#SensibleSoles

[sensiblesoles-blog]

Sustainability should not be compromise when looking great

Welcome back to our final post! I hope that our blog has help you during your journey towards a sustainable lifestyle. Style and sustainability can go hand in hand to help make a difference in our environment and help consumers make better choices when shopping for footwear. Susi Studio and RAFA are great brands that promote conscious living and environmentally friendly materials. These brands are just two more added to the growing number of brands who are rising up to the challenge to provide sustainable pair of shoes that look great and won’t compromise your values.

1. Susi Studio 

Based in Los Angeles this company aims to promote conscious living and designs vegan footwear for the modern woman. They use sustainable materials like denim, hemp, and faux leather produced from recycled plastic bottles. As a company, they have made it their mission to make sustainable footwear both accessible and stylish.  

Nina ($115)

 These white pumps are a must have for your wardrobe.

These pumps are sleek and sassy and are ready for any occasion. A pump that carries this much sassiness is made from recycled PU and Rubber.

Hey Simone ($115)

Hey Simone is a perfect heel for the woman that has a mission and just needs the right amount of lift.  This classic heel is made from recycled micro suede and rubber.

Janis ($115)

Mules have been a must have shoe stable because of their comfortability and how you can dress them up, dress them down. You can wear them however you please! These stylish comfy shoes are made from recycled PU and Rubber.

2. RAFA

RAFA is a luxury women’s footwear collection hand crafted by a group of 20 artisans in Los Angeles, California. They are committed to the use of local craftsmanship combined with top quality materials. All of their products are made using ecologically friendly materials and sustainable processes.

Sock Boot- Sloe/ Ruby ($400)

These flexible, light, and comfortable boots are a must have. These cute boots are made from vegan recycled textiles and are hand made in Los Angeles.

The Simple Sandal ($350)

These cute strappy sandals are handmade in Los Angeles and 100% animal free.

Prima Pump-Sloe ($380)

These cute pumps are made from vegan recycled textiles and have a double lined orthopedic foam insole for added comfort.  

Hopefully, you enjoyed all of our post, and hopefully it helped you discover new brands that are trying to make a different in our society. Choosing to have a sustainable lifestyle and looking great should not compromise.

Post the hashtag #SensibleSoles to be featured and make sure to follow the hashtag #SensibleSoles to keep discovering new sustainable footwear 

Thank You,

XO

Daisy Martinez 

SensibleSoles

https://www.instagram.com/susistudio/

https://susistudio.com/collections/summer/products/nina-black

https://susistudio.com/collections/summer/products/janis-black

https://www.instagram.com/_rafa_usa/?hl=enhttps://www.rafausa.com/collections/collection-1/products/the-skipper-heel-ruby

https://www.rafausa.com/collections/collection-1/products/sock-boot-sloe-ruby

https://www.rafausa.com/collections/collection-1/products/the-milli-sandal-peony

https://www.rafausa.com/collections/collection-1/products/the-skipper-heel-ruby

https://pikstagram.com/_rafa_usa

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These Are Some Crazy Expensive Sustainable, Stylish $hoes!

Hey y’all, it’s just another week, which means it’s another post from Sensible Soles. This week, we are going to slightly switch gears for today’s blog because it’s always good to have different perspectives. Don’t worry, it's still about being sustainable and stylish........ but this time we’re looking at some [$$$$]hoes. Sensible for the earth? Yes. Sensible for our bank account? Questionable. 

Irwin Garden

Based out of New York, ready to wear clothing brand Irwin Garden produces ethically and sustainably clothing and shoes, using all natural and biodegradable materials as well as supporting domestic manufacturers and maintaining its support to American craftsmanship to make their collection. Irwin Garden’s purpose is to “celebrate femininity and a return to timeless pieces that make a woman feel like the best version of herself with every wear.”

The Kitty Pleated Slide in Taupe ($495)

Unique appearance with the plethora of pleats on the upper. Pretty sure you’ll be asked where’d you get these slides at. (Maybe not mention the price tag...)

Slightly square shaped toe. Super soft footbed, with vegetable tanned leather sole. Upper in pleated silk taffeta. Slight heel. 

Available on Maison De Mode here

Source of photo

Sally Woven Slide in White ($495)

Simple, fashionable, great for everyday wear in beautiful sunny weather!

Sally woven leather peep toe slide. Slightly square shaped toe. Super soft footbed, with vegetable tanned leather sole. Slight heel.

Available on Maison De Mode here

Source of photo

Maggie Twist Slide in Floral Print ($495)

Stand out from the rest! The colors reminds me of watermelon, something delicious and healthy you can enjoy out on a beautiful sunny day while you’re wearing these floral slides

Silk and leather peep toe slide. Slightly square shaped toe. Super soft footbed, with vegetable tanned leather sole. Upper made of floral silk with a knotted twist for a special detail. Slight heel.

Available on Maison De Mode here

Source of photo

Taylor + Thomas

In 2018, a new ethical luxury footwear brand was created by two women, Jessica Taylor Mead & Elizabeth Thomas James. They are determined to bridge “conscious consumption with elevated taste”, thus having a brand that is determined to hold responsibility to the health of our planet and the people and animals who inhabit it, today and for generations to come. They use sustainable materials that are carefully sourced from Italy and Japan. 

Talitha ($385)

In honor of the late Dutch actress and model Talitha Getty, this is a modern-day babouche, updated with an asymmetric topline, a western-inspired welted outsole, and a collapsible heel cup.

Recyclable rubber outsole

100% vegan and cruelty-free

Available on Taylor + James in Blackbird (seen above), Ivory, and Saddle

Source of photo(s) here

Patti ($385)

A tribute to the iconic singer & poet Patti Smith, this is their version of the traditional Chelsea boot, with a slim silhouette, almond toe, and cylindrical wood heel.

FSC-certified sustainably harvested beech wood heel

Recyclable rubber outsole

100% vegan and cruelty-free

Available on Taylor + James in Blackbird, Mustard (seen above), and Saddle.

Source of photo(s) here

Jane ($585)

A nod to the iconic Jane Birkin, their loafer features a square toe, an angled wood heel, and a twisted strap with signature T+T wax stamp hardware.

FSC-certified sustainably harvested beech wood heel

Life Nappa upper and lining

Recyclable rubber outsole

100% vegan and cruelty-free

Available on Taylor + James in Blackbird, Mustard, and Saddle (seen above).

Source of photo(s) here

Hopefully, you enjoyed this week’s post, and perhaps drew inspiration from these brands. It’s great to see high end fashion being more mindful of the earth.

Post the hashtag #SensibleSoles to be featured and make sure to follow the hashtag #SensibleSoles on all social media platforms. 

Come back next week for Daisy’s post!

- Anthony Nguyen

Sensible Soles

[sensiblesoles-blog]

Look Good, Feel Sensible With These 2 Brands!

We should strive to be mindful of the earth, and how we can preserve its well-being. Among other things, the shoes we wear can contribute to the welfare for not just the earth, but the people as well. This week, I’m letting you know about 2 brands that are committed to being resourceful with how their products are made.

1. Matisse Footwear (Los Angeles, CA)

This lifestyle brand appeals to the individuality of the cool, modern woman wears with their vegan line, Coconuts. The stylish options that Matisse offers use environmentally friendly materials such as jute, raffia, and vegan leather. Apart from their dedication to have a sustainable line of footwear, it’s their casual aesthetic with contemporary design that deserves a mention from us here at Sensible Soles.

A must for your wardrobe: the “Going West” ankle boot, with man-made upper and outsole; hand-crafted out of textured vegan leather. Available in beige snake (as pictured) & brown snake - $90.00

Inspired by the 70s, the “Cleo” clog shoes are vegan; made of a textile upper, man-made outsole and padded insole. Available in natural (as pictured), black, & pink - $80.00

2. Bourgeois Boheme (London, England)

Unlike Matisse, London-based company Bourgeois Boheme provides footwear that is sustainable and is made cruelty-free for both men and women. British craftsmanship and cognizance of the environment makes Bourgeois Boheme a top choice to go purchase your next shoes. Their stylish & sustainable products are of high quality, as they are usually hand made in Portgual. 

This is for the men out there. These are the “Benedict Black” monk shoes. Great gift for the stylish man in your life. According to their description, these sleek shoes are made with PVC free eco vegan leather and breathable seed-based Bio-polyoils lining. Beyond those great eco-friendly traits, the shoes just completes a debonair ensemble for any casual or special occasion. - £131.00 ($173.71)

A beautiful silhouette of a slip on for those days on the beach that lie ahead. This “Victoria Pinatex” is a vegan sandal made with pineapple leaf fibre material Pinatex & breathable seed-based Bio-polyoils lining that was found in the Benedict Black. 100% animal-free materials. - £43.00 ($57.03)

Thank you so much for coming back for another post here on SensibleSoles. Hopefully I have given you great options that peaked your interest when you want to buy some stylish shoes. ‘Til we meet again. 

Anthony Nguyen

Sensible Soles, out!

Sources: 

https://www.matissefootwear.com/collections/coconuts-collection/products/going-west?variant=16000455409735

https://www.matissefootwear.com/products/cleo?variant=16018740641863

https://www.bboheme.com/benedict-black-aw18

https://www.bboheme.com/victoria-pinatex

[sensiblesoles-blog]

Vegan leather and Plastic

Brave Gentleman and Adidas X Parley are two great brands that are helping to making a difference in the footwear industry. Introducing new innovate materials that will help the environment and reduce waste. Footwear plays a huge role in how an entire outfit is finally perceived and these two brands bring style and classic shoes while promoting sustainability.  

1. Brave Gentleman

Brave Gentleman is a high-end sustainable and ethically made menswear that takes the environment in to consideration. They are focus on simply impactful, vegan, recycled, organic and high tech sustainable materials. They know that fast fashion has become a huge problem for the environment. As a brand, they believe that it’s their responsibility to help the environment and the people that help make their clothing and their footwear by providing sustainable materials and providing safe working conditions. They invest in sustainable innovation, superior vegan materials, ethical labor and classic styles made with quality.

2. Adidas X Parley

Plastic has become a problem for the environment especially for the ocean. Parley AIR is the strategy to end the fast-growing threat of marine plastic pollution. The solution that parley AIR came up with was to redesign the material itself. By collaborating with Adidas, they are helping to keep plastic from entering the oceans and transforming it into high-performance sportswear.

Who said that its impossible to be stylish while preserving the environment? The more that consumers demand for sustainability brands will change and look for solutions to help the environment while still promoting style. These brands are creating great products that promote sustainability in stylish designs. I hope you enjoy reading this weeks blog!

Xo

Daisy Martinez 

Sensible Soles 

Sources 

https://www.bravegentleman.com/footwear/wayward-boot-pebble-grip

https://veganmenshoes.com/tag/brave-gentleman/

https://www.parley.tv/oceanplastic/#the-mission

https://mooshoes.myshopify.com/products/innovator-in-black-pebble-from-brave-gentleman

https://www.dapperq.com/2016/08/brave-gentleman-launches-line-unisex-menswear-inspired-vegan-shoes/

://www.adidas.com/us/parley

https://www.dezeen.com/2017/10/05/adidas-originals-unveils-its-first-shoe-made-with-parley-ocean-plastic/

https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2017/10/how-adidas-is-making-hyped-sneakers-out-of-ocean-waste

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Here Are 2 European Brands Dedicated to Stylish & Sustainable Shoes

We’re back for Week 2 for SensibleSoles. As always, we will continue to let you know about shoe brands that are invested in being sustainability. This week, I’m letting you know about a couple of European eco friendly footwear brands that are committed to offering sneakers that are made of sustainable materials, while sustaining the stylish flair every step you take. 

1. Veja

 This brand from Paris, France offers an array of stylish shoes for those who feel green is the new black. Beyond the use of sustainable materials like organic cotton and wild rubber, Veja is also committed to sourcing their materials via fair trade, collaborating with small producers. Also, it’s no surprise that famous figures such as actress Emma Watson and actor Eddie Redmayne and more recently, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle have been photographed wearing shoes from this trendy, eco friendly label.

Emma Watson in the ESPLAR LEATHER WHITE MARSALA - 99,00 € ($112.07)

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex & Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. The Duchess is wearing the V-10 EXTRA WHITE BLACK - 125,00 € ($141.57) 

2. Love Sofie

The mission of this Swedish shoes and accessories brand is to provide consumers an opportunity “to be stylish and kind at the same time.” They are conscious of how the product is created by sourcing responsible while maintaining its company mantra of being animal & cruelty free as well as vegan. They offer products ranging from casual everyday sneakers and flats to a pair of dressy high heels for the night out!

Billie - $157.00

These slip on sneakers exude comfort and style. The origami style hearts on the vamp of the shoes also exude a statement. Made out of organic cotton and plant-leather with a rubber sole. Run a quick errand in these shoes by Love Sofie ASAP! 

Emma - $112.00

Casually comfortable with color, Emma is a slip in flat for those summer days. Made of recycled pet-polyester with a plant-leather lining. Pair these with a gracefully draping summer dress or your favorite pair of cropped pants! This color scheme is also available in sandals with a block heel.

Veja and Love Sofie are some of the brands with interest in creating the best product possible with conscious effort to not be reckless and careless when it comes the earth and the workers who are instrumental in making our favorite shoes to wear. Green is the new black, ladies and gentlemen. Stay tuned for next week’s blog post. ‘Til we meet again! Take care, my sensible so(u)les! 

Anthony Nguyen

Sensible Soles, out! 

Sources:

https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/emma-watson-favorite-eco-friendly-sneakers/slide/2/

https://www.veja-store.com/en/esplar/1475-esplar-leather-white-marsala.html

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a24015441/meghan-markle-white-veja-sneakers

-royal-tour-australia-shop/

https://www.veja-store.com/en/v-10/1789-v-10-extra-black.html

https://needsupply.com/v-10-leather-in-extra-white-black.html

https://www.facebook.com/pg/sofiebly/about/?ref=page_internal

https://allbellavita.com/collections/love-sofie/products/love-sofie-billie

https://allbellavita.com/collections/love-sofie/products/love-sofie-emma-slip-in

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Shoes meet Sustainability

Interested in sustainability and shoes? Sensible Soles was created to be a source where individuals who are concerned with the production life cycle of shoes, can read up on the latest sustainable shoe news.  Anthony, Daisy and myself (Melissa) will focus on creating weekly blogs that will be posted every Monday of each week.  Each new post will update you on the latest trends regarding sustainable shoes across the globe.  If you wish to learn about alternative brands who follow sustainable methods, follow our blog!  We hope to inspire our readers to go-green and to minimize the overall waste and emissions that is created by something we all own and love, shoes!  

This week, I wanted to cover two interesting sustainable brands that follow ethical practices.  These companies strive for environmentally safe working conditions, fair wages, reduced waste and emissions.  If you’re looking for a new sandal, shoe or boot you’ll be sure to find something that catches your eye from either one of these brands!

1.     Birkenstock

Birkenstock is a German company that has been setting new standards for environmental awareness for decades.  In 1988, they created an environmentally friendly adhesive that stunned the world.  By 1990, they were able to modernize and expand their production across the U.S. in order to reduce energy consumption by an astonishing 90%!  Today, Birkenstock have become extremely detailed in their production by using natural materials such as cork and jute while 90% of their packaging is created from recycled paper.  Birkenstock currently sells boots, shoes and sandals for boys, girls, men and women.  

Women’s Arizona Essentials - $39.95

 This is one of my favorite go-to sandals.  They are great to have during the summer.  It’s an obvious name once you’ve owned a pair!

Women’s Arran Shoe - $180

These are a perfect every day sneaker made of quality leather and natural materials.

Men’s Flen Leather Shoe - $180

This upscale look can be worn in the office or dressed down with jeans.  These create a great look!

Women’s Gizeh Sandal - $100

This thong-style sandal offers an everday look while keeping a more functional design.  Another basic must-have item for summer!

2.     Allbirds

Allbirds is a shoe brand that uses sustainable resources such as wool, sugarcane, castor bean oil and recycled cardboard and water bottles in their shoe design.  Merino wool is used to create the exterior of the shoe and has been the main focus for starting Allbirds.  The sugarcane is used to create SweetFoam  to create the soles of the shoe.  Recycled plastic bottles are upcycled into Sugar Zeffer straps.  Recycled cardboard is used to create the Allbirds packaging. While the castor bean oil is used in the Zeffer straps interior and anchors.  This company has created shoes in a range of styles for Women and Men and there is one style made for Kids.

Men’s Wool Runners - $95

This shoe is an idealistic purchase. This versatile shoe can be worn in the day or at night due to its great choice in fiber and design.

 Women’s Wool Loungers - $95

This comfortable yet stylish slip-on will leave you forgetting you’re wearing any shoes! They are light-weight and made with all natural materials. 

Small Bird Wool Runners - $55

These adorable functional shoes are totally affordable! The whole family can own a pair.

These two brands have done what seems to most --the impossible!  It’s amazing what we can do when we make an effort to go-green.  I hope you enjoyed this weeks blog! Stay tuned for next weeks post

Xo

Melissa Loor

Sensible Soles

https://www.allbirds.com/pages/our-story

https://www.allbirds.com/products/womens-wool-runners

 https://www.google.com/search?q=allbirds&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjkzbv1yKPgAhWJJDQIHbzWC-8Q_AUIECgD&biw=1001&bih=446#imgrc=ciqfvkWpM3qaRM:

 https://www.birkenstock.com/us/wrigley-natural-leather/wrigley-speedwalk-naturalleather-0-thermorubber-w.html?dwvar_wrigley-speedwalk-naturalleather-0-thermorubber-w_color=4997

https://www.birkenstock.com/us/arizona-eva/arizona-eva-eva-0-eva-u.html?dwvar_arizona-eva-eva-0-eva-u_color=3716&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgL2Ym8aj4AIVBsNkCh3QfQu7EAQYBCABEgKZW_D_BwE

https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/birkenstock-arizona-birkibuc-sandal?inventoryCountry=US&color=020&mrkgcl=671&mrkgadid=3215513519&cm_mmc=SEM-_-Google-_-PLA-_-309724959561_brand_urban_outfitters_x_birkenstock_product_type_w&product_id=44641108&utm_campaign=PLA&adpos=1o4&creative=210010996270&device=c&matchtype=&network=s&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-_SCjsaj4AIViddkCh0YjwAREAQYBCABEgIEtfD_BwE

 https://www.birkenstock.com/us/us-about-history.html

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Ethical and Practical

Welcome back Sensible Soles! Thank you for staying loyal to us and sustainability.  We have two new brands to show you this week.  Po Zu, a United Kingdom ethical footwear brand who creates non-leather shoes for men and women.  The second is Vesica Piscis Footwear, a vegan shoe brand from Spain who also creates sustainable shoes for both men and women.  

 Po Zu is an ethical footwear brand from the United Kingdom. They create vegan shoes for both men and women.  Their materials are naturally preserved and contain no pesticides and they go without using bleach or any toxic dyes on their fabrics and materials.  Their shoes are made with natural resources such as cork, wool, coconut husk, natural latex, and Forest Stewardship Council certified timber.  They even created the first ever recyclable shoe made from biodegradable materials by joining forces with Timberland.  Along with ethically made shoes, their shoebox is made with coconut husk and can be used as a seed tray.

Brisk Silver Beige - Women’s

Sneak V-Natural Cork - Women’s 

Salome Black - Women’s

Butterfly Black - Unisex

Che V Boots in Black - Men

Vesica Piscis Footwear is a vegan shoe brand from Elche, Spain. They produce shoes and accessories from organic and recycled materials.  All items are 100% vegan and are made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, recycled natural rubber and recycled cotton or Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic cotton. Not only are the shoes made ethically but so are the shoeboxes!  They are created from recycled paper and they made sure to abstain from using any harmful adhesives on their packaging. Vesica Piscis Footwear creates shoes for both men and women and come in a range of styles.  My personal favorites are the Siddhartha Marino.

Siddhartha Marino - Unisex

Coretta - Unisex

Louise - Unisex

Siddhartha - Unisex

Plato -  Unisex

Thank you for stopping by ! Be sure to tune in next week for Anthony’s post.

Also....DON’T BE SHY! Post the hashtag #SensibleSoles to be featured and make sure to follow the hashtag #SensibleSoles on all social media platforms.  

Xo, 

Melissa Loor

Sensible Soles

  https://vesicapiscisfootwear.com/es/blog

 https://po-zu.com/