Gloss How-To: Pick Eco-Friendly Shoes

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Sophie Uliano

There’s little that a pair of darling eco-friendly shoes can’t make right but what makes a shoe green? The most polluting aspect of conventional shoe production is that the chromium that is used during the manufacturing process is extremely toxic. Many expensive designer shoes and bags are made in dreadfully poor areas of India where the pollution regulations are non-existent and so these communities in which the factories reside are devastated by toxic chemicals.

Here are some of my favorites eco-friendly shoe companies that don’t sacrifice style or your budget:

I love Calleen Cordero shoes (pictured left) because she only uses vegetable dyes and makes sure that every aspect of her small shoe factory in Hollywood is ecologically responsible. Every pair of her shoes is handmade and it’s no wonder she has a cult-like following by many celebrities because her shoes are so incredibly comfy (she uses orthopedic soles), that you’ll be skipping contentedly along even in her high heels.

I also love the British company Terra Plana. Their practices are 100% ethical and their website is well worth spending a few minutes browsing. For a pair of traditional now totally eco-friendly sneaks, have a peek at The Green Label Collection by Keds. Made from recycled rubber and organic cotton, these sneaks are fresh and fabulous.

If you’re after a pair of pretty summer sandals, I love the Melissa Sin Sandal, which is made by an eco-responsible Brazilian company. I also love Simple’s eco-sneaks.

Finally for a cute casual shoe, I love J-41 shoesthat come in a bunch of colors. All in all, it’s heartening to know that whether it’s a pair of little sandals or a gorgeous evening shoe, you can shop with a completely clean conscience – well almost!

About the Author

Sophie Uliano is a passionate environmentalist who has developed an earth-friendly lifestyle that appeals to women who don’t want to compromise their glamour and style. She is the New York Times Best Selling author of “Gorgeously Green”, “The Gorgeously Green Diet,” and the newly released “Do It Gorgeously.”

Read more amazing tips from Sophie at GorgeouslyGreen.com