The N970 flats in El Naturalista’s Angkor Collection are my second pair of Mary Jane style shoes from this eco-friendly footwear manufacturer El Natural. I’ve been wearing my Iggdrasil N095s since 2007 — with and without socks, in three seasons of weather (I do store them when the snow sticks to the ground in winter). But I think I like the slim-fitting Angkors even better. They are definitely less clunky than my original pair, and the cut out “window” on the upper allows the top of my toes to peek out, adding a touch of whimsy.

These Angkor Mary Janes are very comfortable; they feature the company’s Frog Shock system, a special cushioned insole that absorbs the impact on the heel. I’ve worn them with and without a thin pair of socks and they fit equally well either way. I’ve paired them with a long skirt, short skirt, capris and jeans in recent weeks — here in Colorado and while traveling in Hawaii. These are definitely a versatile pair of shoes.

To call El Naturalista an environmentally friendly company is a bit like saying Bill Gates is rich — being kind to the environment shapes everything the company does, and you can see that in El Naturalista’s shoes. For example, my Angkors have an anatomical insole made from recycled cork, and the cool textured outsoles are made from recycled rubber. The leather has a great distressed look due in part to vegetable tanning.

Here’s one caveat with the Angkor Mary Janes: I have to make sure to secure fully the Velcro strap across the top of my foot. If the hook-and-loop pieces aren’t tightly attached, the strap can loosen, flap up and I step out of my shoe.

Every shoe line from El Naturalista’s varied collection has been inspired by travel, such as these Angkor Mary Janes by a designer’s trip to Angkor, Cambodia. Indeed, I’ll surely pack these shoes for my future trips this summer and fall.

The N970 Angkor women’s shoes come in eight different colors, including the black and soft blue shown here. Purchase them for 125 Euros (today, approximately $178) on the El Naturalista website. El Naturalista is a Spanish company, and shoe sizes for women run 36 to 42 (there is a shoe size conversion chart on the website). If you order through the site, shipping to the United States is a flat $15, and other taxes may apply.

I found the N970 Angkor Mary Janes in four different colors retailing on Amazon.com for $160 (with Free Super Saver Shipping).

Find a wide range of other El Naturalista shoes, with free shipping at PlanetShoes

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