I don’t know what my deal with fashion is lately - probably because I haven’t been out much. But this boot caught my eye, and not just because it’s getting chill outside. Other than the fact that the boot is a damn good-looking design, what else would entice you to purchase them? Price? Well, the pair costs $404, which might be a bit pricey to some, but perfectly logical to others.
The real deal behind these boots from Terra Plana is their materials and construction. On this particular boot, the upper is folded over the mid sole and then stitched through. The boot, therefore, has a smarter look than the stitch down method and an extra layer of stitch through the folded upper for strength. The leather in these boots is vegetable tanned, a natural alternative to chrome tanning. The leather is prepared by using vegetable extracts that create beautiful rich colors. Finally, where possible, Terra Plana tries to source materials local to the factories where these boots are produced, thus minimizing on transportation. And you should see the list of materials they use to create their shoe and boot designs…
In other shoes or boots (men or women’s) offered by this company, you might find such recycled materials as Pakistani quilts, coffee bags, jackets, shirts, jeans, leather car seat scraps, and/or 90% pure latex soles or recycled rubber soles and 100% recycled foam footbeds and recycled card for shoeboxes.
While Terra Plana swears to maintain repairability, lightness, and anatomic design (healthy for feet) with all their footwear designs, I have to wonder what the boots to the right might feel like after walking a few blocks in New York City on ice and snow…Oh - right. You don’t wear $400+ boots in ice and snow, right? And, that is one smart design.
Check out the various designs that Terra Plana offers. No matter the cost, the direction toward recycling and sustainable business practices is the right way to go, whether on foot on not. And, while you’re at the site, check out the “RADDISSHMe” design book (top menu). The logo and the designers’ rationale for its creation is worth the trip.
For the holidays: Dick Blick Art Materials
