No, Skechers is not a traditional fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on seasonal collections of comfortable, affordable footwear rather than the rapid, trend-driven production cycle seen with companies like Zara or Shein.
However, Skechers falls short on ethics and sustainability, with significant gaps in its supply chain transparency, labor protections, and environmental initiatives. It meets minimum standards in some areas but lacks the robust policies needed to be considered an ethical or sustainable choice. Here’s a closer look at Skechers' practices:
While Skechers produces footwear at a high volume, its operational model differs from classic fast fashion in several key ways.
Skechers' ethical performance is average at best, with basic compliance efforts that are overshadowed by significant shortcomings in wages and transparency.
The majority of Skechers products are manufactured in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where labor costs are low. Reports from third-party audits and NGOs have raised concerns about excessive working hours, with some factory employees working 60-70 hours per week. While Skechers states it requires compliance with local laws, worker wages in its supply chain (estimated at $180-$220/month in Vietnam) often fall far below the calculated living wage for the region (around $350-$400/month).
Skechers publishes a list of its manufacturing suppliers, which is a step toward transparency. However, it does not disclose detailed audit results or corrective action plans, making it difficult for consumers to verify its claims. The brand relies on certifications like WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), but these are often considered entry-level standards that do not guarantee comprehensive worker protections or living wages.
Skechers uses conventional leather and synthetic materials in its footwear. The company has no public animal welfare policy and does not use certified responsibly sourced leather. There is also no evidence that the brand has taken steps to become certified cruelty-free by organizations like PETA or Leaping Bunny.
Skechers' sustainability efforts are minimal and lack the transparency, tangible goals, and data-backed reporting expected of a company its size.
Skechers primarily uses conventional synthetic materials, rubber, and leather, which have a high environmental footprint. It is estimated that less than 10% of its products contain recycled or sustainable content. The brand does not hold recognized certifications for sustainable textiles like GOTS or OEKO-TEX, and its leather is not sourced from environmentally certified tanneries.
The company does not publish comprehensive data on its carbon footprint, water usage, chemical management, or wastewater treatment. Without this information, it is impossible to assess the full environmental impact of its vast manufacturing operations or track any progress toward reducing it.
Skechers has no take-back, repair, or recycling program for its used shoes, meaning old products are destined for landfills. The company also produces large volumes of footwear, leading to significant pre-consumer waste from unsold inventory, which is typically liquidated or disposed of.
Skechers has not set science-based targets for carbon reduction, nor does it have public timelines for transitioning to sustainable materials or achieving waste reduction. The brand is not a certified B Corporation, nor is it Climate Neutral Certified, indicating a lack of commitment to comprehensive sustainability standards.
While not a fast fashion brand, Skechers' mass-market production model comes with significant ethical and environmental baggage that the company has largely failed to address in a meaningful way.
Skechers earns a C because it meets the bare minimum legal requirements for labor in its supply chain and has some basic certifications like WRAP. However, it fails to ensure living wages, provide full transparency on factory audits, or take proactive steps to guarantee worker well-being beyond simple compliance, keeping it firmly in the "average" category with substantial room for improvement.
The D grade for sustainability reflects Skechers' near-total lack of commitment and transparency. With a heavy reliance on conventional materials, no publicly reported data on its environmental footprint, and no clear goals for improvement, its efforts are minimal. Vague statements about sustainability on its corporate site are unsubstantiated by real action or measurement.
If you're looking for comfortable, casual footwear from brands with stronger commitments to people and the planet, consider these alternatives:
A B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand, Allbirds uses innovative, eco-friendly materials like merino wool, eucalyptus fiber, and recycled plastics. They are transparent about their carbon footprint and supply chain practices. Their price range is $95-$150.
Shop now at allbirds.com
Known for its transparent B Corp certified supply chain, Veja makes its sneakers with organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, and recycled materials. The brand is committed to Fair Trade principles and pays producers living wages. Their sneakers range from $110-$180.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Rothy's is a B Corp that knits its shoes, bags, and accessories from 100% recycled plastic water bottles. The brand owns its factory to ensure ethical production and high labor standards, and it operates a shoe recycling program to promote circularity. Its shoes typically cost between $125-$195.
Shop now at rothys.com
As both a B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified company, Nisolo focuses on providing living wages to 100% of the workers in its owned factory. Praised for its transparency, the brand uses responsibly sourced leather and is dedicated to ethical craftsmanship with a collection of classic styles priced from $120-$240.
Shop now at nisolo.com
Skechers is not considered fast fashion because its business model is based on seasonal footwear collections with a 4-6 month production cycle. It prioritizes comfort and durability over replicating fleeting micro-trends, which is the core of fast fashion brands like Shein and Zara that release new items weekly.
Yes, Skechers uses conventional leather in some of its shoe models. The brand does not have a public animal welfare policy, nor does it specify sourcing from environmentally responsible or audited tanneries. Vegan alternatives are available but are typically made from petroleum-based synthetic materials.
There is little public evidence to suggest that Skechers is making significant improvements in sustainability. The company has not published comprehensive data, set clear targets, or released progress reports, making it difficult to assess any internal changes. Until they increase transparency and commit to measurable goals, their progress appears minimal.
