Every January, Canvas has a tradition of sharing style resolutions, and this year I want to honor that. However, for 2021 I am going to keep things simple. My resolution is to intentionally and slowly upgrade my existing wardrobe and beauty bag with more natural, sustainable, and environmentally friendly brands. I want to try new brands that are emerging and support them where I can.

In my last blog, I shared a little bit about how our current shelter in place life has made me rethink my own wardrobe and how I want to shape it moving forward. As I sat down to write the first blog of the new year I knew I wanted to start there, but it was hard to goal set too far ahead in 2021. For much of 2020 there were a lot of false starts and dashed hopes that things would be able to return to business as usual within the year. It meant letting go of financial plans, scaling things back, and reimagining the business. In short last year was pretty emotionally exhausting (and I know I am not alone there). But, I am thankful for 2020 and how it pushed me to dig deep, consider what really mattered, and let go of what was (and is) out of my control. In short, I’m also applying those learnings to my closet.

On a personal note, the year despite the circumstances, held considerable joy with both an engagement and a petite family wedding. I still don’t know how we pulled it off, but it was a sweet celebration and managed to keep me preoccupied during what is typically a busy fall/holiday shopping season.

I am excited for what 2021 may hold, the hope of change layered on to some well-earned grit! I’m putting the final touches on a weekend workshop series dedicated to style discovery and understanding the basics of capsule wardrobing (you can sign up to find out more here). I also have grown to enjoy remote shopping trips and helping clients broaden their brand base and wardrobe mix from the comfort of home.

To kick off the year on the right foot I’ll be sharing over the next few blogs a list of my favorite brands that strive to move the needle in sustainability, environmentally responsible, and ethically made goods. The first category up? You guessed it, (the pandemic sadly has had no impact on my bad puns) footwear. Read on for a list of my favorite shoe brands and why leather may not always be the best answer to finding a durable shoe.

Stay Stylish and Be Well,

Last spring I had a handful of clients ask specifically for vegan shoe options. While leather shoes have been my historic choice given their durability, comfort, and wear, it made me question how environmentally friendly my footwear is and what are the alternatives? Finding that answer resulted in many hours of research around vegan footwear and reading the fine print of countless product descriptions.

Below is a small recap of my vegan findings and a list of my recommended vegan or leather alternative shoe brands that score equal points on style and substance.

Material World- Look at the Label

It’s a material world, and in the world of being a conscious consumer that means looking at the fine print and reading the label. Many companies are hopping on the “vegan leather” bandwagon because it’s a new hip tag-line, but ask yourself what brands are in it for the long haul? In general, fast fashion companies are more likely to mill out PU or PVC based “vegan leather” also known as pleather that can be damaging to the environment (during production and at disposal) Smaller, independent brands that have a long-standing commitment to the big three (environmentally friendly, sustainable, ethical) are more likely to invest in quality materials that are less damaging to the environment.

LEATHER ALTERNATIVE SHOE BRANDS

Allbirds

WHAT WE LOVE: Allbirds keeps innovating with new environmentally friendly materials beyond use in their products and packaging. Whether it is their Sugarcane plants from Brazil (hello insoles) or their trademark merino wool this company is committed to a stronger and smaller footprint. While these shoes are not vegan, all styles contain wool, they partner with industry leaders like ZQ Merino to ensure our wool is held to high standards of farming, land management and animal welfare.

Styles to Try: Any of these versatile lower profile silhouettes

Wool Runners $95

The Tree Skimmers $95

The Tree Toppers High Top $115

Veja

WHAT WE LOVE: Titled the “most ethical sneaker brand in the world” these shoes are equally stylish and innovative. This brand offers leather and vegan sneakers with special attention paid to the materials they use and the farmers or manufacturers they work with.

Styles to Try: This brand is all about sneakers. Below are their vegan options. Try a sporty style that can dress down a look or add a pop to your casual routine.

Rothy’s

Style Meets Sustainability

WHAT WE LOVE: Sustainability has been more than just a tagline for this company since day one. From packaging to product this company looks for ways to be better every day. They recently launched a merino wool blended shoe, so they are no longer a fully vegan company, but their original marine-grade plastic woven shoes are.

Styles to Try: Loafers, The Point, The Bow Point for a longer leaner silhoutte.

Aera

Luxury footwear without a footprint

WHAT WE LOVE: High fashion is getting into the game and we are excited by the initial ideas to have a negative impact (aka help the planet) with their product/production cycles.

Styles to Try: Making Eco-fashion a luxury, these chic vegan designs for men and women have been featured in Vogue.

Native Shoes-

WHAT WE LOVE: Native Shoes Remix™ Project: Recycling project initiative with Zappos that by 2023 every pair of their shoes will be 100% life cycle managed and reborn as playground material, seating, etc so they have a second life in the community.

Styles to Try: These vegan shoes are popular with little ones (no laces and waterproof) but they make shoes for adults in different silhouettes. If you have sweaty feet—opt for the woven or perforated designs.

Nothing New

WHAT WE LOVE: This brand was created with the goal to make a beautiful sneaker that encourages customers to consider sustainability. The clean and lux design and bright colors definitely caught our eye.

Styles to Try: This vegan brand is all about sneakers. We love the playful colors and sleek urban look.