April 30th, 2009

By Melissa Segrest
Green Right Now

Many people who strive to live an environmentally aware life may often find that their “green” ways end at their feet, encased in leather.

Try as you might, getting the leather out of your life can be a challenge, especially when it comes to cute boots and shoes. But the tide is shifting, and more lines of 100 percent natural, organic and free-trade footwear are available.

Olsen Haus may be the first “vegan” line of shoes. If they aren’t the first, they’ve certainly got a leg up on the competition with their collection of cute, sometimes zany shoes.

What is a vegan shoe? Not only does it not have leather, it is made with “alternative, sustainable and renewable plant-based and man-made non-animal materials.” They don’t even use wool or silk. Olsen Haus shoes have soles of rubber, and colors that are vegan via non-toxic paints.

The company’s green ways don’t stop with their shoes. They practice fair-trade, manufacture close to home, use recycled paper for shoe boxes and try to minimize shipping materials.

Enough about that: Let’s look at their shoes.

The spring collection features trendy platform shoes with high heels  and peep-toes.  The “Balance” shoe (above right) is made of natural linen with microfibers, with kicky neon green platforms. The “Swim” (at left) is a striking mix of stripes and bright blue – all made of faux patent .

And check out the red “Groove” booties made of Italian ultra suede splattered with paint that is tres chic (right).

Olsen Haus’ shoes range from $100 for flat gladiator sandals to $235 for the black version of the Groove booties.

Designer Elizabeth Olsen is no fashion newbie: she was creative director at Tommy Hilfiger and designed for Calvin Klein, Nine West and others.

Copyright © 2008 Green Right Now | Distributed by Noofangle Media