Top footwear brands are turning environment-savvy
Sustainable fashion isn’t just about the garments. These days, footwear manufacturers are also trying to gain a foothold in this eco-friendly fashion sector. Such brands are beginning to use sustainable products, such as recycled ocean plastic, old truck tyres and denim scraps among others, as materials for making footwear.
The aim of such sustainable products is to reduce our carbon footprint within the next decade. Patrons are now conscious about the environment and are creating a demand for minimal, ethical, and eco-friendly footwear where comfort and durability go hand in hand.
Here are a few brands that are changing the fashion game by offering sustainable footwear choices. tant, flexible and lightweight shoes.
About the new collection, Neeman’s Founder Taran Chhabra says that it was his own personal struggle to find a shoe that could truly provide all-day comfort and be eco-friendly that resulted in this line. “This led me to look beyond synthetic fibre and my search ended with the naturally versatile Merino wool fibre,” he says. “Neeman’s has created a path-breaking collection of shoes by using Merino wool from Australia, which is superfine and lightweight, moisturewicking and breathable, naturally odour-resistant and keeps the skin cool and dry even in extreme temperatures.”
Chhabra focused on bringing truly comfortable footwear that looks good, feels good and is good for the planet. He says, “Today, when the whole world is talking of organic and natural resources, we decided to follow nature’s path of environmental sustainability using natural fibre along with recycled and renewable materials.”
Amar Preet, co-founder/director (operations), Neeman’s, says, “Traditionally, wool has
been sought-after as a product for winter because it’s bulky, heavy on the skin. Neeman’s is breaking this myth by using Australian Merino wool, which is superfine, eco-friendly and lightweight.” Neeman’s shoe collection comprises joggers (multi-functional lightweight running shoes), classic sneakers with a modern twist, and simple yet elegant loafers. All these are made in subtle colours which are fit for all occasions. The shoes are good to wear throughout the year and have the ability to withstand every weather condition. These are made with Merino wool, boast high quality, and are available at www.neemans.com. rubber) and its upper part is made of vegetable-tanned leather, which has also been utilised in the lining of the shoe. Cellulose has been used to make the insole, the toe puffs and counters. The footbed is made of latex foam and covered with vegetable-tanned leather. A water-based rubber adhesive has been used to put together the shoe, whose upper part has been stitched to the insole and the sole. The thread and laces are made of cotton.
Harkirat Singh, managing director, Woodland, talks about the collection: “The new range of biodegradable footwear is another step towards strengthening the brands associated with the environment. This new range is the result of significant research and development. We are very proud of this line, and I hope that environmentally conscious customers will be thrilled with our new offerings.”
The new range is available at select Woodland stores. made from recycled plastic waste. Continuing its battle against the lingering threat to our oceans and our planet, Adidas has combined the finest performance technology with progressive eco-innovation. Each pair of shoes is made of approximately eleven plastic bottles recovered from the ocean. Also, the yarn spun used in these shoes while processing is made from other waste found in the ocean. The shoe’s upper part has been crafted using ClimaCool technology which allows it to be breathable and flexible. Shoes like these are perfect for running and workouts. The sneaker has a white base with hints of blue through the body. Adidas Originals Parley is an eco-friendly line of running sneakers, pants and socks created to limit the amount of plastic bags, microbeads, and other man-made trash in waters. The Parley shoes are priced from Rs 15,999 to 17,999.