Why I Love Nisolo
I must admit I have a new-ish shoe obsession - Nisolo.
It all started when I saw an image on Blonde Atlas’ Instagram page of her feet in the most beautiful Huarache sandals with the cutest pup on a trip to Cuba. Part of me wanted to be in Cuba and not in Ohio, and the other part of me loved the look of her shoes. The shoes had this tourist in a tropical locale vibe that I so desperately wanted to emulate. As I read her caption, I learned Nisolo is an ethical brand which further sparked my intrigue.
At the time, I was on a mission to revamp my closet to more quality over quantity pieces. I was growing tired of fast fashion and how quickly something I bought to share in this space was sold out or on sale. There seemed to be very little longevity to clothing and the negative impact it had on the planet was concerning to me. I watched Bloggers and Instagrammers share “their favorite” whatever only to see it pop up on their Poshmark days later. Like why would you get rid of your “favorite” items so quickly? It really irked me, and I wanted my space to be different. I wanted to be different.
I started learning more about ethical brands and slower fashion brands, and I kept coming back to Nisolo for the gorgeous shoes and their commitment to being a more conscious producer.
So, what is Nisolo?
Nisolo collaborates with local artisans in Peru to design and hand produce shoes and accessories. The company provides fair wages and full-time employment to its artisans. The items are ethically made, intentionally designed, and fairly priced.
What does all of that mean?
ethically made | every purchase from Nisolo 1) provides a living wage to the producers in the Nisolo owned factory in Peru 2)allows Nisolo to pursue living wages within the rest of their supply chain, and 3) combats climate change by protecting trees from deforestation in the Amazon Basin. The leather is ethically sourced from tanneries committed to the ethical treatment of animals and is always a byproduct of the meat industry.
combats climate change | with every product sold a contribution is made to protect forests in the Amazon Basin. Partnering with Ecosphere+ to implement an insetting program, Nisolo tis taking action to fight climate change within their own value chain in a manner that generates multiple positive sustainable impacts. Nisolo’s program focuses on the threatened forests of the Cordillera Azul of the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and creating sustainable livelihoods for its indigenous communities.
intentionally designed | The styles are effortless and rooted in versatility, comfort, and quality. Nisolo designs items to take you through all aspects of your day and life. They believe all good designs should make your life easier.
fairly priced |Nisolo sells directly to the consumer. Meaning consumers receive the highest quality at a fair price because there aren’t any middlemen. This direct-to-consumer approach ensures Nisolo can offer a fair price to the consumer while ensuring producers in their supply chain are offered beyond fair trade wages, benefits, and a healthy working environment.
Nisolo’s vision is to push the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction that values exceptional design and the producer and the planet as much as the end consumer.
I don’t know about y’all, but I am willing to save my cash a bit longer (or watch the site like a hawk for a sale) to support a brand that supports all of the above. Alright y’all, this post really made me think long and hard about my beauty products, specifically my Beautycounter products. I could have easily shared a list of every Beautycounter product I currently use or have used, but I wanted to focus it more on the if-I-was-new-to-Beautycounter-products-what-would-I-buy kind of vibe. I wanted to share the Beautycounter products I cannot live without. You know, the ones I repurchase time and time again and won’t shut up about.
What do I love about Nisolo?
I am very impressed with the craftsmanship of the items. Each shoe is so well made, and the details are impeccable. I know that as long as I take care of the leather (a blog post for another time) I will have these shoes for years to come. The look of each shoe is very timeless which is something I am focusing on more when adding items to my closet. When I think about the cost of things I buy, I do a mini cost analysis in my head. Will I wear this X number of times to make it $X per wear? What is the longevity of this item? Will I have it for years to come?
Plus, there is little to no break-in time. I have worn each of the three shoes I own right out of the box and right out into the world for walks around town, running errands, etc. I am always hesitant with shoes because I have had one too many blisters on the back of my heel from a new shoe to freely trust.
While I mention above that I am impressed with the quality, there will be times when something faulty happens with a product that is out of anyone’s control and the customer service is wonderful to work with. One of the boot pulls on my Chelsea boots came loose one day when I was slipping it on my foot. I reached out to the company and within a day they sent me a return label and shipped out a new pair at no cost to me. Additionally, it took me a couple of attempts to find my right size with the Huarache sandals, and never once did I have an issue with a return.
What do I own from Nisolo?
I own three pairs of Nisolo shoes. Two fall or winter styles and one spring or summer style.
Amalia All-Weather Boots | I bought these over the holidays during a sale when everyone was styling combat boots. I wanted something a bit more classic and less military-esque. My friend Erin shared this style with me, and I instantly fell in love. I styled a couple of weeks ago here and on Instagram here.
Huarache Sandals | This was the shoe that led me to Nisolo and it was the first purchase I made. I cannot wait for warmer weather, so I can wear these again. Usually, really flat shoes are concerning to me because I need support in my shoes, but I haven’t had any issues with these and opt for them over other sandals. The leather has started to mold to my feet making them incredibly comfortable.
Classic Chelsea Boot | I’ve been on the hunt for a low-heel black bootie, and I’ve eyed these for well over a year now. When I saw them go sale a few weeks ago, I jumped. They are so comfy, and the pointed toe elongates your legs. They have a French girl vibe to them that I love.
What is the sizing like?
Both of my boots are a 9.5 and my Huarache sandals are a 9. I struggle with “my true size” when it comes to shoes. I feel like I am a true 9 or 9.5, and 8.5 would be sizing down and 10 would be sizing up for me. I did try the 9 in the Amalia boots originally, but they were too tight across the top of my foot. I went to my larger size and everything fits perfectly.
What is on my wishlist?
Paloma Open Toe Mule | I have this image saved of a girl in a denim on denim look with black mules like this that I want to emulate so badly. My only concern is they are final sale, and I’m not 100% sure if a 9 or 9.5 would be best.
Reina High Top Sneaker | I love a high-top sneaker. The leather really elevates the sneaker more than a canvas high top. How cute would these be with a flowy dress in spring or summer for exploring a city?
Mara Woven Slip-On | I do not need these because I already have brown loafers in my closet, but they are so dreamy. The woven detail gives them a summer loafer vibe that I really love.
Wool Crew Sock | Just gimme all the boot socks. Or really any warm socks at this moment. My toes are so cold this winter.
Tiny Brass Bead Earrings | My eye always stops on these earrings. They are such a unique shape, and I love how dainty they are while not being small.
Nisolo’s Semi-Annual Sale is happening right now, so if you’ve had your eye on something check to see if it’s on sale. And if not, Nisolo shared code, NEWSEASON16, with me for 16% off full-priced items.
Have you heard of Nisolo? If so, what shoes do you own or have your eye on?
xx,
Lindsae
