Payless to Launch Green Footwear Line

Payless ShoeSource recently announced its plans to launch a green footwear line at the beginning of 2009. The company also signed an agreement with Summer Rayne Oakes, Discovery Network’s Planet Green fashion and beauty expert and author of “Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion & Beauty” to serve as the green footwear line’s Eco Consultant.

The line will include green, fashionable footwear and accessories utilizing eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and linen, natural hemp and recycled outsoles. The products will also feature eco-smart packaging.

“It’s high time a stylish line of shoes can be both environmentally friendly and reasonably priced,” said Oakes. “Payless is at the forefront of a significant movement bridging fashion, environmental awareness and accessibility - an undertaking I am proud to be a part of.”

Launched initially for women, the line will later expand to kids’ and men’s styles, and the shoes will be available for an average price of under $30. The line will initially be released in 500 Payless stores, with select styles appearing in 1,000 stores and the full line available online. Payless currently operates about 4,500 stores.