Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman is owned by Caleres.

Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate Sam Edelman “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses few lower-impact materials, and it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of materials used.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking meaningful action to reduce water use.
• While it offers resale of secondhand products, there’s no evidence it’s taking further action to address textile waste in its supply chain.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.
• It uses tanneries that are Leather Working Group Silver certified.

Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate Sam Edelman “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It sources its final stage of production from countries with high risk of labour abuse.
• There’s no evidence it provides financial security to its suppliers, which can result in poor working conditions and wages.
• There’s no evidence it supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO principles.
• The brand claims to audit some of its supply chain but doesn’t specify what percentage.
• There’s no evidence it ensures workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.

Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Here we rate Sam Edelman “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, wool, and alpaca.
• Some of its animal-derived materials consist of recycled or certified alternatives to conventional leather.
• It doesn’t appear to use shearling, cashmere, mohair, or down.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Sam Edelman “Not Good Enough” overall.