I normally try very hard not to post something I’ve seen somewhere else on the same day, but these are just too cute NOT to post, and I’m afraid if I don’t post them now, I’ll forget to post them…
Liz Grotyohann (from Cosa Verde) posted about these fabulous sustainable hemp canvas shoes in her weekly eco-friendly finds column for Modish and I was instantly smitten. I’ve been researching hemp lately and working on creating a super-comprehensive list of hemp resources online because I believe that hemp is the key to sustainability in fashion as well as building (more later…). So, I’m pleased to see that etsy company SmartFish handmakes these lovely shoes from hemp canvas with an organic bamboo lining and salvaged cork and natural latex outsoles (you can handwash these even!!). I need a pair or two of these….
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?
