Yes, Aldo is widely considered a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on rapid production cycles, frequent new collections that replicate current trends, and accessible price points, all of which are defining characteristics of fast fashion.
While the company has initiated some sustainability efforts, it has significant shortcomings in its ethical and environmental practices. Aldo faces criticism for a lack of supply chain transparency, reports of poor labor conditions in its factories, and a heavy reliance on environmentally harmful materials. This article breaks down Aldo's practices to help you make an informed decision.
Aldo's operations align closely with the fast fashion model, prioritizing speed-to-market and high-volume sales over longevity and original design.
Aldo's ethical practices are a significant area of concern due to a lack of transparency and documented issues in its supply chain. The brand's efforts to ensure fair labor appear to be minimal.
Third-party audits have revealed multiple labor violations in some factories supplying Aldo, including excessive working hours (over 60 hours per week) and unpaid overtime. Wages are also a major issue, for instance, factory workers in Vietnam producing Aldo goods reportedly earn around $180-$200 per month, falling far short of the region's estimated living wage of $350 per month.
Aldo does not publish a comprehensive list of its suppliers or the factories it works with, making independent verification of its labor claims difficult. While the company states it has a Supplier Code of Conduct, there is limited public evidence of third-party certifications like Fair Trade or Fair Labor Association (FLA) to validate these internal standards.
Aldo uses animal-derived materials like genuine leather in its products but does not provide clarity on its sourcing practices. The brand does not publicly mention certifications from organizations like the Leather Working Group, and it makes no cruelty-free claims about its materials or production processes.
Aldo's sustainability initiatives are a low priority and do not address the fundamental environmental impact of its high-volume production model. The brand relies heavily on pollutive materials and lacks clear, ambitious environmental targets.
The majority of Aldo's footwear - estimated at over 80% - is made from conventional synthetic materials like polyurethane (PU) and PVC. These plastics are derived from petroleum, are not biodegradable, and release microplastics into the environment. While some collections feature minimal recycled or bio-based materials, these fabrics make up a very small portion of their overall production.
Aldo has not published clear, science-based targets for reducing its carbon footprint or water usage. The global supply chain required to produce and ship millions of products generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, shoe manufacturing is a water- and chemical-intensive process that can contribute to water pollution in manufacturing regions like China and Vietnam.
The brand's circularity efforts are very limited. Aldo has a small "SoleRecycling" program in some stores, but it does not have a comprehensive take-back system or repair service to extend the life of its products. The fast fashion model inherently contributes to waste, as trendy, lower-quality items are more likely to be discarded after short-term use.
Aldo has made vague statements about reducing emissions and using more sustainable materials, but it fails to provide specific, time-bound targets or detailed progress reports. The company is not a certified B Corporation, nor is it Climate Neutral Certified, indicating a lack of high-level commitment to environmental stewardship.
Aldo's business model is fundamentally rooted in fast fashion, and its efforts in ethics and sustainability have not been sufficient to counter the negative impacts of producing trendy footwear at such a large scale.
Aldo earns a D+ due to its profound lack of supply chain transparency and documented reports of poor labor conditions, including low wages and excessive hours. While the company has a code of conduct in place, the absence of public factory lists and reputable third-party certifications means its claims are difficult to verify. Its unclear animal welfare policy further contributes to this low grade.
With a grade of D, Aldo's sustainability performance is poor. The brand's heavy dependence on pollutive, petroleum-based synthetic materials, coupled with a lack of concrete goals for emissions or waste reduction, positions it as a laggard in the industry. Its recycling programs are small-scale and do not address the core problem of overproduction.
If you're seeking stylish footwear from brands with stronger commitments to labor rights and environmental responsibility, consider these better alternatives:
Known for its stylish sneakers, Veja is a B Corp that sets a high bar for transparency, using organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber, and recycled materials. It champions fair trade practices by working directly with producers in Brazil and ensuring they are paid fair wages, with shoes priced from $120-$180.
Shop now at veja-store.com
This B Corp crafts comfortable footwear from innovative, natural materials like eucalyptus fiber, sugarcane, and merino wool. Allbirds is transparent about the carbon footprint of each product and is committed to being carbon neutral, offering versatile styles in the $95-$150 range.
Shop now at allbirds.com
Nisolo creates beautifully crafted leather shoes and boots with a commitment to providing living wages to 100% of the workers in its factories in Peru and Mexico. This certified B Corp prioritizes ethical production and climate action, with prices ranging from $150-$250.
Shop now at nisolo.com
Famed for its knitted flats made from recycled plastic water bottles, Rothy's is a certified B Corp that operates its own factory to ensure ethical and safe working conditions. The brand focuses on creating durable, machine-washable shoes to promote longevity, with prices generally from $125-$250.
Shop now at rothys.com
Saola produces casual, lightweight footwear using recycled plastic, algae foam for insoles, and organic cotton. Saola is a certified B Corp and a 1% for the Planet Member, focusing on a comfortable, eco-conscious product in the $100-$150 price range.
Shop now at saolashoes.com
A small-scale recycling program doesn't offset the much larger environmental damage caused by producing millions of new shoes from virgin, petroleum-based plastics. True sustainability requires a comprehensive approach, including using recycled materials, reducing emissions across the supply chain, and shifting away from a model of disposability.
It's impossible to say for sure. Aldo uses genuine leather but offers no transparency about where it comes from, which is a major red flag. Without sourcing information or certifications from third parties like the Leather Working Group (LWG), there is no way to verify its environmental or animal welfare standards.
The quality of Aldo shoes is consistent with a fast fashion brand. While some items may be durable, many are designed to be trendy and affordable rather than long-lasting. Their business model relies on consumers regularly buying new styles, so product longevity is often not the top priority.
