2009 April | Green Grechen Eco-Friendly Fashion and Shopping Online

Try this: search for vegan sandals at any shoe shopping site, and inevitably, you’ll end up filtering through pages of Crocs and rubber flip-flops to find the one or two cute pairs of non-leather sandals they have. Seriously – vegan DOES NOT (have to) equal ugly, and I would (almost) rather drink a glass of milk that put a pair of Crocs on my feet. Almost.

But if you’ve been reading Green Grechen for any time at all (or any of the other fabulous eco-fashion blogs out there), you KNOW that if anyone can find stylish, cute, and even avant-garde vegan sandals online, I can

And here they are…

Melissa Mystery Gladiator Sandals in Red: $71 at Tobi (but you can use code 20GRECHEN for 20% off!). I have a pair of Melissa’s plain black Sin Sandals and lived in them all last Summer. They’re way cooler than flip flops, and super-comfortable with the thick sole. And yes, I was wary that they were “plastic” at first, that they would stick to my feet, etc., but they don’t. They’re wonderful. And these gladiator-style sandals are just awesome…
And speaking of red…vegetarian sandals by Vegetarian Shoes at MooShoes.com: $39.99. I kind of wish they didn’t have buckle on the side, for more of a simple, classic look (exactly like the Matt Bernson Love sandals I love so much…), but it’s not that intrusive. I just love the color…
Slow and Steady Wins the Race canvas wedges at Hejfina: $100. These are my favorites – I’m seriously considering getting a pair of these. I’m not 100% sure they’re 100% vegan, but they are canvas, and there doesn’t appear to be any leather inside or on the sole. I love everything about these, the light color (that will get delightfully dirty as Summer goes on…), and cut-out styling, and the wedge. Oh, how I love a good wedge
Speaking of wedges, this is my other favorite…Beyond Skin Serena organic cotton & hemp Sandal at Greenloop: $280. I’m mostly in love with the beautiful design on the side of these babies…
And another wedge…the Lentil by Madden Girl: $58.99. I’m a sucker for a wooden heel!
You can’t go wrong with a good, classic espadrille – they’re normally made from canvas: Castaner Espadrille at Endless, $184. I have a pair of these Castaner espadrilles (in red) that are a few years old and I love to wear them to brighten up an otherwise singular color outfit.
Cri de Coeur Freya Sandal at Nimli: $200. These would be so cute with a short tank dress; simple, but perfect.
Olsenhaus Vegan Goliath Sandal: $99. These are really lovely, and would be so beautiful with a long sundress or a pair of wide-leg trousers.
And c’mon, these are so retro-cool, they’re a must-have! This is the new Dr. Scholl’s renew style (based on the classic exercise sandal) made from sustainable Brazilian wood footbed, recycled metal adjustable buckle, flat traction corn-based outsole that is durable, yet biodegradable, and for each pair purchased, 10 trees are planted.
(you don’t think I’d let you leave without mentioning at least ONE pair of Birkenstock’s did you?? ) Finally, the Birki’s vegan Milos: $85. I really love this thong/gladiator style (they’re not your mother’s Birkenstock’s…or even mine 10 yrs ago LOL) in fun patent “leather.”