The advent of the 21st century has caused consumers to consider more carefully the types of products they wish to purchase. We are a society that has become acutely aware of the importance of sustainability. As a direct result, homeowners are now more conscientious about recycling, chefs rely on the influence of locally sourced produce to garner customers and even fashionistas are becoming more aware of ethical fashion.
In order to become entirely organic from head to toe, footwear has to make a departure from previous production methods. There has been discontent for some time over the use of animal skins to make shoes, whether it be the leather created from cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, or the more exotic skins of snakes and alligators. Much of the trade in the latter materials is often illegal and therefore comes with a fairly hefty price tag.
Organic footwear deviates from the common methods of tannery primarily by sourcing different materials. Some organic shoes are made of recycled materials, which might include the reworking of fabrics, materials and even older shoes. This is particularly useful when it comes to creating the soles of shoes.
Much organic footwear is created from plants. The most popular vegetation material is the naturally grown plant of hemp. It has a reputation for being a strong, durable material and it is an extremely fast growing crop, which allows for maximum productivity.
The porous nature of hemp means that feet can breathe easily through the material. In turn, this decreases any issues of foot odour that some people may battle with from time to time. This will also be helped by the fact that hemp is resistant to mould-inducing bacteria, which can also cause smelly feet.
Other organic materials include cotton, linen, silk and tencel, which is a man-made creation from wood pulp. When looking to purchase organic footwear, consumers should note that mixes of these materials can all help increase the strength required for making long lasting shoes.
Thanks to the natural processes employed to create organic footwear, the shoes are not subject to the heavy chemicals employed during traditional methods of tanning shoes. Organic footwear, therefore, has the benefit of not being subjected to cyanide-based dyes, coal tar derivatives or formaldehyde to strengthen the fibres of the material. This also has the added benefit of not creating hazardous side effects or products, which helps contribute to a more efficiently sustainable planet.
A further benefit of eco-friendly footwear is that because it contains fewer toxins and is derived from natural materials, this type of footwear is suitable for people who suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin.
Organic footwear need not be dowdy or confined only to hardcore eco-warriors. Organic shoes are, in fact, available in a whole variety of colours, styles, shapes and sizes. From cool trainers to hiking boots, ballet pumps to high-tops, fashion does not need to be sacrificed in order to be more sustainable. Sustainable shoes are also available across the world for men, women and children, too.