Published by Celestyna Brozek

Good news, everyone:

There are some tres hot, sustainable (and dare I say semi-affordable) shoes out there!

What does sustainable mean when it comes to footwear, though?

Here are five basics to be aware of:

1) Leather is a by-product of the highly problematic and emphatically not-sustainable meat industry. Bottom line: Synthetics take 20 times less energy to produce than leather hides, however you tan ‘em.

1a)HOWEVER: If you absolutely MUST do leather, do remember that cowhide is technically a renewable resource -  plus the meat industry isn’t going anywhere so we might as well use skins that would otherwise contribute to landfills. Also look for shoes made from vegetable-tanned versus mineral-tanned leather. The latter uses far more toxic chemicals – over 200 as a matter of fact! Finally, stick to cows – the more exotic the animal the skin comes from, the greater the probability of it being endangered.

2. When possible, seek out post-consumer recycled material. Some shoes recycle tires as soles, for example.Or use recycled leather, or plastic.

3. Even if the shoe is vegan – or cruelty-free – this doesn’t automatically mean it is sustainable. Consider what it is made out of – organic hemp, silk satin…different fabrics impact the environment with varying degree. For example, both PVC and dioxin-free polyurethane are leather substitutes, but the latter is less toxic to produce.

4. The less glues and adhesives the shoe uses the better – look for shoes that employ traditional construction techniques such as sewing or innovative eco-friendly bonding techniques. If there is glue, is it a minimally toxic variety? A good rule of thumb is water-based glues are better for the environment.

5. Finally, how is the shoe manufactured – under fair trade laws, using traditional techniques, produced locally and ethically?

BONUS. Are proceeds donated back to the community?

The 12 companies featured today adhere to the basic five principles of earth-friendly footwear outlined above as well as have an outstanding design sensibility!

Check out these eco-friendly brands!

1. Charmone: Five for five looking at our above list, plus some serious style; made in Italy and Brazil from “high-quality Italian microfibers that are constructed exactly like leather, making them breathable, lightweight and colorfast. Not to mention water-resistant!”

Cinnamon shoe by Charmone

Charmone boot

2. GreenBees: Totally cute Frye lookalikes, vegetable tanned leather soled with recycled tires, made ethically in Mexico.

Tire-soled sandals by GreenBees

Thencha Boot by GreenBees

3. Carlotta Fiorini: Sophisticated European boots and platforms, made in Italy, leather-free.

Ginerva boot by Carlotta

Donitilla bootie by Carlotta Fiorini

4. Kailia: Handmade in European family owned factories,  utilizing water-based glues and polyurethane soles, pre-consumer recycled footboards, luxurious European design. In addition, the designers of Kailia and Carlotta Fiorini teamed up to in a venture called Do-Ni Nobilia where all proceeds from cute little vegan ballerina flats go to fund non-profit businesses!

Do-Ni Nobilia ballet flat

Bella Embroidered by Kailia

Chiara Boot by Kailia

5. Cri de Coeur: Literally translated as “cry from the heart” even the name of this stylish line speaks of the designer’s passion to change the way footwear is made.

Brooke boot by Cri de Coeur

Stephanie boot by Cri de Coeur

6. Hetty Rose: Custom bespoke heels made from upcycled vintage kimonos!

mami shoe by Hetty Rose

kimiko shoe by Hetty Rose

7. Terra Plana: What? It’s super comfortable too? One of the few shoes I’ve found that successfully combine style and comfort AND sustainability! Trifectarrific! (Fabric from recycled Pakistani quilts! Mens and kids shoes too!)

melito shoe by Terra Plana

maplow sport oxford from Terra Plana

chennai flat from Terra Plana

dopie tabi-inspired sandal from Terra Plana. Avante garde. You heard it here first.

8. El Naturalista: These are the shoes that will get you through anything and to anywhere. The website codes each shoe with icons that identify the sustainable and comfort features, as well as links to the inspiration for each shoe.

El Naturalista

El Naturalista

9. Olsenhaus: Seriously green and seriously stylish. One of the best manifestos of all the eco-shoe sites I visited and consistently beautiful styles. I had a hard time picking shoes to feature!

Olsenhaus

Shooting Star by Olsenhaus

10. Melissa: Melissa shoes are made from a super-innovative patented recyclable PVC plastic. The Brazilian-based company boasts that it recycles 99.9% of factory water and waste, and recycles overstock styles into next season’s collection. Additional bonus? All the fabu designer collabs Melissa has rocked!

Melissa x A. Herchovitch

Melissa x V. Westwood Anglomania

Melissa x J. P. Gaultier

Also check out:

Beyond Skin

Coclico

Simple Shoes

Stella McCartney

TOMS

Happy shoe shopping!