{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
July 26, 2011 
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Earth Day may have passed back in April, but you still have every reason to try and make it Earth Day every day. When shoe shopping, try to veer toward brands that use smart materials, conscientious manufacturing, or reduced packaging to help make the world a greener place. To help give you a few fabulous green shoe ideas, we’ve put together some of the greenest and most on-trend options from our eco-friendly retailers. Remember that your small shopping decisions can help make a huge global impact.
Get Something Whimsical
Indulging your wild side comes easier with green footwear. You can get beautiful, slightly off-beat shoes from lesser-known labels that will still benefit the planet through production or packaging considerations. Just in time for fall you can check out the Jasper ankle booties from Naya in gray, black or red suede. Naya has successfully created a collection of beautiful, comfortable shoes that are made with soft leathers, premium cushioning, and whenever possible, materials that reduce environmental impact. The Jasper has a wooden height of about three inches and a retro lace-up design.
Another great option is the Nefertiti boot from Naya. Once again featuring the supple, luxurious feel of suede, this lace-up boot has a heel height of three inches and features a fleece/fur lining.
Shop for Basics
Green shoes may not always be the trendiest in town, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grab the basics when it comes to environmentally friendly footwear. Flats are very popular with plenty of respected greener labels, and it’s likely that you’ll find a great pair for running around town on the weekends. Naya offers the Begonia style that combines leather materials with a more delicate, girly shape, and they’re ideal for your busiest days that are chalk full of errands and pickup up and dropping off the kids. And since there are still a few hot summer days on the horizon, the Adria flip-flop from Birkenstock is the perfect choice for lounging around the house or making a quick trip to the grocery store.
Mei Sawyer and Dana Robinson
Mei Sawyer is an internationally published fashion journalist and Dana Robinson is the Editorial Manager of myShoes.com.
June 28, 2011 Comments (0)
I know what you’re thinking. In order for a shoe to be “green” it has to be made out of hemp or some other type of hippie-esque material. But the fact is that after several visits to Planet Shoes and their dedicated eco section, we’ve learned that there are plenty of eco-friendly shoe materials that are not only incredibly chic, but will look fabulous on your feet.
Rubbers: Think your car tires don’t go anywhere important when you drop them off at the recycling depot? Wrong! Much of the rubber that ends up in shoes is actually recycled from tires. It’s simply separated from the metal particulates and made into a simple powder to use in production.
And any extra cushioning you feel in your shoes may be derived from rice rubber. This combination of rice husks and latex rubber creates a cushioned layer that’s great for athletic shoes and any shoe sole that requires extra support. Since rice husks are usually thrown away, this is a very green rubber.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a highly sustainable choice for shoe production, since it can grow an incredible two feet in a single day. Bamboo-pulp shoes are soft and absorbent as well as anti-bacterial, which is great for combatting a sweaty foot problem. And if you live in a hot climate, you’ll also be glad to know that bamboo is UV-resistant.
Silk: Silk is made by silkworms, and it’s natural, renewable, and biodegradable. With sheen and strength, silk is one of the most elegant natural fibers out there.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Leather can be tanned in a manner that is environmentally responsible. The leather is tanned using tannins that are derived from bark and other parts of various plants and trees. Leather, of course, isn’t a vegan choice, but if you want the benefits or look of leather shoes, pick a pair that’s tanned with a vegetable process. Since leather is not a synthetic material, when it’s combined with vegetable tanning, it’s a good choice for earth-conscious individuals.
Water-Based Glue: Water-based glue is a perfect example of a small detail that can make a big difference in the world of shoe production. Water-based glue won’t contribute to air and water pollution, like solvent-based glues, and it’s used in the development of several shoe brands that are available at Planet Shoes.
Mei Sawyer
Mei Sawyer is an internationally published fashion journalist.
April 13, 2011 Comments (2)
Suited for all climates, tastes, and occupations, Planet Shoes’ offerings continue to impress us. Now the earth-friendly company has kicked off a special promotion during the month of April to help reforestation efforts–and you can get in on the action and help save the trees!
What It’s About
In an extended celebration of Earth Day, Planet Shoes established a special partnership with Carbonfund.org and the Million Tree Challenge. Simply add a tree to your purchase for $1, and Planetshoes.com will match your donation. Planet Shoes, which already champions earth-friendly brands, is dedicated to their cause, reminding shoppers that deforestation is responsible for 20% of global warming.
What to Buy
If you’re thinking about buying shoes this spring, consider picking up a pair from Planet Shoes to plant a tree for just $1. Can’t decide which pair to buy? Here are some of the company’s top picks:
Eco-Friendly Lines: Did you know it takes 1,000 years for a shoe to decompose? By buying a pair made from sustainable materials or a pair that uses recycled packaging, you’re helping the planet. Eco brands include Acorn, Merrell, Teva, Terrasoles, and Naya.
Lovely Brands: Brands with a conscience support essential activism, local communities, and grassroots groups. Chaco’s Local Ecotreads are perfect summer sandals from a responsible company, and would make a great addition to your shopping list.
Vegan Shoes: Skip the funky hemp (unless that’s your taste) and get sophisticated vegan sandals from Jambu and Earth Flora.
Planetshoes.com is planting trees all month, so why not join their list of generous donors today?
Mei Sawyer
March 18, 2011 Comments (0)
If you’re a dedicated shoe shopper looking for something that falls on the greener side, Planet Shoes is the place to look: amongst stylish flats and cool new wedges are vegan and eco-friendly brands that still look great.
Buying Vegan Shoes
Planet Shoes has an impressive selection of vegan shoes, and they don’t look like stereotypical “crunchy” ones, either. A quick browse shows many flip-flop options, sandals, and slip-ons, plus hiking boots, mary janes, and boots. Colorways are also varied—you can get contemporary black flats right alongside striped, hemp-soled slip-ons. Read more »
February 4, 2011 Comments (0)
Shoes are harder to source for winter when you are a vegan, but it is not impossible to find warm footwear. These materials provide great options for people looking to stay animal-free but not chilly, and you only have to start from here. Let’s get going!
Stretch, Lined Microfiber
Stretch fabrics are wonderful, because they mold to your feet. If you’re used to dressing up in boots that are clunky or uncomfortable, then stretch boots are a good change. Instead of having your boots lined in sheepskin, they can be lined in fleece or another warm fabric. A snug fit will also keep your feet warmer.
Jute
Jute can be blended with coated fabrics or other materials for an ecological mixture that lends warmth and comfort. Jute moves well on your feet, and it doesn’t wear out very easily, either. Jute blends best with wool, microfiber yarns, and cotton, and all of these can be treated with water-resistant products. Read more »
January 5, 2011 Comments (0)
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Nike is branching out and offering up a line of limited edition sneakers fashioned out of recycled magazines!
The Nike Women’s Premium Print Pack includes three Nike Styles, the Nike Flash Macro Premium (available in sail and birch colors), Nike Blazer Mid Premium (in sail and khaki) and Nike Air Rift Premium (in sail and sport red). According to one source who’s had a gander at these shoes, there are actual panels of print (or more likely, ad copy) running up and down the sides of the shoes, giving the effect of a vintage filmstrips. Worried that these shoes will turn back to pulp if you’re caught up in the rain? Nike thought of that too, and have preserved the exposed print with a rugged transparent coating. Read more »
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