Ethletic Classic Low Cut Sneakers Review

Typical price:

£32

We like:

Their fair trade and FSC credentials; the classic design; their value for money

We don't like:

That they look a lot like Converse All Stars; that they don't have organic and vegan certifications

SmartPlanet judgement:

Ethletic scores highly on every front. The FairDeal Trading Partnership pays two Fairtrade premiums and uses organic cotton and FSC-certified rubber. The trainers' robust design means they won't fall to pieces; they're comfortable, affordable and fashionable. What more could you want from a shoe?

Score:

Contact:

Nice Car Company at http://www.fairdealtrading.com/
Telephone: +44 (0)7966 144 819

For no apparent reason, Converse All Stars -- or any trainers that look like them -- have in recent years become the height of cool-dom. It seems everyone is wearing them, from rock stars to mums to trendy teens, and it looks like they are here to stay. So it is just as well that an ethical alternative exists.

Made by the FairDeal Trading Partnership, which has over 30 years of experience in fair trade, Ethletic sneakers are arguably some of most ethical shoes available. The rubber for the soles is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) -- and the FSC stamp is engraved on the sole of every shoe.

A fair trade premium is paid to the rubber producers in Sri Lanka for every kilo of rubber produced, supporting welfare projects such as the building of a new well. The shoes are assembled in a factory in Sialkot, Pakistan, which the FairDeal team regularly visit. Workers receive double the minimum wage and a fair trade premium is paid for every pair made, contributing to health and welfare projects like paying for a full-time doctor and a fully functioning clinic. The premium also pays for micro credit loans so workers can establish their own small businesses.

So far so sustainable. We awarded further greenie and ethical points for the fact that the shoe's upper is made from 100 per cent organic cotton (sourced from Pakistan) and that all materials used to make the trainers are 100 per cent vegan and 100 per cent biodegradable, though we should note that we'll have to trust Ethletic here, because it doesn't have certifications for these. Not that you'll be throwing these away in the near future -- they're made to a high standard so they should last. And they're affordably priced at £32.

Are these shoes too good to be true? Surely there must be a catch -- perhaps in the comfort and fit department? Well, having tried this 'low cut' olive green pair we were pretty impressed. Like any trainer, they need wearing in a bit before they become really comfortable, but all things considered, Ethletic deserves a medal. Preferably an ethically sourced and environmentally sound one, like our Smart Choice award which this nabs by scoring higher than 9.0.

Ethletic sneakers are available in 'low cut' or 'high cut' styles. See FairDeal's site to view the range of colours which includes black, white and olive green.

Score breakdown:

 

Read more reviews of green and ethical products at www.smartplanet.com