Flower girl shoes
What are the options available to buy?
I have been doing lots of desktop research into shoes for the kids that meet some kind of ethical standard, style, practicality and comfort and ideally for the littlest one barefoot for her walking and running development.
It is slim pickings out there! But we have now tested a few options and can report back and have found a few more options to test in the future.
Pumps from Pisamonas
Pisamona Mary Janes
We have robustly tested the canvas mary janes last summer. They are cotton and machine washable. The sole was well attached and even with cycling, running, tree climbing, holiday exploring and scooting it doesn’t budge. Goes well through the machine too. Super comfy for her there was no rubbing when wearing in and perfect for self dressing with the rip tape strap. We are testing the ballet shoe version this summer, I’ll report back!
What I love about this brand is there is a wide range of made in Spain linen and cotton shoe options at a good price. And they have barefoot versions too. I haven’t tested any leather products as my goal was to be looking at non-leather options.
Added bonus to this brand the same kids shoes go up to adult sizes!
There are lots of colour options to match our Blossom Dresses.
2. Leather shoes from British Brand Zig + Star
Zig and Star metallic shoe
We have been testing the school shoes this past nearly year, but they have great options for a special occasion. The shoes have been super comfy for her, no rubbing on wearing in. As a parent I love that this September I won’t be buying new school shoes as the clever layers in these shoes can be removed one at a time to provide a bit more room as they grow.
So longer lasting shoes always great, and they state they use chrome free leather which is super important for the environment as chromium causes cancer to the tanners and pollutes rivers. I also love that they use natural rubber, which is so rare in shoes! Natural rubber is bio-degradable, most shoe soles are plastic based rubbers which can’t be recycled or degrade and are often just mulched up and put into our playgrounds (leaking toxins into our land).
Not yet tested better eco kids shoes
3. Natural world shoes
These look a good option, from organic cotton and natural rubber. Although I have found this laceless style of pump can be quite big fitting on kids and too loose. Not great for a narrow foot but we have had success using ribbon or laces to add in to make this style fit better.
https://www.naturalworldeco-shop.com/uk/leria-471.html#92=217
4. Froddo
A barefoot organic cotton option I’m sure would be well worn after the even but a nice simple cream style for special occasions.
Another sustainable option…
I’m sure you have already considered it but wearing something already owned (polish up the school shoes?) or borrowing, if they won’t be re-worn, instead of buying new would be a sustainable option.
We have a lot of luck in charity shops although they aren’t usually sustainable brands in there but good to keep things in circulation.