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by Lexi Inks
Although social media may lead you to believe that leading an eco-friendly life means never buying any forms of plastic, composting everything, and fitting all your trash for the month into a tiny mason jar, what it actually entails is making small, long-term changes whenever possible. While making your own “natural” toothpaste or sunscreen (not recommended by medical experts, BTW) is certainly trendy, contributing to global sustainability efforts doesn’t have to become burdensome. In fact, something as simple as shopping from a sustainable shoe line or clothing brand rather than big box retailers — when you can — is still a great way to make a difference.
Enter: Alterre.
An innovative, sustainable, and women of color-founded footwear brand, Alterre offers you the ultimate way to maximize your shoe collection without damaging your budget (or the climate.) Each pair has a small stud on the bottom of the shoe where you can attach or detach your choice of strap. Yes, you can actually *alter* each pair of Alterre shoes. Get it?
As the temps start dropping and seasonal flavors start brewing at your favorite coffee shop, your fall wardrobe is bound to make a reappearance. Luckily, Alterre can help you step out in style with their new collection for the fall and holiday seasons.
A Sustainable Shoe Line for [All]kind
Alterre’s company founders, Harmony Pilobello and Shilpa Iyengar, are two long-time friends who met while studying at Parsons School of Design in NYC. In 2015, they officially began production with a factory that uses both fair labor practices and follows their core mission of sustainability. Their shoes are made with mindfully- (and often locally) sourced materials, their heels are made using recycled plastic, and unused shoes that end up discontinued and unsold are donated to Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization providing footwear to people in need across the globe. In other words, these are two certified ~girl bosses~ who really care about the impact their work has on others — and the planet.
The most fun feature about each pair Alterre shoes is your ability to swap out the strap color and style, whenever you want. The small stud hidden under each shoe allows you to easily change from an ankle strap to one with more coverage on the back. Even their boots are customizable with a strap, from a bootie style to a Western look. The brand offers seven different strap styles overall — each adorably named after inspiring women admired by the founders — so if you have a particular look and fit you’re going for, their “Design a Shoe” tool is a great option.
Fall in Love With These New Styles
Nicer weather in the fall means more opportunity to treat each lunchtime walk or Target run like your own personal fashion show, and with Alterre’s new collection, you’ll certainly want to show off.
Point Slide in Groovy Green and Amal Strap in Groovy Green
$280, U.S. Sizes 6-10
This shoe and strap combo adds plenty of support to a slip-on fit, and the gorgeous emerald calf hair upper is made even more intriguing with a laser-engraved wave pattern in navy blue.
Point Slide in Groovy Green and Elsie Strap in Gold
$284, U.S. Sizes 6-10
The gold Elsie strap adds an extra flair to the deep jewel tone of the Groovy Green slide — plus it’s a great strap to keep on hand going into the holidays.
V Mule in Black and Elsie Strap in Black
$235, U.S. Sizes 6-10
There’s nothing like a classic black heel, and these comfortable, mid-level mules in a supple black leather are made for fashion and function. As a plus, each of Alterre’s pointed-toe styles are extended to ensure your toes aren’t pinched while you’re out and about.
V Mule in Clay Croc and Marilyn Strap in Clay Croc
$230, U.S. Sizes 6-10
There’s no doubt that you’ll stun everyone at the office holiday parties with these gorgeous red block heels. Best of all? The “croc” pattern isn’t real crocodile skin, but an embossed patent leather. Alterre’s sustainable styles are very demure, very mindful.
V Mule in Clay Croc and Amal Strap in Clay Croc
$235, U.S. Sizes 6-10
Fun fact: Alterre is so committed to slow fashion and reducing waste, they offer every customer a free DIY Repair Kit if the stud under the shoe breaks. Rather than replacing your pair of slides, boots, mules, or pumps, you can make a quick fix — and get back to flexing on your neighborhood bodega man.
