Surprising styles from NATIVE Shoes – Sustainable Canadian Footwear

I hate to say it but when we think of sustainability, style isn’t usually a word that joins that thought.  But Native Shoes has been working to change that, especially with some of their more surprising styles.

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Native Shoes is an eco-conscious brand that uses bio-based ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) blends to create comfortable, sustainable and even fashionable footwear.  Their bio-based Bloom material is a blend featured in their latest collection.  Bloom is created by pulling toxic algae from waterways (where it can choke the oxygen supply and harm wildlife) and mixing it with traditional EVA — a process that returns up to 80 litres of clean water and 50 cubic metres of fresh air to the environment

I got the chance to check out some of the latest, greatest and most surprising styles from Native Shoes.  Check out how Native Shoes makes sustainability stylish below!

The Jefferson – Bloom

First up is the Jefferson.  This slip on sneaker style is probably the most recognizable of Native Shoes’ styles, and come in sizes from children’s to adult.  They come in an assortment of colours and prints to suit anyone’s taste and style.  I chose the colour Chameleon Pink, a light neutral pink that, true to its name, goes with just about anything.  I’ve worn these shoes with everything from jeans to dresses; they’re comfortable and the style and colour make them the perfect addition to any wardrobe.  I paired them here with a cute and comfy summer playsuit topped with a long loose cardigan.  Simple, functional and fashionable.

 

The Ava – Bloom

From sporty to more sophisticated, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the AVA slip on mules on the Native Shoes website.  I was advised to take a size up in these, due to the pointy toe and I was glad I did.  These slides are super comfortable, light and easy to walk in, and help elevate just about any ensemble.  They’re a great shoe to run around the city in, and took me from meetings to dinner to drinks without skipping a beat or catching a blister. I chose the Wildflower Purple colour, which I found just neutral enough to go with different looks but eye-catching enough to provide a bit of pop.

The Audrey

While I generally don’t/can’t play favourites with my shoes, I have to say that the AUDREY holds a special place in my heart.  It’s a unique design for Native Shoes; it’s one single piece of their EVA material created using injection moulding.  The simple yet beautiful D’Orsay style is timeless and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.  I love wearing these with long dresses or wide dress pants, and smiling to myself at how comfortable I am wearing such stylish, yet sustainable shoes.

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Addicted Magazine. Her myriad of addictions include music, fashion, travel, technology, boxing and trying to make the world a better place. Nadia is also a feminist, an animal lover, and a neverending dreamer. Keep up with her on social media through @thenadiae.
Nadia Elkharadly

@TheNadiaE

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