Step out in our pick of this spring season’s most stylish sustainable shoes.

We may still be in the midst of winter, but dreaming of a new pair of shoes perfect for warmer temperatures is guaranteed to put a little spring in your step. From black and white and a feminine approach to minimalism to punchy brights, radiant red and a playful new take on geometry – Spring 2013 fashion is loaded with feel-good features.

So shake off the winter gloom and take a look at our top 10 best shoes for spring that are vegan or otherwise sustainably made.

Image: Coclico

1. Coclico’s Oedo shoe is made from vegetable-tanned leather, ethically created by artisans in Spain. With a heel that is simple and modern and leather straps that reflect Spring’s 2013’s taste for impeccable, clean lines, the Parma Nude color is the perfect foil the season’s punchy primary colored trends.

Image: Net-A-Porter

2. Stella McCartney’s faux leather and mesh wedge espadrilles are a great way to incorporate the still-strong neon trend this spring. Wear them with a breezy cotton shirt and statement skirt.

Image: Elizabeth Katzman

3. With designers showing both midi and micro-mini lengths, the question is what to wear with Spring’s skirts? Elizabeth Katzman‘s cruelty-free Billy Faux Leather Brown Booties provide a great anchor to a feminine hemline.

Image: Convert 

4. Made from a synthetic leather basketweave material, Jeffrey Campbell’s vegan Everly Bootie is exclusive to Convert and adds an essential tough-looking but cruelty-free edge to every spring outfit.

Image: Melissa

5. The Melissa Jean + Jason Wu flat in red is sustainably crafted in Brazil from MELFLEX, a technologically-engineered injected thermoplastic, the cut out style mimic the geometric prints seen on the designer’s runways for Spring.

Image: ECCO

6. ECCO’s Owando Bow Ballerina in metallic silver is constructed for comfort with bow detailing that echoes the delicate lingerie tones of the season’s satin evening wear.

Image: Osborn

7. Osborn‘s handmade shoes are created by artisans in Guatemala from recycled and natural materials. The Soko Oxford features an exclusive print on linen fabric that dresses up even the most casual of outfits.

Image: Olsen Haus

8. Olsen Haus‘ Eternity bootie is a 100 percent vegan shoe that offers a primary pop of the color of the season, radiant red.

Image: Cri de Coeur

9. Cri de Coeur’s two-toned faux snakeskin and lush vegan leather Ditta Tassel Platform Bootie keeps 70’s luxe glamor alive.

Image: Beklina

10. A subtler take on the enduring sportswear trend, Rachel Comey’s contrasting leather slip on Corvus Sneaker features a short 1″ platform with metallic leather tongue.

Top image: Tumblr

The post Top 10 Sustainable Shoes for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Nine sizzling (sustainable) summer sandals to add to your warm weather wardrobe. Comfortable footwear that is anything but boring.

Sandals say summer more than any other shoe. A great pair of flat ones are a must-have in anyone’s warm weather wardrobe. This season, there’s a huge variety of sandals to choose from – metallic, nude, bright color, strappy, simple, feminine, masculine, patterned – you name it. They are all extremely comfortable and made in ways that make you tread lighter on the earth.

1. Rachel Comey Santos Slip-ins
These simple open toe slide sandals are perfect for a more simple, masculine outfit. Pair with skinny denim, simple ankle-length pants and a blazer for summer soirees with a more downtown vibe. Sustainably made in Peru from black perforated leather with caramel leather detail. Kiltie on upper strap with a wide stitched leather welt.
$391, Rachel Comey

2. ECCO Hill Move
ECCO has always been known to make durable shoes that are good for your feet. They used to not look so good, but that’s all changed now. These have an almost gold sheen to them and the sporty details are the perfect way to incorporate that trend into your summer wardrobe. Did I mention they are super comfy?
Approx. $120, ECCO

3. Neuaura Mansi Sandals
These casual yet elegant sandals by Neuaura are made with eco-friendly faux nubuck and washed canvas. The combination is a great contrast and the canvas almost looks like an animal print (trend alert!). Perfect to pair with those summer yellows. Made in an ethical factory in China.
$85, Neuaura

4. Coclico Rori Bunny Sandals
These are the perfect complement to those nude and white summer looks. Soft beige suede wraps around the ankle with a concealed velcro strap in this fresh, casual take on the gladiator sandal. Like all Coclico shoes, they are crafted with care with minimal environmental impact.
$259, Coclico

5. Madison Turquoise Faux Suede Sandals
This cute flat sandals from Beyond Skin – the British purveyor of vegan footwear – is new for summer and comes in an array of wearable shades. This one in mint green is our favorite. Featuring a slingback, peep toe, and padded insoles for extra comfort, they are handmade in Spain.
Approx. $137, Beyond Skin

6. Olsen Haus St.Croix
These elegant tie-around sandals are 100% vegan – made from microfiber suede and faux leather. This pretty combination of white and nude is totally right for summer, but these also come in black, if that’s more your thing. Pair with flowy summer dresses, florals or all-white.
$165, Olsen Haus

7. Rachel Comey Kiefer Sandals
Tie dye is a big trend for summer. These open toe sandals by Rachel Comey feature a bleached denim upper as well as mud leather straps and cotton laces. Pair with head-to-toe tie dye or let these be the accent of an otherwise simple outfit. Sustainably made in Peru.
$356, Rachel Comey

8. El Naturalista Sassi Sandals
Footwear by Spanish label El Naturalista is always made as natural as possible, and the company aims to bring attention to preservation and support to the environment on a global level. These stylish sandals feature a great crisscross pattern on the premium leather upper. The natural rubber outsoles are comfortable, durable and biodegrade much faster than synthetic materials.
$145, Zappos

9. Form & Fauna Garzon Flat
These beautiful bohemian criss-cross sandals by ethical shoe label Form & Fauna hit on two of summer’s trends – bright pink and animal print. Pair them with other brights for a color blocking look or use them to spice up a natural, nude look. Italian synthetic upper in pink faux reptile, patent burgundy, and crème.
Contact for price, Form & Fauna

The post 9 Sizzling Summer Sandals appeared first on EcoSalon.