Instantly Convertible Shoes for Women: How To Reduce Your Shoes’ Carbon Footprints

Too much of anything is a bad thing. This goes for chocolate, sunlight, TV, and yes… even shoes.

On average, producing a single shoe results in 30 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Considering that over 20 billion shoes are manufactured annually, it's time we consider:

How big are my shoes’ carbon footprint?

Broadway Boot by Kara Mac Shoes

We spoke with Kara Mac, the founder of one of the original eco-conscious shoe brands, Kara Mac Shoes, on the topic.

Same shoes, different looks!

Kara Mac Shoes offers the world’ first instantly convertible shoe for women. 

The key is in the proprietary heel coverings and straps that allow you to change looks in seconds. 

The idea is revolutionary. But, entering the marketplace as a disruptor was a challenge. During Kara Mac Shoes’ first year in business, Kara recalls buyers’ reactions to her "Own Less- Wear More" plug. "Why would I want to sell that when I could sell thousands of shoes?"

“That was the mentality,” Kara explains. In the fashion world, more was equivalent to better. “It hit me that this was not going to be easy.”

Easy to Change Looks

On average, American women own 19 pairs of shoes, yet they only wear 4 pairs regularly (Reuters).

Prior to opening Kara Mac Shoes, Kara worked in the fashion industry for over 25 years. In between her commute, workday and night, she would need to change her shoes at least twice a day— sometimes more. 

“Why do women need so many pairs of shoes to get through their busy day?” Kara remembers wondering.

The answer? They don’t —— at least, not anymore.

After her revelation, Kara opted for an aisle seat on the train to work. As she watched women’s heels click past, she sketched ideas for an ultra comfortable, transformable shoe.

After multiple prototype experiments in her kitchen (or, as Kara’s kids would call it, “the lab”) Kara created a shoe with a permanently attached heel, swappable heel coverings and customizable straps. 

“You own less, but you wear more,” Kara explains proudly. 

A lucky encounter with Shark Tank investor Daymond John gave Kara the confidence to pursue Kara Mac Shoes full time. 

“I quit my job the next day,” Kara tells us. After a development trip in Brazil, “6 months later… 750 pairs of shoes were delivered to my house.”

Today, Kara Mac Shoes offers comfortable leather shoes in the form of pumps, sandals, slides and boots for women.

The cherry on top are the interchangeable accessories, with which one pair of shoes is capable of equaling up to 35 plus looks. 

It is through that philosophy, less is more, that Kara Mac Shoes was able to establish themselves as one of the world’s first eco-conscious footwear brands and save shoes from landfills, one sole at a time.

If you’d like to decrease your shoes’ carbon footprint, sign up at Kara Mac Shoes: . You will be eligible to receive 20% Off your first shoe order plus Free Round-Trip Shipping.