Fair Trade Giveaway Hop Sponsor :: Fair Trade Footwear From soleRebels! {Review}

As I try to incorporate a greener, healthier attitude into my shopping habits, it's about time that I look at my shoes and where they come from. Especially the ones I wear most often like ballet flats. Really, I have a thing for flats. Once I find "the ones" I tend to live in them during colder weather and I usually buy an extra pair just-in-case the unthinkable happens to the first pair. Or I'm just paranoid that I won't find them ever again and I'll have to start my search for the perfect pair of flats all over again (totally happens to me far too often). Naturally, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to check out soleRebels, the ONLY WFTO fair trade certified footwear company in the world! Offering truly unique footwear styles for men and women, soleRebels is helping make the world a better place, one pair of shoes at a time.

Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, soleRebels has grown immensely and are now enjoyed by people in over 30 countries. The idea of bringing jobs to her community in Ethiopia has erupted into this amazing footwear company that ethically supports local artisans, sources and creates most of their materials locally, and uses recycled and sustainable ingredients for their beautiful handmade shoes. Their strict fair trade policy is making a big impact on the local economy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Now a multi-million dollar company, soleRebels has even been featured in The New York Times, and in Oprah's O Magazine.

How awesome is it that these are HANDMADE and shipped right from Ethiopia? No way. That is too cool! It makes the little tiny differences and distinctions between each shoe that much cooler and brings in the reality that they were made them just for me. On the left is the tooTOOs Mix, and on the left we have the tooTOOs xxYYY elite. Although I'm a bit partial to stripes and dainty feel of the Mix style, I absolutely adore the grass green color of the xxYYY elites I received! Each pair is made from sustainable organic cotton uppers and recycled tires soles that grip the ground quite well. These flats are not made with just any cotton. It's hand spun Abyssininian heritage organic cotton that showcases traditions and culture that are still thriving through soleRebels!

As a self proclaimed flats junkie, I could also tell right from the get-go that these were well-made, and thoughtfully designed. Plenty of toe room for my wide feet, curved construction in all the right places, and a comfortable foot bed are just a few features that I love from soleRebels. The designs are awfully unique, colorful and fashion-forward that really make soleRebels stand out. The heel and side construction is sturdy and thick, allowing you to easy slide your feet in without holding up the back of the heel. Despite the solid body of the shoes, they are still relatively lightweight, and the comfy foot bed makes you forget you're even wearing any shoes.

When you order your soleRebels, you can print out the size chart available to ensure that you order the correct size. I would recommend going just a 1/2 size smaller than your normal size. These arrived in the size recommended by the size chart (a 7.5 although I'm normally a 9), but ended up being about a whole size too small and an 8.5 would be the correct size. However, Bethelehem at soleRebels is amazing and will be sending me the larger sizes soon! I still had no problem squeezing in them for a few photos to show you just how darn cute they look on!

Creativity drives the talented artisans of soleRebels to create these unique designs that not only make a statement, but make you feel like a million bucks. Both pairs of shoes are incredibly comfortable and quite possibly the best-fitting ballet flats I've ever owned! With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, free shipping worldwide, and your support going to such a well-meaning fair trade footwear company, you can't go wrong with soleRebels.

Price: tooTOOs Mix - $60, tooTOOs xxYYY elite - $60

 

Want a chance to win your own? Come back to my blog from October 22-31 during the Fair Trade Giveaway Hop for your chance to win one of two pairs of soleRebels tooTOOs in my giveaway!

 

Disclosure: Thank you soleRebels for providing the mentioned products to facilitate this review for free. No other compensation was received. This is my completely honest opinion above and may be different from yours. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.