We love local! And, we especially love local brands who are combining style and slow fashion to bring us garments and footwear that allow us to express ourselves without causing harm to the planet nor people.
One part of slow fashion is trying to be intentional about investing in quality pieces that will stand the test of time and allow you to wear them for many years – as the saying goes, “quality over quantity.” With this in mind, we wanted to share a roundup of three local shoe brands that are making slow fashion strides by creating shoes that tread lightly on the planet and will last a lifetime because of their care-filled production that prioritises quality and durability. If you are looking to invest in a new pair of stylish soles, take a look at the brands below.
Amble
Founded in 2021, by Amber Barker, Amble is a proudly South African made-to-order shoe brand using upcycled leather to create sculptural shoes that will add a bold statement to any outfit. Amber created Amble after struggling to find a beautifully and ethically made everyday pair of shoes that didn’t break the bank.
Slow fashion and slow living are at the core of this local brand. The ethos is reflected in the name – Amble – as they encourage people who wear their shoes to move slowly with purpose. “In a world where we all are moving so fast, we want people to look down at our shoes and remember to slow down, savour each moment, become aware of their surroundings, and tread lighter on the planet,” says Amber.
Amble’s shoes do not just consider environmental impact, with their made-to-order upcycling process that minimises waste, but social impact too. “When starting the brand, it was important for me to find a local shoe cobbler, not a huge manufacturing company – to uplift the small businesses in the community,” says Amber. If you are looking for a pair of shoes that are sustainable and timeless, Amble has got you covered.
- Cost: R1,250 – R1,550
- Visit their website here.
Sweet Peas
Sweet Peas was established in 2017 by twin sisters, Stacy and Che Peinke, after a family holiday in Greece that inspired the designs of their shoes that immediately make you feel like you are sunbathing in a Mediterranean summer dream.
The brand creates shoes that are simplistic and sustainable with a flair of sophistication, focussing on linen and leather as their primary materials. They aim to create high-quality footwear, made in South Africa, that strikes the perfect balance between international influences and a South African everyday style.
“Our goal for the Sweet Peas Brand is to offer feminine sandals that are versatile, of a superior quality and comfort, maintain a level of affordability and always ensure to keep our brand 100% proudly South African,” says Che.
Their shoes are made-to-order to slow down consumption habits and minimise waste. Cow leather that is sourced from local abattoirs where the cows’ hides are a by-product of the meat industry, is used to make their leather footwear. The leather is tanned with vegetables, creating shoes that are durable, environmentally friendly, and effortlessly stylish!
- Cost: R799 – R1,499
- Visit their website here.
No Borders MTHG
No Borders MTHG is a brand that promotes non-conformity and is dedicated to a ‘generation without limits’. Founder, Yannick Ilunga, is a multidisciplinary creative and is also known as Petit Noir in the music scene where he creates boundary-breaking music. No Borders MTHG is just another chapter in Yannick’s creative journey.
Yannick has always loved shoes and dreamt of creating them. “No Borders MTHG is a brand that pushes the conversation of freedom. MTHG stands for ‘Marching to Heavens Gates’ which means grabbing your piece of heaven – not waiting for it but going for it,” says Yannick.
The Novita 1 shoes are his iconic first foray into the world of footwear. They are made of leather, produced in South Africa, and are known for their sleek leather upper and timeless design. Yannick says that there are more shoes still to come. So, keep your eyes peeled!
- Cost: R4,200
- You can shop the Novita 1 Shoes at AKJP Studio.
- The No Borders MTHG website is under maintenance, but you follow @nobordersmthg on Instagram.
Next time you are looking to invest in a new pair of shoes to balance comfort and style with your slow fashion journey, consider supporting local shoemakers and creators who create with care and make shoes that will stand the test of time and help you put your best foot forward.
