Tiny Shoes on a Big Mission from Keen and Simple
June 26 2009
They may be Simple, but their shoes are so darn smart. Known for their pioneering use of recycled carpet padding and inner tubes, unbleached hemp, natural crepe rubber and other green bits and bobs, Simple strives to protect the Earth by creating supremely sustainably made footwear, starting with its smallest styles. Newest in the company’s 2009 lineup is the whimsical Weegee, an “awww”-inspiring, machine-washable booty made of eco-certified suede with an organic-cotton foldover to keep itty-bitty ankles snug in cooler climes. We adore the unisex Ladybug—just one of four fun appliqué designs that all come packaged in post-consumer-recycled boxes, of course. For novice walkers, there’s Simple’s brand-new toddler collection, made up of three styles that are as much fun to say as they are to wear. The Poodle, the Noodle and the Doodle combine eco-certified, washable suede uppers with nonmarking outsoles (our eco-friendly, biodegradable linoleum kitchen floors express their undying gratitude) and protective toe-cap guards to shield against bumping and bruising.
We (and our kids) are crazy about KEEN’s cool kicks, like the Coronado, which features recycled aluminum eyelets, a recycled polyurethane and cork footbed, natural canvas, and vulcanized construction that uses fewer adhesives. Through its Mighty KEENdom initiative, KEEN will donate one dollar to the National Wildlife Federation for every pair of kids’ Coronado shoes sold in the U.S. Along with the initiative, KEEN has designed a special line of Coronados for infants and toddlers, each of which features a different endangered animal. It’s all part of the outdoor-footwear company’s commitment to the environment, and to getting kids out of the house and back into nature, through unstructured outdoor play and exploration. We love the Coronado’s durability, simplicity and old-school stitching. Factor in the fact that our purchase helps promote wildlife conservation and environmental awareness, and we just may have to stock up for fast-growing feet.
Walk (or crawl) proud, kids, ya done good.
—Natasha Garber
Natasha Garber is the former editor of Los Angeles Family magazine. Currently, she is a contributor to numerous bridal, event and lifestyle publications across the country, where she covers green events and event planning, sustainable catering and cuisine, fashion and design trends. A mother of two and passionate proponent of eco-conscious family living, Natasha lives, writes, parents, plays and makes fresh, organic, totally delicious baby food in Los Angeles.
