Where design and sustainability cross paths

  • Share on Facebook
  • del.icio.us
  • (0) Comments

Sustainable Shoes for You and Me

8126.jpg

Shoeaholics of the world may feel a little bit better in the coming months as Payless ShoeSource has just announced plans to launch a new line of eco-friendly, sustainable shoes. The shoes will utilize materials such as organic cottons, linen and natural hemp, recycled outsoles, as well as the use of eco-smart packaging.

Payless plans to bring the new line of sustainable shoes to market in about a year, and will be comparable in price to other shoes sold in their stores. To help drive innovation, Payless has partnered with Eco-consultant Summer Rayne Oakes to oversee their green initiative.

Known across the country as an affordable retailer of shoes, Payless is in a unique position to dispel the assumption that all green products must be expensive. According to Matt Rubel, CEO of Collective Brands, Inc., the parent company of Payless ShoeSource. “Green items are often expensive and inaccessible to so many. With our mission to democratize the latest ideas in footwear and accessories, we are in the best position and proud to bring forward a green footwear line that is affordable and accessible to all.

Payless ShoeSource is the nation’s leading specialty footwear retailer and as of 2006, operates a total of 4,602 stores. By delivering great quality and value, Payless has grown into a potent force in the retail industry, and its new line of green shoes will be able to reach a wide range of customers.

further reading

Payless Website
Payless Press Release

  • Share on Facebook
  • del.icio.us
  • (0) Comments

Shoe Production, DIY Style



It’s unclear what happened to this product that Patagonia was selling for a while. It’s a DIY (do-it-yourself) Shoe that you make or “produce” yourself when it arrives. Their focus was on sustainable production through the reuse of post-industrial waste. Patagonia’s “DIY Shoe” certainly addresses the desire to customize and the need to leave a minimal footprint on the Earth. The moccasin-type shoe used to sell for $30.00 on patagonia.com. At the time it was on the market some described it as a “distinctive and easy-to-assemble shoe, requiring no glue or tools, DIY shoes provide both maximum comfort and ample opportunity for personal expression.” The design of the shoe itself is not the most amazing we’ve seen but we do have to give them credit because it’s made from leftover factory scraps and all of the parts are easily separable, repairable, and replaceable if needed.

  • Share on Facebook
  • del.icio.us
  • (0) Comments

Improving the Shoe, 5 Parts at a Time

think.jpgDesigner Ben Chappell lends his feet to improving the environmental and social impact of shoes. His concept for “Think” mixes mass customization with corporate responsibility, style with recycling. Although there is no explanation of the what the materials could be, Ecolect applaudes the notion of a take-back system by the company for recycling (and not downcycling, we hope). See images for more details. Via Yanko DesignAssembly