Everywhere I look, I see fall shoes and now they have been on my mind. Usually, I start getting my fall clothes out first but this time I decided to start with my shoes and evaluate my current shoe situation and what I want to add this fall. I am sharing all the sustainable fall shoes that I love and those that I want to add this fall.
The transition from summer to fall is so fun. I love that there are warm days where we can still wear lighter clothes and soak up warmth and summer sun. And there are also chillier days where we can bundle up and wear our fall clothes. Maybe it also has something to do with the fact that fall really doesn’t last very long in the Midwest. For my fall wardrobe I am keeping some summer shoes and adding in loafers and booties.
1 Huarache Sandals, 2 Veja Sneakers, 3 Grey Oxfords, 4 Classic Loafers, 5 Leather Flats, 6 Ankle Boots, 7 Athletic Sneakers, 8 Chelsea Boots, 9 Rain Boots
Sustainable Fall Shoes I Love
Before I discuss the fall shoes that I love in detail, a word to sustainability: In this post, I am focusing mostly on sustainable shoe options. When I can’t find exactly what I am looking for in the sustainable world, I branch out to other brands. You will see noted below which ones those are. Sustainability means so many things to different people.
Here a little insight to what it means to me:
Sustainably made shoes from brands that do good for the planet and people are my first choice. Sadly, often I can’t quite find the right style or color from those brands. In those cases, I try to find the most longwearing and good quality options. In my opinion, this is more sustainable than getting something that I don’t love and will most likely be replaced very soon. I encourage you to think about how long you will want to wear shoes before you buy them. A good sustainable approach is to choose quality shoes that you absolutely love. If they are from sustainable companies, even better. Either way, as long as we choose items we love and wear for years and years, we are slowing down the fashion industry and are doing good things for the planet.
Tips for Caring for Your Sustainable Fall Shoes: A Key to Longevity and Style
If you want your shoes to last, you need to make sure you take care of them. It is important to clean and condition your leather shoes regularly. Additionally, as with most things, if you allow shoes to have rest days, they will last longer. Not wearing them allows the shoes to breathe and dry out and ‘relax’ which brings them back into shape. One of the reasons I am a proponent for having a few versatile options for your everyday shoes that fit your daily lifestyle needs.
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your shoes after each wear to remove dirt and grime. For deeper cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines based on the material—be it leather, canvas, or synthetic fibers.
- Conditioning: For leather shoes, applying a quality conditioner periodically keeps the material supple and prevents cracking.
- Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Using shoe trees can help maintain their shape, especially for leather styles.
- Weather Protection: Consider applying a weatherproofing spray to protect against rain and snow, especially if you live in a climate prone to harsh conditions.
- Repairs: Don’t shy away from taking your shoes to a cobbler for repairs. Resoling, stitching, or even simple cleaning can breathe new life into your favorite pairs.
Favorite Sustainable Sandals for Fall
How many and what type of Sandals you include in your wardrobe will largely depend on your climate. As our warm days are numbered, I am only keeping my Huarache Sandals in my fall shoe rotation and packed up the rest. These will get me through anything from a day with the kids, to brunch, or even a date night. They will also be working well for a more casual work environment and are a great option for the office. These sandals are so versatile and totally work for anything from casual to business casual. I wouldn’t choose these shoes for a more formal work setting though.
Comfortable Mules, Loafers, and Flats
Mules and loafers and ballerina flats as well as Mary Jane flats have never been full out of style, but are especially on trend this fall. Loafers, Mules, and flats are great for fall but other seasons as well. Choose a style that fits well with your individual style and your wardrobe needs. I personally love classic options.
Some of my favorite flats are from Rothy’s. I love that they are made of sustainable materials and are easily cleaned by simply throwing them in the washing machine. Perfect for fall days where you never quite know if I’m not encountering wet leaves or muddy conditions. Two of my favorites are the Loafers in Pebble Grey and the Rounded Toe Flats in pebble grey. They have so many wonderful color options, which is another bonus of Rothy’s shoes.
The day glove flat is another high quality leather option for everyday comfortable flats. The buttery soft LWG (Leather Working Group) gold certified leather and extra cushioned insole combined with the side vents make this a really comfortable shoe that you will want to wear day and night. Another great option for work and weekends.
Nisolo’s Ama Woven Mules are the perfect shoe to take you from summer to fall. I love the lighter color for summer, and they are still great in fall. So easy to pair with casual and dressier clothes. The woven leather adds the extra interest to a classic shoe.
Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers are a classic and while not a sustainable brand, their longevity, comfort, and classic style cannot be beat. I currently don’t own any as my last pair finally gave up last season and I had other more pressing items to add to my closet. During spring and summer, I have used my Nisolo Oxford loafers whenever I wanted a loafer. I have to say, they are great option, yet they simply don’t replace a classic leather loafer. Thus the Lorraine Loafers in Cedarwood are currently on my wish list.
Fall Sneakers I Love
A classic leather sneaker is a must have shoe for fall. I love how comfortable they are and add a sportier vibe to any outfit. My current favorites have been long time favorites of mine my trusted Campo Veja sneakers.
With cooler temperatures, we tend to be more active and fall hikes are some of our favorite things to do. Hiking among the changing leaves and enjoying the fall colors is so much fun. Simply for this reason I like to add a good active sneaker into my fall wardrobe. Teaching an outdoor class also calls for these shoes. Adidas is the most sustainable brand of the big athletic retailers I have found. Additionally, I am including them as mine have held up so well despite frequent wear and are still comfortable and in great shape.
Favorite Sustainable Booties
If you want a more polished ankle boot that is super comfortable and works for all kind of occasions I love this day boot option. The perfect boot for work or a night out with friends. The style of the boot pairs well with straight, kick-flare, or wide legged pants.
Chelsea boots are a must for all the fun fall and winter activities from corn mazes to cutting down your Christmas tree. These are the perfect all weather boots for active days. The low front profile elongates your leg and is perfect for ankle length straight or wider cut pants. For cooler days, adding a chunkier sock would be so cute and add just the right amount of warmth.
A note on Rain Boots
I finally settled on my favorite rain boots, that are comfortable yet keep my feet dry and easy to style. The shorter height and sleek look and great profile sole make it a great option for fun in the rain.
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