January 21, 2018

The struggle for boots was real.

Shortly after I decided to shop responsibly, I realized I needed to replace nearly all of my shoes. Can someone tell me why mine wear out SO fast? Now here’s the deal. Ethical shoes are NOT cheap. Which I am totally fine with.

Shoes are an investment for sure. But when you have 3-5 staple pairs to replace in the next few months, it’s looking like a $1,200 hit on your visa (if you’re lucky). So I had to get a bit creative.

For most of my shoes, I got lucky at a giant antique mall just down the road from my house. A couple of the vendors had items just my size, made in Italy and hardly worn. Brown flats? check. Black flats? check. Brown ankle booties? check.

The real investment had to be boots. I live in Canada and commute for 4 hours a day, so comfortable boots are essential – and I hate carrying extra shoes with me, so they had to be fashionable, too. I’m not asking for too much, am I? LOL.

The perfect pair of boots appeared to me from @dearlybethany‘s instagram. She’s been documenting her 365 days of ethical outfits, which is an absolute inspiration. So, the boots – they’re Timberland’s 6-inch Glancy boots. Heeled, warm (but not too warm) and damn classy, they’re exactly what I was looking for.

Timberland’s manufacturing focuses on environmental responsibility – using recycled materials and elements that are kind to the earth in order to construct quality footwear.

I know a lot of people are hesitant to ordering online, and I get why. But the good news is I find that almost every single company I’ve been shopping from has at least video footage, tons of helpful reviews, and sizing charts that make it super easy to order online without any regrets. When these boots came in the mail, they were THE MOST comfortable from the second I put them on.

I literally went out to work the next day with them, and not a single place chafed or rubbed or dug in. No breaking in needed. I even wore them all day, in the office – which for any of you that work in a warm office will know – is not always a great time. Ever have those shoes that just feel mega-sweaty by the end of the day? Not with these babes! They’re breathable as heck, and weather-proof, too.

Can you tell I’m happy with them? Happy because it took me forever to find a classy pair of heeled boots, and happy because Timberland’s prices are pretty reasonable for boots with a form of responsible manufacturing.

Now don’t mind me. I’m going to go frolick in the streets. Did I mention that they feel bouncy and light as great runners?

Highly recommend.