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BANG FOR THE BITE
Eco-sneaks walk all over shoes made with unhealthy materials, but they can be pricey and aren't available everywhere.
COCKTAIL FACT
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star is the biggest-selling shoe in history, with more than 750 million pairs sold.
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home › tip library › Green Shoes
Are you so over your Converse All-Stars?
The Bite
Blasphemy! Still, if you want a sneaker that's unique-r, look no further than this tip to find shoes that make your All-Stars look like has-beens.The Benefits
- Stylish sneaks. Call attention to yourself...in a good way.
- Eco-fab fabrics. Choose recycled and organic materials instead of PVC and chromium-tanned leather.
- No sweat. The workers who produce these shoes are treated more fairly than those at your average overseas factory.
Personally Speaking
The Ideal Bite editorial team is so comfortable in their Simple eco-sneaks that they're willing to walk more than a mile for a good lunch.Wanna Try?
- Simple Shoes - turns recycled tires and soda bottles into sassy sneaks; check out the men's Sno Tire and women's Atire styles ($55-$85).
- Terra Plana - incorporates recycled clothes and car seats into creatively designed sneakers (£65-£130; about $130-$260).
- Nike Soaker - men's high-tops designed to let you run through water, made from eco-materials like recycled mesh and eco-rubber ($75).
- Toms Shoes - women's red canvas slip-ons with recycled rubber soles; one pair is donated to kids in need for every pair you buy ($38).
Aug 14,2007
Sponsor
All editorial suggestions in this tip are the result of testing and a preference for the tip topic. No advertiser has paid to have its company referenced in the tip. For more information, please read our Editorial Policy.
There’s Always Someone Who’s More Obsessed than You
There's nothing in the world that doesn't get somebody excited, sneakers included. I've been obsessed with some pretty weird stuff (witness my delirious love for the band Ace of Base like eleven years after they were popular), but I wouldn't consider myself sneaker-obsessed.
I have seven pairs of sneakers in my closet, which some think is a lot for a guy. But that's not even close to an obsession when you compare it to the people in this Washington Post article. Basically, some "sneakerheads" are willing to wait in lines in the same way Harry Potter maniacs waited outside bookstores in droves last month. Lucky for the earth, with shoe brands as big as Nike jumping on the eco-bandwagon, soon this'll be one obsession that doesn't have to hurt the earth as much as my Ace of Base obsession hurts people's ears. What's your weird obsession?
-Toshio...off to listen to an imported, deluxe remix album of previously unreleased Ace of Base B-sides in Swedish...
I have seven pairs of sneakers in my closet, which some think is a lot for a guy. But that's not even close to an obsession when you compare it to the people in this Washington Post article. Basically, some "sneakerheads" are willing to wait in lines in the same way Harry Potter maniacs waited outside bookstores in droves last month. Lucky for the earth, with shoe brands as big as Nike jumping on the eco-bandwagon, soon this'll be one obsession that doesn't have to hurt the earth as much as my Ace of Base obsession hurts people's ears. What's your weird obsession?
-Toshio...off to listen to an imported, deluxe remix album of previously unreleased Ace of Base B-sides in Swedish...
Biter Comments...
I was coming to post abou No Sweat as well - same Chucks look, but without Nike/sweatshop concerns. I was a die hard Chucks wearer from 6h grade unil Nike bough them a few tears ago, and mourned the loss as my last pair of Chucks disintergrated. I bought some No Sweats at a Green Festival two years ago though, and they're great!
My question is how well do these hold up to a beating? Personally, I usually go barefoot when I can because I simply can't stand shoes. Most of the other times I wear sandals, even in the winter. But I do have a pair of trusty Reeboks that will be turning 5 soon. I've taken them camping, hiking, and in the water without problem. I think they have just gotten comfortable and they aren't missing any stitching, the sole isn't coming off and there are no tears in the leather. I got my $30.00 out of them a while ago and probably not giving them up any time soon.
That said I would be willing to look into another pair of shoes if I can get the same wear out of them. I don't want to buy something that I have to replace every year though.
You forgot the blackspots!
We'll save the best for last then...
http://www.adbusters.org/metas/corpo/blackspotshoes/index.php
I've been looking far and wide for a good running shoe (has to deal with pronating) that isn't toxic to the environment or the workers. While all of these are great there isn't a running shoe among them. If anyone knows where I can get them please post that information!
how can you possibly recommend any of Nike's products? They are THE worst sweatshoppers of all, whereas converse sneakers are made here in the USA. I know you're into paid advertising, but I'd rather see American Spirit cigarettes recommended on your site than Nike, the same company that didn't drop Vick the pitbull killing football star until consumer pressure got too much for them.
I agree with Grace's comments.
Thanks for posting it.
The Converse brand is now owned by Nike, and the shoes are made overseas - just check the boxes or the sourcing tag. on the backside of the tongue. That's why several of us have stopped buying Chucks. There are still a few odd Chucks produced in the US, particularly the really unique ones, but the majority have come from overseas since Nike bought them out in 2000. It was a very quiet acquisition, as Nike wanted to keep the reputation that Converse had earned over the decades.
Thanks Cory, and whoops Brandi.Thanks for setting me straight about converse. didn't know nike bought them out. Guess i should start reading the Wall St. Journal more often to see what all those mega-corps are doing. So now it's time to boycott Chucks/Converse. Alas.
Apologies on my part as I did not read Grace's post correctly. I have known for a long time that Nike has bought out converse (every adbusters reader knows that!) ... I don't buy Nike for they are the one's that started all of the outsourcing in the first place. They will most likely be the same ones who will turn it around again. It's called greenwashing. They are using a ton of organic cotton now. It's great PR.
http://www.nosweatapparel.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=N&Category_Code=CHILD
No Sweat - 100% Union Made Apparell
Do you take donations via paypal?
wow! you got seven? i thought im the only sneaker addict in this world. Well, i got 6. All of them was from www.thehotshoestore.com
PHOTO ALBUMS
Posted by: Brandi | August 14, 2007 at 06:10 AM