People Footwear Review: My Honest Take on the Sustainable Shoe Brand

Are you tired of settling for uncomfortable shoes that fall apart after a few wears? Do you wish you could find a footwear brand that aligned with your values of sustainability and ethical production? Look no further than People Footwear.

Founded in 2013, this Canadian company is on a mission to create the world‘s most comfortable, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free shoes. As a passionate shoe lover, I‘ve been wearing People Footwear for years. I‘m excited to share my honest review of the brand and help you decide if their shoes are right for you.

The People Footwear Story

People Footwear was born out of a desire to do things differently. The company‘s founder Damian Van Zyll De Jong sketched his initial designs at a plant-based restaurant, aptly named "Genuis". The brand name represents his intent to create footwear for the entire family: Men, women, and kids (People Footwear).

From day one, People Footwear has been committed to using sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices. The company doesn‘t use any animal products in their shoes. Instead, they opt for recycled and plant-based materials that reduce environmental impact.

People Footwear‘s mission goes beyond just making shoes. They strive to be a force for positive change, creating products that are good for people and the planet. As a certified B Corporation, the company meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance (B Lab).

Innovative Materials and Technologies

One of the things that sets People Footwear apart is their use of innovative, eco-friendly materials. The brand incorporates recycled plastic bottles into their shoe uppers, giving new life to post-consumer waste. Here are some of the sustainable materials you‘ll find in their shoes:

• rPET: A lightweight, breathable recycled fibers made from plastic water bottles
• Sugarcane: As opposed to the usual petroluem-based soles, sugarcane is a renewable resource
• Natura: This soft, supple leather alternative is made from plant-based sources
• Algae: Harvested from overpopulated areas, algae biomass cleans the enviroment and reduces fossil fuel usage (People Footwear)

In addition to earth-friendly materials, People Footwear utilizes cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. Their proprietary SkyLite™ injection molding process creates an ultralight, seamless shoe using just one material. This method reduces waste compared to traditional cut-and-sew construction.

The brand‘s signature FeelWeird™ technology incorporates recycled foam into the sole for upgraded comfort. I can attest that it feels like walking on a cloud! The SuperCush™ midsole also provides responsive cushioning and energy return.

Styles for Everyone

Whether you‘re looking for a casual sneaker, a supportive sandal, or a cozy slipper, People Footwear has you covered. The brand offers a curated range of styles for men, women, and kids. Here are some of the most popular models:

Women‘s Shoes

• Phillips: This laceless sneaker has a knit upper that hugs your foot like a sock. I love how lightweight and breathable it is. It comes in fun prints like animal patterns and sunset ombre.
• Ace: The Ace is a classic lace-up tennis shoe with clean lines and vibrant colorways. It‘s my go-to for everyday errands and walks in the park.
• Lennon Chiller: On hot summer days, I live in my Lennon Chillers. These slide sandals have arch support and an antimicrobial footbed to ward off odor. They‘re perfect for the beach, pool, or just chilling at home.

Men‘s Shoes

• Phillips: The men‘s version of the Phillips includes all the same comfort features like the SkyLite sole and knit upper. My husband loves how they look with shorts or joggers.
• Senna: For dressier occasions, the Senna loafer is a sophisticated choice. It has a sleek silhouette and soft, supple vegan leather. The inside is lined with breathable mesh.
• Sperry: The Sperry is like a puffer jacket for your feet. With a quilted nylon upper and NatrualFoam™ footbed, it‘s the ultimate cozy slip-on. My brother wears his around the house all winter.

Kids‘ Shoes

• Miki Junior: This mini sneaker has an easy-on, easy-off design for wiggly toddlers. The adjustable strap ensures a secure fit, while the SkyLite sole offers flexibility for little feet.
• Cypress Junior: My niece loves her Cypress Junior sandals for summer. They have a cushioned footbed and grippy rubber sole, perfect for playground adventures.
• Senna Junior: This mini version of the grown-up Senna loafer brings sophistication to little outfits. The inside is moisture-wicking to keep feet dry and comfy.

Serious About Sustainability

The fashion industry has a massive environmental footprint, and footwear is no exception. Here are some shocking statistics:

• The footwear industry emits 700 million metric tons of CO2 every year (Quantis)
• About 300 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills annually (UNECE)
• It can take 30-40 years for a shoe to decompose in a landfill (World Footwear)

People Footwear is working to change those numbers. The brand has diverted over 1 million water bottles from landfills by using recycled materials (People Footwear). They‘ve also reduced their carbon footprint by 30% since 2016.

In addition to using eco-materials, People Footwear partners with ethical factories that prioritize worker well-being. The company is a member of the Fair Labor Association, which sets standards for safe and humane working conditions. People Footwear also donates 1% of its annual sales to environmental nonprofits through 1% for the Planet (People Footwear).

As a consumer, supporting brands like People Footwear can help drive positive change in the fashion industry. By voting with your dollar, you encourage more companies to adopt sustainable practices.

Fit Tips and Tricks

Buying shoes online can be tricky in terms of sizing. Luckily, People Footwear offers free shipping and returns to make the process easier. Here are some fit tips I‘ve learned from my experience with the brand:

• Phillips: I find the knit upper of the Phillips style to run a bit snug. If you‘re between sizes, I recommend going up. The knit will stretch slightly with wear.

• Mika: The Mika sandal fits true to size. I have wider feet and find them comfortable with the adjustable straps. They do take a couple wears to break in the footbed.

• Ace: I wear a half size and ordered a size up for my Aces. They‘re roomy but don‘t slip off my feet. If you have narrow feet, ordering your usual size should work well.

People Footwear‘s website has a helpful fit guide with printable size charts. Customer reviews can also provide insight into fit for specific styles. When in doubt, don‘t hesitate to reach out to their customer service team for guidance.

Head-to-Head with the Competition

People Footwear isn‘t the only brand hopping on the sustainable shoe train. Here‘s how they stack up against some key competitors:

Brand	Sustainable Materials	Carbon Neutral	Vegan
People Footwear	Yes	In Progress	Yes
Allbirds	Yes	Yes	No
Rothy‘s	Yes	Yes	Yes
TOMS	Some Styles	No	Some Styles

Table: Comparison of sustainable footwear brands (data from brand websites)

As you can see, People Footwear holds its own in terms of using eco-friendly materials and vegan construction. While they‘re not yet carbon neutral like Allbirds and Rothy‘s, they‘re actively working to reduce their emissions.

One advantage People Footwear has over the competition is its affordable price point. Their shoes range from $55 to $120, while Allbirds and Rothy‘s styles can cost upwards of $150. People Footwear offers sustainable style without breaking the bank.

The Verdict

So, are People Footwear shoes worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely. I‘ve owned several pairs over the years, and they consistently impress me with their comfort, style, and durability. I feel good knowing my purchase supports a company that prioritizes sustainability and ethical production.

Don‘t just take my word for it. People Footwear has glowing reviews from customers around the world. On the brand‘s website, their styles have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Here‘s what some happy customers have to say:

• "I have several pairs of the Ace sneakers and they are my favorite shoes. They‘re so comfortable and lightweight, perfect for all-day wear." – Laura S.
• "I bought the Phillips for my husband and he loves them. He says they‘re the most comfortable shoes he‘s ever owned." – Rachel T.
• "I‘m a teacher and am on my feet all day. My Mika sandals provide the support and cushioning I need to get through long days." – John M.

Of course, no shoe is perfect. Some customers have reported issues with sizing or durability for certain styles. However, People Footwear‘s responsive customer service team is always willing to help with exchanges or returns.

If you‘re looking for a sustainable shoe brand that doesn‘t sacrifice style or comfort, I highly recommend giving People Footwear a try. Their innovative designs and earth-friendly materials make them a stand-out choice in the footwear industry.

Use code FRIEND10 for 10% off your first purchase. Trust me, your feet will thank you. Here‘s to happy, healthy, sustainable walking!