Use code GRECHENS09 for 30% off everything at fabulous eco-boutique, Nimli, through 6/15. You will find everything you need at Nimli to green your wardrobe: vegan shoes, eco-friendly handbags, organic cotton clothes, even recycled metal jewelry.
Still looking for a super-cute Summer bathing suit? Grecian-inspired maxi dress?
How about a pair of chic vegan sandals? or a handwoven raffia clutch?
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?
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.”
Which ones are your favorite? Did I miss anything?
Every girl need a great pair of high-heeled sandals for Spring, and this Terra Plana pair is my favorite so far. Terra Plana makes their shoes with a variety of eco-friendly, ethical and fashionable criteria in mind (check out their eco-matrix). These Tertia sandals are made from vegetable-tanned leather (more environmentally friendly than chrome tanned leather) and are locally sourced as much as possible. They’re a little pricey at $175, but through the end of March, use code TPFREESHIP for free shipping at Terra Plana.
