The Perfect Spring Shoes

Eco-chic shoes by Christian Louboutin, Martin Margiela, Stella McCartney and more

Featured item: MAY 6, 2008

Made with beachy rope, jute or cork, these espadrilles and wedges are the perfect warm-weather shoe.

Cork and jute are renewable resources (meaning they replenish themselves naturally) and can be harvested with minimal environmental impact, needing little or no pesticides for growth.

If shoes were part of a family tree, wedges and espadrilles would be cousins. Both often come in natural materials, like cork and jute, and both bring a note of seasonal freshness to your look. If you're feeling high-end, splurge on the Crimson Piluca Espadrilles by Christian Louboutin (pictured, top center), $360. The uppers are made from vegan-friendly canvas, a trend first popularized by Stella McCartney (who has her own delicious albeit wood version of a fabulous wedge). Or save oodles with these Vegan Espadrilles (pictured, middle right), $42.50, by Vegetarian Shoes and Bags, topped by a soft faux suede. For innovative variations with natural fibers, look at what else we've found for you: If you're more urban warrior than hip prepster—these flat cork-bottomed Gladiator sandals by Bolo (pictured, top right), $188, should ground you well. The leather used in the sandal was tanned using all-natural vegetable dyes, and the shoe itself is hand-sewn, using very few adhesives and cements. Perhaps you fight your battles, not on the streets, but in the suites of office buildings. Step out with these neutral yet striking cork pumps by Martin Margiela (pictured, left), $545, which will blend in with any color palette. They're made to show off—but subtly, which is just like you.—Rebecca Brown