This socially responsible footwear startup sells high-quality leather goods for prices you can actually afford
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When it comes to shoes and accessories, nothing says premium like high-quality leathers being used.
With fall here and winter right around the corner, wearing a nice pair of leather boots is not only appropriate for the seasons, but extremely stylish.
Adding premium leather pieces to your wardrobe is easy — simply go to any department store and you'll find plenty of options. But if you're looking for reasonably priced and ethically made products, that's where you'll run into problems.
That's where Nisolo comes in to play.
Founded in 2011 by Patrick Woodyard, Nisolo is a socially responsible brand that aims to create timeless designs suitable for everyday life. Not limited to men's boots, Nisolo also makes shoes for women, sneakers, belts, bags, wallets, and more. The Insider Picks team recently named Nisolo as one of the best men's footwear startups and its women's Chelsea boot as one of the best ankle boots you can buy — and for good reason.
The brand uses leathers sourced from tanneries committed to the ethical treatment of animals and the implementation of eco-friendly waste disposal systems. In addition to sourcing materials ethically, Nisolo goes above and beyond to compensate and treat its producers fairly. With factories in Peru and Mexico, many of the brand's craftspeople were used to sub-par or inadequate work environments prior to working for Nisolo.
The company has implemented amazing benefits like financial literacy programs, resulting in 100% of its producers having bank accounts — a figure that was at only 10% two years ago. All employees receive healthcare and the average salary is 27% higher than Fair Trade wage requirements.
With the amount of care the brand puts into its employees, their dedication to excellent shoe-making absolutely shows.
Even as a brand that ethically produces handmade shoes and accessories, Nisolo remains affordable by using a direct-to-consumer business model. Instead of going through retail middlemen, which always comes with a price markup, all of its product ship directly from the factory. That way, you get an amazing product without the high prices of department stores.
Whether you're looking for a stylish pair leather boots, a modern pair of sneakers, leather luggage that will last a lifetime, or a new wallet, Nisolo is one of the best places to buy it.
Shop all products at Nisolo now.
I recently tried some of Nisolo's products, and I couldn't be happier with them. Check out my favorite items and thoughts, below:
Nisolo Lockwood Trench Boot
The Nisolo Lockwood Trench Boot was a style I'd typically go for, but its Brandy colorway is what interested me the most. Despite my own personal style preference, the Lockwood features a classic design that's inspired by WWI-era boots worn by soldiers. Handmade in Nisolo's ethical factory in Peru, they're made almost entirely out of leather. They feature premium leather on the upper, inside linings, laces, and stacked outsoles. Handsome brass eyelet hardware adds to the durability of the upper.
When I first put them on, I was genuinely surprised at how comfortable were. The leather lining is cushioned and the insoles are made of memory foam with an integrated arch support. After putting them on, I was happy with the style, too. They go well with jeans and stand out from almost any other boot I own.
Nisolo Lockwood Trench Boot, $268
Nisolo Cordoba Backpack
The Nisolo Cordoba Backpack is definitely the highest quality backpack I own. My first impression was how thick and durable the leather was. The zippers are also very sturdy. While I've only owned the bag for a few months, I can confidently say this is the type of bag that will only get better with age.
It's handmade out of vegetable-tanned leather in the Nisolo's ethical factory in León, Mexico and features a simple design that includes two compartments. The main compartment includes a sleeve that will fit a 13-inch laptop, a water bottle holder, and a spacious interior. The smaller compartment is great for storing smaller items you'd need to grab in a hurry. Its rich Chestnut color is eye-catching, as I've gotten comments almost every time I've worn it.
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