I need new shoes and want to buy shoes that can be disposed of without a bad conscience when worn out.

I’ve understood plant-based materials and biodegradability is some sort of holy grail for sustainable products, but I am struggling to understand really how biodegradable the different materials are.

Some brands tout 100% plant-based, but might still need industrial composting conditions to properly decompose.

Then again recycled plastics from old fishing nets and such is good if it takes them out of the oceans. But then, how do I dispose of then when worn out?

Or should I go nuclear and buy something new, non plant·based, but super high quality product that might last me longer?

I feel a little lost in this jungle.

I liked the concept of the OAT shoes, but they seem to have gone out of business.

Any advice? Certifications, brands, materials to look for?

  • hanke@feddit.nuOPEnglish
    2·
    27 days ago

    I wear mens shoes. Looking for something clean sneaker-ish in a neutral color. Preferably vegan.

    Any advice or pointers would be greatly helpful 🙏

    Also, second hand might be okay for me, but I don’t want sweaty or wonky looking shoes just to get them second hand.

    In practise what I am looking for is a good trade-off between sustainability and style.

    • actionjbone@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      5·
      26 days ago

      So, sneakers aren’t repairable. There are plenty of shoes that offer great support, but if you’re looking for a sneaker look, you’re probably going to be stuck with disposable shoes.

      Similar for vegan. Vegan leather-like shoes are made of plastic or canvas, and they will wear through/crack.

      Leather is one of the most sustainable shoe materials. I own, and I regularly wear, shoes that are older than I am. The leather needs conditioning and care, but it does not disintegrate the way vegan shoes do.

      Leather wears in. Plastic wears out.

      If you’re interested in learning more, I can share more info about shoe construction and what to look for.

      • hanke@feddit.nuOPEnglish
        1·
        26 days ago

        I’m still not sure what route to go down, but I would be interested in learning more!

        • actionjbone@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          1·
          25 days ago

          It’s hard to find a single article that covers everything, but this might be a good place to start: https://www.allenedmonds.com/the-journal/made-here/process?icid=BottomNav_Our_Process

          Allen Edmonds is one of the last big companies to manufacture traditional men’s shoes in the U.S.

          Their quality isn’t as good as it used to be, but they still follow many of the same processes. That page will give you some of the basics on how they are made.

          Welted shoes are designed to have their soles replaced. Allen Edmonds does make sneaker like shoes that can be resoled, but they aren’t really “buy it for life” like a welted shoe.

          https://vcleat.com/ has lots of articles about older brands and high-quality shoes. Might not be the style you’re going for, but some of the information should still be good.

          I mentioned used because eBay and thrift stores can be good sources for high quality shoes, if you know what you’re looking for - and if you don’t go in with expectations. Usually, I leave a thrift shop empty-handed. But I’ve also thrifted some real gems that are either in great shape, or just need some cleanup.