DesireShoes.co.uk

The changes footwear companies are making to address and improve the environmental impact they have.

The range of ethical footwear available to buy in the UK is increasing at a dramatic pace, and originality is a key factor in its design. Toms, is a footwear brand that produces a classic canvas shoe and for each pair bought they will donate a pair to a child in need, it is such a simple idea that makes such a big difference to those children living in impoverished conditions. Fans of Toms shoes include Scarlett Johansson and Chris Martin. Stella McCartney’s Footwear range makes vegetarian friendly shoes and Natalie Portman has designed a line of shoes which promise to be cruelty free. The popularity among the celebrity world for ethical footwear means that it comes as no surprise that some shoe manufacturers are dedicated to making purely ethical footwear. 

All companies are committed to making sure that their manufacturing process has as little impact on the environment as possible. The majority of Footwear brands now eagerly make pledges to show more dedication to their environmental responsibility and to decrease their Carbon Footprint. Because of this we have done our best to offer you a great selection of desirable shoes from brands that are considerate to the impact they have on the environment.

El Naturalista is our leading environmentally friendly brand; with its frog symbol it is extremely committed to providing ethical shoes inspired by nature. All of their footwear is made using natural materials and dyes, it is biodegradable and their manufacturing process avoids all polluting substances and pays producers fair prices. Their unique sole units are so comfortable to wear and are made from recycled rubber. Since 2004, El Naturalista has strived to become a leader in the ethical footwear trend and continues to carry out its important social commitment, helping poverty stricken children in Peru through The Atauchi Project.

The Josef Seibel Spirit of Nature range was introduced in S/S 09 and has already received a great reaction. The brand is now committed to producing the range in Europe to lower their carbon footprint and uses recycled materials such as carbon, rubber and natural cork.

Martin Ingram, managing director of Josef Seibel in the UK and Ireland, says, "We are really proud to introduce the Spirit of Nature range, which enables our customers to continue to make their purchasing decisions based on style and comfort, but also addresses their growing concern for the environmental implications and moral credibility of clothing and footwear brands”.

Ecco has stated that it “gives high priority to environmental considerations. They are focused on optimising our production methods and on developing new and more environmentally friendly processes”. Ecco are already planning on using Bio Fuel made from the waste of their leather hides to run their tanneries.

It is great to see these companies making a tremendous effort to become more environmentally friendly, we hope to be able to offer more and more ethical shoes to provide more choice for eco minded customers.