Language
  • 100% Made in Europe | Free returns*

How to turn to a more ethical mode?

As you know, fashion is one of the most polluting and controversial industries in the world. From the production of raw materials to the manufacture of shoes, through the mode of transport and sale, each step of the production chain can have a negative impact on the environment.

Whether you are looking for ethical fashion brands, advice on adopting more environmentally friendly fashion or simply additional information on eco-responsible fashion certifications and labels, this guide will help you understand the issues and make informed choices.

Ecofriendly Shoes KOSTEcofriendly Shoes KOST

How to adopt ethical fashion?

1. Learn about ethical shoe brands

To adopt ethical fashion, you ideally need to find out about brands that are committed to producing sustainable, environmentally friendly and responsibly manufactured footwear. There are many ethical fashion brands that use sustainable materials that reduce their carbon footprint like the KOST brand.

2. The choice of materials

The choice of materials is essential in the production of ethical footwear. Sustainable materials are those that are designed to resist wear and last a long time, while being produced in an environmentally friendly way. Sustainable materials include vegetable tanned leather, organic cotton, recycled rubber among others.

a) Vegetable tanned leather

Leather is a widely used material in the manufacture of shoes, but unfortunately it is often produced in an unsustainable way. Vegetable tanning is a more environmentally friendly alternative, as it uses plant extracts to turn hides into leather. This process is slower and more expensive than chemical tanning, but it results in tougher, more durable leather that ages well over time. This is the choice we have made for a large part of our collection eco-responsible shoes made up of boots and sneakers for men and women.

b) Organic cotton

Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which reduces the environmental impact of cotton production. Indeed, to produce it, farmers often use traditional cultivation techniques that preserve biodiversity and maintain soil fertility. Organic cotton is a softer and more comfortable material for the skin. Part of our range of socks are made of organic cotton and made in France .

c) Recycled rubber

Recycled rubber is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rubber. It can be made from used tires and other rubber products that would otherwise be left abandoned in landfills. Recycled rubber is an extremely durable and resilient material, making it a great option for shoe soles. We have incorporated this material into the soles of our range of eco-responsible BACKSTAGE sneakers.

3. European manufacturing

You can also focus on local production, especially in Europe. Indeed, transportation is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the fashion industry. Shoes made in Europe often have a shorter transport time, which reduces their carbon footprint, and therefore their impact on the environment.

4. Ethical labels

Ethical labels are a reassuring indicator for making an informed choice when buying shoes. They allow you to learn about brands that have taken measures to minimize their environmental and social impact. There are many ethical labels in footwear, each with their own standards and criteria. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most common labels:

  • Leather Working Group: this label is specific to the footwear industry and certifies that the leather used in the manufacture of the shoe has been produced in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. All of our leather models are Leather Working Group certified.
  • Oeko-Tex: it certifies that the product does not contain substances harmful to health and the environment.
  • GOTS: it guarantees that the products have been made with organic raw materials and under decent working conditions.
Vegetable Tanned Leather Shoes KOSTVegetable Tanned Leather Shoes KOST
Ecofriendly Shoes KOSTEcofriendly Shoes KOST

5. The choice of shoes

Another tip for turning to ethical fashion is to buy quality shoes rather than cheap ones. Indeed, quality shoes generally have a longer lifespan, which means that you will not need to replace them regularly, thus reducing your ecological footprint.

En se renseignant sur les marques engagées dans la production de chaussures durables, en choisissant des matières respectueuses de l'environnement et en recherchant des labels éthiques, vous pouvez d’ores et déjà commencer à adopter une mode éthique. Aujourd’hui, KOST fait partie des marques qui œuvrent pour une mode plus responsable en intégrant de plus en plus de matières écoresponsables pour fabriquer ses collections chaussures.