Sneakers

I don’t really wear sneakers a lot, but they’re essential for wearing to the gym and to my hip-hop dance classes. It came time for me to replace my falling-apart sneakers, and I decided to find an ethically made, eco friendly pair.

Fair Trade sneakers are not as difficult to find as I’d thought they would be. Starfish stores (in Wellington and Christchurch) sell sneakers made by French Fair Trade brand Veja. The shoes are made in Brazil from organic cotton, wild latex, and vegetable-tanned leather (not all styles are made from leather). They are available in a variety of styles, from about $200 I think. I got a pair of the 'Taua' style half price at $99, and I really like them.

Australian brand Etiko sells Fair Trade vegan sneakers which are made in Pakistan. The soles are made with sustainable latex which comes from Sri Lanka, and the canvas and laces are made from certified organic cotton. The dyes are free from PCP and AZO, and the shoe boxes are made from post-consumer recycled waste. Three different styles of Etiko sneakers can be bought from SAFE’s Cruelty Free Shop in Auckland, or at their online store, www.choosecrueltyfree.org.nz. The prices start at $99. Etiko also sells Alparagatas (outdoor slippers) at their online store, www.etiko.com.au. They cost AUD$65, and are made in Argentina.

The USA brand Simple Shoes sells Fair Trade and eco-friendly shoes, made from materials such as jute, hemp, certified organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles, silk, eco-certified leather, and recycled car tires. Prices start at $169.95. They make a number of different styles of shoes, including sneakers and sandels. Check out www.simpleshoes.com for stockists. Even though I don’t wear sneakers a lot, these shoes are sooo cute that I’m strongly tempted to get a pair...

Tights

If you’re after organic cotton tights, try Australian company Ambra's Eco-style Organic Cotton Tights $26.99, available in cable and ribbed, from Kirkaldies and Farmers.

For New Zealand made tights, Columbine has a wide range, available from Farmers and Kirkaldies. Or for something more decorative, check out Imprint. The NZ company makes tights and socks which are hand-printed with a number of gorgeous designs. Available at Kirkaldies, and a number of other places, listed on www.imprint.net.nz.

Socks

For toasty warm feet, try merino socks from The New Zealand Sock Company, priced from $15.99 to $19.99. They are made in New Zealand, come in a variety of different styles, colours and prints, and the company is committed to sustainability. I have the Women’s’ City Merino Flower Print socks, pictured. Available from Kirkaldies, Farmers, and a number of other stores (check out www.nzsock.co.nz for more stockists).
If you prefer cotton, Holeproof has a range of organic cotton socks, $14.99, available from Farmers. Organic cotton socks are also available from www.fernbirdecostore.co.nz, $18 for men’s socks (two different kinds), and $17.50 for unisex.

Bamboo socks are available from www.fernbirdecostore.co.nz, $15.50, and Jockey also makes them, $14.99, available in a variety of styles, prints and colours, from Farmers.