In the past, ecofashionistas have had an internal battle over environmentally friendly vs. chic shoes. Fortunately, the days of boxy, unfashionable foot coverings are behind us, and shoe designers that combine panache with an eco-friendly purpose keep popping up on our radar. Read on for our top picks of the most ecofabulous shoes around…!
Cri de Coeur
Cri de Coeur´s collection of PVC and animal-free shoes includes supersexy slingbacks and funky ankle boots, made from materials such as canvas and rubber composite. Cri de Coeur’s shoes are mostly crafted by hand in Europe, by workers who are given fair pay, benefits, and a clean and safe work environment. The only thing boxy about this company are the shoeboxes and shipping cartons made from 100% recycled cardboard. To add to their earthly commitment, Cri de Coeur’s founder Gina Ferraraccio has pledged to plant a tree for every pair sold, and is partnering with carbonfund.org to offset any unavoidable carbon emissions, and is currently looking to include organic fabrics in future collections.
Form and Fauna
Form and Fauna´s shoes are chic, naturally derived, unique, and comfortable. Shoes are handcrafted and intended for use in walking, standing, working, living.
Materials include the highest quality Italian synthetic (highest environmental ethic of any coagulate producer – no noxious substances in final product and material is biodegradable), organic cotton and hemp fabric, second generation scrap wood for heels, wedges, and platforms, rubber latex outsole or Hevea Lactae rubber, recycled fiber insole boards, plush, breathable open cell rubber liner, water based glues and are handcrafted in the USA.
Simple
Simple´s shoe collection is 100% sustainable and they are dedicated to making “shoes for a happy planet“! They rate their shoes on a system called Good. Better. and Best to rate their levels of eco-friendliness in their lines. Even their packaging is kept to the bare minimum and is made from bio-degradable or recyclable materials.
Veja
The origin of the Veja project might be summed up in one question : is another world possible?
Veja has been built on 3 main principles:
- Using ecological inputs
- Using fair trade cotton and latex
- Respecting workers’ dignity
Veja has created a global chain that emphasizes solidarity and environment from the small producers in Brazil to the public.
Veja shoes are made in Brazil using organic cotton, natural latex (collected from wild rubber trees found only in the Amazon), and eco-leather, tanned with organic compounds, these unisex sneakers come in a variety of colors, sure to keep your shoe fetish satisfied!
Veja’s will ensure you leave an ever so light, if not insignificant carbon footprint in no time. So go on bring out your sporty side in a pair of Veja´s Volley trainers (below).
Think! Shoes
“Healthy” shoes don´t have to be ugly. But they may be a bit different. Different, because they refuse to slavishly follow the dictates of fashion, and instead have grown and developed from basic anatomical and orthopedic principles.
Think! shoes have been created following this philosophy and are fascinating in their unique design, from the uppers down to the unusual, individual soles.
Only vegetable-tanned leather is used in ALL Think! shoes.
Natural tannins are obtained from ground bark extracts of plantation-planted trees. Although vegetable-tanned leather is more costly to produce and more difficult to process, its benefits speak for themselves:
- Porous, allowing your feet to breathe,
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisture-absorbing
- Toxin-free (no risk of heavy metal allergies!).
Think! – shoes for people who don´t want anyone telling them what´s good for them!
