These sneakers are made from recycled rubber soles from pre-consumer, factory floor waste, with hemp fabric uppers and water-based adhesives (= cleaner environment for factory workers). They look pretty nifty, too. Link
(Thanks, Sean Bonner!)
Reader comment: Robert says,
Please please please don't by those so-called "sweatshop free" shoes that are made in china! There's no such thing as sweatshop free in china. Buy the real hemp sneaker with recycled rubber soles, union-made ( not made in china, cause unions are banned there ). Link
Reader comment: jonathan says,
If you dig those eco sneaks you posted about. I think you’ll really like the shoes from “no sweat” — Link. They have similar sneakers, but much better colors and styles. They also have sandals made by tsunami victims and profits go towards tsunami victims, theyre called tsong thongs.
Reader comment: Ted Brzinski says,
I really liked what I saw upon visiting the "Ecosneaks" site you posted about on BoingBoing, right up until I tried to purchase some of their shoes: that's when I noticed their entire checkout procedure is completely unsecure (it looks like they don't even use https when collecting credit card information). I was concerned even further when I saw a disclaimer on the site which included this:
[…] THIS SITE'S OWNER WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS SITE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.[…]
It would probably be a good idea to give your other readers a heads-up before someone inadvertently ends up giving up their credit card information.
Reader comment: christopher brian, president of "shoes with souls" — the site that sells ecosneaks — replies:
the ecosneak is environmentally responsible with water based adhedsives and hemp blended uppers, cruelty free, and socially responsible. although manufactured in china, they are manufactured under rigorous standards free from child labor and industry recognized definitions of sweatshop conditions.
each consumer is free to choose whether to purchase products from asia under their own ideals, but for readers to categorically slander our products is simply childish. no other company has invested so much time and money into the design and development of ethical footwear. consumers are free to choose from over 30 additional styles that are manufactured outside of china. again, no other company offers ethical footwear consumers such a broad range of styles and price points.
your readers are free to question us directly at info@shoeswithsouls.com rather than trash our reputation without any background on our company. thanks again.
Shoes With Souls, Inc.
9040 Carroll Way Suite 6
San Diego, CA 92121phone 858-653-3741
fax 858-653-3742
I've asked Mr. Brian about the concerns some readers voiced about transaction security on his website, and await a reply.
Update: Mr. Brian replies:
Regarding site security: this site was designed in 2004 prior to all the current security encription logos ect… however, the site is encrypted and all transactions are secure. customers can also phone in orders to 1.858.653.3741 if they prefere. in addition, our return policy is 15 days for a full refund or exchanges within 30 days.
If a transaction session is not https, it's not https. If I were buying a pair of ecosneaks, I'd use phone and not the website.
