I need sweatshop-free casual men's shoes

[derby378]

They have to be good-quality, durable shoes. American-made is a plus, but if the workers are treated fairly, that's just fine.

Your recommendations, please?

[Wonk]

1. No Sweat

I've got a pair of their hightops, they're decent.

http://www.ecowise.com/clothing/shoes/nosweat.shtml

edit: found a better link.
http://www.nosweatapparel.com/

[derby378]

2. A good start...

Seems like the only offer Converse-style shoes. And they're out of ginbarn's size for the codePINK high-tops (dammit).

Thanks for the recommendation, though!

[vireo]

30. I love mine!

Far more durable than the Converse I've owned.

[havocmom]

3. Before you get hung up on American made, consider...

some companies contract out to prisons for VERY CHEAP labor and the perk of slapping on a Made in the USA label.

Some companies have figured out how to 'outsource' without learning a different language. They just took a play from China's game plan and use what is basically slave labor via prison system.

Look for a Union Label, but good luck.

[derby378]

4. I give DUers more credit than to refer me to prison-made gear

They've steered me to some killer organic milk (Organic Valley) and other progressive-friendly stuff in the past. And I, in turn, introduced some DUers to American-made Union Jeans.

[madokie]

5. refresh my memory on the jeans please

[derby378]

8. Here ya go

http://www.unionjeancompany.com/

Unfortunately, no jeans cut especially for women, but the Union Jeans my wife and I have are really comfy and durable. Check 'em out.

[madokie]

11. thanks, I will

[havocmom]

7. Some companies are pretty stealthy about their manufacturing

It is sad how much the workers are sold out for a fast buck.

[syberyenta]

6. i love my SAS shoes

SAS - San Antonio Shoes
http://sasshoes.com/

They say they're made in America, all I know is my feet laugh every time I put them on because they fit so well.
Last pair I wore every day for 3 yrs. They didn't wear out so much as just get too beat up to wear except in
bad weather. Bought another pair last month. Both fit like I've owned them forever, from the first.

[derby378]

9. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

Ironic, isn't it? All these posts about Iraq, Bush, Cheney, Israel, Lebanon, NSA wiretapping, and "enemy combatants" - and the first thread you post on deals with clothing.

Hey, whatever it takes. Welcome!

[newyawker99]

20. Hi syberyenta!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[longship]

10. Make your own, in an air conditioned room

That's it, probably.

[derby378]

12. That doesn't help much

[meisje]

13. How about tire sandles?

http://www.hollowtop.com/sandals.htm

[madokie]

14. added that to my favorites for later reference, I'll be making a pair

[Eric J in MN]

15. Pangea Veg

http://www.veganstore.com/index-store.html?parentid=1&deptid=17062

[derby378]

22. Hey, thanks!

ginbarn's about to get a little surprise, if all goes well...

[Eric J in MN]

31. You're welcome. NT

NT

[Mugsy]

16. First you need some string and a big milk carton...

Cut the carton in half. Tie them over your feet with the string. Now you have the only American made, non-sweatshop labor shoes in America! :-P

[SouthPasadenaDem]

17. You're gonna love this . . .

Earth Friendly. Anti-Sweatshop, Cruelty-Free and Pro-Grassroots.

http://adbusters.org/metas/corpo/blackspotshoes/

[derby378]

24. Very intriguing. Thanks!

[QuestionAll...]

18. how about a local shoemaker.

are those still around these days?
I know shoe repair is, but real cobblers,....

[coffeenap]

19. Try here:

http://veganessentials.com/

My son bought the black work-type boots--they are nice.

Also, some New Balance shoes are still made here.

[LeftyMom]

21. New Balance still makes some of thier shoes here

You may be able to find some locally (but check labels, some styles are Made In China) but if you need to buy online, this store only caries shoes made with fair labor and in my experience all thier stuff is high quality:

http://www.veganstore.com/index-store.html?parentid=1&deptid=17062

[theHandpuppet]

23. When you say "casual" shoes

Are you talking about sneaks or a more formal type of shoe?

[derby378]

26. I'm flexible

Sneakers, trainers, hiking/cross-country shoes, etc. Just something that's sweatshop-free.

I found a pair of AND1 shoes a few years ago that someone had inexplicably thrown away, and I decided that if nobody else wanted them, I'd take them for myself. They fit great, but they're starting to show a lot of wear, and I just wanted to replace these shoes with something that was a bit friendlier to the blue-collar worker.

[theHandpuppet]

28. Here's a good resource with lots of links

I think you could find something here: http://www.educatingforjustice.org/sweatfreeproducts.htm

[meldroc]

25. I would have suggested Doc Martens

Up until 2003, they made their shoes in the UK. Then they closed their UK plants, and now they're made by Genuine Slave Labor(TM) in Thailand and China.

Other than that, I've got nothin'.

[derby378]

27. What a shame - but thanks for the info

[Rosemary2205]

29. Alden shoes

http://www.aldenshoe.com/ - I don't think they have an online store but they will send a catalog.

Also http://www.weinbrennerusa.com/ for workboots.

[soup]

32. re: "they're out of ginbarn's size for the codePINK high-tops"

Not high-tops, but if it's codePINK pink you're looking for...

I love me some Crocs
My husband loves him some Crocs
One of our sons loves him some Crocs (unfortunately, another son - who Wishes he could love him some Crocs, too - wears a size 15 shoe)
Four of our grandchildren loves them some Crocs

Check out their site:
http://www.crocs.com/home.jsp

note: Don't be fooled into the cheap imitations boo hiss that're starting to show up since Crocs have become so popular.

hmm, just noticed they have some new designs out -

[derby378]

33. Appreciate the link - but I think I found those high-tops after all

Oh, I think someone's gonna be so surprised... :toast: