Shoes, shoes, shoes

I sprained my ankle a couple of weeks ago and whilst I adore my Veja trainers and Ethletic converse I do feel the need to wear actual shoes sometimes. But most of my summer ones aren’t flat (not quite sure how this came about as I walk a lot and don’t get on particularly well with heels). So I went on a bit of a shoe spree.

The bronze ballet flats are by French Sole. They’re made in Spain and whilst there are still ethical issues with shoe production in Europe, that does give me some degree of confidence. Their webiste also says they’re made in their ‘own factory’ in Spain – though whether than means they actually own and run the factory is unclear. I should email.

The black ones likewise are made in Italy.

The fab black and white twins are of course Camper* (and I’m very upset that I’ve already lost one of the badges). And made in China which of course sets my alarm bells ringing. (But they are very gorgeous and very comfortable.) Deep in the corporate information pdf on on the Camper website is this environmental claim

In October of 2000, Camper was recognized for its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of
its products over the course of their life cycle, for its search for greater efficiency in the use of
resources, for the reduction of toxins in the waste generated, for reuse, and for recycling. This
recognition came in the form of the Ecolabel of the European Union, and was a recognition of Camper’s ecodesign in the form of Camaleón. Camper thus became the first company in our
sector to receive this label in Europe.

though they don’t appear to use the Ecolabel on the products so I’m not sure if it was only for one product and doesn’t cover mine even if they still have it.

They are also involved in various social projects though passing off re-selling factory seconds as a social project to reduce waste seems to be stretching things a bit. But no mention of how they ensure good labour standards in the factories they use around the world. Another email required I feel.

So not particularly ethical, though I hope for the most part not too bad either.

*I do like Camper but they deserve a place in Pseuds’ Corner for this – Camper is not a specific shoe, but rather a style, a philosophy of life, a way of thinking and of making shoes. Camper is a way of walking.