Skills

Undyed Leather

The water consumption in leather production is significantly reduced when the dyeing process is omitted after tanning. Our vegetable-tanned leathers—waw, lxp, wax, and sat—are now available in the new undyed “OFF” color, a naturally light beige-brown tone that deepens over time with exposure to sunlight and oxygen.

Similarly, our metal-free, chrome-free synthetically tanned leathers—including alb, elk, waw, bat, wax, and vst—retain a milky-white base when left undyed.

In Short: The leather is undyed.

Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Vegetable tanning is an ancient craft that harnesses natural tannins found in oak bark, rhubarb roots, and other plant sources. Since the mid-19th century, the use of chrome in leather tanning has become widespread in the footwear industry. However, vegetable tanning has remained the preferred method for bag leather, which requires suppleness over durability. With the rise of environmental awareness in the 1990s, vegetable tanning was reintroduced to shoemaking. Today, our leathers are sourced from traditional Tuscan tanneries that preserve this time-honored technique. Over time, vegetable-tanned leather develops a rich patina, its colors maturing into warm brown hues.

In Short: The leather is tanned using a plant-based process.

The Leather Working Group (LWG)

The Leather Working Group is a global alliance of brands, manufacturers, retailers, and NGOs dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of leather production. The sustainability footprint of each product is assessed through a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)—a comprehensive evaluation of its raw materials, manufacturing process, usage, and disposal. Nearly all of our leathers are sourced from Italian tanneries that are LWG-certified and committed to continuously improving their ecological standards.

In Short: The leather is sourced from LWG-certified tanneries.

Metal-Free Tanning

Chrome tanning became the industry standard in the 20th century, driven by the rise of chemical processing. While significant improvements have made the process cleaner and safer, there remains a risk of chromium III contamination due to improper waste management. As an alternative, we offer leather that is formaldehyde-tanned, ensuring a stable, light-colored finish that does not darken with age.

In Short: The tanning process is metal-free.

Adhesive-Free Construction

We primarily use water-based adhesives and solvents, minimizing the need for chemical-based bonding. While some manufacturing processes still require adhesives for durability and longevity, we strive to reduce reliance on them wherever possible.

In Short: The shoes are produced using solvent-free adhesives.

Plastic-Free Components

A shoe is designated as plastic-free when it contains no synthetic composite parts typically used for structural reinforcement. Through innovative design and advanced production techniques, we have successfully eliminated these plastic elements from our footwear.

In Short: The shoes do not contain additional plastic components.

Re-Treadable Soles

Our shoes are designed for longevity, featuring durable stitched-on rubber soles that can be removed and replaced multiple times—creating a nearly adhesive-free construction. While some styles are more easily resoled than others, the majority of our designs can be renewed. Old rubber soles are collected for recycling, further reducing waste.

In Short: The soles can be replaced and renewed.

Recycling Initiatives

We collect used rubber soles from our repair service and process them into granules, which are repurposed for sports fields and pathways. Additionally, leather offcuts from our branded soles are returned to manufacturers to be recycled into new material. The ground rubber is reworked into new soles using a blend of 50% recycled granules, 25% synthetic rubber, and 25% natural rubber—ensuring minimal waste and resource efficiency.

In Short: Worn-out rubber soles and leather offcuts are recycled.

Natural (Indian) Rubber

As a sustainable alternative to treated rubber, we use natural gum rubber, which remains biodegradable as it is not vulcanized. Derived from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, this material is harvested in Southeast Asia, South America, and Central America. Unlike synthetic rubber, which is derived from petrochemicals, natural rubber is an environmentally responsible choice with diverse applications, from adhesives to automobile tires.

In Short: The soles are composed of biodegradable natural rubber.

Native Timber Soles

Wooden soles offer a renewable and sustainable alternative to rubber. By carefully selecting the appropriate wood species, we achieve a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal. Our preferred choice is alder wood, known for its toughness and workability. Completely untreated, it remains breathable, comfortable, and beneficial for foot health.

In Short: The soles are crafted from sustainably sourced European timber.

Vegan Footwear

The definition of a vegan shoe varies widely, but for us, it means that no animal-derived materials are used in production, nor are any components tested on animals. Our vegan collection adheres to these principles while maintaining the same commitment to quality and durability.

In Short: The shoes meet our interpretation of vegan standards.