Is having sustainable materials on a shoe enough?

Image via here.

Sourcing sustainable materials is my daily task. Bringing in new options and possibilities is what I strive for projects I’m working on. 

 When speaking to brands, I’ve noticed there is a consistent request to use sustainable materials but there is a lack of story behind the inquiry. It feels like a request because sustainability is a current trend that many brands want to have in their collection. However, this is actually not a trend because this is not going to go away. Sustainability is a way of living. We, as a society, are being more mindful of what we buy and how we consume it.   Customers are smart, and are not buying into a material but into a story that resonates with their values.  

Here a few examples of brands with a sustainable story that is clear and inspiring. There are many others as well, including brands I’m collaborating with, but here are my current favorites. 

 1.  Flamingo’s life: I discovered this brand recently and was very impressed by how detailed they are on their mission to have eco-friendly products which in return saves our planet. You can see it here. I’ve seen brands talk about their sustainability mission but it’s much more powerful when we can understand what the brand stands behind. I also love how transparent they are with every material they use in their shoes.  I appreciate the honesty and like to see how these changes are saving of our planet.  

 2.  Thousand Fell- I love their enthusiasm on sustainability, and it’s very present on their website. TF offers a recycling program. The program entails turning in your old sneakers back to them, receiving a $20 credit for a new pair. I really love this idea and would be very motivated to buy from them again. Their product details and description are not as clear as Flamingo’s Life, but I do like that they list what they’re using to make their shoes.  Loop programs are my favorite and see this as our future. 

3.  Asportuguesa Shoes – It’s nice to see a natural sustainable story.  So many think RPET is the best sustainable option but it’s not a solution. Read here for more information on this topic. Aportugesa’s use of cork, and wool is a not a new idea, but it’s a great combination to use existing materials that have been around for ages, but with a sustainable purpose.  I also really like their designs. 

 4.  ATP Atelier- Sustainable does not only mean vegan. Leather is also a sustainable option because it’s long lasting. Leather has been getting a bad rap lately, but really it shouldn’t. Beautifully made leather shoes can last a lifetime. The meaning of sustainability is also consumers changing their habits, and buying high quality products that are staying with you for a while rather than throwing them out into the landfills. ATP atelier creates beautiful designed shoes and bags made from chrome free leather, and vegetable tan leathers. These leather options are a great source for less chemicals, and water consumption.

 5.  Sanuk x Blumaka:  Blumaka is an unbelievable concept. I really love Blumaka’s story which you can read here.. This duo teamed up by using foam scraps, grinding them, and then making it into a biodegradable outsole.  You can see the collection here. 

Some other brands to check out include this flip flop brand, this casual/dress vegan brand, and this kids brand who upcycles leathers and wools.