Company Spotlight: Nisolo

Timeless design. Every-day function. Next level comfort. Nisolo makes sustainable shoes and accessories that don’t just look good, they’re good for the planet too.

June 27, 2023

Introduction

Timeless design. Every-day function. Next level comfort. Nisolo makes sustainable shoes and accessories that don’t just look good, they’re good for the planet too.

That’s thanks to their commitment to 100% living wages for their entire product supply chain AND 0% net carbon emissions. Because the products we wear shouldn’t just look good – but enhance the lives of the people who made them, too. 

Let’s dive into what sets Nisolo apart in the world of ethical fashion! 

Nisolo Sustainability Framework

Nisolo’s Sustainability Framework highlights their holistic approach to sustainability, looking at everything from the materials they source for their products, to the lives of the people throughout their supply chain. 

People

Studies estimate that 93% of fashion brands do not pay living wages and less than 5% of the 100M people making clothing around the world receive a living wage to cover their basic needs.

Worldwide 95% of people making clothing are held in systemic poverty and 75% of them are women aged 18-24. It’s clear that there is a huge problem in the fashion industry. 

Nisolo ensures 100% living wages for all of their employees, alongside best in class measures for Health & Safety, Governance & Worker’s Rights, Gender Equality & Empowerment, Healthcare & Benefits, and Racial Justice.

nisolo shoes

Planet

The fashion industry creates 10% of the world’s carbon footprint, making it one of the largest individual contributors to climate change.

It’s one of the top 5 most polluting industries due to its unregulated manufacturing standards, and about 85% of the clothes we wear end up in landfills – not reused or recycled. 

To tackle this, Nisolo has committed to 0% net carbon and best in class measures for raw materials integrity, packaging and distribution, and circularity & post use product lifecycle. 

Sustainability Facts Label

Lack of transparency in the fashion industry only worsens the problem. People don’t know where their clothes come from, what materials are used, or how the planet is impacted. Greenwashing has run rampant, tricking consumers into thinking they are making ethical choices when they aren’t.

Nisolo hopes to combat this with their Sustainability Facts Label – a label that mirrors what you see on your favorite snacks at the grocery store – but for clothes! 

With 10 categories scored across People and Planet backed by 200 different public-facing data points, the Sustainability Facts Label shows you exactly what you need to know about a product before you purchase. 

company report card: nisolo

The hope is that one day all clothes we buy have comprehensive labels on their impact, materials, and manufacturing. Until then, Nisolo will pave the way with labeling their innovative products! 

Certifications

Nisolo has made a ton of big commitments for social and environmental performance – and they back it up with certifications to ensure third-party regulation. Like us, they’re a Certified B Corp, joining a global movement of companies using business as a force for good.

They’re also Climate Neutral Certified in alignment with their 0% net carbon commitment.

All of their leather is Certified by Leather Working Group, ensuring they’re following best practices for responsible leather production. 

Nisolo Products

Materials

Quality is key with Nisolo shoes. They use high-quality materials like responsibly sourced leather to make mens and womens shoes that will last a lifetime.

Because of the level of craftsmanship, their products can be repaired as needed – instead of just tossed if they are damaged. 

Nisolo shoes are handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. This commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship not only results in beautiful, unique designs but tells a story with every step. 

From sandals to mules to boots and beyond, they have a wide range of styles but all feature a timeless look that will outlast seasonal fashion trends. This ensures that they stay in your closet for years to come! 

nisolo on karma wallet

Shoe Reclamation Program

While 95% of the clothing and shoes we wear could be recycled or reused, about 85% ends up in landfills.

Nisolo’s Shoe Reclamation Program takes your worn and used shoes and donates them to Soles4Souls, a Nashville based non-profit that distributes donated items to individuals in need around the world. To date, they’ve diverted 7,052 shoes from our landfills! 

Nisolo Rating 

By now, you’ve seen all the good that Nisolo is doing for people and the planet.

So it should come as no surprise that we’ve rated them a 14 out of 16, evaluated on 14 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Other shoe companies aren’t even close to being on their level with the sector average for shoe companies is just 2.34 out of 16. 

We are excited to announce that Nisolo has recently joined the Karma Collective.

As part of this network, Nisolo joins a group of highly sustainable brands dedicated to rewarding customers, like yourself, for making environmentally conscious shopping choices.

Stay tuned for the upcoming release of the Karma Wallet card and our app, which will provide you with even more opportunities to shop sustainably and earn cashback.

In the meantime, explore their Company Report Card below!

nisolo karma wallet rating