Shoes with a conscious

Mary Sue Papale and Yvette Turner, are the co-founders of Ashbury Skies (a highly curated website for small, independent shoe designers, with cut to order items) and creative geniuses behind The Bendy: a shoe with a conscience. According to The Bendy’s Indiegogo campaign, some of the key considerations when designing this ultra comfy, stylish and conscious all-day shoe were durability, flexibility and a low C02 footprint.

Each shoe is handcrafted locally (in California) which means, less is spent on transport costs, therefore lowering their carbon footprint. During the manufacturing process, the workers stitch each sole by hand in efforts to avoid using binding agents which are found in potentially toxic glues. According to Sustainable Brands, The Bendy has just four components, which equals to roughly 26 fewer components than your average sneaker. But wait, there’s more… Since The Bendy is cut to order, it produces less waste, and better yet, The Bendy uses and promotes fair wages and safe working conditions for California workers —that just put a pep in our step.

“We [Mary Sue Papale and Yvette Turner] will not BS you and tell you that these shoes have zero environmental impact—going barefoot is zero impact. Instead, we have a simple construction of great materials made by some very kind and talented folks in downtown LA. That allows for less transportation (low CO2) and fair wages paid to California workers, keeping it right in our backyard,” said Turner while speaking to EcoWatch about the Eco-Friendly Sneaker.

The pair “think that less is more”, and when it came to designing The Bendy, they did just that and kept it simple. As you will see, the shoe sports no gratuitous ornaments, logos or detailing. “We designed a simple, comfortable shoe and then responsibly sourced the materials. Soft leather, a flexible bottom, thread and a footbed. Four simple components, no harmful glues; just hand stitched.” added Papale and Turner while chatting to Green Living Ideas.

We know what you are thinking… Does such a shoe really exist and where has it been all my life? The truth is ladies, The Bendy exists… but not in stores yet. Now, now, don’t despair, if you sign up for information via the brand’s Indiegogo campaign, you can get early bird discounts on launch day.

We love the look of this espadrille meets sneaker shoe but most of all, we love the steps that Ashbury Skies and The Bendy brand are taking towards slowing down today’s fast fashion world! Here’s to a brand with a sole purpose worth supporting! #weSIyou