Say the phrase "sustainable footwear," and the images it's likely to conjure are not pretty. But green fashion is coming into its own, and shoes are no exception. At Terra Plana, "total beauty" means more than just aesthetically pleasing. The UK-based eco-friendly shoe designers make some of the funkiest footwear around - from lace-back heels to futuristic-looking men's loafers to super-groovy skater-style sneakers with camouflage soles.

According to Terra Plana, the shoe industry has traditionally been among the worst industries for the environment. Shoe leather is tanned with chrome, a heavy metal; shoe glues are highly toxic; the "strange shape of feet" means that much excess material is thrown away, making the whole manufacturing process highly inefficient.

Terra Plana minimizes the use of glue in its shoes, instead relying time-tested stitching techniques. They use chrome-free tanning processes, and use recycled materials whenever possible (such as rubber soles made from shoe-factory leftovers). They even have a whole line of 100% recycled sneakers. Terra Plana shoes are sold in some London stores and there is now a flagship store in New York City.  But for those who live elsewhere, they are also sold online.

The sneakers, called Worn Again - a collaboration with nonprofit Anti-Apathy - are made from car leather, coffee bags, vintage jeans and military surplus.

Image credit: Terra Plana