Potentially the World’s Cutest Shoes

A few weeks ago, while engaged in my daily blog perusal, I came across these shoes on ecofabulous. I think I may have started to drool. I wished that some day, should the shoe gods smile upon me, I would get to try them on, perhaps on my next trip to one of the coasts. Imagine my surprise and delight, then, when I found them at Shu Global Footwear, just up the road in St. Paul, MN! Obviously, I had to try them on (and a few other pairs from the line for good measure).

Before I talk about my shopping trip, I should let you know a bit about why these shoes, made by El Naturalista, are indeed eco-fabulous. Although they use leather, which will not impress vegans, the company engages in the highest standards of pro-environment business practices. They use natural materials and dyes, including many that are biodegradable and recycled/recyclable. They use the least amount of chemicals possible to treat the leather, and on top of all of that, they fund the building of schools and other resources for children in Peru.

And then there’s the whole part about how they feel on your feet.

First of all, if you think they’re cute in the picture, that’s nothing compared to seeing them in person. They look and feel like top-of-the-line designer shoes. Solid. Smooth. Unique. Tailored just for my feet, the recycled polyurethane inner lining wraps itself around my feet like gentle, supportive hands. Perfect for winter, but also suitable for fall and maybe even the first half of spring, they truly stand out in a crowd.

OK, so I bought them – I couldn’t help it. Gentle, supportive hands! Helping children in Peru!