Buying shoes that don't damage the environment is as hard as buying clothes. It is often only in finding second-hand shoes that we can have a sense of ethical integrity. Yet, there are times when we need shoes that fit perfectly .. for hiking, sports or for children's growing feet, for example. If we buy second-hand shoes we can risk damaging our feet. That compromise is sometimes not viable or sensible.
The issue around shoes also weighs on whether or not we are willing to buy leather. Vegan shoes can be crafted of plastics, and there we face the ethical dilemma of whether the industry based on the use of nonhuman animals is more or less damaging to the song of the earth as the use of fossil fuels and other chemical processes.
We offer here a few links to shoes that seem to us to have at least a strong ethical intention. The final decisions must be yours.
LINKS
Beyond Skin is a wonderful site, with classic and cool shoes for those who can't quite give up the longing for gorgeous shoes. They claim to make handmade shoes that are 'non-exploitative to humans, animals and wherever possible the wider environment'. They are, however, very expensive.
http://www.beyondskin.co.uk
Ethical Waves do a range of shoes, including the synthetic leather-styles (I like these!) and the hemp (very nice boots). A site worth having a look through.
http://www.ethicalwares.com
Vegetarian Shoes
This company offer hemp as well as shoes made of fabrics that look and feel like leather, for school or office, or fun or fetish. Check out their DM style boots, and the basketball sneakers made of hemp.
http://www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk
In the US, The Vegetarian Site has a good range of shoes, for smart, casual and sports wear.
http://www.thevegetariansite.com
Worn Again is a great shoe maker. This company take anything from car seats to coffee bags and make beautiful comfortable shoes, bags and accessories. Check out their site, read their story and ethical policy.
http://www.wornagain.co.uk
