Eco-friendly Shoes Around $50

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.