Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

Spanish shoemaker El Naturalista is known for its high quality, handmade leather shoes for men and women. From Merino wool slippers to fashionable high heels and boots for women, the entire line is colourful and varied to suit a range of tastes.

We’ve been fans of their shoes for years, having discovered them during our travels through Madrid and Barcelona.

El Naturalista was born in La Rioja, a fertile and prosperous area in the northern part the Iberian peninsula, famous for its footwear, textile and wine industries.

Their slogan, “another way of walking through life”, expresses the philosophy of El Naturalista, drawing inspiration for materials, colours and design of its footwear from nature itself. The frog symbolizes the ecosystem, agility, energy and adaptability.

I was recently sent a pair of Yggdrasil ankle boots in Wood colour, already getting compliments whenever I wear them with cuffed jeans. They also look great with leggings and skirts, making this boot ideal for autumn and winter wardrobe pairing.

The removable insole is both contoured and cushioned, while the shock-absorbing recycled rubber outsole adds comfort and traction. The shoes are created with vegetable-tanned leathers as well as natural and recycled products throughout.

The lining is 100% natural; the laces in back can be adjusted (looser for tucking in tights, tighter for wearing with cuffed jeans). El Naturalistas are great for people who want comfort right out of the box.

There’s no wearing-in period! The familiar heel design can also be found in their mary janes, sandals, clogs and tall boots.

Each pair of El Naturalista shoes come with a drawstring travel bag sporting the iconic green frog, also symbolizing the company’s commitment to the environment.

The Yggdrasil ankle boot also comes in Khaki, Black, Brown, Tibet Red, Ocean (deep blue), Rioja (burgundy) and Camel. This boot retails for EUR 178.50/CDN $263 and is available online and in stores across North America and around the world. Find it in Vancouver at Foot Solutions on West Broadway in Kitsilano.

About El Naturalista

El Naturalista is committed to promoting, as agents of social change, an innovative and sustainable project consistent with their values. In 2003, El Naturalista launched their Atauchi project for charity. Together with development aid organizations, El Naturalista aims to promote educational projects for youth in third world countries including Haiti, Tanzania and Peru.