With the luxury fashion industry under the microscope for unethical labor practices and notorious lack of sustainability, AERA emerges as a refreshing exception. True to its tagline, “luxury footwear without a footprint” - the brand offers high-end fashion while standing firm in its commitment to sustainability. In this AERA shoes review, we'll see how the brand, as the first certified B-Corp in luxury footwear, sets a new standard for eco-conscious luxury.
AERA creates timeless designs that artisans handcraft in Italy, showcasing the value of slow fashion. Yes, they do come at a premium, but the exceptional quality, comfort (which is a rarity in a lot of luxury shoes), and classic styles make them well worth the investment. The pieces are created to last, and the designs never go out of vogue - a true testament to the value of slow fashion.
Review of the Jackie Slingbacks
I have the Jackie slingbacks in black patent - $525, and worth every penny. You cannot go wrong with this pair. These classic flats, inspired by the timeless elegance of fashion icon Jackie Kennedy, are super classy and chic. With their sleek pointed toe, they transition seamlessly from day to night. I wear them with slacks to work, or jeans and a cute top for a night out with the girls. (Check out these guides for sustainable jeans or eco-friendly workwear brands).
The cushioned insole makes these flats very comfortable to wear. These do fit small, so we recommend sizing up half a size. In terms of care, the patent leather is super easy to clean - gently wipe with a damp cloth. You don’t need to use soap or any other cleaning products - these can actually damage the shine of the patent leather.
All AERA’s designs are certified vegan - no exceptions. The design team has thoughtfully selected every single component of the shoe, ensuring they maintain style, quality, and comfort. They crafted the outer materials using a mix of cotton, polyester, and nylon. But no greenwashing here - AERA openly acknowledges the environmental concerns of these synthetics and is engaging in plastic offsetting.
Their signature lining material is made from bio polyols - made from field corn not viable for human consumption. This corn is produced for ethanol and other manufactured products, so its use doesn’t divert resources for animal feed or other farm use. Additionally, bio polyols have a smaller carbon footprint than their petroleum-based alternatives.
Is AERA a sustainable brand?
AERA is also very mindful of suppliers they partner with, and thoroughly vets for manufacturers engaging in sustainable and ethical practices.Their primary partner is an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe material. This supplier is at the forefront of innovation, recently investing in materials with lower plastic content and a higher percentage of recycled versus virgin components. They are also the first company to develop a 100% solvent-free material made with water-based resins. This is huge, because solvents (commonly used in adhesives and polishes to improve shoe quality and durability) are toxic chemicals that may be carcinogenic and neurotoxic, and may also affect the respiratory system.
AERA is highly selective about the suppliers they work with, partnering primarily with an industry leader in non-leather, vegan shoe materials for their outer material and lining—the majority of their raw materials.
AERA is Carbon neutral certified. The brand has invested in several carbon and water offset programs, including reforesting 120,000 acres of marginal farmland in the Mississipi Alluvial Valley through the Green Trees Reforestation Project. Read more about AERA’s sustainability initiatives on their website - they have a lot of in-depth information which we love to see!
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