Eco-Friendly Kids Shoes (PHOTOS)

From The Daily Green's Starre Vartan:

For consumers, eco-friendly kids' shoes are notoriously tricky. Kids grow out of their shoes quickly, making them almost disposable. But many parents balk at the premium price of sustainable eco-friendly materials. Used or cheap shoes can, however, cause problems (temporary and long-lasting) for growing feet. And since the kids in your life are going to be inheriting the planet you leave behind, it makes sense to look for eco-friendly brands.

There are plenty of styles and materials to choose from, including natural latex-soled boots, organic cotton sneakers, and recycled plastic sandals. And a greener shoe for your munchkin doesn't have to cost you much more. As with most planet-friendly products, there is some greenwashing when it comes to kids shoes, so do a bit of homework if you’re ordering those kicks online. As Ulrika Mensch, of Ethletic shoes says, “Above all, one should never be afraid of approaching the shoe company and ask all those questions!” Besides comfort and foot support, Mensch recommended looking for these green attributes:

> natural rubber latex that’s Forest Stewardship Council certified, rather than plastic > organic, fair-trade cotton, hemp or other sustainably harvested fibers
> sewed seams (which are better for the environment than glued shoes)

RATE IT!   |  

VOTE

No Way

I Want Those!

CURRENT TOP 5 PICK YOUR OWN TOP 5

USERS WHO VOTED

NEW! CREATE YOUR OWN SLIDESHOW

Comments

[rayeverettchurch]

12:34 PM on 09/24/2011

Beware of Toms Shoes! The CEO is a right-wing conservative Christian and is unabashed in using his company to promote his favorite causes, like the hate group "Focus on the Family." Yes, they give money and shoes to the needy, but you can be it comes with an unhealthy dose of proselytizing and bigotry. :-( There are better ways to channel you charitable desires.

[barkingcat]

08:40 AM on 09/25/2011

Regarding the connection to Focus on the family, it looks like the CEO, Blake Mycoskie, distanced himself and Toms very quickly from the group as soon as the news came out about how he had spoken at a Focus event this past summer.

In a public apology, Mycoskie said "Had I known the full extent of Focus on the Family’s beliefs, I would not have accepted the invitation to speak at their event...”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/under-god/post/toms-shoes-founder-apologizes-for-focus-on-family-connection/2011/07/13/gIQAPuN4DI_blog.html

[HLL]

01:10 PM on 09/23/2011

For anyone interested in stylin' vegan shoes, boots and flats that rock ~
https://www.lulus.com/categories/view-all/179_257/vegan-shoes.html

Or
http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/