Urban Grind

Shoes can be pretty mean things from the products they use or don’t reuse to the workers that don’t get paid properly but we are all lucky these days to have some alternatives and dare I say it fashionable alternatives. I know of at least 4 good shoe stories.

Simple Shoes
These guys top my list as they are by far the most fashionable with the biggest range I think. Their big focus is on the sustainablity of their shoes in regards to products used. The pair I own have soles made from old car tyres, the laces from soda bottles, organic cotton, hemp and the list goes on. I am not sure if they are certified ‘fair trade’ but they do have a page on Ethical Supply Chain Guidelines which must be a positive thing. The only problem I have with these shoes is that they are so hard to get in Australia. Either you have to order them from online or choose from the very small range that Kathmandu carries.

Tom’s Shoes – One for One
(Taken from the site). TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we’re all about.

Please, at least watch the quick intro video and for a better insight into the man behind Tom’s Shoes watch this short talk between Blake Mycoskie and Bill Clinton where Blake talks about his dream to eradicate a disease with shoes.

Etiko
I make coffee in a pair of Etiko shoes. These guys are based in Australia and the big thing here is about Fair Trade products in particular the Etiko Sneakers. Made in Pakistan by a certified fairtrade manufacturer they also feature a rubber sole which has been certified sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), making the sneakers ethically and environmentally sound. And now they seem to be organic also. While you are at their online shop be sure to pick up a fair trade soccer ball to kick around with your new shoes.

Terra Planna
This one I have only just heard about. Turns out we have a pair of these in our household too. Rachel bought a pair when she was last in New York some time ago. They are striving for sustainable shoes too and I am still reading through their website myself so for more info head on over there. But again here is an example of very fashionable shoes that are trying to step lighter on the planet. Looks like they have a particularly good women’s range too.

So make sure you bookmark these and next time you need a new pair of shoes go shopping online and get a unique and sustainable pair. I love showing of my simple shoes. It’s even cooler when the other person lifts up their foot and says, “Me Too!”

Tags: shoes