Be vigilant of greenwashing   

Greenwashing — when a company markets their products as more eco-friendly than they really are — is a key issue to be aware of when shopping for sustainable shoes. Vague buzzwords like “sustainable” and “eco-friendly” don’t actually tell you anything meaningful, so be sure to check whether any environmental claims made can be backed up. Sustainable shoes should be either made of recycled or renewable materials (which are more environmentally-friendly to produce than regular materials).

And, it’s also important to look for durability; it’s all well and good purchasing shoes made from recycled plastic, but if they only last a few months before falling apart, they end up being less sustainable than regular shoes that last for years.    

Sustainable materials   

Lightweight, flexible, and durable, cork is an ideal material for sustainable shoes. Cork bark is harvested from trees every nine years (which doesn’t harm the trees) and it’s also a 100% renewable material. Nike’s Move To Sneaker range, for example, features sneakers made from recycled cork sourced from the wine industry. Recycled cork is infused into the rubber outsoles of each shoe, which are also embroidered with attractive plant imagery. Alternatively, recycled tires are also now being used as a solution to the unsustainable demand for rubber-soled shoes. While Timberland has incorporated recycled tires into their boots for years, other shoe manufacturers are also starting to do the same. Indosole, a sustainable shoe company, uses the car tire sidewall and inner tube in their soles, straps, and toe caps.     

Looking after your eco-friendly shoes   

Looking after your eco-friendly shoes is essential for maximizing their longevity and getting the most wear out of them. Fortunately, sneakers and tennis shoes can be cleaned in the washer as long as you keep it gentle. By using liquid detergent and a cold wash cycle, you can prevent any shrinkage and warping. It’s also beneficial to rotate your shoes and not wear the same pair day after day — this can keep the inside cushion from flattening and wearing out too soon. Additionally, simply storing your shoes in their original boxes can keep dust and stains at bay. Or, if your shoes also come with a dust bag, use it. In turn, this stops you from needing to wash your shoes so often, which can end up damaging the material, as well as wastes natural resources.    

If you’re striving to make your closet more sustainable, footwear is one of the best places you can start. By knowing how to avoid greenwashing, opting for sustainable materials, and looking after your shoes correctly, you can improve your eco-friendly footprint.

The post Sustainable Shoes For An Eco-Friendly Footprint appeared first on Fashion Enzyme.

Shoes make us feel more confident because the only time we look down – is to enjoy our beautiful heels. But today we are not going to talk about the love for shoes or various stilettos they have. Today, let’s get introduced to the six must-have pairs of shoes that are mandatory if you want to be stylish this spring.

Must-have Pairs of Shoes for this Spring

Platforms

Last year, we barely saw platforms both among fashionistas in the streets and on catwalks. But this seasons more and more fashion designers are choosing these types of shoes as a number one trend this spring. And that is easy to understand because platforms are super comfortable, they make woman’s feet, and legs look gorgeous, and they are one of the beautiful elements of the outfit as well. This year choose wooden, with thick tread, layered soles – both from elegant to sporty styles, which you can use on many different occasions.

Colored Blocks

The higher the heels, the higher the sky? Maybe it is true, but these fashionable shoes are more down to earth, but equally beautiful and heavenly. And do not worry about the look of your feet – although you might lose a bit of elegance with them, various delicious colors and excellent details will make you and your feet look stylish and relaxed during warmer spring days.

Espadrilles

It is hard to think of espadrilles without thinking of the holiday, the feet of a beach, a glass of cold Mojito and the sun setting down. But modern espadrilles completely moved away from its modest, plain predecessors – right now these shoes have become more brighter, fashionable, sometimes even extravagant shoes, suitable not only for your spring break vacations somewhere hot and exotic, but for the city too.

It is not necessary to work out…

…If you want to wear sports shoes. Anyone who still believes that sneakers belong to a gym should start rethinking their lives and style senses. They did not only break away from the gym a long time ago but has become an integral part of an everyday outfit, which absorbs all the trends. From rebellious street fashion ghetto-style, high-tech to princess-like sequins, embroidery, and other style elements hard to find in a gym.

Silver

Metal shine is always stylish (like jewelry and precious metals), and this season designers paid special attention to silver: sparkly glitter, chrome, from smooth to matte, which looks perfectly with all possible styles of shoes – from sneakers to evening sandals. Moreover, silver is a neutral color as well, so you won’t have to be worried about what kind of colored clothing your new silver killer heels can look great with. They all look great with silver!

True ballerina

Have you always dreamed to at least try out ballet pointe shoes? This empiric, attention-catching shoe reminds pointe, which uses ribbons and straps to hug your ankle. Combine them with long flow dresses, breeches, jeans that end up around your ankles and be prima-ballerina for a day!

Now, let’s get to the fun part – shopping. One of the best places where to do it is surely Naturalizer online store and let me explain to you why. First of all, this entire online store is dedicated to shoes and shoes only, so you can find millions of most fashionable shoes here easily. And second of all, there are these Naturalizer coupons too, which can help you to afford even the most expense shoes there too! Do you need more explanation why you need to start shopping there? I don’t!

The post 6 Must-have Pairs of Shoes for this Spring appeared first on Fashion Enzyme.