Materials we use
A closer look at the materials behind our sneakers
Our sneakers reflect who we are. Designed with a balance between everyday comfort and a subtle athletic influence, they are made to fit naturally into daily life.
We focus on a considered selection of sneaker materials, chosen for how they feel, perform and age over time. This includes leather, canvas, nylon and rubber, each playing a role in the overall experience of the sneaker.
Where possible, we work with more responsible material options. All leather we use is sourced from Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tanneries, meeting recognised standards for animal welfare, safety and environmental practices.
But what does LWG certification mean, and why does it matter?
What is the Leather Working Group (LWG)?
The Leather Working Group is a global not-for-profit organization redefining how leather is produced. Since 2005, their mission has been clear: promoting sustainable and responsible practices in the leather industry.
By bringing together brands, suppliers, and manufacturers, the LWG drives positive change and helps reduce the environmental footprint of leather production.
Why the LWG Matters
The LWG sets the benchmark for environmental performance in the leather industry. With rigorous standards and thorough audits, only the most responsible tanneries receive certification. This ensures:
- Less pollution and reduced emissions
- Better water and energy management
- Safer chemical use
- Improved traceability and transparency
LWG Gold Rating
Gold is the highest certification level within the LWG, achieved by tanneries scoring between 85 and 100 points in the audit. Gold-rated tanneries excel in:
- Energy efficiency – using renewable energy and saving processes
- Water conservation – advanced recycling and treatment systems
- Waste management – reduction, reuse, and recycling
- Chemical safety – responsible use and safe handling of chemicals
- Traceability – transparent supply chains from raw material to finished leather
With the following materials, you can be sure your sneakers are made from Gold-certified leather:
- Tumbled Leather
- Oiled Nubuck Leather
- Nappa Leather
- Suede
LWG Silver Rating
Silver certification represents robust environmental practices, with tanneries scoring between 75 and 84 points. While not as high as Gold, it still ensures strong standards in:
- Efficient energy and water use
- Emissions control
- Waste reduction
- Chemical management
We use Silver-certified leather in:
- Soft Leather
To keep your sneakers in top condition, don’t forget to check out our shoe care tips.
Recycled Materials
Beyond leather, we actively use recycled materials to reduce our footprint. By giving existing resources a second life, we save raw materials, minimize water and energy use, and cut CO2 emissions. From canvas and nylon to rubber, each recycled component helps us move towards a more circular economy, creating sneakers that are durable, stylish, and better for the planet.
Recycled Canvas
Our recycled canvas is made from production waste: surplus canvas that has never been worn by consumers. The material is broken down into yarn and rewoven into fresh canvas. We use soy-based dyes for coloring, making it both sustainable and stylish.
Featured in our classic sneaker: The Boss.
Recycled Nylon
Our nylon is 100% recycled from repurposed plastic, giving nearly one plastic bottle a new life with every pair of sneakers. This process reduces waste and lowers the demand for new raw materials, while still delivering lightweight, durable, and stylish sneakers.
Featured in our all-time favorite: The Slam, available for men and women.
Recycled Rubber
We reclaim rubber waste from our outsole production and reuse it to create new soles. At this moment, our sneakers contain 10% recycled rubber, and we are working on increasing this percentage while maintaining durability and performance.
Fair & honest business
Every sneaker we make is produced in a fair and honest way. We believe in long-term partnerships and work with trusted suppliers in Vietnam and Taiwan, many of whom we’ve collaborated with since 2004. These strong relationships give us full insight into where each part of the shoe comes from and under what conditions it is made.
All our partners commit to our Code of Conduct, which covers human rights, fair treatment, working conditions and environmental responsibility. By monitoring each step of the process, we can guarantee that every sneaker is made in a safe and healthy environment, with fair wages for everyone involved.
- Long-term partnerships with trusted suppliers in Vietnam and Taiwan
- All partners follow our Code of Conduct for responsible production
- Production is monitored to support safe and fair working conditions
- Ongoing dialogue with suppliers to improve and evolve together
Less Waste
Waste is part of making any product, but we aim to keep it as limited as possible. From production to packaging, we look for ways to reduce, reuse and simplify.
We design our sneakers to last. By offering care tips and durable materials, we help extend the life of every pair. We don’t aim for zero waste perfection, but we believe in doing it better, step by step.
- We work with partners to review and reduce waste streams where possible
- Our shoeboxes are made from 100% recycled cardboard
- Shipping bags contain 80% recycled plastic and can be reused for returns
- We keep packaging simple, without unnecessary materials