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• March 18, 2009
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Natural High

This spring, cork swaps its earthy rep for high fashion. By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

When speaking chic, cork hasn't always stacked up. Maybe it's all those decades being inextricably tied to the free-loving-vibe of a certain earth-bound sandal. Well, as much as we love a good sensible summer shoe, we're delighted to see cork growing up a bit and being turned out in a number of glossy glam ways. Spotted everywhere from the runways at Miu Miu to the latest collection of R29-approved label 80%20, a new class of cork is amping up the typical summer footwear menu. And if you thought you had to swap support for extreme height? Think again. Casadei has crafted a seriously staggering—and comfy—platform sandal to rival any of your sexiest stilettos. Read on for more of our top cork-chic picks starting under $100.

Above, from left: Miu Miu T-Bar Platform Sandals, $635, available at Net-A-Porter; 80%20 Sadie Cork Wedge Sneakers, $98, available at Urban Outfitters.

Above, from left: Casadei Cork Platforms, $820, special order through www.casadei.com; Topshop Willa Cork Platforms, $110, available at Topshop.

Above, from left: Belle by Sigerson Morrison Lace Up Cork Sandals, $290, available at Bloomingdale's; Pedro Garcia Peggy Suede Sandals, $395, available at Net-A-Porter.

Above, from left: Casadei Cork Platforms, $820, special order through www.casadei.com; Miu Miu Suede Platform Sandals, $595, available at Net-A-Porter.

Eight cork shoes for a spring lift.