Walk a mile in an ecologist's shoes

When we get up each morning and put on our shoes, we don't always think about the possible ecological impact that it can have, but Patagonia does. This Ventura, Calif.-based company is dedicated to building products and working with processes that cause the least harm to the environment. Particularly intriguing is their Outsideln collection--2-in-1 glueless shoes with leather uppers that can be worn alone or with their natural latex rubber outsoles.

The shoes start with a recycled pigskin EVA footbed which provides cushioning and support, and adds durability and comfort by covering the seams. It has plugs on the bottom to fit into the removable recycled plastic foot frame. This is the only place where water solvents are used--they add to the durability by holding the leather lining to the footbed. The slipperlike, super-soft leather upper can be worn indoors with or without socks, or it can be covered by the cozy, all-natural latex rubber outsole.

The unique construction minimizes the environmental impact by eliminating toxic glues. The leather comes from tanneries that demand a minimal environmental footprint be maintained by promoting sustainable business practices, producing less waste, utilizing reusable/clean water, and by providing healthy working conditions. The outsole is made of rubber harvested from the milk of the hevea tree, which boosts milk production when milk is cured, and creates thousands of tiny cushioning air bubbles so you can leave a gentle footprint as well.

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The Sugar & Spice shoe ($120) is a modern Mary Jane which comes in brown, black, juniper green, and mushroom brown. The Toast & Jam shoe ($130) is of the lace-up variety and comes in black, velvet brown, juniper green, and mushroom brown.

Visit www.patagonia.com for more information.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning