Nisolo Review: Should You Get a Pair?
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Do you need a pair of new shoes that are affordable, durable and ethically-made? Are you interested in supporting small artisanal businesses? If your reply was “yes” to at least one of these questions, then you might be interested in getting a pair of Nisolo shoes in 2022!
Nisolo is a relatively small business that produces high-quality leather shoes and bags made by artisans from around the world. All their products are thoughtfully-designed, handmade, and perfectly blend functionality, comfort and style.
Is Nisolo a good brand?
To say that Nisolo is a good brand is an understatement. The brand not only produces high-quality minimalist and timeless shoes but does it so ethically. They invest in building close relationships with their craftsmen/women in Peru, Mexico and Kenya and they ensure that every worker is paid a fair living wage. Some shoemakers have experienced a 400% increase in income, which has had a big impact on their families and communities.
5 core pillars of Nisolo’s Sustainability Framework
A New Standard for “Sustainable”
MaTerials | is leather a sustainable option?
Leather can be problematic; however when managed responsibly across the supply chain it is a sustainable option. Real leather is more comfortable, long-lasting, and is biodegradable. Leather shoes are often more durable (same as long-lasting), and of course, it's more sustainable to invest in 1 high-quality leather pair of shoes instead of 5 vegan leather shoes.
Nisolo sources leather from farms in the U.S (primarily Kansas & Nebraska) and northern Mexico, which is then tanned in León, Mexico. The brand is working in collaboration with their tanneries to map 100% of its leathers back to the farm level. As of today, they map approximately 25% of the leathers used in their products back to the exact farm of origin and they are seeking to get to 100% in the not too distant future.
Nisolo has a strict commitment to never use exotic skins or fur due to the historic animal rights abuses of these industries. They are also committed to ensuring the well-being of the cattle within their supply chain. Read more
Review of the most popular Nisolo shoes
WOMEN’s HEELED CheLSEA BOOTS
The Heeled Chelsea Boots come in six classic colors that will complement many looks. The design is simple and features two pieces of elastic on each side. This design enables the wearer to easily slip the boots on and off. Sizes are available are between US 5 and US 11, though the company warns the boots run a bit small, mostly due to the pointed toe.
While this pair of boots are heeled, the heels are just 3 inches, or 7.6 cm, high. Walking with such heels feels easy. The heel is thick and the inner sole is cushioned making them comfortable for a full day out.
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WOMEN’s Huarache Sandals
The design is specific to the Central and Southern American continent and these sandals are perfect for warm summer days due to the way the leather is woven. The flat sole prioritizes comfort and is ideal for daily wear. This style is offered in more than 10 neutral colors. Nisolo recommends getting half a size smaller than what you usually wear. The toe is covered and the sandal will need to be broken in. Once this is done, they’ll fit like a glove and feel even more comfortable.
MEN’s Alejandro Woven Slip Ons
They’re listed as best sellers on the site, along with the Men's Huarache Sandals. As the name suggests, this is a woven design, but compared to Huarache sandals these ones feature a much tighter weave. These shoes have slip-free rubber heel which comes in handy on slippery pool side floors.
ALEJANDRO slip ons come in 8 neutral colours and 11 sizes, from US 8 up to US 13. This design is true to size and the shoe is expected to mold to the wearer’s feet rather fast.