TreeHugger Picks: Hip Feet on the Street
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 05.12.06
We TreeHuggers spend most days tied to our keyboards and laptops, so when we get a chance to head outside, we don't want to wear just anything to put our feet on the street. Here are some shoes to help us all release our inner hipster.
1) Hemp Converse All-Stars -- a straight-up classic with a new TreeHugger twist.
2) Terra Plana makes efficient use of natural materials, while minimizing toxins and glues.
3) Loomstate Vans blend Loomstate's love for 100% organic cotton with the classic Vans styling.
4) The Veja Trainer is made from Brazilian organic cotton and Amazonian natural rubber, though it has a decidedly European vibe.
5) Worn Again's style comes from used coffee bags, second-hand t-shirts, military jackets and scrap car-seat leather, and they make it all work.
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I have a pair of the Worn Again's. I have to say they're quite comfortable and have held up to some pretty serious wear so far. What I would like to see is a pair of "work appropriate" (read: goes with business suit) shoes that are green(black)
what, no Blackspots?
-sjbrown
What, no mention of Veggie Vogs? Thank goodness companies are bringing design to green living--being conscious does not mean I want to look like a Phish fan.
How about some of these instead of Converse?
http://www.nosweatapparel.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=5040&Category_Code=NSS&Product_Count=4
I just bought a pair of Terra Plana Worn again's from their shop here in NY, and although they are recycled and pretty hip, they are manufactured in China, and do not seem very well made. We'll see how they hold up to this summer.
How about the Blackspot line? Organic hemp and recycled tire soles. I have the classic and it has hold up well. Google "blackspot" and you'll hit it.
The Blackspot v2 is pretty slick:
http://tinyurl.com/g7qav
http://www.nosweatstuff.com.au/prod_foot.html - for Aussies.
Does anyone know if those hightop Loomstate vans are vegan? I can't seem to find any information on construction materials - clearly organic cotton, but I can't tell if there is anything else.
What the... Where's the blackspots?
http://adbusters.org/metas/corpo/blackspotshoes/
Check that link out...
Blackspots are just converse rip offs, which were in turn Pro-keds rip offs.
I would like some Vejas but I can't find any uk shops online that stock them.