Sustainable dress shoes are usually made from natural fibers like bamboo, hemp, recycled plastic or rubber and 3-D-printed plastic. Less ecologically sustainable dress shoes may be made from polyester or nylon (the key is to choose products that are durable and long-lasting).

Another sustainability aspect to consider is the manufacturing process of the shoes. Sustainably made dress shoes are usually made in smaller factories that use less energy and resources, or they use sustainable sources of energy. The workers in these factories are often paid fair wages and work in safe conditions, which is unfortunately a standard unmet by much of the fashion business.

Finally, sustainable dress shoes are typically made to last (this isn't a concern for shoes made from 100% biodegradable materials). This means 1. choosing a style that won't go out of your personal style of fashion, and 2. investing in a quality pair of shoes that will last for years to come.

When it comes to sustainable dress shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind. But if you take the time to find a pair that meets all of these criteria, you'll be able to enjoy your shoes ethically and sustainably.

When it comes to sustainable fashion, shoes are often an afterthought. We all know that fast fashion is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, but sometimes it's hard to justify spending a lot of money on something that we'll only wear a few times. Shoes are one of those items that we tend to hold onto for awhile, but they also take a beating. So what's a sustainable-minded shopper to do?

Luckily, there are more and more sustainable shoe brands popping up all the time. And while some of them come with a steep price tag, there are plenty of affordable options out there as well. Here are five of our favorite sustainable dress shoe brands that won't break the bank.

1. Po-zu: This UK-based brand makes all of its shoes from sustainably sourced materials like organic cotton, recycled PET plastic, and wild rubber from the Amazonian rainforest. The best part? All of their shoes are completely free of animal products, so they're vegan AND eco-friendly. Prices start at £95 (about $120).

2. Nisolo: Nisolo works with artisans in Peru and Mexico to create beautiful handmade shoes using traditional techniques. They use vegetable-tanned leathers and other eco-friendly materials, and they offer free repairs for life to extend the lifespan of each pair of shoes. Prices start at $98.

3. Everlane: Everlane is all about transparency, and they make it easy for consumers to see exactly how much it costs to make each item they sell—dress shoes included. Their Winslow loafer is made from Italian leather and has a latex foam footbed for added comfort, and it comes in at just $155.

4. Yamamayo: This Peruvian brand sources its alpaca wool ethically from small family farms in the highlands of Peru. Their dress shoes are made using traditional artisanal techniques passed down through generations, and they cost between $200 and $250 per pair.

5. Bourgeois Boheme: Bourgeois Boheme makes all of its shoes in Portugal using eco-friendly materials like vegetable tanned leathers, cork, natural latex rubber, and recycled polyester threading—and they're completely committed to being zero waste by 2021! Prices start at £155 (about $195).

There's no need to sacrifice style or sustainability when it comes to your dress shoes! These five brands offer fashionable AND eco-friendly options that won't break the bank. So next time you need a new pair of dress shoes, be sure to give one (or all) of them a try!