Did you know that modern espadrilles are related to shoes Native Americans were wearing over 8,000 years ago? Espadrilles are shoes with cloth uppers and rope soles. According to the journal Science, some of the 8,000-year-old shoes from the Arnold Research Cave in Missouri resembled espadrilles, in that they were woven from tough, fibrous plants. Leather was also used in some specimens, including the one shown here.
Payless celebrated Earth Day yesterday by launching a new line of inexpensive eco-friendly shoes. Called Zoe&Zac, the new collection features shoes made from organic cotton canvas, linen, hemp, non-PVC foam beds, recycled rubbers, and water-based glues. Model Summer Rayne Oakes is the spokesperson for the new line, and said, “The most common misconception about sustainable fashion is that it comes in one color and looks one way- neutral, boxy, baggy, shapeless. The best sustainable fashion is invisible and that’s what zoe&zac is all about.” I’m not sure that I want my fashion to be invisible, but I do like the idea that eco-friendly designs are now nearly impossible to distinguish from more traditional options. As more and more eco-friendly shoes hit the market, it will be increasingly difficult to distinguish real earth-savers from poseurs hoping for a tidy footwear profit. Here are a few questions to consider when shopping for sustainable shoes.
Summer is quickly approaching, in fact it’s right around the corner: June 21, to be exact. Summer isn’t just about longer, warmer and sunnier days, it’s also the season most conducive to being active, having fun and spending more time outdoors. Here in Portland summer has come early, and in our opinion, it’s essential that every woman has the appropriate shoes to complement the physical, emotional and social warmth of the season. As Desiree from Shoe.About.com puts it, there’s a few things you should know before you buy summer shoes. We’re talking about what’s hot in summer shoe trends.
