Sustainable Footwear Styles for Summer
Famolare
If you want to be mindful about your footprint, here are some great options that are not only stylish, but also made from footwear brands with sustainable and ethical fashion philosophies.
Blowfish Malibu
Marley4Earth ($44.99)
With an estimated 300 million pairs of shoes ending up in a landfill every year, Blowfish Malibu has partnered with OCEANA, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. With this partnership, the brand is committed to providing OCEANA with a $1 donation for every 4Earth pair sold.
Balla4Earth ($49.99)
Inspired by bright tie dye and bold prints, Blowfish Malibu’s spring/summer collection feels fun and hopeful, featuring bright splashes of color, as well as classic, dependable hues.
Californians
Founded and designed by footwear industry veteran, Jaclyn Jones, Californians is inspired by the founder's feel-good moments and designed to accompany you through yours. Designed and handcrafted with love in the brand's own factory in Los Angeles, California, the collection exudes vintage-inspired ease – just like your favorite pair of Levi’s jeans. The end result is footwear that spurs conversation, evokes nostalgia, and preserves the era of California’s Golden Age. The new vegan collection consists of ethical, non-toxic and sustainable leather alternatives that reduce energy consumption and waste.
“There is a growing demand for transparency and sustainability in the fashion industry, and we’re seeing an exciting shift towards eco-friendly practices such as animal-free products. We’re so excited about our Vegan Collection because it strikes the perfect balance of comfort, fashion and sustainability.”
Learn more about Californians in Sustainable Spotlight: Californians Footwear.
Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga recently launched its first sneaker, which includes signature elements of vegan leather, extra padding in the interior collar, and a honeycomb cushioning system for support and comfort. This lightweight sneaker is made without animal by-products and features recycled rubber soles.
Alo Yoga is mindful of creating ethical products, is 100% sweatshop-free, and is WRAP certified.
Dr. Scholl’s
Dr. Scholl’s is committed to making sustainable fashion more accessible to all. With every purchase of a pair of Original Collection shoes, the brand is donating a tree to Trees for the Future to offset carbon emissions and help impoverished families around the world plant trees for a better life. Shoes are made with sustainable materials and processes, including 100% recycled fabric linings, shipped in a recycled box (with soy-based ink). Leather is responsibly source from Leather Working Group-approved factories.
Famolare Cactus Shoe (Available June 2021)
The iconic sustainable fashion brand from the ‘70s is back! Women who wore Famolares in the 70's and 80's shared an identity, supporting peace, pushing for civil rights and rallying to protect the environment. The brand is launching a new cactus shoe in June, made from organic cactus, as part of their sustainable mission. Fourteen acres of cacti can absorb more than 8,000 tons of CO2 a year.
“Chunky wavy flatform sandals with straps made with craftswoman materials in earthy feel-good colors is the look for the season," shares Farmolare.
LOCI
Handmade in Portugal, Loci makes premium 100% Vegan shoes born from sustainable thinking. For every pair of LOCI’s sold LOCI donates 10% of profits towards protecting and conserving sea life.
LOCI hopes to show consumers that sneakers can be beautiful, comfortable, and eco-conscious all at the same time. Each pair uses recycled ocean plastic, rubber, and foam, as well as bamboo and natural cork, to create trendy, functional designs.
Roam
Created with consciousness by AAPI Founder Kay Sides, R0AM juxtaposes fashion, sport and technology using recycled materials for as minimum of a footprint possible. Additionally, proceeds from each purchase goes to the R0AM Foundation which provides at-risk children an opportunity to explore and spend time in nature.
Roam’s spring footwear collection features vibrant pops of colors to cool neutrals to bridge the way into the summer. The collection offers fashion-forward and cozy options to complete your ensemble!
[Images courtesy of brands]
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy