An Honest Review of the popular AERA Shoes: Are they Truly Worth the Price?

With the luxury fashion industry under the microscope for unethical labor practices and notorious lack of sustainability, AERA emerges as a refreshing exception. True to its tagline, “luxury footwear without a footprint” - the brand offers high-end fashion while standing firm in its commitment to sustainability. In this AERA shoes review, we'll see how the brand, as the first certified B-Corp in luxury footwear, sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury.

AERA creates timeless designs that artisans handcraft in Italy, showcasing the value of slow fashion. Yes, they do come at a premium, but the exceptional quality, comfort (which is a rarity in a lot of luxury shoes), and classic styles make them well worth the investment. The pieces are created to last, and the designs never go out of vogue - a true testament to the value of slow fashion.

Review of the Jackie Slingbacks

I have the Jackie slingbacks in black patent - $525, and worth every penny (currently on sale for . You cannot go wrong with this pair. These classic flats, inspired by the timeless elegance of fashion icon Jackie Kennedy, are super classy and chic. With their sleek pointed toe, they transition seamlessly from day to night. I wear them with slacks to work, or jeans and a cute top for a night out with the girls. (Check out these guides for sustainable jeans or eco-friendly workwear brands).

The cushioned insole makes these flats very comfortable to wear. These do fit small, so we recommend sizing up half a size. In terms of care, the patent leather is super easy to clean - gently wipe with a damp cloth. You don’t need to use soap or any other cleaning products - these can actually damage the shine of the patent leather.

All AERA’s designs are certified vegan - no exceptions. The design team has thoughtfully selected every single component of the shoe, ensuring they maintain style, quality, and comfort. They crafted the outer materials using a mix of cotton, polyester, and nylon. But no greenwashing here - AERA openly acknowledges the environmental concerns of these synthetics and is engaging in plastic offsetting.

Their signature lining material is made from bio polyols - made from field corn not viable for human consumption. This corn is produced for ethanol and other manufactured products, so its use doesn’t divert resources for animal feed or other farm use. Additionally, bio polyols have a smaller carbon footprint than their petroleum-based alternatives.

Is AERA a sustainable brand?

AERA is mindful of the suppliers they partner with, ensuring they engage in sustainable and ethical practices. They thoroughly vet manufacturers to uphold these standards. Their primary partner is an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe materials. This supplier excels in innovation, recently focusing on materials that contain lower plastic content. Additionally, they have increased the percentage of recycled components compared to virgin materials. They are also the first company to develop a 100% solvent-free material made with water-based resins. This is huge, because solvents (commonly used in adhesives and polishes to improve shoe quality and durability) are toxic chemicals that may be carcinogenic and neurotoxic, and may also affect the respiratory system.

AERA is highly selective about the suppliers they work with. They partner primarily with an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe materials for their outer material and lining, which make up the majority of their raw materials.

AERA is Carbon neutral certified. The brand has invested in several carbon and water offset programs, including reforesting 120,000 acres of marginal farmland in the Mississipi Alluvial Valley through the Green Trees Reforestation Project. Read more about AERA’s sustainability initiatives on their website - they have a lot of in-depth information which we love to see!

Why Sustainable Shoes and Fashion Matter

When we talk about building a more sustainable wardrobe, it’s easy to focus on the clothes we wear every day. Items like dresses, jeans, tops, and sweaters often take center stage in this discussion. But shoes are just as important, and often even more impactful. After all, they’re the pieces we wear the most, walking us through years of work, travel, and everyday life. The conventional footwear industry, much like fast fashion, faces numerous environmental and ethical challenges. These include plastic-heavy designs that never decompose, toxic tanning processes that contaminate waterways, and underpaid labor involved in the production of mass-produced shoes designed to fall apart.

The truth is, you can’t really have a sustainable wardrobe without including your shoes in the conversation. A thoughtfully made pair of shoes can completely shift the way your wardrobe functions. Choosing high-quality shoes means they last longer, feel better on your feet, and reduce the need for constant replacement of cheaply made options. When you pair these shoes with clothing made from natural fibers and timeless designs, you cultivate a closet that aligns with both your lifestyle and environmental values. This thoughtful approach not only enhances your wardrobe but also contributes positively to the planet.

Supporting sustainable shoes and fashion together also means supporting a shift in the industry as a whole. Choosing brands that focus on better fabrics, lower-impact production, and fair treatment of workers helps us reject an industry founded on disposability and exploitation. Each purchase we make communicates our values to the fashion industry. By opting for sustainable options, we amplify our message and encourage positive change.

At the end of the day, sustainable fashion isn’t about perfection or replacing everything at once. It's about making conscious choices piece by piece. This can include items like a pair of vegan flats that last for years or a linen dress that stays beautiful season after season. Sustainable shoes help us walk a little lighter, dress with more intention, and feel proud of the closets we’re creating.

& of course, the most sustainable pair of shoes are the ones you already own :)

Looking for More Affordable Sustainable Shoes?

While AERA is an incredible example of luxury done responsibly, I know the price point isn’t realistic for everyone. The good news is that there are plenty of other sustainable shoe brands out there. They are creating beautiful, long-lasting footwear at a more accessible cost. From everyday sneakers to versatile flats, there are options that prioritize natural materials and non-toxic dyes. You can find these styles produced ethically, all without the luxury price tag.

Check out my guide to sustainable shoe brands for a curated list of favorites that combine style, comfort, and conscious design at prices that won’t break the bank.