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Designers Make Sustainability Fashionable

Sustainability and high fashion aren't exactly synonymous. But several designers are determined to change that.

Sustainability and high fashion aren’t exactly synonymous. But several designers are determined to change that.They’re offering eco-friendly (made from recycled and earth-friendly components) and vegan (containing no animal products) shoes that don’t skimp on style.


Firms include contemporary vegan line Cri de Coeur ($220 to $340, at Endless.com) from designer Gina Ferraraccio. “I realized how toxic the footwear industry was, and I wanted to do something socially responsible,” she says.

Olsenhaus ($185 to $255 at MooShoes, New York, 212.254.6512) uses nonanimal materials as well as recycled and green components and minimal PVC in its women’s and children’s shoes.

For more budget-minded shoppers, Zoe & Zac (at select Payless stores) incorporates sustainable materials like organic cotton, linen and natural hemp. The best part: the price is under $30.

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