In this current era, environmentally friendly and sustainable products are gaining importance. To stand in par with the current trends the fashion industry is taking steady steps towards minimizing its environmental footprint. The increasing popularity of recycled shoes is one noteworthy development. This article explores the world of recycled footwear, looking at the materials used, the effects on the environment, and showcasing a few brands that have produced recycled shoes with great success.
As the name implies, recycled shoes are made from materials that have been upcycled from different sources. The main objective is to promote a circular economy and lessen waste. Repurposed rubber, cloth, fishing nets, and recycled plastics are often utilized components in recycled footwear. Brands hope to reduce the fashion industry's environmental impact and dependency on untouched resources by using these materials in shoe manufacturing.
There are numerous advantages for the environment when using upcycled shoes.
Now, let's explore some standout recycled shoe brands that exemplify these benefits.
This NYC based responsible fashion label sells a line of fashionable, cozy recycled shoes manufactured from food scraps, yoga mats and recycled plastic bottles. They offer a variety of footwear collections, but their men’s and women’s trainers take the top spot. These go to sustainable trainers are comfy on foot, breathable and lasts longer than your usual trainers. They have foot friendly foot beds that can support miles of walking, and they're lightweight and toasty.
Select from their White, Dune, Black and Stone for any alternative, or use one of several vivid color accents to give your recycled plastic trainers a splash of color. Since the carbon cost of producing new materials is eliminated, circular processes are good for the environment. In addition, Thousand Fell uses bicycles for local delivery in New York City and participates in carbon offset programmes. A family-run plant in Brazil produces the brand's recycled plastic shoes, giving priority to locally obtained materials including palm fiber, sugarcane, and culinary waste from coconut husks.
Get a pair of sneakers to plant a pair of trees. Another ethical fashion brand which is a great go to option for high and low top sneakers. The vegan collection of the brand's iconic trainer boasts a natural rubber outsole, a cushioned vegan insole composed of cork, mamona oil and bio memory foam. The upper is constructed of organic cotton canvas. Plastic bottles that have been recycled are used to make the threads, labels, laces, and lining. There's a wonderful selection of colors and designs. For some amazing wearable art, art enthusiasts should check out the Cariuma collaboration.
Cariuma has a LEED Gold-certified solar-powered warehouse. Through a collaboration with DHL's GoGreen, they provide shipping that is carbon neutral. Shoes are shipped in a recyclable, FSC-certified box that has been dyed with soy-based ink. Cariuma has a thorough Code of Conduct, collaborates with a manufacturing partner that has earned WRAP GOLD certification, and is dedicated to paying fair wages and putting the welfare of its employees first.
Moving away from traditional sneakers and trainers this brand offers the best upcycled house shoes. This Portugal based brand manufactures shoes out of recycled polyester, cork, sugarcane EVA, organic cotton, recycled foam, recycled rubber, and vegan apple leather produced from waste of the apple juice industry. Available in base tones to maintain the neutrality indoors, they offer a neutral palette of footwear. They offer a limited style of stylish and comfortable loafers, mules and sandals using upcycled materials. The contoured cord insole offers arch support and heel comfort.
The goal of this US based brand is to provide functional, environmentally friendly footwear. With supple and flexible knit upper, SUAVS provides a variety of recycled plastic shoe styles for men and women, such as slip-ons, high tops, and low tops. With its all-day comfort and stylish design, they become the most preferred footwear brand for every comfort loving human. You can easily transition from official meetings to casual dinner or any laid back evening outings thanks to the basic, adaptable design. They can be worn with or without socks thanks to its breathable and moisture-wicking upper, and their all-terrain sole ensures they're prepared for any adventure.
While Allbirds strives to work with as many natural materials as possible, it does occasionally use recycled synthetics for added durability. For men, women and children, they have a selection of running shoes, flats, slip-ons, high tops, sandals and casual trainers made of recycled plastic. The brand's iconic shoes include recycled plastic bottles into their designs and are the epitome of comfort and style. They are constructed from merino wool and eucalyptus fibers. Allbirds has created a cult following among customers looking for environmentally friendly alternatives by skillfully fusing beauty with environmental responsibility. Allbirds ReRun, the brand's resale site, provides like-new shoes at a significantly reduced cost and Allbirds’ collaboration with Soles4Souls, gently used pairs of shoes are given to people in need.
Rothy's has revolutionized eco-friendly fashion with its chic flats made from repurposed plastic water bottles. The brand's dedication to producing all of its shoes from recycled materials is in line with today's consumers' desire for choices that are both fashionable and environmentally friendly. Rothy's success is attributed to both its eco-friendly business practices and its ability to make stylish, multipurpose shoes appropriate for a range of settings. The inventive use of recycled, bio-based, and transformed materials—from single-use bottles turned into their distinctive threads to algae-based foams, natural rubber, hemp fiber, and marine plastic—is the foundation of every product manufactured by Rothy's.
One major issue the environment is facing is plastic pollution. Plastic debris contaminates the water and endangers wildlife when it reaches the ecosystem and oceans. By producing shoes from recycled plastic, the brands that produce recycled footwear are making a positive impact on the fight against plastic waste. As the brands move towards a more ethical and sustainable approach it is our responsibility as citizens to make sound choices and make choices that leave less environmental impact.
