When we talk about sustainable shoes, what do we really mean? Most shoes are made up of more than a dozen different materials, including leather, rubber, foam, adhesives, synthetic fabrics, etc., which are assembled into a structure that is almost impossible to separate.
Even though sustainable footwear is made from recycled products, we must take an active role as consumers. We need to understand how our shoes are produced and consider each purchase carefully.
As Rafael Reolid, CEO of Gerescal, explains in an interview with Modaes, the real challenge for the sector is not only to manufacture sustainably, but also to think from the design stage onwards about how to facilitate the end of the footwear life cycle. In this way, sustainability is a circle in which each component is separated, recycled and reused.
Finding shoes made from easily recyclable materials can be difficult at present, as mass production is cheaper, but in recent years ideas have been shifting towards a greener future. Simple designs with fewer components and joints are the easiest to recycle.
Crocs: technology for greener footwear
In this context, the iconic Crocs brand is blazing an interesting trail thanks to its boom over the last decade and its partnership with companies such as Dow. The company specialises in materials science and is a pioneer in offering technological and innovative solutions to protect our future in a sustainable way.
From left to right: Echo Crackle U clogs, with Croslite structure and LiteRide insole. Classic Crafted U clogs, with Croslite sole and 100% textile canvas upper. Classic Watercolor Marbled U clogs, with Croslite structure. Editorial credit: Crocs.
The base material for Crocs is Croslite, which has been bio-based for a couple of years now. This is a significant advance, as it contributes to the recycling of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. The brand aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and reduce its carbon footprint by 50%.
Keen: urban comfort
Crocs don’t walk alone, and in the footwear industry we are increasingly finding brands that are committed to more conscious and responsible fashion. One of them is Keen, the sports brand, founded in 2003, which has made environmental commitment part of its DNA. Its Jasper trainers are a clear example of this, combining the robustness of mountain footwear with urban comfort.
Jasper trainers in pink. Editorial credit: Keen.
They are made from leather sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group and feature a natural cork and latex insole. The foot adapts to the design of the shoe, rather than the other way around, which is essential to prevent damage. What’s more, all of this is based on the Keen Effect philosophy, which seeks to give plastic waste a second life and reduce its environmental footprint.
Woden: footwear that breathes after the three R’s
Woden comes to us from Scandinavia. Founded in 2013, the Danish firm combines Scandinavian design with ecological ethics, focusing on simplicity, functionality and respect for nature. Its philosophy is clear: reduce, reuse and recycle. Under this premise, they replace synthetic materials with natural and recycled options, integrating fish leather, eco-friendly cork, polyester and recycled rubber into each pair of trainers.
From left to right: Ronja Stone Multi and Ivory Multi trainers. Editorial credit: Woden.
The result is a balance between innovation and craftsmanship, where each shoe is designed to accompany urban life while leaving a minimal footprint on the planet. Some of the models we find are the Ronja, designed with sporty lines and vibrant colours. The shoe combines leather and textile with fish leather details on the heel, its sole is made of lightweight, shock-absorbing PU foam, and it is complemented by the classic cork base and an Airflow insole that improves breathability and comfort.
Beflamboyan: vegan innovation for walking barefoot
Plant-based footwear is making a strong impact on the market, with leading brands offering vegan versions of their classic models, driven by innovative materials sourced from nature. One brand that stands out in this arena is Beflamboyant, a Galician brand that has become a benchmark for sustainable and ethical footwear in Europe. The company was founded with a clear purpose: to offer a fashion option that is responsible towards the planet, people and animals.
White Barefoot Trainers from the Purpose Sneakers range. Editorial credit: Beflamboyant.
Furthermore, they range from the selection of organic and recycled materials to collaboration with local suppliers who guarantee fair working conditions. With a composition that is over 70% plant-based, Beflamboyant is certified by The Vegan Society, one of the most demanding certifications on the market.
From left to right: Barefoot Glow Loafers and Barefoot Chelsea Boots. Editorial credit: Beflamboyant.
Among their models, we can find the Oak Suede Barefoot Sneakers or Chelsea Boots, made with materials such as soft vegan leather, linings from recycled PET bottles, and 100% recycled foam for the insole. Their lightweight, flexible sole, created from recycled materials, enhances the feeling of contact with the ground. They design sustainable and respectful footwear that moulds to the foot, allowing for natural, flexible movement.
The transition towards true sustainability in footwear begins with production, but it will not be effective unless end consumers commit to purchasing with a sense of responsibility for the planet. Fortunately, sustainable options are growing every day, proving that innovation and respect for the environment can go hand in hand.
