The great American Southwest is mecca for many to get out of their skins and absorb big sky and red rock. But inspiring enough to start a shoe line?

Yes, my southwestern sister.

After Manimal founder/designer, Kristen Lombardi, took her first trip to the desert (she a native New Englander), she was completely inspired to create shoes capturing the essence of the space.

She says her interest in traditional costumes and animal forms also influences the design of each moccasin and accessory (she has great jewelry and bags too), with her design process “driven by a deep appreciation for the almost forgotten world of artisan crafts and craftsmanship.”

Let’s let it be known that these desert shoes are just as happy in the city (she is based out of Brooklyn, after all), and look great with just about anything.

All pieces are handmade by a team of no more than three craftspeople in Brooklyn, New York, utilizing recycled leather scraps whenever possible. Kristen is also growing the vegan side of her line which is almost as inspiring as all that open southwestern space.

Will they inspire you to smoke peyote and run wild through the sage brush? They just might, tumbleweed.

Leave a comment below to win a pair of these amazingly soft, vegan, Rib Cage Flats. (For complete giveaway info, go here. And for FTC compliance info, here.)

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