Since day one, our mission has been to significantly reduce the environmental impact of our shoes without compromising their appearance, comfort, or durability.
The manufacturing process and the materials they are made of account for the majority of CO2 emissions, which is why our approach focuses on using as many recycled and renewable natural materials as possible.
Currently, our shoes are made with over 70% of these responsible materials, which are not only better for the health of the planet, but also for yours!
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RODS
RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES
The upper of our shoes is made from recycled PET (rPET) derived from recycled plastic bottles.
By transforming plastic into yarn, rPET minimizes waste in landfills and reduces carbon emissions compared to virgin polyester. In addition to the environmental benefit, rPET is also comfortable and durable, which ensures that your SAOLA shoes will allow you to walk many miles.
"DOPE DYED" DYEING TECHNIQUE
The "dope dyed" technique is simply brilliant. It is a method of color creation that incorporates the dye directly into the molten polymer before it is spun.
By adding color during the fiber creation stage, "dope dyeing" significantly reduces water consumption, energy use, and chemical pollution. It also improves product quality by producing vibrant, long-lasting colors that are less likely to fade over time.
KNIT
Thanks to the knit construction, we significantly reduce material waste by using fabric that precisely matches the product's shape and size requirements. This not only reduces waste but also improves comfort, as we can incorporate elasticity and target specific areas with extra support where needed.
MIDSOLE
RECYCLED EVA
rEVA, or recycled EVA, reuses existing synthetic foam to create an ideal material for midsoles. By repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, it not only reduces waste but also requires less energy to produce, thereby lowering overall carbon emissions. As a bonus, recycled EVA is lightweight, flexible, and offers excellent support—the perfect combination for all-day comfort.
OUTSOLE
NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUND
Our outsoles are made with a blend of natural and synthetic rubber. By incorporating natural rubber derived from rubber tree sap, the overall environmental impact is reduced because we use less petroleum-based product. However, there are durability benefits to using synthetic, as well as grip and traction qualities in natural rubber. By combining the two, we manage to balance sustainability and longevity.
INSOLE
RECYCLED CORK
Cork is a renewable organic material that also promotes biodiversity by improving the health and longevity of the trees. Harvested by hand without felling the trees, the cork we use comes from recycled wine bottle stoppers, which gives it an even longer lifespan. It is also moisture-resistant, durable, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean, making it an ideal material for insoles.
RECYCLED PU
Beneath the cork layer is recycled PU - an ideal cushioning and supportive material for footbeds.
Recycled PU consists of pre- and post-consumer polyurethane reprocessed into new material, thus reducing waste and promoting a circular economy where materials are continually reused and recycled.
LACES
ORGANIC COTTON
The environmental benefits of organic cotton are remarkable. Unlike conventional cotton, it is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds. It requires 50% less water and reduces chemical runoff. Products made from organic cotton are not only more eco-friendly but also gentle on the skin, as they are incredibly soft, durable, and hypoallergenic.