A lot of great eco brands make great eco shoes, but great fitness shoe brands are taking longer to catch on. For those who are fitness enthusiasts first and moving toward a more sustainable lifestyle second, the expectations for performance are higher. New Balance is answering the call with their first green shoe the New Balance 070.

The trail runner  boasts New Balance’s comfort and fit, but is made from recycled materials in a reduced waste design, meaning that as much of the original cutting material as possible is used because the elements are cut out in more of a puzzle shape. In this style, 75 percent of the upper elements are environmentally preferred materials like natural and recycled fabrics. The outsole is made of rick husk rubber and the insert is made of recycled materials. Another big eco issue with shoes is the glue used to keep it all together–here, New Balance uses water-based adhesives. Click here to read more

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Daily Greenz #140

Mama needs a new pair of shoes!  And what better time than now, in the aftermath of all that spring cleaning?  Terra Plana makes it that much more irresistible with their funky collection of eco-friendly shoes, like the quilted Juniper pump pictured here.  Not only is it ergonomic (i.e., very comfortable), it’s also made from recycled quilts from Pakistan and Bangladesh, with the forepart consisting entirely of recycled rubber.  Ever eco-responsible, Terra Plana makes all their shoes lightweight and sources material locally whenever possible, so as to minimize energy consumption.  This beautiful pump is available in four different quilt patterns and colors for $200 at www.terraplana.com.

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Daily Greenz #49

Terra Plana has been making a huge splash in London with their eco-friendly, stylish, and extremely comfortable line of men’s and women’s shoes. Made from recycled materials, their flexible soles make even their high heels a pleasure to wear. Their new line of fall/winter shoes also includes a new project called Sole of Africa. The program’s purpose is to support AIDS orphans in South Africa by teaching unemployed local women to hand-paint the shoes, guaranteeing that each pair is completely unique. Approximately $4.50 of the proceeds of every sale will be donated to charity. In recognition of such efforts, Terra Plana snared the Observer Ethical Award for 2007. Grab yourself a pair for $90 and up at terraplana.com.

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