Clogs, espadrilles, TOMS shoes, Birkenstocks…many of this season’s most sought-after shoe styles were once regarded as being rather ‘niche’, but as fashion finally embraces these hippy staples, one shop has risen to prominence for its extensive range of hand-made, natural and ethical footwear.
The Natural Shoe Storein Covent Garden pioneered the natural footwear retail revolution, when it was the first London store to put several like-minded brands under one roof, all conforming to a set of ethical and design principles that made them attractive to the conscientious consumer.
The store’s founder, Robert Lusk, wanted to sell shoes that could recreate the experience of going ‘barefoot on a beach’ as accurately possible, within the confines of a shoe. A keen craftsman with experience in leather work, he began seeking out brands that were consistent with his ethos.
Thirty years on, The Natural Shoe store occupies newer, larger premises and sells many of its shoes online, bringing in a more mainstream crowd alongside its long-term customer base. Its range has grown considerably since its early days, and this summer’s range includes fashionable espadrille wedges by Toni Pons, far-out clogs from Trippen and casual, earth friendly eco sneakers by Simple and Komodo.
Our favourites for the season include Komodo’s Zara, £36.99, a stylish gladiator sandal from the natural fashion label of Bali and Kathmandu. For men, its Free Tibet sneaker, £45 remains a popular, stylish and statement-making choice. TOMS shoes, the supremely comfortable unisex espadrilles that offer shoes to a needy child for every pair bought, are huge right now and available in several colours at the store.
The styles on sale at The Natural Store have always guaranteed long-lasting comfort and quality, with ethical values at their core. But it’s great to know that fashion is finally giving its styles the thumbs-up too.
