Complete guide of materials for vegan and sustainable barefoot shoes

If you're looking for footwear that is comfortable, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free, you've come to the right place. Barefoot footwear, or minimalist shoes, is gaining traction for its focus on natural movement and respecting the shape of the foot. And if we add to this that it’s vegan and sustainable, we have a winning combination.

In this blog, we'll discuss some innovative materials that are revolutionising the vegan footwear industry.

The importance of materials in sustainability

Did you know that the materials used in your shoes can make a significant difference to the environment? Choosing sustainable materials reduces pollution and waste. Moreover, opting for vegan materials ensures that no animals are harmed in the process.

Corn leather

Our barefoot boots and other collections of vegan shoes are made from corn waste, a vegan and sustainable material that reduces CO2 emissions by 88% compared to animal leather. It is created from the inedible part of the corn, allowing us to make the most of the waste.

This biological-based material is 63% organic and offers exceptional comfort, breathability, and lightweight properties.

Piñatex (pineapple fibre)

Piñatex is a super innovative material made from pineapple leaves, which would otherwise go to waste. This material is flexible, durable, and resembles leather without the environmental and animal impact. All our barefoot sneakers are made from this material; you can view the complete collection here.

Apple leather

Can you imagine turning apple waste into leather? It’s possible. This material makes use of by-products from the apple juice industry, turning them into an eco-friendly option free from toxic chemicals. Additionally, it closely resembles traditional leather in appearance and texture but is much better for the planet.

Cork

Cork is another incredibly sustainable material. It comes from the bark of the cork oak, which can be harvested without damaging the tree. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to odours, making it perfect for shoes.

Organic cotton

Organic cotton is a natural and biodegradable option grown without pesticides or chemical fertilisers. This is not only better for the environment but also for farmers and their communities. In footwear, organic cotton is used to create breathable and super comfortable fabrics. Did you know that Beflamboyant has a fun collection of socks made from this material? You can view the 4 available models here.

Recycled plastic

Recycled plastic, especially from PET bottles, is a fantastic solution for reducing plastic waste. This material is transformed into strong and flexible fibres, ideal for soles and other components of footwear. By using recycled plastic, we help clean the oceans and reduce the need to produce more plastic. At Beflamboyant, the interior lining of our vegan footwear is made from recycled PET bottles; learn more on our materials page.

Innovation in sustainable materials continues to grow. Exciting developments like mushroom leather, synthetic spider silk, and algae-based bioplastics promise to be even more sustainable and improve the durability and flexibility of shoes.

At Beflamboyant, we use materials such as pineapple leather and corn to create shoes that are kind to your feet and the environment, while also being incredibly comfortable and durable. With Beflamboyant, you can be assured you are choosing ethical, high-quality products without sacrificing style.

So, next time you’re shopping for new shoes, consider these amazing options for sustainable and vegan materials. Your feet and the planet will thank you!