Socially Conscious Shoes

[Shomore]

<a href="http://newfoundlandnews.blogspot.com/2008/02/psychology-behind-17-billion-shoe.html">This blogger</a> states that $17 BILLION was spent in one year on shoes. DIOS MIO! We could forgive the debt of a small nation-state for that amount of money. As someone with a political and social conscience, how do I feel about something like that? Well, I think we can have the best of both worlds (this being me speaking, and I always seek a win-win compromise). I think we can have our lovely shoes and still be socially conscious people.

Art collectors aren't made to feel guilty about their art collections, and I don't feel guilty about my wearable art collection -- in fact, I feel less guilty because I can utilise and wear my art! I do however try to buy from small shops and local designers pretty frequently, and I support big names' factories being rigorously examined for sweatshop issues.

There are <a href="http://www.obamastylewatch.com/made-in-italy-sweatshops-in-tuscany/">claims</a> that "Made in Italy" shoes are indeed being made in Italy, but <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2008/feb/20/world/fg-madeinitaly20">by Chinese laborers</a> in Italy who work in sweatshop conditions. I know this is not a fun thing for us shoe lovers to hear, and we don't want anyone to be suffering for what we love -- isn't that one of the reasons we pay such a high pricetag? You can write to or call the major companies that are listed in <a href="http://www.businessoffashion.com/2007/12/made-in-italy-time-for-accountability.html">this article</a> asking them to ensure that your lovely closet puppies are made in fair conditions.

In addition, I think it's great to support endeavors like <a href="http://www.tomsshoes.com/">TOMS Shoes</a>, which gives a pair of shoes to a child for every pair purchased. They've given away more than 140,000 pairs of shoes - what a lovely concept!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt3BQQ6dQaQ

From their website:

"WHY SHOES? Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot.

Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation.

Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

There is one simple solution...SHOES.

Of the planet's six billion people, four billion live in conditions inconceivable to many. Lets take a step towards a better tomorrow."

Here are some really cute TOMS shoes, retailing for between $48 and $68.

<a href="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-73.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7673" src="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-73.png" alt="" width="289" height="229" /></a>

<a href="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-71.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7675" src="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-71.png" alt="" width="317" height="230" /></a>

<a href="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-72.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7674" src="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-72.png" alt="" width="323" height="233" /></a>

You can also <a href="http://preemptivelove.org/bssl/klash/">buy the handmade Klash shoe</a>, made by Iraqi cobblers, from The Preemptive Love Coalition, which will donate your funds for Arab and Kurdish children to have heart surgery. What a great cause! Perhaps for a very practical gent or lady in your life or for when you're gardening or taking walks? <a href="http://preemptivelove.org/blog/">This blog for the site</a> will just break your heart.

There are also ecoshoes that are produced socially responsibly (high wages and benefits for workers). The <a href="http://www.thegreenloop.com/Melissa_Shoes_Desire_Triton_p/melissashoes-desiretriton.htm">Melissa Desire Triton</a> for $60 is one example.

<a href="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-74.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7676" src="http://www.shoeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-74.png" alt="" width="311" height="375" /></a>

<a href="http://charmone.com/catalog/0185672a-7b17-408f-9b74-169582a0ac6a.aspx">Charmone's shoes</a>, meanwhile, are lovely, eco-friendly AND sweatshop-free! There are many more high and medium heels available on this website. Have a look!

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