Our Sustainability Commitment

Happy Earth Day from ALLY Shoes!

Did you know that the fashion and textile industry is the 3rd most polluting global industry? Beat out only by oil and agriculture, the textile industry accounts for 8-10% of global carbon emissions as of 2021, according to the Carbon Literacy Project. While this information is grim, here at ALLY we like to do what we can to hold ourselves accountable in this industry and take what measures we can to reduce our impact on the environment. Steps we take to use a sustainable fashion model: controlled factory production, thoughtful craftsmanship, tailored fits, and delivering a pair of comfortable shoes that will last you a lifetime!

What is the difference between fast and slow fashion?

Terms like “fast” and “slow” fashion get thrown around a lot as buzzwords on the internet – but what do these phrases actually mean?

Fast fashion is a business model that uses rapid, low-cost production to instantly mimic current, often micro, trends in a matter of days. This model produces in large volumes, with majority synthetic fibers (made by fossil fuels), for a very low cost. This is achieved through outsourced, overseas, labor. Garment workers are often in unsafe conditions for very little money and are exposed to harsh chemicals (especially during fabric dyeing) which leads to adverse health effects and even death. These sweatshops have immense carbon emissions, releasing 1.2 billion tonnes annually in manufacturing alone (not counting product transportation!), according to a 2026 report by Earth.Org. The low quality of these garments leads consumers to view them as “disposable”, with 66% (~92 million tons) of fast fashion pieces ending up in landfills. With these pieces being made of synthetic fibers, they do not decompose in landfills. Instead, they release further emissions and microplastics while they rot for up to 200 years. Microplastics from textiles, in both production and in consumption, end up in our waterways through factory waste, washing machines, and disposal. NOAA reports that once in the waterways, microplastics bioaccumulate, meaning that they are ingested by zooplankton and fish, then work their way up the food chain to human consumption, resulting in inflammatory responses in human tissue. If the fast fashion industry continues at the pace it is at today, it will account for 26% of global carbon emissions by 2050, again as reported by Earth.Org.

Slow fashion, while not perfect, is an alternative to this system. Coined by Hazel Clark in 2008, slow fashion is defined as, “[a system] which advocates for a system of clothing and apparel manufacture that is respectful to people, the environment, and animals. Contrary to fast fashion industrial practices, slow fashion involves local artisans and the use of eco-friendly materials”. This movement is an awareness-based approach to the fashion industry which prioritizes quality, craftsmanship, and mindful consumption, while de-centering trends and encouraging consumers to make less frequent buys.

As customers have become more aware of how bad fast fashion truly is for the environment, a growing demand for more sustainable practices has been born, especially among young people. In a 2025 report from Rawshot, 73% of Gen Z (born 1997-2012) stated they are willing to pay more for sustainable products, and 62% stated they prefer to buy from sustainable or slow fashion brands. In contrast, only 54% of Gen X (born 1965-1980) reported a preference for sustainability.

How does ALLY Shoes participate in sustainable fashion?

1. Timelessness - We believe in making shoes you’ll wear for years

Instead of designing for one season, we focus on timeless styles that feel versatile, enduring, and easy to keep reaching for. To us, one of the most thoughtful things we can make is a pair you truly love and wear often.

2. Waste Reduction - We make many of our styles on-demand to reduce waste & offer more size options

While our most popular styles and colors are in stock, many of our styles are made to order. We also offer an optional fitting process that allows you to try on samples before production begins. With this approach, we’re able to offer a better fit, expand our size range, and reduce waste in the production process.

3. Craftsmanship/Production - We value thoughtful craftsmanship at every step

From small-batch production to vegetable-tanned leather, we try to approach every part of the process with care. We know no process is perfect, but we believe in making better decisions where we can.

4. Quality/Less Frequent Buys - We believe in giving great shoes a longer life

We want your shoes to stay in your wardrobe for as long as possible. That’s why we’re proud to support repairs through partners like Coblr, helping you care for and restore the pairs you love. We also donate pre-owned shoes to organizations like Bottomless Closet and Suited for Change, so they can continue supporting women in meaningful ways.

Sustainable fashion isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. Every thoughtful choice, from investing in quality pieces to wearing what you already own more often, helps shift the industry toward something better. At ALLY, we believe style and responsibility should go hand in hand, creating products that not only look beautiful but are designed to last. Because when we choose fewer, better things, we’re not just refining our wardrobes we’re redefining what fashion can be.