By Paige McLean – Marketing & Digital Coordinator
Summer dressing is all about ease. Effortless outfits, versatile staples and footwear that can keep up with every plan on your calendar. With slow fashion becoming increasingly popular, people are starting to think about how their purchases impact the environment too. There's a growing shift towards investing in pieces that not only look good, but do good too.
In this guide, we'll explore what makes a sandal a more sustainable choice, the materials worth looking for, and the timeless styles that will carry you through this summer and many more to come.
Designed to Last Longer
When summer calls, you'll want a style designed to last and become your go-to. Choosing sustainably made sandals is a great place to start, and here's why. Styles like the Faye and Ebony are crafted from genuine leather, meaning they're the real deal. The material is naturally durable and highly resistant to daily wear and tear. Unlike synthetic alternatives, genuine leather ages beautifully over time, and with the right care, a pair can last years (even decades!) making it a smart, cost-effective investment.
The good news is that caring for leather sandals is simple. Wipe them down with a damp cloth after wear, then condition the leather every 3-6 months using a non-toxic product like beeswax leather conditioner or shea butter to keep it soft and prevent cracking.
@katherineraagas in Faye 'Espresso'
Responsible Material Choices
Fast fashion is often trend-driven, encouraging purchasing decisions that don't stand the test of time, and don't always protect our environment. We believe in slower fashion, done right.
When searching for your next summer footwear, there are a few responsible materials worth knowing about, in addition to the genuine leather covered above.
Organic cotton sandals are highly breathable, sustainably sourced, and requires less water during the cultivation process. EMU styles like the Agonis Mac and Tess are great places to start.
Natural wool sneakers are another excellent option! Lightweight, machine washable, and naturally temperature-regulating. The Miki and Springbrook are two styles worth exploring.
We believe in inspiring individuality, not wastefulness. That's why EMU Australia works with natural, sustainable fibres that break down into harmless compounds. And comfort hasn't been overlooked either. Across the range, you'll find memory footbeds, contoured footbeds and anatomical footbeds, just be sure to check the features when browsing.
Style Featured: Tess 'Natural'
Pulling together your sustainable summer wardrobe doesn't have to be complicated. By choosing footwear crafted from natural materials, genuine leather, organic cotton and natural wool, you're not only making a more eco-friendly choice, but investing in styles designed to last. Slower fashion is smarter fashion. When you choose quality over quantity, you're choosing styles that withstand the test of time, reduce waste and reflect your values. Just like nature, we move to a natural rhythm. That's our EMU-ness: natural, sustainable and designed with you in mind.