Simple Pleasure

For many of us a good pair of shoes is one of life's great pleasures. To be cushioned in stylish comfort as we go about our workaday lives is a desire that's launched a thousand footwear companies - at least.

Looking beyond only our creature comforts, however, we now have the chance to walk stylishly, comfortably and environmentally all at the same time, thanks to Simple Shoes.

A division of the Santa Barbara-based company Deckers Outdoor Corp. (who also owns UGG and Teva), Simple Shoes makes footwear that not only looks cool and is built for comfort, but every pair they produce is made with sustainability in mind. Soles made from used tires, uppers of hemp, recycled PET (soda bottle) laces, are just a few of the materials that go into their very green line.

As if their products' green cred isn't enough, Deckers itself is more than up to snuff when it comes to sustainability, having been chosen the City of Santa Barbara's "Recycler of the Year." They even post things on their site like the success of their company carpooling program and when employees decide to bike rather than drive to the office. Bravo!

We encourage sponsible readers to consider purchasing a pair of Simple Shoes, not just for the comfort, the style or even the sustainability issue, but to help a support a company that is practicing what it preaches and may well serve as inspiration to others.