Earth-Friendly Shoes

Earth-friendly footwear is made from materials like hemp, Hevea latex (biodegradable), organic cotton, bamboo and leathers tanned without chrome byproducts. Many shoes also use materials such as old tires and recycled plastics.

The question is - can eco-friendly shoes be wardrobe-friendly too? Well it turns out, green doesn’t have to mean sandals.

Canadian shoe designer, John Fluevog is known for offbeat styles and fashion-forward footwear. They have nine styles of earth-friendly foot-coverings, ranging from vegetarian-friendly hemp kicks to a pair of stylish pseudo-Mary Janes.

Terra Plana footwear has a large selection of eco-conscious footwear that focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing style. Their collection is extensive with styles for both men and women. Taking ‘natural’ one step further, they have shoes designed to simulate walking barefoot.

It’s not just the niche market companies who are on the sustainable bandwagon either. Shoe giant Nike has a runner called Trash Talk made from factory waste materials that would otherwise have been disposed of. It’s the favourite of Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash.

Heel-loving fashion divas aren’t left out either. There are dozens of retailers, large and small who are catering to the growing market for low-impact footwear.

The best way for soles to love the earth is to cut back on commercialism and make smart buying decisions. Look for versatile footwear that will work in a variety of situations. Although eco-shoes might be on the pricey side, they are durable, classic and will last for years. Footwear should be an investment.

Don’t forget about the recycled market either. Second-hand stores can be a great resource to find durable footwear. Chances are if the shoes have lasted long enough to make it to a thrift store, they’re well-made and still have some years left in them yet.

Resist the urge to pick up deals at outlet and big box stores. Although the shoes might go with the latest fashion trend, they’re often made of cheap material that isn’t designed to last beyond that one stylish season. Also consider where the shoes were made before buying. Not only is there the transportation cost to consider in getting them to the store, but the companies that produce those products might manufacture in countries with lax environmental or labour laws. Know where the products are coming from and make smart buying decisions.

Even if non-eco shoes are required due to lifestyle or fashion, do the planet a favor and buy footwear that's built to last.

Soles and nature in harmony

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