Keds have gone greener with its first eco-line, dubbed Green Label. These new kicks are made of organic cotton and recycled rubber — and come in 6 colors from non-toxic dyes.
The Green Label shoes are available online now — and in stores starting March 25 — for $55 a pair. Plus, buying a pair of these shoes will plant a tree in a U.S. forest, thanks to Keds’ partnership with the National Arbor Day Foundation.
I’m happy to see more mainstream companies offering its customers greener options. Of course, if you’re hoping for fair labor or U.S.-made products, you’ll need to look elsewhere. When I asked where the shoes were made, Keds’ PR rep replied: “They are made at their factories overseas.” It’s unclear whether the PR rep’s just lazy or the company’s being intentionally vague, but the response doesn’t exactly inspire consumer confidence.
For a company that makes Ked-like everyday comfy shoes with a stronger eco-ethical mission, try Simple Shoes, which has a list of ethical supply chain guidelines and makes a number of cute shoes from organic cotton, help, and recycled materials. Most pairs cost $55; to the left’s the pair I own.
Images via Keds and Simple Shoes
These are fantastic! I would love a pair. I don’t have any green shoes, in both senses of the word, so these would be perfect :)
Comment by jeannie — April 1, 2009 @ 9:40 am
I grew up wearing Keds. I would love a new and improved “green” pair!
Comment by Arlene — April 1, 2009 @ 9:55 am