What Happened to Nisolo? Failing Customers and Not Paying Creators
Let’s explore another “ethical” company doing not so ethical things.
I suspected that something was up with Nisolo back when they started selling goods other than shoes. They went through a phase where they had a marketplace type situation. I thought it was odd for a shoe company to start selling sunglasses and other odds & ends.
Nisolo Fails to Honor Membership Benefits
In March 2025 one of our community members e-mailed me sharing that she was disappointed in Nisolo because they paused, restructured, and were now not honoring their 5 for 5 program.
So, I decided to look into this as I was having my own issues with Nisolo.
From what I understand, this program meant consumers paid $500 upfront and were able to receive 10 pairs of shoes over the next five years.
However, it appears a lot of people are not receiving the upfront benefits promised. You can see many people frustrated in Reddit threads about Nisolo. You can also read reports of frustrated Nisolo customers on Trustpilot.
According to their own website the company foreclosed in January 2025. The company was then purchased by Project Bound.
Their website says they discontinued the 5 for 5 program and will not be bringing it back which leaves a lot of customers losing out.
A quick look at Nisolo’s social media pages and you’ll notice comments are turned off.
Nisolo Fails to Pay Creators
I have personally tried to contact the brand multiple times in regards to late affiliate commission payments they owe me from September 2024. It is April 2025.
While they have not responded to my e-mails or social media DMs I received a e-mail from their affiliate platform Impact that Nisolo’s affiliate program was closing on April 21, 2025. So, I’m guessing I won’t be getting paid my commission.
Why the heck is Nisolo still B Corp Certified?
I’m really confused why their B Corp status hasn’t been revoked after all of this. Many customers are upset, creators are not being paid, and they have basically gone no contact. This is NOT ethical.
This entire situation is incredibly disappointing. I’ve been in the conscious consumer space for nine years and truly thought Nisolo was a leader.
I had been to events at their store when I lived in Nashville. I’ve met the founder. I purchased and wore their shoes for years. They sponsored some of my content when I was first starting out. And I was an affiliate for YEARS.
I believed in this brand and they really let me down. And they let a lot of other people down too. I obviously will not be purchasing from this brand any more or promoting them. I’ve begun the time consuming process of removing all their mentions from my website.
It’s always so disheartening when socially responsible brands make unethical choices. Be sure to read my full list of supposedly ethical brands to avoid, so that you don’t make regrettable purchases. And if you know of others please share in the comments.
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, & practicing slow living. Learn more about Emily’s journey starting The Honest Consumer.
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