Malibu Sandals is Likely a Vegan Brand

Shop on:

Malibu Sandals Brand Overview

Based in California, USA, Malibu Sandals uses innovative, cruelty-free materials to make sandals and slippers influenced by traditional Mexican huarache sandals.

About Malibu Sandals

"Our mission is simple: create the most comfortable, stylish and modern sandals on the planet using innovative, cruelty-free materials. To develop beautifully innovative sandals that deliver on everyday wearability from the beach to the boulevard." - Malibu Sandals team

Is Malibu Sandals an ethically vegan brand?

Malibu Sandals appears to be an intentionally and ethically vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. According to the brand, "As a nature-loving brand, Malibu Sandals is committed to protecting the native species with whom we share a home in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains. It is core to our mission: Be Kind to Animals. Don’t Wear Them.” They also say, "Every pair of Malibu Sandals are 100% cruelty-free."

What materials are used to make Malibu Sandals?

Malibu Sandals uses a variety of synthetic (and some natural) materials to make their sandals and slippers, which are outlined for each shoe under that shoe's description on their website. An overview of the materials they use includes:
-Footbed (Polyurethane or EVA)
-Midsole (Phylon or EVA)
-Sole (Natural Malaysian Crepe gum rubber or 'durable rubber')
-Uppers (synthetic microfibre, quilted Japanese Kaihara denim, or faux coyote fur)
-Lining (vegan sherpa in acrylic, polyester or faux coyote fur)
-Toe straps & toe posts (nylon)

Are the materials used to make Malibu Sandals eco-friendly/sustainable?

From an environmentally-friendly materials standpoint, the Malibu Sandals models that use natural rubber for their soles would be considered at least somewhat eco-friendly, as that is a highly sustainable material. However, their sandals and slippers contain many virgin, man-made synthetic materials. While these virgin, man-made synthetics are generally considered worse for the environment than recycled synthetics, or natural materials, at least some of those materials are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than animal-derived leathers. This is backed up by data from inside the fashion industry as well as outside of it. For the data, please see Collective Fashion Justice’s CIRCUMFAUNA initiative.

Does production of Malibu Sandals shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that Malibu Sandals footwear has, and what they do to remediate it. Malibu Sandals does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in these areas.

Does Malibu Sandals use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Malibu Sandals uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Malibu Sandals use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if Malibu Sandals uses recycled, recyclable, compostable, or other forms of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. We’ve asked them for details regarding the materials they use for packaging, and are currently awaiting reply.

Can I recycle my Malibu Sandals?

It’s unclear from the information available on their website if Malibu Sandals's footwear is recyclable or compostable. We’ve asked for clarification from the Malibu Sandals team, and are currently awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out Malibu Sandals footwear?

We’ve asked the Malibu Sandals team if they currently have, or are developing, a shoe recycling program, and are awaiting reply. In the meantime, Get it Vegan recommends either trying to have them repaired, donating them to someone in need, or taking them to a clothing recycling depot (if available in your city), which can strip them down to their recyclable components.

Where can I buy Malibu Sandals footwear?

Malibu Sandals footwear can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Malibu Sandals's footwear ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for Malibu Sandals footwear when visiting their site and perusing their social channels.

Where are Malibu Sandals made?

Malibu Sandals makes their footwear in Cambodia.

Is Malibu Sandals's footwear ethically made?

Being that their shoes are made in Malibu Sandals, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not Malibu Sandals ensures its factory enforces all international and local labour laws, regulations and fair working standards to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. We've reached out to the Malibu Sandals team for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Malibu Sandals promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Malibu Sandals appears to incorporate some elements of a circular economy, such as: incorporating some natural and highly sustainable materials; making timeless styles; avoiding discount-level pricing; and making some components of their products by hand.

Is Malibu Sandals a charitable company?

According to the brand, "Out of respect for this work and the native wildlife, a percentage of the proceeds from the sales of Malibu Sandals will go directly to benefit the California Wildlife Center."

Malibu Sandals Product Range

Malibu Sandals makes men's and women's sandals and slippers, primarily in a traditional Mexican huarache, intricately woven style - but with a modern slant. Their current range of products includes: