By Blythe Copeland
Great Neck, NY, USA | Tue Jun 30 10:45:00 GMT 2009
Every man owns a pair of athletic shoes and a pair of dress shoes—but in between those two ends of the shoe spectrum is an essential wardrobe element: the casual sneaker. Comfortable enough for weekend walks but stylish enough for your favorite organic restaurant, the casual sneaker goes with just about anything in your wardrobe—and these five options, made with organic cotton, recycled PET bottles, old tires, and hemp, help you put your greenest foot forward.
Why We Like It: These vegan shoes from Toms—in charcoal with contrasting lime trim—are sleek enough for daily wear. Plus, for every pair purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to a needy child as part of its "One for One" program.
Eco-Factor: The upper part of the shoe is made from recycled twill, the sole is recycled rubber, and the faux suede insole keeps you comfortable without using high-impact materials.
Where to Wear: Around the house, around town—anywhere, really.
Where: Toms
How Much: $50
Image courtesy of Toms Shoes
Why We Like It: The sturdy Patagonia Olulu is designed to cushion your foot on long walks, while the textured upper, detailed stitching, and neutral color make it a go-to match for any outfit.
Eco-Factor: The upper and lower parts of the Olulu are stitched to trim the amount of glue and adhesive the shoe requires, while sustainable hemp replaces 50 percent of the fabric. The sustainable Latex sole is made from the milk of the hevea tree.
Where to Wear: On your daily commute (with business or casual dress).
Where: Patagonia
How Much: $110
Image courtesy of Patagonia
Why We Like It: The Vivo Barefoot Aqua is a colorful—but still manly—take on a classic shoe: With vegetable-tanned leather and blue, red, and black accents, it's unfussy and chic at the same time.
Eco-Factor: This shoe scored a 23 out of 25 through über-eco parent company Terra Plana's eco-matrix, which takes into account its light materials, minimal use of adhesives and toxins, and efficient production process.
Where to Wear: With jeans and a sweater for your next outdoor date.
Where: Terra Plana
How Much: $150
Image courtesy of Terra Plana
Why We Like It: The preppy plaid (we especially like the whitecap grey colors) and solid sole of Simple Shoes' Men's Tuba gives this pair of shoes a summery vibe that works all year, while the company's environmental policies and use of recycled materials let you feel good about where your money goes.
Eco-Factor: From the organic cotton fabric and recycled-inner-tube sole to the recycled-plastic laces and water-based glue, the Tuba is made of almost 100 percent sustainable or recycled material—even the box is made of recycled paper and printed with soy ink.
Where to Wear: To your next weekend barbecue and pick-up softball game.
Where: Simple Shoes
How Much: $70
Image courtesy of Simple Shoes
Why We Like It: From a company known for its surfer, skater, and BMX-er wear, the Vans Authentic Jute SF offers up the same wide sole and slim shape of more traditional sneakers in a go-anywhere black and tan pallet.
Eco-Factor: Made of hemp on top with bamboo footbed liners, this shoe keeps your feet snug and dry. The water-based glue and ink give production an eco-friendly jolt, and the sustainable jute around the sole shows off your planetary commitment.
Where to Wear: The skate park, a surf shop, or your next trip to the X Games.
Where: Vans
How Much: $60
Image courtesy of Vans
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