Kickin' It Classic: Three Sneaker Brands with Progressive Twists You'll Love
style picks by Jennifer Cooper
When it comes to style, I’m pretty laid back. While I can get dressed up—and like to on occasion—I feel most like myself when I’m kicking it comfy. Which means soft fabrics, unfussy cuts, and hardly anything that needs to be ironed.
This approach to fashion extends to my shoes. I want comfort. I’m older and wiser now and know that blisters aren’t worth the look. I’ve worn enough moleskin for an army. But at the same time, I don’t want to sacrifice style. Because a little flash of beauty helps us navigate a world that can be tough to move through. So, if you’re like me and want to maintain a sense of style along with the health of your feet, here are three of my favorite kicks to add to your closet.
Veja
These are like the Tretorns of our youth, but with a socially progressive twist. Made by a French company who sources the production and labor to Brazilians, Veja has taken the money shoe companies traditionally used on advertising (about 70% of their revenue) and channeled it into the hands of Amazonian communities who live in harmony with the forests and coastal workers who grow agro-ecological cotton. They’re good for the world and our wardrobes. Heads up: I’ve heard they take awhile to break in, so you’ll need to wear them for short jaunts before they soften up to that comfy fit we’re looking for.
Baabuk
These wool sneakers—yes, wool—are made by a Swiss company that started as a Kickstarter. Made in Portugal with traceable and ethically sourced wool, these sneakers are also washable. My mind is blown! Heads up: The wool has a natural waxy coating so they wick water, although I don’t know that they’d be good in a downpour. Not that any sneakers are. We hear they’re comfortable as long as you wear them with a custom insole.
8000Kicks
Made from hemp, 8000kicks offer “Two times the durability and half of the footprint” of traditional sneakers. I’m particularly in love with their Seeker style. These shoes also come out of Portugal (What kind of shoe magic is happening in Portugal?) and were conceptualized by a guy named Bernardo after smoking some joints with friends. “Dude, can we make a shoe that we can smoke? Yes, yes we can.” “Actually, no, no we can’t. But we can make one out of renewable hemp that we can wear while smoking.” “Awesome!” Armed with this new vision, Bernardo went to his grandma and said, “Avó, you have over 50 years of experience in the textile biz. Let’s make sneakers inspired by cannabis.” Otilio, Bernardo’s grandmother, said, “Right on! Let’s get that money, honey!” And after a year of development, 8000kicks were born. Or at least, that’s how I imagined the conversation went. Whether or not my quotes are real or imagined, I love the intergenerational approach to business and the sustainable approach to footwear. Heads up: While part of the manufacturing is outsourced to China, 8000kicks says the workers are paid fair wages and the factory is committed to 30% to 40% renewable energy.
That’s it! My three sneaker picks for this season. Not only will you look good wearing them, you’ll feel good too.