Shoes are generally full of chemicals, non-recycled or recyclable material, made from animals, and from companies where the folks who make the shoes may not be treated ethically and paid a living wage.

The folks at Nomadic State of Mind found a small town in Nicaragua and taught them how to craft the sandals in order to produce jobs so they would be self-sustaining community.

Leftover trimmings from these shoes are used to make unique rugs, bags, water bottle carriers, and more. In fact, 85% of leftover pieces of rope from the sandals can be recycled into other products.

Nomadic State of Mind also offers earth-friendly hammocks, 100% organic cotton t-shirts, frisbees, and other special items.

The items arrive to your door packaged simply in a mail bag and tied with string. Large volume orders are placed in a reused box.

Nomadic State of Mind uses solar paneling, deep cycle batteries, and a few low energy light bulbs for their booths and live stores.

I sport a couple pairs of these shoes, myself. It’s about as close I can get to feeling the Earth under my feet without actually walking barefoot.