The article on shoes was very interesting, I always thought it odd that my flat sandals with no support were more comfortable than my running shoes! I think next purchase I’ll invest in a pair of bare foot like running shoes. My only problem, and this overlaps with the ethics thing, is that I try not to buy new leather. I really don’t mind whether other people do, I just think if I’m going to declare myself as a vegetarian I might as well go the whole way. I’m not militant or what I would consider an “ethical” vegetarian, I’m health, environmental then ethical. The same environmental reasons that apply to abstaining from eating animal products applies to new leather. My husband still eats meat, and we used to do raw meat for our cats when we were in san diego as we had a really good, organic, local butcher. Now that we are kind of in the middle of no where, there really isn’t such a thing! Husband’s meat intake has gone down, he can taste the difference in it, and we went back to kibble for the kitties. If I were to buy a new pair of leather shoes I would rather buy a pair from a cobbler for 500 dollars that will last for an eternity versus a 50 pair of sneakers. I don’t know how I feel about synthetics, either, they can be just as damaging to the environment. So, for now, I’m going to wear my (vegan) trainers until they die and jump that bridge when I get there. I haven’t purchased new shoes in…let’s see, nearly a year? I’ve had good like finding better more affordable shoes at the thrift than anywhere else!

Thanks for including a link to my tutorial, btw!

Around the house I’ve always lived in socks. Generally I’m good to my feet, and I’ve learned to have proper posture, but I’m going to be more conscious about it since I do love shoes. Except those 3 1/2 inch heels have to come out every once in a while!

Shoes. If they’re uncomfortable: I will find a way to make them comfortable.

As far as ethics is considered, everybody can do their own thing. Im not familiar with the whole organic movement.
I love leather, I love hamburgers, vinyl usually sticks, and PETA, I wont even go there. People that wrinkle their nose at shoes made in China annoy me, especially when I suggest they take a look at where their Marc Jacobs, flat screen TV, cellphones, cameras, microwaves, video game systems, laptops, etc… are made.

Shoes, ah shoes. How I love them, and how many a pair of beautiful shoes I’ve passed up because the heel was simply too high or the toe was too pointy and uncomfortable. I refuse to wear uncomfortable shoes, because there are too many cute ones that are comfortable. It’s true that flat does not equal comfort; I’ve passed on many a pair of too-flat, uncushioned shoes as well. I do appreciate a beautiful heel and there are occasions to wear them, so I have some for those occasions. But I prefer a low or medium heel for everyday. I think my feet are one of my favorite features so I try to treat them right and keep them looking nice.

That being said, I don’t edit my body to look slimmer/taller/more perfect (though if there is a huge glaring problem, I may slightly adjust– like a huge zit! )

Like you, I have an INSATIABLE shoe appetite. But for as much as I love them, my favorite time of day is when my feet are bare (or socked when it is cold). Too often, shoes are just uncomfortable anymore; they leave blisters and abrasions, are too narrow, cut wrong, and it’s hard to find something that is genuinely well made in ADDITION to being designed well. I love my Fluevog flats, but they did leave blisters on my small toe the first few times I wore them.

As for shopping ethically… I try to limit my purchasing or make my own clothes as often as possible. I do enjoy buying garments made by indie designers, but find it is much more difficult to do online. While I am less than crazy about shopping at big box stores, I do it, within reason. I try to ensure that the pieces I am buying have durable seams and look to have a strong fabric. The way I see it, society on a whole cannot stop producing clothes, and cannot limit us to only shopping vintage/thrift/repurposed. Clothing will only last for so long, even with impeccable care. So buying new, so that the cycle of sustainability and recycling can continue, is kind of a natural component of shopping. That being said, I can do my best to support those companies that are introducing “green” lines, sustainable and healthy work conditions, etc.