By Randy Harding

The holiday season is over, and the new year has successfully arrived. It is a great time to look for trendy shoes and boots while making a statement about the environment.

Sustainability is the new luxury.

Vegan and vegetarian leathers, eco-conscious dyes and colors, plant-based materials, and responsible sourcing have become popular and essential. As a result, buyers are not only searching for luxury, comfort, and style, but now they’ve added sustainability to their list of must-have traits for their shoes and boots. 

Throughout this article, you will find all the information you need to know about shoes and boots that are fashionable, stylish, comfortable, and help you sustain your health and the health of our planet.

CONTENTS

• Types of Shoes
• Types of Boots
• Material Types
• Sustainability

TYPES OF SHOES

There are so many women’s shoes that it can be overwhelming at times but don’t stress because we will break it down for you. Here is a list of each type:

1 FLATS

Flats are known mainly for their comfort and versatility. Wear them as everyday or formal footwear. This type of women’s shoes‘ most defining characteristic is their heel-less flat, thin sole. In addition, many kinds of materials, including leather, rubber, plastic, and wood, can be utilized. Furthermore, you slip them on instead of strapping or tying them.

1.1 Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are low-cut shoes that expose the top of the foot and have a closed toe and a low heel. Manufacturing material options include cloth or leather. These women’s shoes originated in the mid-1700s from ballerina slippers worn at that time. They were launched into the mainstream in the early 1900s by Anna Pavlova, a Russian prima ballerina, who ordered them from Italian shoemaker Salvatore Capezio for her entire troop.

In 1941, Claire McCardell, an American sportswear designer, had Capezio create a selection of flats for her collection. As a result, high-end retailers began promoting the women’s shoes in their stores. The style caught fire in the mid-1950s when Brigitte Bardot donned a bright red pair in the 1956 movie “And God Created Women.”

Audrey Hepburn further catapulted the women’s shoe style into the stratosphere when she wore a custom-designed pair of Ferragamo ballet flats in the 1954 blockbuster movie “Roman Holiday.” Ballet flats combine elegance and comfort in a women’s shoe that provides versatility and ease of wear. These flats can be worn with almost anything but are most popular with Capri pants, skinny jeans, or casual dresses.

1.2 Pointed-Toe Flats

These women’s shoes are a version of ballet flats that expose your foot’s top, but with a pointed toe. In contrast to most pointed-toe shoes that can squeeze the front of your foot and toes together, causing pain and discomfort, pointed-toe flats are designed not to crush your foot.

Their sleek shape lends more style than a ballet flat, so you can wear them with slightly more formal outfits for work like a pantsuit or even skinny jeans with a jacket.

1.3 D’Orsay Flats

Named after French Count Alfred Guillaume Gabriel, D’Orsay flats became popular in the early 1800s. Count D’Orsay, who married into the British aristocracy, became known for wearing stylish shoes with the sides cut out. In addition, he was also known for his stylish hats and coats. These women’s shoes expose the wearer’s top and side of the foot and ankle, so they are sexy and fashionable.

1.4 Slip-Ons

These shoes for women are low cut like the other flats, and like loafers, have no buckles, laces, or straps. They have a more sporty look, are relaxed comfortable, and pair great with a casual outfit.

1.5 Moccasins

Thought to be the oldest shoe in existence, moccasins are shoes that originated before 10,000 BC. Native Americans of the Algonquin tribes used the word to describe the footwear they designed, usually using deerskin or some other soft animal hide to protect their feet.

Each tribe had its variation of the shoes using different soles and seams used to secure the hide at the top of the shoe. Variations of the shoes using other soles and seams European settlers on the east coast of the U.S. began wearing moccasins when supplies from England and quality shoemakers both became scarce.

Moccasins have sides tacked with a vamp and soles without a heel. In addition, materials used include deerskin, soft leather, or suede. They can be worn as slippers while at home or worn with casual clothing for a laid-back style.

1.6 Boat Shoes

While created in 1935 by Paul Sperry to prevent sailors from falling while on the deck of their ships, the defining characteristic of these shoes is the non-marking rubber sole. Sperry observed his dog walking without slipping on the ice or snow one day. Upon closer inspection, Sperry noticed grooves in the paws and then emulated those grooves in the soles of his shoes.

Initially, he used a canvas upper, but Sperry introduced the leather upper just a few years later. Today these shoes are manufactured using leather, canvas, or suede and are a popular casual look worn with jeans or shorts.

2 HEELS

High-heels were introduced in the 15th century in Venice by aristocratic women as a status symbol. Caterina de’ Medici continued the trend in the 16th century, and Louis XIV wore them to make up for his modest height. By the Victorian era, women of all classes wore high heels to keep their dresses from dragging on the ground. Today, the medical community understands the health risks, including often irreversible biomechanical effects of high-heeled shoe wear. So, why do so many women still choose to wear uncomfortable and potentially dangerous heels?

Researchers completed biomechanical analyses and found two main reasons: a) High heels give women a more feminine gait. The raised heel shortens a women’s stride and increases the rotation and tilt of the women’s hips. This exaggeration of femininity may make high-heeled women more desirable to men, b) Males prefer women with a particular lumbar curvature, and wearing high heels mimics this optimal lumbar curvature.

Heels have become one of the most iconic types of women’s shoes and fashion trends. Their ability to flatter a woman’s calves, legs, and feet while adding a boost in height makes them the preferred accessory for formal or evening wear. However, high heels can be brutal to walk in and very uncomfortable. Consequently, the longer you have to wear them, the less likely they will be an option.

Heels can range in height from one to eight inches and are available in various uppers. There are dozens of variations of these women’s shoes, but we’ll focus on only several of the most common choices.

2.1 Pumps

Around the 1500s, the flat shoes worn by men and servants were called “pompes.” As fashion trends progressed, the heels became higher, and these “Court” shoes became synonymous with wealth and power. In the mid-1600s, King Louis XIV required those who entered his court to wear pumps with high red heels.

Through the centuries, Court shoes evolved from men’s shoes to embellished heeled shoes worn by women in Europe. Three different heel types emerged during the 1700s, French, English, and Italian heels. French heels were curved, and mid-height, English heels were lower and thicker, and Italian heels were spiked and higher.

Today, pumps are heels known to slip onto the foot and require no buckling or tying. These women’s shoes sport many types of heels but are best known for their use of tall spiked heels. They are a perfect accessory for business and professional attire and the most iconic.

2.2 Stilettos

Salvatore Ferragamo invented the steel shank for women’s shoes in 1929. Without that, the construction of these women’s shoes with high heels and arches would be nearly impossible. While taking anatomy classes at USC earlier in the 1920s, Ferragamo learned that the body’s weight rested mainly on the foot’s arch. That was the inspiration he needed to design a ground-breaking solution. The steel shank helped alleviate the intense pain experienced when wearing his high heels without any arch support.

Stilettos are skinny and very high heels (up to 8 inches) named after the stiletto dagger. They allow women to show off their added height while showcasing their legs, ankles, and the top of their feet. These women’s shoes pair with a sexy dress, skirt, or hot pants.

2.3 Kitten Heels

Kitten heels also date back to Louis XIV of France, who wore both kitten and chunk style heels that were red. The trend became so popular that it spread across Europe to other royalty who wore them at their coronations.

These women’s shoes are similar to stilettos but are much lower and, as a result, more comfortable to wear. For example, you can wear them at the office or events where much standing or walking is required.

2.4 Peep Toes

Peep toes appeared for the first time in the 1940s and described more the upper than the type of heel utilized. So, for example, your toes show at the front of the shoe through a cut-out.
Peep toes feature many heel types and will show off your beautifully manicured feet at least a few of the toes. They are more formal than other open-toe shoes, so they are made to be worn with dresses or skirts.

2.5 Platform Heels

UK designer, Vivienne Westwood, re-inserted these women’s shoes into the fashion industry in the early 1990s. Platform heels feature a platform under the toes so that the inclination of the foot is less than wearing a standard heel. As a result, they are much more comfortable to wear and have become more popular.

You get the added height benefit that a high heel gives you and minor discomfort and stress on the arch of your foot. In addition, platform heels pair with skirts, jeans, and shorts, so you can wear them for just about any occasion.

2.6 Block Heels

Block heels are distinguished from other heels by their large, square-shaped heel. They come in different uppers and heights and are known for their comfort and versatility. Launched in 1965 by shoe designer Roger Vivier, they are popular among women today.

This type of women’s shoe is much easier to walk in due to the added stability of the larger heel, and the size of the heel prevents it from getting stuck in sidewalk cracks or grates. In addition, they look great when paired with a business suit or a nice pair of slacks.

2.7 Mules

Mule’s etymology comes from Ancient Rome. The Latin word “mule” refers to both backless shoes and slippers. From the 16th century to the 19th century, mules were bedroom or boudoir slippers. They did not wear them in public.

Today, mules are heels with no back strap or support for your foot. They are easily slipped on and usually feature an open toe, but they may take some practice to walk in. Mules show off more of your foot, which is sexier than shoes with an entire upper. Pair them with skinny jeans, skirts, or short dresses.

2.8 Sling Back

Sling backs feature a strap around the back of the foot over the Achilles tendon. The strap helps with stabilization and keeps the shoe from moving around on your foot. In addition, it lends a bit of style and elegance.

These women’s shoes became popular in the 1940s. For example, pin-up girls used them in photoshoots, exposing their ankles and heels. In fact, large companies used them in their advertising and on magazine covers.

2.9 Ankle Strap

Ankle strap heels feature a small back that envelops the heel and Achilles’ tendon and a strap that goes around the front of the ankle and is either buckled or tied. These women’s shoes provide more foot stability than slingbacks or mules and add elegance and style.

2.10 Birdcage Heels

Salvatore Cangemi invented birdcage heels in 1952. Also known as cage heels, they are known for their heel, which looks like a birdcage constructed of heavy wire. Some designers have placed birds or even a monkey inside the cage heel, showcasing their sense of humor.

2.11 Cone Heels

Launched into the fashion world in the 1980s by French fashion designer Maud Frizon, cone heels are just as their name describes. They are heels shaped like a cone and are largest where the heel attaches to the upper. Their cone shape is very stylish. Consequently, pair them with just about any type of outfit.

2.12 Flare Heels

Flare heels originated in the 1970s and were named so because they emulate flared jeans. The heels are smaller at the top, attaching to the bottom of the upper, and becoming more expansive as the heel touches the floor. They pair perfectly with bell-bottom jeans and dresses and skirts that flare out at the bottom.

2.13 Lace-up Heels

These women’s shoes are similar to ankle strap heels which have a back on the shoe that helps support and protect the heel and Achilles tendon. The difference is that instead of straps and buckles to help secure the shoe onto the foot, these shoes have laces that wrap around the ankle and then tie just like a classic ballerina slipper.

2.14 Spool Heels

This type of women’s shoes originated in Europe during the 1600s and was aptly named with heels shaped like a cotton spool. These Baroque period heels also became very popular in the mid-1800s.

A variation in the shape of this heel is called the French or Louis heel. It has a larger top where the heel attaches to the upper than the tapered bottom, touching the floor. Their shape makes them much easier and more comfortable to walk in than a slim, pointed heel. Pair them with semi-formal or formal outfits.

3 LOAFERS

Even though loafers are a common choice for men, they are also an increasingly popular option for women’s shoes. Their design originated from Native American moccasins, which slipped on and had no heel. Shoe manufacturers began using the name for that type of footwear in the 1930s.

Loafers usually have a small heel and can be slipped on without being tied or buckled. There are versions made for women with a raised heel and ornamental stitching or tassels, perfect for the office that requires everyday formal wear.

3.1 Penny Loafers

Penny loafers are the most traditional variation of loafers and feature a slot in a leather strap built into the shoe’s upper part. Each slot holds one penny. They are a classic and every boy’s first dress shoe (no laces). It is a lifelong wardrobe staple and the most versatile shoe you will ever slip-on.

Why a penny? In the 1930s, the cost of a call in a phone booth was only two cents. Each shoe holds a penny, so the person wearing them had what they needed to make an emergency call from a phone booth.

3.2 Tassel Loafers

Designed after World War II at the request of Paul Lukas, a famous actor that starred in “Watch on the Rhine,” tassel loafers became very popular. During his travels, he discovered a shoe in Europe that had tassels on the end of the shoelaces and wanted shoemakers in New York and Los Angeles to design something that featured the tassels.

4 OXFORDS

Oxfords are manufactured using only one piece of leather and are known for their distinctive look and closed lacing. For example, the eyelet tabs aren’t visible due to their stitching.

This women’s shoe has been around in various forms since the mid-1600s. Named after Oxford University in England, the style became popular among students in the late 1800s. In fact, the students had become tired of wearing boots and opted for a better solution.

4.1 Saddle Shoes

Saddle shoes are a stylish and functional low-heeled Oxford in white leather and have been around since 1906. They get their name from the contrast-colored piece of leather that reinforces the shoe’s instep. The most common color for that piece is black, but brown and blue are also very popular.

These women’s shoes have a reinforced instep providing added support and stability for rigorous activities. Designed for indoor sports, golfers still use them today. For example, they possess both the support and the wardrobe formality required by golf courses. Saddle shoes enjoyed renewed popularity in the 1950s when dancers wore them while performing popular swing dances like the Jitterbug.

5 PLATFORM

Platform shoes feature thick soles which can range from one to six inches in height. Originally worn by actors, they originated in ancient Greece about 600 BC. The more prominent the character in the play, the higher the platform shoe they wore.

People used platforms to keep clothes from getting soiled or wet in the Middle Ages while walking on the streets. Furthermore, platform shoes became popular with the French elite in the mid-1500s when Catherine de Medici wore them to enhance her tiny frame.

5.1 Platform Heels

A Platform heel is raised significantly higher at the front of the foot and is more comfortable than standard high heels. However, we advise caution because wearing these elevated women’s shoes requires good balance and practice.

6 CLOGS

Clogs dated back to the 13th century in the Netherlands and were traditionally carved entirely out of wood.

They were designed and made to protect the feet from damage while working outdoors or gardening. In fact, clog shoes feature a raised sole and heel, usually the same height.

Over the last few centuries, clogs for women have transformed from a clumsy-looking carved block of wood into a stylish and comfortable option. Wear them for almost any occasion.

6.1 Cork Clogs

One of the most popular clogs styles features a sole manufactured of cork. Cork originates from the bark of the cork oak tree. It grows in southwest Europe and northwest Africa. The harvest occurs every nine years without damaging the tree because the bark regenerates, thus earning an environmental-friendly sustainability reputation.

Humanity has used cork in many forms over the last 5,000 years and possesses remarkable traits. It is fire retardant, buoyant, has a cushioning elasticity, and is impermeable. It is best known for its use as stoppers in wine bottles; it has incredible health benefits as soles for shoes.
The health benefits of cork when used as soles in shoe manufacturing include shock absorption, moisture-wicking, and lighter weight. In addition, the cork’s extra cushioning properties alleviate the pressure on the Achilles tendon and help prevent shin splints when walking on hard surfaces. Its ability to draw sweat away from the feet also prevents the formation of bacteria and foot odor.

7 SANDALS

Sandals originated in ancient Greece around 500 BC and were leather. The type of sandal worn by individuals spoke to their class and position in society.

Sandals are a traditional women’s shoe worn during the summer and usually expose a large part of the foot. They are flat-soled and lightweight due to the amount of material used. Sandals are generally made of plastic, rubber, or leather and are usually a comfortable option for shopping, gym, pool, or casual events.

7.1 Flip Flops

Flip flops are most likely the most popular type of sandal in existence. They are inexpensive and have a minimalist design, usually utilizing a y-shaped strap that slides between the toes to hold it in place. Moreover, flip flops are either plastic or rubber, so they are water-resistant.

Since they allow the feet to breathe and accommodate swelling or expansion due to heat, flip flops are popular for walking on hot summer days, running errands, or coming from a workout. They fit perfectly with shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, and even a casual sundress.

7.2 Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals originated in the 3rd century BC and were used by professional Roman fighters while fighting in arenas in front of large crowds. These shoes had a distinct style characterized by many thin straps attached to the shoe’s sole that ran up and horizontally over the foot.

Today, women’s gladiator sandals are similar to their Roman predecessors and are usually leather. They are a comfortable option to wear with casual outfits like shorts, sundresses, and jeans.

7.3 Slides

Slides (aka Sliders) are sandals that sport one large strap that runs from the sole up over the top of the foot near the toes.
They are famous for being used as shower shoes due to their water resistance and protection against athletes’ feet, commonly found on shower floors.

Athletes wear these because they don’t want to wear their sports shoes while traveling to their practice or game sites.
Slides allow them to put their socks on and slide into a sandal, usually made of rubber, which is easy to take off before putting their sports shoes on once they have arrived at the venue.

8 SNEAKERS

The first sneakers, created by U.S. Rubber in 1892, were called Keds. Using rubber soles and canvas tops, they were nicknamed sneakers due to the person wearing them walking without being heard. Mass production began in 1917, and soon after, Converse created the first sneaker made exclusively for playing basketball.

Sneakers are a lightweight and comfortable choice with a flat rubber sole and don’t usually offer a high level of support like trainers. They are designed to provide more protection for the feet than sandals but use a durable, lightweight, and flexible canvas material.

Sneakers can be worn with shorts and jeans and look cute with summer dresses. They are perfect for casual events and shopping because they are much easier to walk in than most other shoes.

9 BLUCHERS

Bluchers, named after an 18th century Prussian General, Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher, commissioned a boot for his troops with added side pieces positioned over the front of the boot. In fact, due to their popularity, troops throughout Europe wore them.

Today, bluchers are worn extensively and associated with British style and charm.

Bluchers are similar to Oxfords in their appearance but feature open lacing instead of closed lacing like Oxfords. For example, the vamp or upper is a single piece of leather integrated into the tongue, and the eyelet tabs are on top.

Leather bluchers are elegant and the most comfortable of this type of shoe. In fact, they provide a classic look with just about any outfit. Wear them with pantsuits, skirts, dresses, and slacks.

10 TRAINERS

Trainers are another name for sports shoes. The most popular trainers are running shoes, but you can also include court shoes like basketball and tennis in this category.

10.1 Running Shoes

Running shoes typically have laces that securely bind them according to an athlete’s need. For example, they secure, support, and protect the foot during the intense forces encountered during impact, stopping, starting, and changing direction. In addition, pair these women’s shoes with shorts, jeans, or sweatpants, for an effortless casual look.

11 WEDGE

The first wedge shoes, invented by Salvatore Ferragamo in 1936, were wood and cork. Their soles are usually two to four inches thick and offer added height like platform shoes. However, instead of the shoe’s heel being centered under the heel of your foot like they are in most variations of high heels, the wedge-shaped heel continues from the heel forward to the ball of the foot. This structure creates an inclination from the heel to the toe.

Wedges are more comfortable and casual than stilettos, so they are a natural choice for the warmer months. However, they look best when paired with maxi dresses or skirts, flared jeans, or shorts. Wedges also have more stability, and the heel will not get stuck in the cracks of a sidewalk and break off.

11.1 Espadrilles

Espadrilles are wedge sandals with a canvas upper and a sole made of rope. They originated in Spain around 2000 BC and are highly popular in Europe. The Catalan root for espadrille refers to the esparto plant, originally used to create the rope used in the soles. Today, jute and hemp are the most used plants to produce the rope.

These women’s shoes gained worldwide popularity in the 1940s when Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall wore them in their blockbuster movies. Once seen onscreen, everyone wanted a pair for themselves.

TYPES OF BOOTS

Boot variations depend upon the height of the shaft. The shaft is the boot section that rises from the arch upward and measures from your foot’s bottom to the top of the boot. For example, calf boots rise above the ankle and fall below the knee in the calf area of your leg.

Like shoes, there are numerous boots available in the marketplace. In fact, they are most prevalent during Fall and Winter. However, wear them year-round with just about any outfit due to their versatility. Here is a list of each type of boot:

1 ANKLE BOOTS

The shaft of these women’s boots rises to the level of your ankle. Fastening options for boots can be slip-on, have zippers, buckles, or laces.
Their stylish appearance lends a classy look to just about any outfit. For example, boots with a little higher heel dress up, a pair of skinny jeans, tight pants, or a skirt. They are perfect to wear at the office or for a professional event and trendy during Fall.

2 CALF BOOTS

The shaft of this variation of women’s boot rises onto the calf portion of your leg but stays below the knee. Calf boots come in various designs and heel types like ankle boots but typically have a zipper or laces due to the height of the boot on your leg.

These boots are popular in winter because they keep your legs warm and protect your feet from water and snow. They pair perfectly with a dress or skirt.

3 THIGH HIGH

Thigh-high boots get their name from the shaft of these women’s boots reaching up to the lower or mid-thigh. In addition, they come in different heel types and are most popular in leather and suede.

If you wear fitted jeans, thigh-high boots look fantastic and make a fashion statement. They can be worn any time of the year but are usually too warm for summer.

4 COMBAT

Combat boots are military-inspired casual calf boots. They utilize laces just like military boots and have the same clunky, sturdy design. These women’s boots go great with just jeans and a t-shirt but pair well with a skirt or jean jacket.

5 COWBOY

Cowboy boots are slip-on calf-high boots. They have a pointed toe, so the boot easily slides into a stirrup and a prominent heel that keeps the boot from sliding forward through the stirrup. In addition, cowboy boots are made of leather to protect feet from the abrasion of stirrups, horses, venomous snakes, and barb wire.

These women’s boots can be paired with jeans or skirts and are popular when going line dancing or out to a western-themed nightclub.

6 RAIN

This boot was designed merely for the practical purpose of preventing your feet from getting wet. Rain boots are typically rubber, are not insulated, and are waterproof. Their shaft usually rises to the upper calf region of your leg or to just below the knee so water will not splash into the boot.

Women’s rain boots are a must-have if you live in a region that receives a large amount of annual rainfall or snow.

MATERIAL TYPES

Shoe and boot manufacturing use three primary materials: 1) animal, 2) plant, and 3) synthetic. See them here below broken down by category:

1 ANIMAL

1.1 Cowhide/Horsehide Leather

Cattle and horse leather is the most widely used material for shoes and boots due to its durability and the many variations it offers. Here is a list of the most commonly used leathers in shoe and boot making:

1.2 Shell Cordovan

This type of leather is the rarest and most sought-after of all leathers. It comes from the hindquarters of a horse. Naturally water and stretch-resistant due to high pore density, it is the hardest to tan and work. For instance, tanning can take up to six months, and very few tanneries can handle it. Shoes made of Cordovan are expensive but will last for 50 years or more if cared for properly.

1.3 Roughout

This leather utilizes the rough flesh side of the hide as the outside of the shoe. It is durable enough for heavy use, breathes better than rough-in leather, and has a soft nappy feel that doesn’t require shining.

1.4 Suede

Like roughout, suede utilizes the rough flesh side of the hide. The main difference is that the hide is sanded and buffed down to a texture that makes it thin and pliable. That’s why it is so popular for making gloves and other delicate clothing.

1.5 Calfskin

The source of this leather is young calves and has a fine grain that is durable and free of imperfections. Calfskin is thin and pliable leather that lasts for years if cared for properly and responds very well to a high polish.

1.6 Vegetable Tanned

This leather is tanned using tree bark and vegetable matter. The result is a stiff leather that, over time, softens, darkens, and has a fantastic sheen to it. However, water will cause this leather to shrink and crack when it dries, so follow proper care for it to last.

1.7 Pull-Up

This type of leather is aniline or chrome-dyed in a drum and then finished by heavily oiling and waxing it. The result is very soft leather which changes color when stretched or pulled when used in manufacturing. In addition, it is a very low-maintenance product that readily absorbs scrapes and scuffs.

1.8 Reptile

For many years, artisans have used reptile skins as an alternative to horse and cattle hides, especially in areas where large reptiles are indigenous. Unfortunately, they are more expensive here in the U.S. due to their difficulty to acquire, and some of the species are also on the endangered list, so they are not a responsible option.

2 PLANT

2.1 Cork

As outlined in the Cork Clogs section of this article, cork’s properties include impermeability, buoyancy, elasticity, fire retardation, and extremely lightweight.

2.2 Wood

Wood, other than cork, is still being used extensively to make heels for women’s shoes and boots. It is also a preferred choice for making heels for cowboy boots. Of course, don’t forget about Dutch wooden clogs manufactured exclusively of wood.

2.3 Hemp

The use of hemp thread in shoemaking dates back to the 14th century. Hemp has a 23% higher resistance to tearing than other threads, and it is waterproof, so it makes an excellent choice for manufacturing.

2.4 Jute

One of the most affordable fibers available on the market today, jute is used to produce rope and thread. It is most widely used to make burlap bags or gunny cloth, but it is also prevalent in manufacturing espadrilles in Bangladesh, the world’s largest producer of jute.

2.5 Cotton

Many garments and shoes use cotton due to its versatility and breathability. In addition, it is also mixed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to manufacture canvas, one of the most popular materials used to manufacture sneakers.

2.6 Linen

Linen is derived from the flax plant and is widely used as a very popular fabric and for thread in the manufacturing of shoes and boots due to its strength and durability. This fabric is also mixed with PVC to manufacture canvas.

2.7 Silk

Silk is used in several ways in shoemaking, from the cloth used in the upper to the thread used for stitching due to its natural elasticity. In addition, it also lends a beautifully natural sheen when used as the fabric for a women’s upper.

3 SYNTHETIC

3.1 Rubber

Natural rubber, comprised of latex, a milky substance found in rubber-producing plants, is primarily found in South American rainforests, India, and Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, today’s manufacturing of boots and shoes for both soles and uppers primarily uses synthetic rubber.

3.2 Plastic

The plastic used in shoe and boot-making comes in many forms. Some of the variations include polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyurethane (PU), which is rigid; ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which is tough and flexible; and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is flexible and has elasticity.

3.3 Polyester

Polyethylene terephthalate is the chemical name for polyester. The garment and shoe industry widely uses this fiber. In fact, you can find it both inside and outside of shoes and boots due to its durability, fire retardant, and lightweight properties.

3.4 Nylon

Polyamide is the chemical name for nylon. Shoe and boot manufacturing commonly use both nylon and polyester in manufacturing. Nylon is more expensive to produce. However, it is more durable and weather-resistant than polyester but has one-fifth of the worldwide production.

3.5 Steel

The manufacture of shoes and boots commonly uses steel shanks, plates, and toes. The shanks and plates reinforce the shape of the shoe or boot and help maintain the shape. In addition, steel toes in safety shoes and boots help protect against foot injury from heavy items crushing your toes.

SUSTAINABILITY

Several factors make sustainability in shoe and boot manufacturing significantly more critical. First, the sheer volume of shoes and boots produced is estimated to contribute approximately 700 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions to our atmosphere each year.

Besides the emissions, the use of toxic chemicals in tanning and manufacturing, plus the synthetic products produced using petroleum products, presents a massive threat to our environmental well-being.

Eco-friendly alternatives must be used when available instead of using products or processes that harm our environment. Here are some of the materials used and processes that are eco-friendly alternatives:

1 LEATHER TANNING

The process of converting animal hides to leather is called tanning. There are various ways in which tanning occurs, which plays a significant role in the characteristics of the finished product. In addition, they also impact the environment differently.

Chromium tanning was developed in 1858 to replace more expensive and time-consuming vegetable tanning. This less natural process involves soaking the hides in acidic salts using acids, chromium sulfates, and other chemicals. Unfortunately, these chemicals harm our environment, and the industry is under heavy scrutiny as more environmental regulations emerge.

Vegetable tanning is an environmentally friendly method that has been used for thousands of years and uses a solution comprised of tree bark like oak or chestnut. Unfortunately, only about 10% of the leather worldwide is tanned using this method due to its high cost, skillful, and lengthy process. Still, this leather can be considered biodegradable and eco-friendly.

2 VEGETABLE LEATHER

Vegetable leathers are produced solely from plants. Examples include desert cactus, grapes, mushrooms, pineapples, and mangos. In fact, vegan or vegetable leathers’ processing doesn’t use toxic chemicals or harmful substances. In addition, they are hand-processed, and these leathers also do not create sourcing issues.

The cactus is naturally abundant, and the grape source is grape waste leftover after winemaking. The mushrooms used in the vegan leather are harmful to trees, so their removal helps the forest, and the mango leather utilizes only discarded mangos.

Some plant or fruit “leathers” are starting to gain traction. One of them is obtained from the leaves of pineapples grown in the Philippines and is called Piñatex. Its production is much more sustainable than traditional leather and is completely animal-free. Piñatex requires less water and no harmful chemicals that are ecologically toxic to wildlife. The leftover leaf waste is recycled and used for fertilizer or biomass.

3 WOOL

Wool is considered one of the most eco-friendly materials used in manufacturing women’s shoes and boots. It uses approximately 70% less water than cotton and about 20% less energy than polyester to produce the same fabric.

Since fleece is sheared from sheep annually and then regrows, it has a very low environmental impact and is the most sustainable of animal materials used in manufacturing.

4 CORK

Cork is one of the most environmentally responsible materials used to make women’s shoes and women’s boots. For example, they periodically strip the bark, which naturally regenerates. As a result, the trees continue to live and thrive.

In addition, forests of cork prevent the degradation of the land they are on and provide a sanctuary to many endangered species.

Cork trees absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide, over 40,000 pounds, during their lifetime, which keeps the gas out of the atmosphere. The trees live over 200 years, so a lot of carbon dioxide is being kept out of the atmosphere.

Cork and its by-products are also biodegradable, so when you add that to its health benefits when used in shoes and boots, you have a huge win-win.

5 HEMP

Manufacturing has used this natural fiber in rope, paper, fuel, and cloth for thousands of years. But unfortunately, political pressure from competing materials like cotton and plastic outlawed it.

Hemp grows easily, requires little water, and needs no pesticides. It returns nutrients to the soil and absorbs carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is only returned to the atmosphere if the plant is burned or composted. Consequently, during manufacturing, the gas is retained.

Almost everything made with cotton, corn, or soy, can be made sustainably with hemp. It is biodegradable, takes up relatively little room, and produces more pulp per acre than trees.

6 JUTE

Europeans discovered Jute as a substitute for flax in the late 1800s. Like hemp, it grows easily without pesticides, enhances soil fertility, absorbs carbon dioxide, and releases oxygen faster than trees.

In addition, it is also completely biodegradable, recyclable, and uses only natural rainwater to grow. Jute is another sustainable option like hemp that fights the adverse effects of cotton on our planet.

WRAPPING UP

Sustainability is an initiative to preserve the resources and our lives on earth. The three main principles of sustainability are economy, society, and the environment. Dozens of materials are called sustainable, including those that continue to harm our community and environment.

There are some criteria to consider when thinking about sustainability. Does the material degrade soil, is it derived from petroleum products or uses too much water relative to what it produces? If the answer is yes to any of the questions, then those materials do not positively impact earth’s resources or our lives. We cannot live without water, we cannot grow without fertile soil, and we cannot continue to rely upon fossil fuels. Utilizing eco-friendly alternatives preserves our planet and resources and improves our way of life.

Today, we are experiencing a considerable change in consumer behavior as millennials and generation Z reach the market. Most baby boomers inherently consider luxury brands exclusive due to their high price, exceptional quality, and scarcity. Many luxury brands mass-produce, generating huge excess of products in secondary markets like outlets and consequently are not sustainable. These long-established brands do not comply with the new definition of luxury demanded by new generations.

The meaning of luxury is shifting from being a synonym of “economic status” to incorporating the principles of purpose-driven quality products with cultural credibility and values. In other words, social harmony comes through sustainability/eco-friendly products, processes, and companies.

Sustainability is the new luxury! At eVogued you can explore some of these new brands making a difference.

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