Top 10 Eco Friendly, Socially Conscious and Vegan Shoes

By Bonny Osterhage, White Apricot

Shoes might be the most perfect item of clothing. They always fit…Even on your “fat” days, they can completely change the look of that same old outfit and just look what they did for Cinderella! And while we eagerly collect all shapes and styles, this is the time of year that we tend to turn to flats. The perfect answer to that “in-between” boots and sandals time of year, flats are casual enough to wear with jeans, while still maintaining an air of elegance with skirts and dresses. We flat out love them!

Beyond Skin Joy Flat
This flat makes us oh so “joyful!” We love the classic look of the hand made, ethically produced black and gold version with its fabric body and faux-patent toe and heel. www.endless.com

Chinese Laundry Ashlena
Chinese Laundry, long known for its trendy (and easy on the wallet) footwear, now offers a vegan line made with faux leather. We like this slipper that features of-the-moment snakeskin (faux of course). www.chineselaundry.com

Corso Como Floral Flat
While the materials of this adorable shoe by Corso Como may not be eco friendly, the practices used to create them are. Handmade in Brazil, the leather is dyed with non-toxic vegetable dyes and all shoeboxes and wrappings are made with recycled paper. Furthermore, Corso Como donates a portion of all sales to educational children’s charities. www.piperlime.com

Form & Fauna Pleated Dove Shoe
The retro style and soft colors make this shoe by Form & Fauna an absolute must for any wardrobe. Made from all sustainable and renewable materials, including a plush eco-liner, this shoe is as easy on the feet as it is on the eyes. www.embodies.com

Melissa Happy Shoe
You’ll have those happy feet when you sport the “Happy” shoe from Melissa. Made from their patented recyclable Mel-Flex plastic, the velvet-like body, patent-like toe and removable bow take this shoe from day to evening with ease. www.thegreenloop.com

olsen Haus Love Shoe
Yes, we love the Love Shoe! Okay, we know that this 100% vegan shoe with its paint splattered exterior is more of a wedge than a true flat, but we love its unique vibe. Comes in teal, army green and electric blue. www.olsenhaus.com

Patagonia Sugar and Spice
These versatile shoes from Patagonia are actually two shoes in one. Wear the slipper like uppers by themselves around the house or attach the all-natural latex outsole and you have a Mary Jane style that can stand up to the great outdoors. www.patagonia.com

Simple Shoes Woman’s Silk Undertoe
Casually pretty and made from eco friendly materials, such as jute, bamboo and recycled tires, this striped design from Simple Shoes is one that you will reach for again and again. www.simpleshoes.com

Terra Plana Zandile
We felt it was important to include this socially conscious entry from Terra Plana. Made from distressed aviator leather and with a rubber sole for added comfort, this casual moccasin not only feels good, it does good. As part of Terra Plana’s “Soul of Africa” collection, the shoes are hand stitched by previously unskilled women in South Africa. All profits from the sale of these fair trade shoes help orphans affected by AIDS. That’s good work that should be recognized! Available in red, charcoal and black. www.terraplana.com

Toms Shoes Picnic Canvas
Totally preppy and totally cute, this plaid shoe from Toms Shoes brings to mind weekends in the Hamptons. The prefect shoe for Bermudas and tees and, with each pair sold, Toms will give a pair of shoes to a needy child. www.tomsshoes.com

White Apricot is a website and online newsletter that is your “go to” place for the latest trends, news and information on eco-fashion, organic skin care and natural cosmetics, as well as other cool eco and socially conscious products and services to incorporate into your lifestyle.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jennifer S.

9:12AM PDT on Jul 12, 2010

Another way to be eco friendly with shoes is to swap your little-used shoes for new ones. You can do this with your friends (why not have a party) or you can do it online at a site like http://www.ShoeSwappers.com.

send a green star

Marcus B.

5:32AM PDT on Jun 19, 2010

Some very nice shoes but I think you missed a brand called Naya. Bamboo heels, veg tan leathers, cork footbed, recycled material in the outsole. recycled packaging. See them at Naya shoes.com

Kellie S.

2:28AM PDT on May 21, 2010

its nice.
thanks for the article.
:)

Mark N.

1:16AM PDT on May 21, 2010

its nice both article and the shoes too.
thanks.
:)

Aaron W.

12:21AM PDT on May 21, 2010

its just nice superb article.
thanks.
:)

Heather A.

7:19AM PST on Jan 12, 2010

just ordered some vegan tom's wrap boots last night :) very excited!

10:56PM PST on Jan 7, 2010

nice informative article.. i found EURO SPRINT from converse uk..The Euro Sprint combines classic Timberland ruggedness with a sporty contemporary style that’s perfect for the outdoors...check this out..
32gb compact flash

Carlotta F.

10:32PM PST on Jan 6, 2010

Thanks for the links!!!
Chinese Laundry has a good variety of stylish Vegan women's shoes, boots, flats, sandels, heels and open toes pretty reasonably priced - thanks!

I like that Toms gives one pair of shoes to someone in need for every purchased pair and also has men's vegan shoes here: http://www.tomsshoes.com/content.asp?tid=356&gclid=CIK6werMkZ8CFQ_yDAodfG_oMw

Another link I've come across for men is at Pristine Planet, comparison shopping for socially concious shoes: http://www.pristineplanet.com/serch.asp?term=Men%27s+shoes&search.x=8&search.y=14

And they have the same for women here: http://www.pristineplanet.com/earth-eco-friendly-shoes-socially-responsible-hemp/women's-shoes/1016_a_0.html

I think this is a very good idea for an article and I hope we get more! I think the words eco friendly, socially concious, or vegan would work well isolated in the captions for each shoe link. The title could have focused a little more on the specific style you have here, something like "Top 10 Stylish Flats, made with a concience. Get Ready fo Spring!"