SUSTAINABLE SHOE GUIDE // eco brand recommendations + second hand tips

[@DieLena-v2r]

Ich liebe meine Schuhe von Rice! Die sehen nicht nur gut aus, sondern sind auch total nachhaltig, weil sie aus Reis besetehen! Total genial😍

[@ANNtique]

I’m sure you must sometimes be grumpy but I just can’t envision you being anything but happy and enthusiastic

[@Jyriel]

I've got my Doc Martens at the age of 15 (?) and I still wear them. Only the laces are replaced. I am 42 yrs now.🤘🏻 And by the way, we had a cobbler nearby at the 80ies and he'd known us by name. But as fast fashion shoes came he was gone, cause nobody needed a cobbler anymore because shoes where no longer vulnerable...😑

[@AthynVixen]

You have to be VERY careful about DMs . I sent Gittemary a message about them on her IG.. they USED to be excellent and last years. I had some that lasted me about the same amount of time but I misplaced one so when replacing a couple of years ago I went and bought some and paid extra for the UK ones as I had heard that the quality of DM is not as good as it was since they moved production to Asia some years ago. My barely worn black ones soon developed a scratch which was red underneath and inside one of them the leather came off in bits on the back of the heel.. they would not do anything to either repair or replace. If you can find some really old ones or thrifted then they are still a good bet but as I bought them and paid all that money specifically for go get something lasting and sustainable. I was very disappointed at them becoming unwearable and unrepairable after a few months.

[@Jyriel]

@@AthynVixen I am really sad to hear that and I hope you find old and good quality ones.

[@raymondleighton9059]

I know it is kinda randomly asking but do anyone know of a good place to watch newly released movies online?

[@sergiojacoby6131]

@Raymond Leighton I use flixzone. You can find it by googling =)

[@ilap381]

thanks for speaking about wearing second-hand leather as a vegan! I don't care if it is vegan or not: second-hand it's always the best choice over purchasing something new. I love getting second-hand high quality leather, I I buy it once and it's for life :)

[@Gittemary]

Absolutely! 💚🌿

[@jenevievelettsome947]

I have been religiously watching your videos and you’ve helped me make the choice to begin my Low Waste journey!! Don’t mind me as I go through and like all of the past videos 😂

[@RKMP2]

Gittemary is definitely my fashion icon 😍

[@Gittemary]

Aw 😭❤

[@persephone213]

I started buying only secondhand shoes a few years ago and-game changer! There are so many great pre-loved shoes out there. I’m always on the lookout for secondhand Adidas.

[@sarah.bea.]

Love the video! I love real leather products because of their sturdiness and used products are mostly still in very good condition or can be fixed easily. I recently spend about 50€ to get the essentials to care for my leather products like soap, wax, edge kote, black corrector pen and leather glue and I could fix all those little snags, scratches etc. myself. It also helped me to clean up leather goods I wanted to sell so I quickly got my money for the products back ☺️

[@carlottacosta2577]

Thank you for all your informations! It would be very interesting and fun seeing a closet tour, what you think?! Sending you love from Italy!

[@RKMP2]

Omgggg yeeess!

[@roxy_de_mulambo]

I agree

[@neta565]

Yes! A closet tour!😀

[@xerrias]

Durability is a really big thing with me and shoes- i wear shoes OUT. Let us know how Miret shoes hold up over time?

[@peppigue]

Yes, I think the biggest factor is how many shoes we use over our lifetimes. People seem to be waiting for Nike, McDonald's, Ikea and Apple to come up with stuff to buy so they can save the world. But stopping any unnecessary buying is the only true solution.

[@m0sspatch]

Thank you so much for this video, i didn't know that their even are sustainable footwear companies so this video was much needed❤!

[@gurkjumate]

i think another great, very logical but often forgotten thing to consider when buying shoes, especially heels, is your foot shape! for example, i love a short blocky heel but somehow my foot doesn't do well with those. i found that higher heel is actually more comfortable for me and doesn't make my feet hurt like i'm walking on hot coal as it is with lower heels. obviously, the more sustainable shoe will be the one you wear, not the one you buy, and love the looks of but simply don't wear because it's torture. of course, you can try to pad out the uncomfortable ones but makes life easier if that is not necessary.

[@janinewolff4206]

I'm Brazilian, always searching for new sustainable brands and had NEVER heard about Cariuma until a woman from DENMARK made a sponsored video about it hahahaha what a crazy globalized world... But on their website there isn't even option of our native language (brazilian portuguese), it's kind of sad that is more viable produce for only exportation to developed countries than comercialize in our own :( Ps:, I've been following you for a few years now, always a good day to thank you for the AMAZING content!

[@lizzzarduh]

Ugh so very sad…at least you’re awoken to this issue!

[@GeeklingNo1]

I'm actually looking for used leather Birkenstock sandals because I know how repairable they are and I use every shoe I have until they can no longer be used.

[@abittwisted]

I don't mind leather but wanted a shoe that I can resole myself. I ended up choosing a company DuckFeet because they have all leather and natural gum rubber soles and they have replacement soles if yours wear out. They also have wide toe shoes which I totally need. I've been happy with them but they are a bit on the thick side so harder to break in. Working on that with all natural saddle soap. Im going to check out the hemp shoes. I won't use bamboo. Natural grown Flax/Linen I use. Would be nice for shoes too.

[@Blooable]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!! I have been on the hunt for sustainable platform sandals for years. Last year I cracked & bought 2 fast fashion pairs (a white one that had the sole snap by the end of the year and the other a black one just needed the ankle strap resewn) & over the winter all the sustainable brands I could find were too boho for me (nothing wrong with the style, just not for me) or were simple flipflops. Sadly at the start of this season I bought a new white pair but after 2 weeks (7 or so wears for 8 hour shifts at work) the strap got ripped out of the bottom of the shoe! & my ankle strap on my original black pair needs to be resewn again too x.x As much as these purchases' will hurt my wallet it will be lovely to not have to worry about getting a new pair of shoes or fixing them all the time.

[@karolina6thatgirl]

Looove the embroidered heels! Ya gurl have some very good taste in second hand fashun

[@wolverinehoff9789]

I really appreciate seeing ideas for how I may consider the waste I produce - your ideas are invaluable. But it has occurred to me that I know very little about how to drive change on a corporate level and I suspect this will be key to the speed and degree of change that is required. I loved watching your video about banks and how they use money to drive change; if you have any further information about driving corporate change, I would be eternally grateful!

[@karobythell4425]

Woohoo , you just made my day better !!

[@Gittemary]

💚💚💚

[@dorisdelonga3713]

You saying that Miret is a croatian company got me like 😳 im from Croatia and literally had no clue about this company !! thank you Gittemarie !! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ i am definitely gonna check them out NOW also, i totally agree with you! i dont eat vegan, but when it comes to buying new things i make sure they are vegan. with clothes, i always prefer trifted leather item over new vegan leather item which is made out of plastic and so overpriced

[@micivalantincic8227]

Hey neighbour:) Slovenian here. I am bumped that Miret shoes are not barefoot:(

[@ameliasutton2232]

Thank you Gittemary, really helpful. I have a question. What will you do when those plastic shoes or any material for that kind, really can't be worn/repaired anymore. I have some items that I cannot give away/sell as they are too damaged, but I don't want to just bin them. Advice? Love from Spain xx

[@jessthelingwist]

That was the most honest shoe video I’ve ever seen! I really loved the way you describe how awful and uncomfortable the stilettos are :D

[@Gittemary]

Haha gotta be honest 😅👌

[@cassandrelosser5826]

Yeeaahh Doc Martens girl ❤️

[@sustainableteacheryt]

Loved to get to know your thoughts about shoes, thanks for sharing!!

[@Gittemary]

Thank you for the support 🙌

[@basakmutlu1119]

Only thing missing in this video is Mols' hair vacuum shoe 🐕

[@marycharlebois6627]

Good one!! YEASS... the Mol’s hair vacuuming shoe needs the spotlight 😂. PS - my partner has the socks that go with these shoes... he uses these mop socks to mop up spills.

[@Gittemary]

Hahaha it is actually the Miret sneakers that are the vacuum shoe 😂😂🎉🎉

[@marycharlebois6627]

It’s great that you have access to a shoe repair shop. It seems to be a dying trade... they are hard to come by. Gurl... those brown & black Oxford shoes that you scooped for a tenner... wow... shopping score of the century!! They are so classy... perfect for you!! 👞 PS - yes, I actually have yoyoing shoes🪀 (they’re just an old pair of fave runners with good traction and they look cool 👟)

[@heleng5253]

Do the miret shoes last a long time?

[@vallovesnature8449]

Excellent video! When I went vegan in 2017, there was no way I was going to get rid of my shoes & boots. I invested in great quality shoes when I was still working in retail. Haven’t bought footwear since 2016. Your shoes with the rose reminded me of a pair I had in ‘81. 5” heels, nice 1” platform under the toes. They made me 6’1”😂. Didn’t fall. You’ll be fine Gittemary! Sending you lots of hugs and love ❤️❤️❤️

[@Gittemary]

Thank you so much for the support, and I can absolutely feel ya 🌿🎉🙌

[@TylerCartwright2]

You are my shoe icon!! We have so many similar items. I love the leather boots with the low heel and the bratz boots.

[@Gittemary]

Aw yay! 😍

[@shaunaburton7136]

I fixed a pair of boots with liquid rubber. I put the sole of my winter boots back on with the liquid rubber I bought to seal my roof. They still work

[@Gittemary]

so cool 🙌

[@theresa8504]

Can someone tell me where i can get sustainable shoes for kids or really little feet? I can't find shoes in the "adultsection" that actually fit me but in the childrensection they look like ... shoes for kids.

[@mnmgirl24]

I’d love to buy secondhand shoes, but I have some really messed up flat feet and finding shoes at all is already impossible for me 😞

[@Autumn1988]

Have to say I really enjoy my Vans but I would like to try Cariuma when my vans wear out

[@IzzyBizy202]

Second ! Love you thanks! And just so you know Vans are going green!

[@Gittemary]

From what I can find, their initiatives wouldn’t want to make me buy them from new still - they still seem rather vague both in terms of sustainability and their workers’ wages - I have put a link in the bio for more info ✌️🌿

[@Anna_ForFutureAdventures]

Ah yes there they are again, the embroidered heels I would die for 😍

[@Gittemary]

Saaaaame 😍😍

[@roxy_de_mulambo]

Thanks for the video 💛💛

[@orlamacgrath8409]

Eve from The Mummy an ICONIC reference! 😂

[@Gittemary]

she is GOALS 😍

[@sldekker4602]

You could try an eraser on your white booties to get the stains out

[@alexandermeyerzon7059]

What do you think of Hylo Athletics shoes for running?

[@madarapuce1186]

Is there any sustainable shoe polish?

[@AnnaRobert]

I have 4 pairs of shoes that used to be my sister’s. She hardly ever wore them and I was able to give them a second life

[@AnnikaWithAk]

Due to my right above knee amputation I can't wear heels at all :( 1cm is the maximum and it is sooo damned difficult find nice, flat shoes/boots that don't look too eco, lol. I have Espadrilles from the sustainable brand Komodo and a pair of sneakers by PoZu.

[@satnamsattykaur]

All the vans and converse I have (about 4 or 5 together) were second hand and should shoes last 5 years , or more?

[@ILOLnumber1]

Finding shoes is by far the most difficult endeavour for me when it comes to my wardrobe, or perhaps anything I own, because I am very tiny. I'm 4'10" and my shoe size is women's 4-4.5, kids 2-3, in euro sizes I think that translates to 34 in women's? On top of that, I've stopped buying leather at least 10 years ago. I agree that there are many options now for sustainable and even vegan shoes, but not when it comes to my size. If anyone out there can recommend any that aren't super expensive, please reply! Thank you :)

[@cosmic_plant]

I bought a new pair of second-hand shoes a year ago from a sustainable brand (Ecoalf). Well, they have already broken. The snickers are white, they get easily dirty and are very difficult to clean... Maybe I wasn't lucky. I will buy a secondhand nike airforce next time, hahaha.

[@etheplant]

Great video! I would love to watch a video about tattoos if you would be interested in making one😊

[@Gittemary]

I have a whole playlist of tattoo related videos ✌️

[@etheplant]

@@Gittemary oh I totally missed that! I went through your videos quickly but it went over my head. That's so exciting, can't wait to watch. Thanks!

[@lizzzarduh]

Shoes I have a pretty hard time with vintage shoes always fall apart on me it actually happened tonight

[@oliviahegarty1959]

I’m not sure if this is a topic you’ve covered before but I need help with socks! I find I’m constantly throwing out socks because they’re getting holes or just becoming old, show I just start investing in more expensive socks? X

[@micivalantincic8227]

Maybe organic basics? I have their underware and it is soo soo durable

[@Gittemary]

I have a list of eco brands on my blog, and there is a socks and underwear section ☺

[@oliviahegarty1959]

thank you both! X

[@LaurenJames-d6j]

I've got my Doc Marten s at the

[@jaidowens9779]

The bratz doll boots! 😂

[@purosfrijolesss]

Anyone else ever join in on the sponsor jingle she sings? lol

[@Gittemary]

Haha love that you sing along!! 😍

[@hannahzd7361]

I want to get myself slip ons for uni caus imma need them for the 3am fire drills and dont know if i should get a pair or just repurpose my old vans with those elastic shoe laces, which is best?

[@thegerda9030]

I think you could try repurposing your old shoes, and only go for a new pair if it doesnt work!

[@emeliasoderlund]

yay!

[@cupcake123456789524]

Did you glue the sole of your barefoot shoes?

[@Gittemary]

No, why?

[@cupcake123456789524]

@@Gittemary Oh, i thought it looked like that. (My bad!) i saw some people glue their wildlings to make the soles more durable, (i guess)

[@Gittemary]

Haha no I think it might be because they are a bit dirty 😍👌

[@cupcake123456789524]

@@Gittemary oooh hahaha, oops 😅

[@louiseerbslisbjerg7854]

Thank you for pointing out the issues on pleather. I honestly have serious issues with the people who goes vegan for the environment (cutting dairy etc. is fine btw.!) and then wears... pleather. It´s just not sustainable at all. Plastic that crumbles. Breaks. Cracks, just simply falls apart! At the same time preaching and shaming others for not being vegans... At some point I bought a pleather jacket and a pair of pants, secondhand. They did´nt look used and you know, at least it would be. They cracked. In like, a few months. And that´s what happens with pleather; it cracks, breaks and then people throw it out, for the remains of the plastic to be in the world for litterally eternity. And then there´s the issues of toxic plastic in the ground or micro-plastics in the sea... When choosing leather at least it is a natural materiel that´s bio-degradeble and honestly, I feel like if the animal has already been killed... at least do it justice by using every part , rather than just disregarding something as huge as the hives. I honestly think it is the most respectful thing we can do, to use ALL of the animal that`s been killed. At some point hopefully better alternatives will be presented because I dont actually want animals to get killed but from two evils. besides, how would animals survive when all life and nutrients are dead from all the plastic polusion? When it comes to durability there is nothing like leather. When my mum died I enharited her leather shoulder bag, handsewn from the sixties and my dad´s hunters bag, a smaller shoulder/cross body that hunters previously used for ammunition, knife etc., when they went out. Both are in thick, very slightly treated leather and besides a bit of leatheroil/treatment there is no need for maintenence and they have litterally kept up since 1967, looking more and more beautiful as time goes by... they are my absolute favorite bags (next to my secondhand Känken) and just keep standing the test of time. Same thing goes for my trekking-boots and knee-highs. My leather knee-highs are like... 15, maybe almost 20 years old and with the right care, I would imagine they´d probably last a lifetime.

[@melo-cotton7096]

Leather is so heavily treated that it is basically a synthetic material. Also, animals do not care about being "fully used" and respect is not exploiting them, not killing them.

[@taylortsakopulos1216]

Since you wouldn't likely use a magic eraser or lemon essential oils to get the scuffs off your white boots Id imagine there has to be a more sustainable hack.

[@Gittemary]

I use a solid stain remover on my shoes, it is featured in my latest zero waste laundry guide 🙌☺

[@CT1010101]

Has anyone who isn't an influencer successfully sold anything on a second hand app like vestiaire or depop. I don't have a social media following and it seems like without that, you're second hand items will never be found, seen by buyers, or sold.

[@Gittemary]

I mean, I sold things on second hand apps way before I worked with social media, my partner also sells things pretty regularly 😁

[@CT1010101]

@@Gittemary I guess the items I have just don't pull much interest. 🤷‍♀️ Oh well.

[@edierees6724]

gittemary I love your videos, but I think you should look up how to pronounce sneakers ;)

[@OfWavesAndWinds]

Items made from recycled plastics also shed micro plastics.

[@lukeshepherd9529]

I full on panic when they start installing plastic tarmac into roads. Then fail to notice that lung cancer in these areas is so high.. just like artificial sports pitches..