Third-generation shoemaker Stephanie Nicora believes that chic footwear should never harm humans, animals, or the environment. She founded her shoe company, NICORA, on those principles, manufacturing 100 percent cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and fair-wage handmade shoes made from all recycled materials. Celebrity fans include Alicia Silverstone and Tony Kanal of No Doubt, who raves, “Animal-free, environmentally friendly, and U.S. made—[NICORA] is the future of footwear!” While many companies claim to be eco-friendly, Stephanie’s is proving it with a new video that shows customers exactly how their shoes are made from start to finish. NICORA shoes are laissez-faire hair in your eyes cool, musician on the road elegant, girl who works in a bookstore in Paris adorable.
“Consumers are more committed than ever to choosing options that are good for animals, the environment, and the health and safety of industry workers,” says Stephanie. “We’re meeting that demand with a tasteful, fashionable product that everyone can feel good about.”
And she feels particularly good about the fact that her shoes aren’t hurting animals. Many animals who are killed for their skin endure castration, branding, tail-docking, and dehorning—all without any painkillers. And recently, PETA Asia exposed a thriving dog-leather industry in China in which workers club dogs, slit their throats, and peel off their skin to make women’s dress gloves and other products that are exported around the world.
We can do better, and with options like Nicora, now we can look better doing it.
Michelle Kretzer is a staff writer for the PETA Foundation, and resides in Norfolk Virginia.