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For Earth Day, I’d like to recognize some great shoe brands that have shown that you don’t have to sacrifice style if you want to wear shoes that are eco-friendly and socially-responsible. In the past, “eco-friendly” shoes have gotten a reputation of being plain and rather boring. Today, however, the growing awareness of the need for environmentally friendly footwear has also led to wider variety of designs and styles to choose from in recently years.

Here are just a few notable eco-friendly shoe brands that have impressive designs.

OlsenHaus

OlsenHaus is a 100% vegan shoe brand, which means they use no leather, fur, wool or silk. Shoe materials include ultra suede, organic cotton, canvas, nylon, velvet, linen, and cork. The use of these kinds of material contribute to far less pollution and, since they do not use leather, they utilize only a fraction of the energy it takes to process or tan leather. Their shoes are made in Central America where there factories are monitored for fair trade practices, fair wages and proper facilities. Visit their website for more information on their philosophy and practices for making eco-friendly shoes.

olsenHaus Berlin Mary Jane Pump

olsenHaus Journey Flat

olsenHaus Destiny Flat

Cri de Couer

Certified carbon-neutral and cruelty-free, Cri de Coeur is changing the face of the fashion footwear market. Their shoes are made by hand as much as possible, and are uniquely crafted for durability using 100% vegan materials and sustainable processes. With each purchase, they sponsor a tree to be planted to help with reforestation efforts around the world. Cri de Coeur’s mission is to strive for ethical and sustainable practices in everything they do, without sacrificing style or wearability.

Cri de Coeur Stella Zip Sandal

Cri de Coeur Lizzy T-Strap

Cri de Coeur Elegance Sandal

Beyond Skin

Beyond Skin is an English ethical footwear label operating in an environmentally friendly manner that is non-exploitative to humans and animals. Cruelty- and sweatshop-free, Beyond Skin is produced in Spain, promoting ethically sound and energy-efficient working practices that prove fashion and ethics can go hand-in-hand. All packaging and promotional material is either recycled or from a sustainable source and printed using vegetable-based inks, and a percentage of Beyond Skin profits go to a selection of ethical charities. The collection encapsulates glamour and taste, while remaining true to the Beyond Skin philosophy which is to create gorgeous, ethical footwear for discerning style-led women.

Beyond Skin Marina Slingback Sandal

Beyond Skin San Jose Sandal

Beyond Skin Bob T-Strap Pump

El Naturalista

The brand El Naturalista (The Naturalist) originates from La Roja, Spain- an area reknowned for their artisan shoemakers. They know their trade, their quality and how to strike a healthy balance between traditional and modern shoes. Their products are universal, adaptable, and nature-inspired.

El Naturalista Rana Thar Sandal

El Naturalista N402 Wedge Sandal

El Naturalista N435 Sandal

Lastly, I’d just like to mention one other brand- Naya- that I recently wrote about. Eco-friendly Naya shoes are the the latest line of shoes from the Brown Shoe company. Their collection offers a very affordable selection of eco-friendly footwear made with sustainable materials, nickel free buckles and chrome-free leather, ranging around $100-150.

Launched in 1982, Antelope is an established brand from Israel.  Only in the last year or so have I seen this brand marketed online in the US.   I enjoyed their boots from last Fall (many of which are now on sale), but I especially love their platform sandals this Spring.    Antelope Footwear uses the finest materials to create unique trendsetting designs that are stylish as well as comfortable.

Slip into style when you slip on the Antelope 715 sandals (pictured to the left). The sleek leather upper wraps your foot in soft leather and I love the asymmetrical lines.   The peep-toe design and adjustable slingback also add a bit of sass.   The platform is covered in cork, giving this sandal a sleek but casual look. The heel is a stylish, yet very comfortable 3-1/4 inches with 1-1/4 inch platform. Shown here in Black, the Antelope 715 Sandal is also available in Gray, Green, or Coffee.

Strappy sandals are taking center stage this Spring and Summer, and the styles seem to be endless. However, it is the lovely turquoise color of these fabulous sandals that got my attention. The Antelope 811 (shown below) is a colorful sandal that sits atop a chunky platform with a slight wedge heel. The leather upper features dark turquoise straps that criss-cross over the top of the foot and extend from the soft beige platform. Small pewter nail heads fasten matching leather patches around the front and back of the platform for a unique contrast. Wear these fun and stylish sandals with jeans or shorts.  Also available in Yellow or Black.

This stylish slip-on sandal sits atop a chunky platform with a slight wedge heel. The Antelope 815 (shown below) features wide leather straps that extend from the soft beige platform and cross over the toes for a comfortable fit. Pewter nail heads fasten matching leather patches around the front and back of the platform. So versatile, you could wear these sandals with anything from dresses to jeans.   The Antelope 815 Sandal is available in Black or Red leather.

These are just a few of the fabulous sandals from Antelope.  Click here to see a much larger selection of the Antelope Spring and Summer collection.  Now is also a great time to get a fantastic deal on their footwear from last Fall, including some unique looking boots.

Spring is here and all the latest styles have finally made their debut! The footwear styles on offer for Spring 2010 will surely have shoe lovers shopping with glee this season. Some trends, such as gladiators, are back again this year and with some surprising updates to delight.

One of the hottest trends we’ve seen on the runway are Wooden Platforms and Clogs. You can find this trend in every price range and in a wide variety of styles. If you are open to adding the latest updated clogs to your shoe closet, you will find some great styles by Jeffrey Campbell and Stuart Weitzman. However, if you don’t care for clogs, then then you must check out the wooden platforms. There are so many gorgeous styles available!

Click here to browse Wooden Platforms and Clogs!

Wooden heels and platforms are not the only natural material being used. Cork Wedges are all the rage right now and are available in every heel height.

Click here to browse the latest Cork Wedges!

The gladiator sandal is back again this season and available in more styles than ever before! One of my favorite features in many of the latest styles of gladiator sandals is the rear zipper closure which makes them so easy to put on and take off, despite the straps and buckle designs. So, why not tap into your inner Greek goddess with a pair of gladiator sandals! Not only do they look great, but they are so comfortable to wear.

Click here to browse this season’s Gladiator Sandals!

One of my favorite things about Spring and Summer shoes are the embellishments and this season it’s all about the beading! Colorful and intricate bead patterns adorn this season’s hottest sandals. Go ahead and add some bling to your shoe collection this season with a pair of Beaded Sandals! The colors are amazing and will sparkle under the Summer sun.

Click here to browse a large selection of the latest beaded sandals!

Spring showers bring Spring flowers and, of course, rain boots too! Don’t let April showers keep you indoors or get you drenched. Rain boots are available in popular Spring colors and some styles even boast some adorable floral and animal prints.   When you get rain boots to wear for the Spring season, make sure they do not have the heavy fleece lining that are featured in the cold weather boots.

Hunter rain boots were all the rage last season and it doesn’t look these classic wellie styles are fading for Spring. Check out these Hunter ‘Original Tall’ High Gloss Rain Boots in turquoise, one of Spring’s hottest colors!

Don’t care for the gloss? Hunter Rain Boots are also available in the Hunter ‘Original Tall’ Rain Boot in non-gloss, in Yellow, Orange, Black, Navy, Red, or Chocolate.

For some fun, lighthearted Spring prints, check out the latest styles of dav Rain Boots. All of your favorite styles, such as the English Riding boot and the Victoria are available in some zany abstract and pink leopard prints.  The dav English Riding boot features pull on styling and feminine pink leopard print.   The dav Victoria Karma features rear lace up closure at the top half of the shaft and a playful print.  Both of these styles are unlined for the warmer Spring weather.

Kamik has some adorable abstract floral prints out. The Kamik Olivia and the Kamik Janis features pull-on styling and have a lightweight Italian printed fabric lining on the inside….perfect for warmer weather.    One of the unique features in Kamik rain boots is their seamless shaft which is ideal for showing off these fun prints uninterrupted! Kamik boots have a removable comfort footbed and are made in Canada of recyclable materials.

Click here to see more Spring rain boot styles!

The Naya footwear collection has a wonderful selection of Summer Sandals this season. If you are not familiar with this brand, they are worth checking out. Naya is an eco-friendly brand that’s does a fantastic job of using natural and eco-friendly materials to craft their shoes. I’m really loving several of these styles from their Spring 2010 Collection. I especially like the bamboo heels. Heels, especially on our favorite shoes, wear out so easily when we wear them everyday. Bamboo is one of the hardest woods (ever see the kitchen cutting boards made of bamboo?) and the striking bamboo wood grain gives the heel a lovely appearance.  I also love the cushy footbeds made of biodegradable latex, making them comfortable to wear all day!

Naya  Timpas Sandal- shown above in Saddle Tan, this sandal is also available in Wheatgrass (a light green) and Blaze (yellow).   These cute gladiator inspired sandals feature chrome-free leather in a sexy and alluring T-strap sandal design, a decorative medallion, leather lining, recycled cork outsole, and a 2-1/2 inch bamboo heel.

Naya Mcloud Wedge Sandal- shown above in Blaze (Yellow), this sandal is also available in Desert (Orange), Moon Stone (Light Gray), and Camelot (Tan).   This adorable sandal features a 2-piece wedge design, cork and rubber footbed with leather lining, latex foam in the footbed for cushy comfort, and a leather and bamboo wood wrapped midsole sole for eye-catching appeal.  The heel is 3-1/4 inches with a 1 inch platform.

Naya Telluride- shown above in a super soft black and brown leather, this sandal is also available in a beige and tan leather upper.  I just love the black and brown leather combination of these sandals and the strappy ankle strap sandal design.  The buckle on the ankle strap is nickel free and the footbed  has biodegradable latex foam for blissful comfort.   The 2-1/2 inch heel is made of sustainable bamboo wood and the recycled cork outsole give great traction.

Naya Maher Sandal- shown here in Moon Stone, this sandal is also available in Black leather.  This sandal features a soft knotted leather strap design with a heel sling strap and adjustable buckle for a secure fit.  The heel is wrapped in the same soft leather as the upper and features a 3-1/4 inch heel with 1 inch platform.

Naya shoe designs feature chrome-free or vegatable-tanned leathers, natural, organic or sustainable fabrigs, biodegradable latex foam cushioning, natural cork and rubber foodbeds, heels made from sustainable bamboo, outsoles made with recycled materials, nickel-free metal buckles, recycled paper boxes, and water soluble glues and cements. And with Earth Day 2010 just a few weeks away (April 22nd), you can support an environmentally friendly product and have a fantastic pair of sandals for summer. Click here to view more styles of Naya Shoes.

Here’s a recent video with more information about this fantastic Earth friendly brand. Enjoy!

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