Did you know that some anthropologists say that the human foot was more resistant to injury and disease back when we used to run around with bare feet? Unless you're particularly adventurous (and don't mind the stares), it's probably a bad idea to venture out into today's urban environments without something covering your feet. These days, even footwear is getting are green makeover, meaning you can have big style and a tiny (carbon) footprint.

Fiber-Optic Heels by Francesca Castagnacci (pictured above)

LED's are popping up everywhere these days, from the Louvre to your backyard patio...and now, your shoe closet! Much more sophisticated than the L.A. Gear Light Ups you might have begged your parents for as a kid (you know you wanted them!), these futuristic heels designed by Francesca Castagnacci ensure that you'll never trip over your feet in a dark theater again.

From Yatzer.com: The concept is primarily based upon the optical effects that are created with the light reflected from the fibres and leds intergrated in the fabrics of the items. The Luminex concept or else Photonic fabrics is the ‘new focus’ of electronic firms, medical companies anf fashion houses, who are all busy with developing and working with fabrics that combine photonic with material technologies.  Although this technology has been been used for quite a time now by the more electronics-oriented industries, its recent wide use by the textile industry has brought up some striking results.

Recycled PocketFlops by Floc Design

We might be leaning dangerously close to making this a gender biased list, but these foldable, recycled flip flops from FlocDesign were too ingenious to pass up! Made out of partially recycled tire rubber and accompanied by a carrying case made from 100% organic cotton, these sandals are the perfect way to stay cool, comfortable, and clean when spending time at the beach, pool, or gym shower (yuck!). Just fold, throw in your purse or bag, and go. And hopefully they've got some more manly designs on the way.

K2 Skates - Eco-Friendly Rollberblades

Before bikes were stylish and personal electronic transportation (think Segways and Stridas) was all the rage, many people strapped on roller blades for exercise and rapid in-city transit. Although the nerd factor of traditional rollerblades is still up for debate, there's nothing lacking in these eco-friendly skates from K2. The K2 Maia's revolutionary, vibration absorbing, stiff, Bamboo frame creates the smoothest roll on the market and the comfortable K2 Softboot™ is made from recycled materials that look and fit great and are breathable.

Image Credits: K2 Skates | Yatzer | FlocDesigns