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Personal essays8 March 20161 min read

Blukicks: Shoes that Put a Little Kick in Your Step

It’s a typical day in London in early March, cold, grim, grey, so no wonder my mind is leaping to warm, lazy summer. And obvs, what to wear. Easy. These slip-on Blu Kicks shout SUMMER. They scream Time Off, Going Fishing and Mañana.

They make me want to jump for joy!

Full disclaimer, Blu Kicks is a family affair. The San Francisco-based company was founded by my cool cousins, Victoria and Will Leonard. They got the idea on a boat in Hawaii where their friend Bubba spotted the endangered Humuhumunukuapa (now say it backwards) AKA humu fish which looks a lot like a sneaker. Made from recycled canvas and rubber, Blu Kicks are hand painted with an exotic fish on the sole. They come in bold patterns and stripes and are very affordable. These women’s slip-ons cost only $58.

The men’s shoes are just as stylish. Loafers anyone? Check out the chic green pair below with natty purple lace, $135

Or the leather Chukkas at $128.

They’re not just a pretty shoe. These kicks give back.

With every pair sold, the company donates to help protect oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. It’s a win:win. Blukicks supports a variety of charities, including For the Fishes, Point Reyes National Seashore Association and Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

Mañana can’t come soon enough.

March, 2016