Introduction
For years, I’ve been on the hunt for ethical, eco-friendly flip flops that don’t sacrifice style. Year after year, my search left me empty-handed and I begrudgingly settled for cheap shoes that barely lasted a season. In 2021, I upped the ante—I was determined to find my husband a pair of quality flip flops that would meet this ethical standards and match a variety of outfits (without breaking the bank). Just in time, I found the certified B Corp brand, Indosole.
Eco-Friendly Design
Every inch of Indosole’s Flip Flops are designed with responsible care. The thick, yet light and flexible soles are fabricated of Indosole’s unique recycled tire sole technology (more on this mission below). The foot rests comfortably in a natural rubber footbed, designed with embedded arch support that feels incredible during a long day on your feet. For the shoes’ straps, Indosole uses a custom made, vegan fiber called ENVRO Fiber that’s responsibly made with minimal water and dye. Lastly, these shoes are waterproof so you don’t have to worry when running from the gym to the beach.
Wearability
Like I mentioned in the introduction, I first ordered the Indosole Flip Flops for my husband, who hadn’t owned a pair of sandals in years. This is his second season with his Indosoles, and to this day he raves about their comfort and design.
I ordered my first pair of flip flops this season in black, and immediately snatched up another pair of black Indosole Slides. These shoes sound amazing in writing, but I was shocked at just how incredibly sturdy and chic they are. I would feel confident wearing these to the beach or to a sushi date night. And while I’m usually one to shop minimally, I’m already eyeing my next pair in a bold color. (The two-toned green “Leaf/Light Leaf” pair has my name on it!)
When it comes to that infamous “break in period” for flip flops, both my husband and I needed about two weeks of wear to reach the sweet spot. Regardless, after a few uses we both agree that the toe strap is more comfortable than your typical flip flop (I don’t even notice it nowadays). We also appreciate how the straps don’t slide across our feet, whether we’re taking a walk or racing after our kiddos.
Price & Colors
As of the publishing date of this article, Indosole’s Flip Flops for both men and women retail for only $45 USD. Talk about quality-made and affordable! Their Women’s Flip Flops come in 13 different colors, and their Men’s Flip Flops come in 12 different colors. From chic black to two-toned blue, the brand offers an incredible variety of colors to match your personal style. (In addition to flip flops, Indosole makes quality Slides, Cross Sandals, kid’s shoes, and even coasters.)
Indosole’s Mission
What sets Indosole apart from the crowd is its mission to significantly reduce the amount of tire waste in landfills. Tire waste is a lesser acknowledged—albeit concerning—environmental problem. As Indosole describes, tires take thousands of years to decompose, contribute to toxic fumes polluting our atmosphere (due to mass burning), and can encourage the spread of devastating diseases in humid climates.
From the company’s start in 2009, Indosole has turned tire waste into sustainable shoes. They’ve already recycled an astonishing 80,000 tires and aim to expand their efforts with the upcoming launch of their 2022 collection—a debut of shoes with soles made from recycled sneakers.
Noteworthy Certifications and Standards
- Certified B Corporation
- 1% For the Planet Member
- Cruelty-Free
Final Thoughts
Get ‘em when you can! I’ve had to rely on checking their website frequently to find the exact style I wanted in stock, as these shoes appear to sell out quickly. I recommend signing up for their newsletter, or additionally searching local outlet stores. (I manifested the exact pair of Indosole slides I wanted at a Sierra Trading Post outlet store!)
I’m excited to keep an eye on this innovative brand and see what the future holds for them. In the meantime, I’ll happily collect their sandals and slides.
Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation, free items, or affiliate links to write this review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own, and the companies mentioned do not have a say in what I write. I only partner with and share brands that I absolutely love and would recommend to others. Thank you!