A vegan lifestyle goes beyond our plates. This was my first response when I posted this pair on Snapchat [add me: @nkitorres] and people started asking what I meant by a “Vegan pair of footwear”.
Regetta Canoe, a brand born in Nippon, Japan has recently come to our shores and I am elated. Not only because they are vegan, but also because they are designed with the user’s health in mind.
Carefully designed and crafted for comfort and a unique style, these fancy canoe-shaped shoes took seven full years before launching in the market. Regetta Canoe presents a pleasantly unusual character to its footwear, showcasing the creator’s modern take on the traditional Japanese shoe–the “Geta”.
Slip them on and your toes and heels will still be protected although the shoe design is open on both ends. I took my pair out for a test and walked about 5000 steps (without rest!) one Sunday, as I went grocery shopping and went around buying things I needed for the coming week.
I know myself to put a lot of weight on my heels when standing and walking which, later on, causes slight pain on my lower back. When I start to feel this, I become more conscious and correct my posture which also takes a bit of effort and mindfulness.
With the Regetta Canoe, I felt my weight shift and even out. I walked all those steps without discomfort and without having to consciously correct my pelvic tilt (you can read more about this condition and how you can correct it here). It seriously helped.
Now, you may not feel its effect immediately but walking and standing with poor posture affects not just your legs but your hips and later on, your spine. And while just the simple act of walking often does so much for our health, carelessly doing so may cause more harm than good.
I always say that in order for one to be helpful to the planet and its inhabitants, self care must be made a priority. And, I’ve written this tons of times before but I firmly believe that one cannot give enough if s/he an empty vessel. You cannot continue saving and helping others if you are not in great health yourself. This is my personal philosophy behind the vegan lifestyle I try to live. And it’s very much in line with the philosophy behind Regetta Canoe’s products.
Ooh and just check out their lookbook: Clean yet simple. Umm, yes please!
None of the materials used in creating these shoes come from any animal (no leather, no wool) but it has not affected how durable the shoes felt on my feet. And the lesser we patronize brands that make use of these animal byproducts, the lesser the demand is AND the lesser the suffering and violence there has to be in the process of manufacturing products used for our comfort.
It’s one small step, but one we can all easily take. One for the only planet we have, one for the future generations and surely one for ourselves and all living beings around us.
Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu ~ May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may my thoughts, words and actions contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.
Regetta Canoe is available at any Res Toe Run outlet. Check out their collection at www.regettacanoe.com or follow them on Instagram @regettacanoeph.
