Question from Beth
I am looking for safe sneakers for myself and my toddler. Do you know of any specific brands that are are flame retardant free, polyurethane foam free, etc.? Do you think Aegis is safe and/or X-static (alternative to triclosan) as many sneakers are treated with these agents? May I ask what brands of shoes you wear? I’m just looking for the best options and realize that I may not find a perfect pair.
Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
I’m not sure you are going to find sneakers with these specifications. I’m looking at a pair or “organic cotton sneakers” online and they still have polyurethane foam padding and the soles are made from recycled rubber tires (which emit many toxic chemicals)
My favorite cotton shoes are espadrilles. I have no idea what they might be treated with, but they are made from very simple materials and I’ve never had a problem with them. Here’s the type I’m talking about : Asos Espadrilles. You can see in the photo they have cotton tops, some kind of natural rope sole, with some rubber.
I have a pair of leather sneakers I wear on vacations when I need a closed toe walking shoe. These are vegetable-tanned leather from Camper. Very sustainable company. Here’s one similar to the style I have: www.camper.com
But every day I wear my leather Mefisto sandals: www.mephistowebstore.com. I can do that here in Florida. I love these. I just buy one pair at a time and wear them until they wear out and buy another. They just are the most comfortable, least toxic shoe I’ve found for my climate. If I lived in San Francisco, I’d wear my Camper sneakers every day. I love those too.
I too have been looking for nontoxic sneakers for myself and my toddler! It is a really tough search! I wanted to add one more possibility to Debra’s great list. I have been considering getting Keen sneakers for myself and my toddler. The particular model I was looking at is the Coronado High-Tops http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/shoes/kids/toddler/coronado%20high%20top%20canvas/ensign%20blue!neutral%20grey . They are made of canvas and natural rubber (it does not say recycled rubber, but I think I will call them just to check) and it says the rubber is adhesive free which I am hoping would lessen the possibility of toxic glues. There are some other options as well (the Sula, the regular Coronado) that come in toddler and adult sizes–also canvas and rubber (some specify adhesive free, while others don’t say). The adult shoes have a polyurethane footbed but it says that it is removable. Also, I know that the Keen sandals are treated with an antimicrobial, but it makes no mention of the tennis shoes being treated. Hope that helps!
Cork bed Birkenstocks.