Notice, this article is written by anchoredinelegance.com. The original post link https://anchoredinelegance.com/vivaia-shoes-give-the-gift-of-sustainability/
Man, I’ve been looking at my feet a lot lately… Why, you ask? C’mon, do you really have to ask? It’s the shoes of course! This pretty little block heel from VIVAIA shoes just radiates elegance. Better yet, it’s eco-friendly. We’ll get into those details in just a second, but first I wanted to explain the purpose behind this post.
As a style blogger, I test out a lot of brands/products in the hopes of helping you sift the lackluster from true winners. Consequently, I’m launching a series of posts featuring gift ideas for your nearest and dearest, that extra special person on your list. These items are from higher-end brands and the small businesses I enjoy most. I’ve pulled these pieces from my own closet/home. They are also the gifts that will likely end up under the tree for my family members! In addition to being beautiful, most also have a sense of purpose behind them.
First up? VIVAIA shoes! This brand first reached out to me about a year ago (read the original post here), asking if I’d test run its shoes. They were gorgeous, so I said yes… never expecting VIVAIA’s comfort factor to rivals its beauty. These heels feel like you’re walking on a cloud. And if you favor flats, you get another unexpected bonus. VIVAIA’s flats are machine washable! The other styles are easy to handwash. I’ve washed mine several times.
Can feet smile? Because the stretch of the outer material and the cushion of the padding within have mine doing a happy dance! Looking for a detailed VIVAIA shoes review? Keep on reading!
VIVAIA Shoes: What Makes It Different?
There is a lot of waste in the fashion industry…
VIVAIA Collection aims to cut down on that by using recycled, environmentally friendly materials—most notably thread made from plastic water bottles. The company uses that thread to knit the surface material of its shoes, and its overall manufacturing process produces very little waste. Each shoe represents six water bottles that otherwise might have ended up as microplastics in the ocean. Even the packaging is eco-friendly, made with 90 percent recycled cardboard.
That all sounds great… However, as a former journalist, I wanted proof.
VIVAIA Shoes – Production & Manufacturing
We all know businesses can claim a lot on their websites. Moreover, online reviews can often be surface level at best. So, I wanted to make sure this VIVAIA shoes review got into the nitty gritty. I asked VIVAIA shoes to share specifics about its manufacturing process and certification information. They did–and supplied documentation.
The company utilizes the Global Recyled Standard (or GRS) to assess its products. GRS and RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) are international, voluntary standards that set requirements for third-party certification of recycled input and chain of custody. GRS is more stringent than RCS and includes additonal criteria for social and environmental processing requirements and chemical restrictions.
How Eco-Friendly is VIVAIA?
VIVAIA is assessed by Control Union Certifications out of the Netherlands. The shoe maker shared its most recent GRS certification document with me (dated 11/4/21). The assessment requires that 6 percent of a shoe is made from recycled materials. VIVAIA shoes contain 20 percent recycled materials!
In addition to the “tech knit” fabric, VIVAIA focuses on sustainability with its outsoles. It fashions its shoes from carbon-free rubber that is shock-resistant (hence the awesome cushioning). It is also fungi-proof and odor resistant. That was key for me, because (sorry for the overshare) I get really sweaty feet. I was a bit concerned about the breathability factor, being that these shoes are made from plastic. However, they have remained pleasantly stink-free. Let’s just say my feet have put VIVAIA collection’s moisture-wicking insole to the test!
While headquartered in the United States, VIVAIA manufactures its shoes in Dongguan, China. I know for many eco-conscious consumers, this may bring up alarm bells. However, it’s fairly common for international brands, particularly those who ship direct to consumer, to choose China for manufacturing. In addition to regular assessment of its recycling standards, VIVAIA’s Dongguan factory is independently audited each year.
Now, let’s jump back to the fashion standpoint…
This is where the brand really excels! In my first VIVAIA shoes review, I loved the options. They were versatile and practical. Since then, they’ve gotten even more inventive. There are now so many dreamy, feminine styles. Looking for a versatile boot? VIVAIA’s got you covered. A ballet flat? Amazing options there too! It is really hard to choose just one. Here are a few of the VIVAIA shoes on my wish list…
Now, let’s talk about the pairs I’m wearing. First up, the Aurora heel. Available in black, blue, or cream, this block heel offers slipper-level comfort. I wear these on teaching days, which means I’m running all over Purdue’s campus and on my feet for hours. They rise the challenge – and look good doing it. The houndstooth print bow is so classic. These are ideal for work or play!
In my opinion, these fit TTS. I typical wear a size 6 and ordered the 36. In the past, VIVAIA shoes seemed to run large. That’s not the case anymore. I would recommend ordering your true size.
Finally, let’s talk about the Titli heel. This pair of VIVAIA shoes couldn’t be sweeter. The shape is incredibly flattering and the heel is just the right height – elongating, but comfortable. You can nab the Titli in nude, gray, or black. The ankle support of this pair feels firmer than other VIVAIA styles, more like a traditional shoe than the slipper-like feel of the others. That’s not to say it isn’t incredibly comfortable. This one runs a hair smaller than VIVAIA’s other styles. That said, I still recommend buying your traditional size.
Let me know if you have any questions about this VIVAIA shoes review. And here’s that discount code again…
