After a year and a half of not having to wear anything but slippers, now that I'm back in the outside world, I'm reminded of how many drawbacks most shoes have. For example, my discomfort threshold has gotten so low that I either spend an extremely short amount of time in cute heels or I risk looking like I just got back from a hike in a pair of comfy hippie slides. (Don't let the fact that I've been wearing yoga pants all these days fool you.) Plus, I've become very aware that my purchases should be good for the planet.

Fortunately, a very easy way has emerged that meets my triple requirements: cute, comfortable, and sustainable. Vionic's Beach (open in new tab) collection is designed to wrap around your toes in what the brand calls "three-zone comfort with ultimate arch support" provided by its proprietary podiatrist-developed footbed technology. But unlike the typical tacky orthopedic shoe, Vionic makes very cute espadrilles, sneakers, and slip-ons in chic patterns. It's footwear you can wear anywhere all day long without the pain you feel from archless flip flops or flat-bottomed sneakers. No one will ever know that those cute shoes you're wearing are wrapping your feet in a cloud of comfort.

But what I love is that Vionic has kept sustainability in mind throughout the design process of the Beach collection. The shoes are certified vegan and made from eco-conscious canvas made from natural materials. The outsole is made from rubber and soy-based compounds to minimize the carbon footprint on the actual footprint. Vionic also announced that it is working with PROTEUS (opens in new tab), Fabien Cousteau's marine research foundation, to collaborate on everything from ocean cleanups to how to turn recycled ocean plastics into products we use all the time. And importantly, after a day at the beach, you can just throw them in the washing machine and they'll be fresh and sparkly.

Additionally, there is no doubt that your brain works better when your feet don't hurt. If I don't have to worry about whether my shoes are pinching my toes or polluting the environment, my brain will be more active!

I love what Marisa Byrne, Vionic's VP of Product Design, said about the new collection: [We are well aware that we need to take better care of Mother Earth. It is our passion to make as many sustainable changes as we can, whether it be recycling, upcycling, or changing our manufacturing processes to use less water, reduce waste, or replenish energy with solar. Our beach line is just the beginning, but we are proud to create products that offer wellness and fashion, reduce our carbon footprint, and make us feel merry with bright color pops and fun prints. We are very excited about where we are, but even more excited about where we are headed."

Vionic wants to, as they put it, "promote wellness from the ground up." That means looking good, feeling good, and doing good for the planet.

Check out Vionic's website (opens in new tab) and order now. Also, follow the brand on Instagram @vionic (opens in new tab) shoes and on Facebook (opens in new tab).