot development and reducing environmental impact. In this article, we'll explore the importance of non-toxic materials in kids' shoes and highlight some of the best eco-friendly options available.

Why Choose Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Shoes?

Health Impact

Children's skin is more sensitive than adults', making them more susceptible to allergic reactions and skin irritations from harmful chemicals in footwear. Non-toxic shoes are free from substances like phthalates, lead, and formaldehyde, ensuring the safety of your child. The feet are the most absorbent part of the body, making what we put on them particularly important for children's health.

Non-toxic kids' footwear supports natural foot development and provides essential comfort for growing feet. These shoes are typically hypoallergenic, significantly reducing the risk of allergic reactions, especially for children with sensitive skin. Many conventional shoes contain synthetic materials that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while the glues, dyes, and treatments used in traditional footwear can trigger skin reactions in allergy-prone children.

Natural, non-toxic materials like organic cotton, natural rubber, and vegetable-tanned leather offer excellent breathability and comfort, helping keep feet dry and promoting better foot health. Barefoot-style eco-friendly shoes work with the body's natural feedback systems to improve balance, enhance coordination, and promote natural foot growth, potentially lowering the chances of muscular and skeletal issues later in life7.

Environmental Impact

The environmental footprint of conventional footwear is staggering. A standard pair of running shoes generates approximately 14 kg (30 lbs) of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifecycle. The global shoe industry produces an estimated 350 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, comparable to the emissions of entire countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia.

If the sneaker industry were a country, it would rank as the world's 17th largest polluter. Every year, more than 20 billion shoes are manufactured worldwide, contributing to 1.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States alone, people discard over 300 million pairs of shoes annually, with 95% ending up in landfills.

Most conventional shoes are non-biodegradable and can take dozens or even hundreds of years to decompose, leaching harmful chemicals into soil and water as they break down. By choosing eco-friendly footwear made from sustainable materials like recycled plastics, organic cotton, or innovative plant-based alternatives, you're supporting environmentally friendly production practices and significantly reducing waste. Sustainable shoe brands often emphasize ethical manufacturing processes, ensuring fair wages for workers and safe working conditions.

While eco-friendly footwear is less damaging for people and the environment to conventional options, it is important to note that buying fewer shoes overall helps maximize environmental benefits.

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Kids Shoe Brands

Disclosure: The following section contains Amazon and Kizik affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Kizik affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support our blog and allow us to continue providing valuable content.

Kizik

• Innovation: 
  
  Kizik pioneered the world's original hands-free shoe technology, securing over 200 patents and developing more than 20 styles since their founding. Their patented F.A.S.T.® (Foot Activated Shoe Technology) allows children to easily step into their shoes without using their hands while maintaining a secure fit.

• Materials: Kizik utilizes eco-friendly materials in their production, including recycled plastic bottles in their Madrid Eco-Knit collection. Their shoes feature 4-way stretch air mesh uppers for enhanced breathability and responsive cushioning soles for all-day comfort.

• Sustainability: Kizik is committed to sustainable practices throughout their manufacturing process. They use recycled materials to help resolve the waste crisis and reduce carbon footprint. Their Madrid Eco-Knit shoes are specifically designed with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials that are both durable and comfortable. The brand emphasizes ethical sourcing, fair trade practices, and transparency in their supply chain.

• Environmental Impact: Kizik focuses on creating long-lasting products that reduce the need for frequent replacements, thereby cutting down on waste. Their manufacturing processes are designed to be less energy-intensive, reduce carbon emissions, and minimize plastic waste. By using natural and organic materials, they offer enhanced breathability and foot health while avoiding harmful chemicals and synthetic materials.

• Mission: The brand is dedicated to empowering people to live a frictionless life through the freedom of motion that hands-free footwear provides. This makes their shoes particularly beneficial for children of all abilities who may struggle with traditional laces or straps.

Kizik tennis shoes are our son's all time favorite shoes. He has wide feet and these have worked well for him. The best part of course is the hands free slip on feature - super quick and easy on and off. He's been wearing his pair for quite some time regularly (his favorite, remember!), and they've been holding up really well. We are very pleased with durability and ease of care. 

Reima

• Materials: Reima footwear is crafted specifically for children using non-toxic materials that prioritize kids' health and safety. All their shoes and boots are completely free from harmful PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), ensuring a safer option for growing feet.

• Sustainability: Reima's sustainability journey began in 1944 when they started recycling old fabrics into new clothing. Today, 80% of their products are made with sustainable materials, focusing on durability, functionality, and recyclability. Their commitment extends to reducing climate impact in alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement. The brand emphasizes a "care and repair" philosophy, providing resources for customers to maintain and fix garments, ensuring their products last for generations rather than seasons.

• Ethical Production: Reima ensures their products are made ethically under fair conditions, respecting both people and the environment throughout their supply chain. From material innovations to recycling initiatives, they integrate responsibility into every step of their production process.

• Environmental Partnerships: Beyond their own operations, Reima partners with organizations worldwide to support various causes, from children's hobbies to wildlife protection, demonstrating their holistic approach to sustainability.

• Product Range: Their extensive collection includes options for every season and weather condition - from insulated winter boots with waterproof exteriors to durable rain boots for puddle-splashing adventures. They also offer machine-washable sneakers, summer sandals, and specialized water shoes designed for active children. 

• Design Philosophy: Each shoe is thoughtfully designed with children's unique needs in mind, focusing on comfort and durability that allows kids to explore freely without footwear concerns. Their designs combine functionality with expert craftsmanship using the highest quality materials.

• Versatility: Reima's footwear collection is designed to keep little feet warm, dry, and comfortable regardless of weather conditions. Whether for rain, snow, or sunshine, their shoes enable children to get outside and explore their world in all seasons.

We love Reima for our son. We have their rain gear as well as shoes. Barefoot shoes in particular are very comfy and so good for kids' growing feet.

Native Shoes 

• Philosophy: Native Shoes embodies the concept of "Live Lightly™" in both their footwear design and company ethos. Since 2009, they've been committed to creating products that contribute to a lighter, healthier, and happier world.

• Non-Toxic Materials: Native Shoes prioritizes child safety with their BPA and phthalate-free construction. Their footwear is free from hazardous materials such as formaldehyde and formamide, and meets important safety standards including REACH, CPSIA, and Prop 65 compliance.

• Innovative Materials:

  • Plant Shoe Collection: Features entirely plant-derived components that are compostable and free from animal products, including eucalyptus, pineapple husk, organic cotton, linen, olive oil, cork, and dried hevea milk (natural latex without fillers or petrochemical catalysts).

  • Bloom Collection: Utilizes a blend of EVA and algae foam, repurposing harmful algal blooms into functional footwear.

  • Sugarlite Collection: Incorporates bio-based content from sugarcane that produces 22% lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional EVA.

• Sustainability Initiatives:

  • The Native Shoes Remix™ Project: This flagship recycling initiative gives well-worn shoes new life through community projects, reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles.

  • Science-Based Targets: Native has set ambitious SBTi-approved targets to reduce their climate impact, demonstrating a commitment to measurable environmental progress.

  • Packaging Sustainability: Through a partnership with Canopy Pack4Good, Native is working to ensure their packaging does not use pulp from old-growth forests, protecting vital ecosystems.

• Design Approach: Native Shoes focuses on innovation, sustainability, and originality, with lightness as a key ingredient. Their goal is to create footwear that simplifies daily life while reducing environmental impact.

Rothy's

• Materials: Rothy's transforms plastic water bottles into their signature thread, which is then knit into durable, washable footwear. Their innovative approach to materials has diverted millions of plastic bottles from landfills while creating stylish, comfortable shoes for children.

• Manufacturing Process: The brand uses a revolutionary knit-to-shape technique that creates less than 1% upper material waste, compared to the 25-50% waste typical in shoe manufacturing. This precision manufacturing approach significantly reduces their environmental footprint.

• Sustainability Certifications: Rothy's owns and operates a best-in-class factory that has earned both LEED Gold and TRUE Zero-Waste certifications, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

• Durability & Longevity: Unlike fast fashion that burdens the planet, Rothy's designs products to last for years. Their shoes are machine washable, allowing them to look like new over and over again, extending their useful life and reducing the need for replacements.

• Ethical Production: The company knows every person in their factory and guarantees they work in healthy environments while earning living wages. They're actively pursuing Fair Trade Certification to further strengthen their commitment to ethical manufacturing.

• Packaging Innovation: Rothy's uses boxes made from recycled materials that are sturdy enough to ship directly to customers without additional packaging. This approach has saved over 3 million pounds of cardboard to date—enough to cover an entire football field.

Veja

• Philosophy: Since 2005, Veja has been creating sneakers differently by combining social projects, economic justice, and ecological materials. Their approach focuses on transparency and sustainability throughout their supply chain.

• Materials:

  • Organic Cotton: Sourced from farmer associations in Brazil and Peru who harvest it with respect for people and the environment. Used for canvas and laces.

  • Amazonian Rubber: A primary raw material for all Veja soles, with over 2,600 tons purchased between 2004 and 2022. Veja pays 3.5 times the market price to support sustainable harvesting.

  • B-Mesh: A pioneering fabric made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and recycled polyester that is lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.

  • Hexamesh: A composite material consisting of 70% organic cotton and 30% recycled plastic bottles, manufactured in Brazil.

  • C.W.L.: A vegan, bio-based leather alternative that is 54% bio-based, offering similar texture and impermeability to leather. Made with 100% organic cotton canvas coated with PU, ricinus oil, and corn starch.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Veja transforms recycled plastic into polyester fiber through environmentally friendly processes. They also use 100% recycled flannel made from both recycled cotton and recycled polyester in their sneakers.

• Ethical Production: Veja sneakers are produced in high-standard factories in Brazil and Portugal. Their European logistics and e-commerce are managed by Log'ins, a professional and social inclusion company.

• Innovation: Rather than following trends in vegan materials that often rely on petroleum-based plastics, Veja has developed their own bio-based alternatives that align with their ecological purpose.

• Direct Sourcing: The founders personally traveled to the Amazon rainforest to meet with wild rubber producers, establishing direct relationships with their suppliers.

Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing eco-friendly and non-toxic shoes for your children, the most sustainable approach combines thoughtful purchasing with mindful consumption. While the brands we've explored offer excellent alternatives to conventional footwear, the most environmentally friendly choice is to buy fewer shoes overall.

The Power of Minimalism

The environmental impact of shoe production remains significant even with eco-friendly materials. The most sustainable shoe is often the one you don't buy. Consider these minimalist approaches:

• Buy quality over quantity: Invest in one or two pairs of well-made, durable shoes rather than several cheaper options that wear out quickly. Durable shoes won't just last your child until they are ready to size up, they are more likely to stay in good enough shape to be passed down to younger children, resold or donated to families in need.

• Choose versatile and practical styles: Select shoes that work for multiple occasions and seasons to reduce the total number needed. Opt for practical comfortable options that your child would actually wear vs cute styles for occasional use. 

• Size strategically: When possible, buy shoes with a little room to grow, but not so much that they affect proper foot development.

• Repair when possible: Many quality shoes can be resoled or repaired, extending their lifespan significantly.

Beyond Materials: What Matters Most

When selecting eco-friendly shoes for your children, prioritize these key factors:

1. Material safety: Look for shoes free from harmful chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, and PFAs to protect your child's developing body.

2. Durability: Choose brands that create long-lasting products designed to withstand active play and frequent wear.

3. Washability: Machine-washable options maintain hygiene and appearance, extending usable life.

4. Proper fit: Even the most eco-friendly shoes must properly support growing feet to prevent developmental issues.

5. Seasonal appropriateness: Invest in proper protection for extreme weather conditions while keeping the total shoe count minimal.

By adopting a minimalist approach to children's footwear while choosing brands that prioritize both environmental sustainability and non-toxic materials, you're making a powerful statement. You're protecting your child's health, reducing environmental impact, and teaching valuable lessons about conscious consumption that will serve them throughout life.

Remember that the most sustainable choice is often buying less but buying better. This approach not only benefits the planet but also simplifies your life and reduces household clutter—a win for your wallet, your peace of mind, and your child's future.