Each year, the arrival of spring and the accompanying warmer temperatures bring with them another kind of transformation. Footwear fashions begin to shift from warm and cozy to chic and lightweight as many people ditch their heavy shoes in favor of sneakers, sandals and flats. The best of these shoes are those which are versatile, allowing you to look stylish and put-together whether you’re wearing a bathing suit or a flowy summer dress. They are also comfortable and durable, suitable for whole days spent outdoors and on your feet. And ideally, these shoes are sustainably made, reducing their impact on the very environment you are enjoying.
For those who would like their shoes to meet all three of these criteria, allow me to introduce you to Famolare. Owned and operated by CEO and President Victoria Staten, Famolare looks to make an impact on not only their customers, but also the world. Staten grew up wearing Famolare shoes, and remembers the feeling of empowerment they gave her—and many others—as they worked to improve their society, marching for causes like civil rights and environmental protections. Today, Staten hopes her company will help to spread the same messages, encouraging women to appreciate not only themselves, but also the world around them. And while a pair of shoes can’t fix everything, they may be the boost in confidence you need to take the first step.
Of course, there is more to these shoes than their message. Famolare shoes come in a variety of styles, from boots and sneakers to sandals and day slippers. While their heights differ, most shoes utilize the same sole—a recycled rubber platform which has been engineered to evenly distribute pressure along the foot, improving posture and gait. The first and second waves of this patented design serve to cushion shocks to your heel and arch, and the third and fourth waves provide support as you move your foot forward and lift it off the ground.
Each shoe (save for the day slippers) also features a soft leather lining and leather insole, as well as a leather upper—that is, any part of the shoe which sits above the sole. As such, it is recommended that you apply a leather protectant before use in order to keep them in good condition. While each sole is the same shade of tan, the leather comes in a variety of colors, depending on the shoe, including red, black and neutral brown. Some also offer limited edition styles, like snakeskin or coral patterns, as well as colors like blue and green.
As someone who, when out of the house, is often on her feet for longer periods of time, it was important to me that my shoes look good without contributing to the development of muscle knots. While I love flats and sandals, they do little to serve my feet, and so I often resort to supportive boots and sneakers when doing anything more than a brief errand. The Double Play sandals in earth appealed to me not only for their wide straps, which offer a greater sense of security when walking in them, but also for the pleasant shade of the leather, which goes well with the tan sole. They are both immensely comfortable to walk in—though the unique sole shape took a little getting used to—and incredibly versatile, working well with everything from jeans to shorts to casual dresses.
While these shoes may be something of an investment—even shoes on clearance are between $58 and nearly $200—they are more than worth the price. Famolare gives women the benefits of high heels—including height and confidence—without the pain or pinching. Additionally, the nickel-free sandal buckles, as well as the sneaker laces, allow you to adjust most shoes in order to keep them at a comfortable fit throughout the day.
As an added benefit, Famolare shoes utilize the same materials in order to reduce waste, and the company even buys back used pairs for reasons including keeping the shoes out of landfills. Most of their suppliers are located close to the company, reducing their carbon footprint. The company also strives to work with factories that share their worker’s rights and environmental values. Additionally, each online order helps the company to plant a tree, making a small but meaningful impact to the world around us.
Once popular in the 70s, Famolare shoes have experienced a resurgence under Staten’s guidance. The perfect footwear for anything from a day at the beach to a romantic afternoon picnic to an evening party, these shoes will keep your feet supported even as you run around all day and dance all night. Additionally, the high-quality materials and craftsmanship will keep these shoes stable and wearable for a long time to come. To discover more about this iconic company, and to receive information and discount codes via an email subscription, visit Famolare’s website today.
