It’s decided, your next pair of shoes will be sturdy or they won’t be. To be sure of your choice, several criteria must be met, which vary depending on the material of the chosen shoe. It’s important to remember that the clothing industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world.
4 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases are emitted each year by the textile industry!
To give you an idea of which brands last, some offer a multi-year or even lifetime warranty on their shoes. This can be an indicator of durable shoes that will last a long time.
When it comes to fabric or synthetic materials, choose:
natural fibers, including for the lining
It’s no secret: natural fibers, like hemp, are the most durable. Fabrics made from petrochemical processes are poor-quality sieves. natural rubber soles rather than rubber with industrial chemical components Similar to fabric, natural rubber is very strong and waterproof by nature, compared to industrial rubbers.
shoes that are sewn rather than glued or welded
You can also ask your shoemaker to add pads which will extend the life of your shoes.
The little extra
Check that the seams are close together, this is a sign of a quality shoe.To go further : “ Ecological textiles: guide to materials ” (Planet Addict)A man in dress shoes and a woman in white heels
Maintaining your shoes is simple and effective!
On the leather side, choose:
full-grain leather
It is particularly nourished and soft to the touch. This leather will last longer than any other. If your shoe dealer is unable to advise you, run away! They don’t know what they’re selling and, therefore, cannot guarantee its quality.
For more information: “ Vegetable tanning, full-grain leather… How to recognize beautiful leather ” (L’Express)
shoes that are stitched rather than welded or glued
Stitched shoes are more robust and can be resoled if something goes wrong. If you want to impress your shoemaker or shine in society, know that the most durable stitching methods are Goodyear welting and Norwegian welting. More information on the Bonne gueule website .
natural rubber soles
The main reason is that natural rubber soles generally insulate better than leather soles, so you can wear them in winter as well. Leather also suffers from moisture, and the sole can deteriorate more quickly if you often walk on rainy days.
If your dream pair only comes with leather soles, have pads added! This is usually inexpensive and will greatly extend the life of your shoes.