Footwear designer Blake Brody has just come out with a line of vegan and eco friendly ballet flats – perfect for running around. The unique construction of Brody’s line of flats was developed in consultation with Dr. Louis Galli, the podiatrist to the Rockettes and an expert in dance health. Together, they developed a construction that is based on a bio-mechanical assessment of the foot. The resulting product line is a luxe version of a wellness shoe. The anti-microbial, moisture-wicking ultrasuede lining is made from 100% recycled post-industrial matter, the fully padded footbed is composed of soy-based recycled Poron, and the recyclable rubber for the soles is specially prepared for re-use in secondary compounds.
The line is split into two — ballerina flats for the street and in-studio shoes specially made to supply traction in order to prevent slips and falls, while allowing the foot, ankle, and toe to maintain their natural range of movements and sensitivity to the ground during studio activities like Pilates, barre and yoga.
$115 @blakebrody.com
Blake Brody lives in New York City with her husband, daughter, and dog, and splits her regular workouts between Pilates, barre and yoga. As a vegetarian, Blake has chosen to use only environmentally conscious and humane (vegan) materials that do not include any animal products or toxic chemicals, in all of her products.
Many vegan flats, even from higher end designers, feel cheap on the foot. Not these – which feature a gentle lift in heel that promotes natural walking motion, raised curves in sole provide greater foot stability, and molded arch support built into sole – not to mention padding in arch support and throughout insole that conforms natural walking motion to prevent sinking .
Eco-chic Ballet Flats From Blake Brody
In short, they are pure comfort – in the guise of a chic lady-who-lunches flat.