As brands continue to take the leap into more sustainable methods of production sustainable shoes are setting the stage for quality, versatility and impeccable design when it comes to footwear.
Normally shoes are either really easy to find and you’re that person with dozens, or really difficult to find because nothing seems to fit or look right.
In this article I’m sharing with you a sustainable shoe brand based in Canada that crafts beautiful and versatile sustainable shoes for everyday wear.
From heels to summer flats, you can find your style of choice on their website that are guaranteed to be with you for the long haul.
Wearing the UpTown Heeled Boot in Biscotti
What Makes a Shoe Sustainable
Materials, design, development and manufacturing
Sustainable shoes contain materials that are free of plastic, and that don’t involve a lot of resources to make. This includes packaging, production and manufacturing in a certified factory, and purchasing methods.
Why choose Poppy Barley? Well, because for each pair crafted Poppy Barley uses zero plastic and zero waste in their packaging and operate both in a physical store and online.
They also have joined the LWD (Leather Working Group as a brand partner, The LWG certifies leather tanneries for environmental compliance and sustainable production practices. Since leather is one of the most wasteful materials Poppy Barley ensures the tanneries they work with uses clean water and disposes of chemicals properly.
Selling processes
That is safe for employees, communities and minimizes environmental impact.
Why choose Poppy Barley: They elevate their communities through sustainable challenges on social media, encouraging a more environmentally sound lifestyle.
Social values and giving back
Apart from the physical attributes, creating a social impact and giving back are both important factors when considering sustainability. Sustainability also incorporates the workplace conditions and lives of the workers making the shoes.
Why choose Poppy Barley: They donate 1% of profits back into the community, and is involved in several partnerships with Canadian foundations.
You can read more from their 2019 Sustainability Report and partnerships here: Poppy Barley Sustainable Shoes Report
Where Can I Buy Sustainable Shoes
Start off doing online research, find brands you really align with and styles you love. If you love the brand but not the styles they create there’s no point in buying. That’s not a sustainable way to shop. Instead, find shoe brands that are really specific in what you’re looking for and find out if they have an online store. Or even a physical location that’s close to you.
What Makes a Shoe Great for Everyday
Comfort durability, versatility and style
Everyday shoes need to be comfortable, versatile and well made. And while there are many great brands out there Poppy Barley offers fair prices and modern well made styles. I often find sustainable shoe brands to be either quite basic in their style and offer no wow factor, or overly trendy and meant for special occasions.
Poppy Barley’s collection of footwear is simple, minimal, and the colour range offered can easily be integrated into any wardrobe by offering natural, muted colours. They also offer a range of classic styles for men and women.
Sustainable Shoes for Men
Sustainable shoes for men are harder to find given the industry is mostly female dominated. However, Poppy Barley also has a mens line of shoes and they’re beautiful, versatile and perfect for every day.
Sustainable Heels
The UpTown Heeled Chelsea boot
I’m wearing The UpTown Heeled Chelsea Boot in Biscotti made from pebble leather, leather rubber sole, and elastic making them really comfortable. They are ethically crafted and designed in Canada. They also come in three other colours but I love the versatility of the biscotti and how well the colour looks with denim.
Sustainable heels from Poppy Barley
Sustainable Boots for Work
The classic Chelsea boot is the perfect sustainable boot option
The Chelsea boot is my favourite style for everyday casual wear, ideal for running errands or going for walks. Here I’m wearing The Chelsea Boot in Danish Brown by Poppy Barley, it’s one of their best sellers for a reason. So comfortable, versatile and well made.
I love how warm the colour is and the fact that they’re water resistance. Made from smooth water resistant leather, a rubber sole, and elastic sides I reach for them every day.
Sustainable Flats
Flats are perfect for the summer months, the hotter it is the less I want to wear heels personally. Poppy Barley offers classic Oxfords, house shoes, and my personal favourite mules. You can shop their Sustainable Flats linked.
Shop Sustainable Shoes Online
Where to buy sustainable shoes online
Buying online is easy and actually gives you access to brands not in your area. You can shop Poppy Barley online or visit any of the brands websites listed below.
A Quick List of Sustainable Shoe Brands
Apart from Poppy Barley there are some beautiful sustainable shoe brands you can shop online, here is a list of a few favourites:
- Able
- Allbirds
- Nisolo
- Rothys
- Sezane
- The Root Collective
- Toms
- Fortress of Inca
- Veja
- Native Shoes
- Matisse
- Alice & Whittles
- Everlane
For more content on sustainable fashion you can visit the following blog posts:
EILEEN FISHER cozy sustainable winter line
Capsule Wardrobes Why You Should Build One
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