One of the most egregious wastes in the shoe industry has been packaging. Between the paper used to stuff the shoes so they look their best to customers, to the paper used to wrap the shoes before they are enclosed in fancy shoe boxes, the sheer amount of paper and pulp used is a little ridiculous.

I mean, really, unless you store your shoes in the shoe boxes, or use shoe boxes for storage in your house, you’re just throwing all that packaging away!

Hopefully consumers recycle those materials, but all too often they sit for decades in a land fill. So it stands to reason one of the first steps shoe companies that want to go green make, it to reduce their packaging, or turn to recycled materials. Some shoe companies, especially those who focus primarily on simple sandals like flip flops, reduce further, using post consumer plastic bags or even just simple post consumer waste recycled cardboard hangers!

Either way, consumers need to do their part, by not buying into packaging. After all, the box a pair of shoes comes in is not going to make them more comfortable, more durable or more stylish. The box is just about the branding. If consumers reject copious packaging and support the companies who are doing their part by producing quality footwear and eschewing the bells and whistles of waste, we could see a packaging revolution and reduce a lot of trash and stop consuming so many unnecessary resources.

Packaging and shipping is an area Planet Shoes, as a company, is also trying to make a difference. We offer Carbon Free Plus Shipping on all orders so customers can opt to pay a little extra money and Planet Shoes collects the donations and purchases carbon offsets from CarbonFund.org. We also use minimal shipping materials to reduce paper waste.

So who among our eco-friendly brands is doing their part in the packaging revolution? Well, quite a few – and we may have even missed some!

• Groundhog - Groundhog shoes uses all recycled fibers in it’s packaging. Additionally, their tissue paper is 100% recycled and unbleached fibers.
• J-41 - J-41 shoes are shipped in 100% recycled and recyclable materials.
• Mion - Mion Shoes are packaged in recycled materials that are designed to reduce the need for glue and use soy based inks.
• Simple Shoes - Simple Shoes use 100% post consumer paper pulp foot forms and in 100% post consumer recycled boxes.
• Sanuk - Sanuk shoes and sandals are actually shipped with no packaging!
• Terrasoles - Terrasoles shoes Uses recycled materials in their packaging as well as in their shoes.
• The North Face - The North Face uses recycled materials in their packaging.

Many of our favorite eco-friendly brands incorporate cork into their shoes. Primarily, cork is incorporated in the sole of the shoe, for decorative or for functional purposes. The reason is that cork is light, durable and almost impermeable to liquids. The other cool thing about cork is that it is a natural substance that is also sustainable.

Cork comes from the Cork Oak tree, a special variety of tree that grows and lasts about 200 years. Every nine years, the cork is literally stripped from the trunk of the trees and then the raw materials are turned into all kinds of products. Most Cork Oak trees are in Portugal, with Spain coming in second as a cork producer.

Cork is highly recyclable and its elasticity and density are what make it so popular as wine stoppers and in things like buoys. Likewise, these characteristics of cork make them great for shoes. They can absorb shock, maintain the low weight of the shoe, resist water and moisture from your feet or from your environment and now the look of cork is also highly desirable as a contrasting texture in shoe design.

So which of our favorite shoe companies use cork in their shoes, and how?

• Patagonia – Patagonia often uses cork wrapped footbeds incorporated into Patagonia sandals because cork is comfortable against the skin and wicks away moisture to keep your feet comfortable even on the hottest days.
• Rafters – Rafters sandals use cork in a different way – they blend it with rubbers and other recycled materials to reduce the amount of man made and harder to get materials. For instance, you’ll often find cork and EVA midsoles in Rafters sandals, taking advantage of the natural benefits of cork.
• Rocket Dog – Rocket Dog’s Eco Luv collection incorporates cork in several styles, including their higher wedges to keep shoes light and sustainable!
• Simple Shoes – Simple Shoes uses cork and natural latex to add a soft and squishy, yet moisture resistant and sustainable softness to their great looks!
• Terrasoles – Terrasoles shoes, like many brands, uses cork in many of its midsoles, often blended with eco friendly latex for maximum comfort while taking advantage of all of Cork’s natural properties!
• The North Face – The North Face is a leading maker of eco-friendly active footwear and they also love using a blend of cork and EVA as their midsole to maximize sustainability and comfort!
• Zumfoot – Zumfoot shoes are innovative and interesting and they use cork and rubber to create a flexible and more sustainable outsole.

Rubber, as we all know, is used in a lot of footwear. We find rubber in the soles, the footbeds and even the body of our shoes all the time. But how much do you know about rubber? Do you know, for instance, that although we can harvest this natural resource with relative ease, that we still make a synthetic version based on petroleum?

So let’s bounce around some good rubber information, shall we?

Like all materials, there are options that are more eco friendly than others. Rubber, or latex, naturally comes from trees – and not just rubber trees! According to our friends at Wikipedia, rubber is an elastomer originally derived from a natural latex found in the sap of some plants. Scientists derived the chemical makeup of natural purified rubber and then began producing it synthetically.

In the eco-friendly shoe world, there are several companies who are making the effort to move to natural rubber, which can easily be harvested from a variety of plants in a sustainable way. Many companies are also employing recycled rubbers to offset waste.

So, who is doing what?

Natural Rubber and Eco Latex

Several companies are using natural rubber and eco latex, harvested from a variety of latex producing plants. Just a few of the plants that can be tapped for natural and sustainable rubber include the Para Rubber tree, the rubber fig tree, spurges, lettuces and even dandelions! Obviously, some plants and trees can produce more latex than others. Para Rubber Trees, in fact, are considered the best producers because it responds to tapping by producing more latex!

Companies using Natural Rubber and Eco Latex

• El Naturalista
• Patagonia
• The North Face
• Zumfoot

Recycled Rubber

Another way shoe companies are moving to more eco-friendly and sustainable policies relating to rubber is by using recycled rubber. Recycled rubber comes primarily from recycled car tires, which are broken down into particulate matter so the steel reinforcement can be removed. Once the steel is out, the rubber is made into a powder which can then be made into other materials, like shoe soles. At this point, because of the challenges relating to rubber recycling surrounding the vulcanization process, recycled rubber is not as widely used as it might be. There are, however, several companies here at Planet Shoes touting their use of recycled rubber in their shoes!

• J-41
• Patagonia
• Rafters
• Simple Shoes
• Terrasoles
• The North Face
• Timberland

Terrasoles are designed for the comfort of the active person. Not only are they made from recycled materials whenever possible, they were created specifically for people transitioning from activity to relaxation. After a day of hiking, skiing the slopes or running after kids, we all need a comfortable but supportive slipper to ease us into a relaxing evening. Terrasoles are designed for that transition and as such they are versatile, attractive and super cozy.

The Tuckerman Ravine, for example, is available in a men’s slipper or for women and really exemplifies the Terrasoles design aesthetic and idea. The upper is recycled fleece which offers soft comfort to tired or chilly feet. The adjustable toggle closure means you can ensure a snug and comfortable fit and you won’t be worried about stepping out of them.

There is a removable foot bed within the slipper which offers maximum comfort flexibility and all of the materials used in the slipper are designed not to hold moisture, which means no annoying sweaty feet! There is also an outsole that offers traction so you can easily take these out on the road, ice or slippery ground without fear. Offered in attractive, but neutral colors, you’ll certainly find a pair that will work for you.

For the ladies specifically, the Terrasoles Rainier is your stylish answer to the cozy casual shoe conundrum. Patterned after the popular ballet flat, these slip on slippers come in five cute colors and can work with any outfit – whether you are hanging out at the house, off on errands or coming off the slopes and heading to a casual meal.

The recycled fleece upper offers cozy comfort and lightweight flexibility to the shoe. The foot bed, like in the Ravine is removable depending on how you like the slipper to fit and the outsole means you can take them in or out of doors. Super comfortable, feminine but casual these indoor outdoor slippers are great for everyone from college student to mom on the go.

If you’re looking for a more rugged style, Terrasoles has created that for you as well – in the Terrasoles Glacier for ladies and in the Terrasoles Snowmass for men. Both of these styles feature a super cozy wool upper with soft shearling which means your feet are encased in happy warmth.

As in all Terrasoles slippers, the foot bed is removable for your customized comfort and the materials are designed to stay dry and cozy. Both of these styles also feature a rugged foot bed that will give you the traction you need no matter the terrain.

As you can see, Terrasoles offer a high quality, versatile slipper designed to take you in or out of doors after a day of vigorous and fun activity. These slippers also make terrific gifts because of their luxiury feel and you’re supporting a company working hard to be environmentally friendly and responsible. So if you’re looking for a great, comfortable and attractive transitional casual shoe, Terrasoles are a perfect fit!