Eco-Friendly Shoes around $50 (that aren’t ugly)
In response to my blog-friend Janette’s recent post: Payless’ Zoe & Zac: Missed Opportunity and a comment left by a reader that “there aren’t a lot of eco-friendly cute shoes,” I set out on a mission to prove that 1. yes, there are a lot of cute eco-friendly shoes, and 2. that you can find some for around $50.
I realize that “cute” is totally subjective, but if you’re with me and Janette, and believe that the new Zoe & Zac line from Payless leaves a LOT to be desired in terms of eco-friendly shoes you’d like to wear, I think you’ll be pleased with some of the shoes I’ve found.
- First, my favorites & the cutest of the bunch: flats by Marais. I’ve been watching this designer for a while actually, I love that they offer super-cute shoes at affordable prices (most under $50). But I didn’t know that the patent styles were non-leather…The pair on the left is $55 and the pair on the right $48.
- Next up are plastic shoes by Melissa. Melissa’s shoes are manufactured using a closed loop system (no waste) and the shoes themselves are recyclable. AND, they’re comfortable. I have switched permanently from flip-flops to my Melissa Sin Sandals for Summer time, and I’ll never go back. These cuties are the “Corallo” style and they’re $59 at Kaight:
- I also have a pair of these Ethletic sneakers (in black) that I love to wear with skirts, jeans, pants…whatever! They’re so comfortable, and seriously, what could be more classic than a pair of Chuck Taylors? Especially when they’re Fair Trade certified, sweatshop-free, made from organic cotton canvas and a natural and sustainable latex sole…these are $54 at Equita, but if you use code “grechen20″ you’ll save 20%!
- I couldn’t resist posting these, because I think they’re really cute, and I love this shade of pink. These are vegan flats and made from polyurethane. $32.99 at Vegan Chic:
- Finally, no list of eco-friendly shoes would be complete without TOMS. As you probably know, TOMS shoes operates on a one-for-one business model: for every pair of shoes purchased, they give a pair to a child in need. That’s pretty eco-friendly in itself, but in addition to their suede-lined shoes, they offer a vegan line made from 35% hemp + 65% post-consumer plastic bottles, a Recycled rubber sole & Faux suede insole. I have a pair of the non-vegan TOMS that I love to death. See my video review, and a recent outfit. Also, save 5% off your order at TOMS with code GRECHEN.
What do you think? Which eco-friendly shoes are your favorites? Have any to add?
7 Responses to “Eco-Friendly Shoes around $50 (that aren’t ugly)”
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Those flats by Marais are very cute; as for the Zoe and Zac, while I’m not loving the entire line, I thought the sandals were really cute. Why is it so hard for companies to make eco shoes that look good and don’t cost a fortune?
Lori’s last blog post..Buy Planet Shares and offset your climate footprint
good question lori! i honestly don’t understand why taste/style has to go out the window when most companies try to make affordable eco-friendly styles. and yeah, the zoe & zac wedges were moderately cute LOL
Awesome list. I wasn’t familiar with Marais, Ethletic or Vegan Chic, so thanks for the tips!
Janette’s last blog post..Payless’ Zoe & Zac: Missed Opportunity
I appreciate this list Grechen. I think Payless could have done waaay better with the styles in the Zac&Zoe line as well.
Most of the shoes you have above are pretty cute, but I can’t get into the purple “jellies” and I don’t know why (well, yes I do) I can’t get on board with thinking Tom’s are cute (gasp!
). It’s totally subjective of course, and only my opinion, but to me they look like something they give you when you stay in the hospital or what grandpa might wear as houseslippers. They don’t look like they would flatter a foot or be supportive…with that flat sole it seems like I’d be hurtin’ in less than an hour. I really and truly love their mission though, and I might buy them just for the great cause, but I’d ask them to ship both pairs over to children in need 
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LOL about the TOMS shoes – i said the same thing – that they look like my grandfather’s slippers – when i first saw them. yeah, maybe they shouldn’t be in a “cute” shoes post, but honestly, they are really growing on me. i can walk forever in mine, and i really think they can look cute with the right outfit (haven’t found that yet though…). i also felt the same way you do about melissa shoes before i tried them! although i haven’t tried the “shoes” only the sandals, there’s probably a difference.
Simple Shoes are a great eco-friendly company based in Santa Barbara. I live in CA, so I have the added eco-friendly benefit of it being local (only an hour and a half away). The pair I have are slip-on style and are vegan. They use recycled rubber for the outside soles and organic cotton for the uppers. Mine are super comfy and I wear them all the time on the weekends with a pair of jeans! If you time it right you can get a pair on sale for $15! Perfect!
[...] a lot of eco-friendly cute shoes,” and Grechen was inspired to make an awesome list of Eco-Friendly Shoes Around $50 (That Aren’t Ugly). (Marais, Melissa and TOMS are all on the list, so be sure to check it out.) I figured it was time [...]