Have you heard of Native Shoes’ innovative Bloom collection? These shoes are made with a blend of EVA and algae foam. This material boasts a sustainable manufacturing process that helps to restore clean air and water for our planet!

They’ve recently expanded their use of this eco-friendly material to incorporate it into a selection of ethical sneakers, loafers, and hiking boots. Plus, they’ve expanded their children’s selection to add more eco-friendly options, including their new activewear design, Robbies! This new shoe is crafted with 40% bio-based content from sugarcane and boasts 22% lower GHG emissions than traditional EVA. These shoes were created with Generation Do in mind — the most educated, environmentally-minded generation yet.

The Robbie is only one of the ultra-sustainable models the brand has to offer. Their Sugarlite collection includes sneakers, sandals, slip-ons, and more. They also carry a few models made with recycled materials, like their Nova Hydroknit boots and their Apollo 2.0 sneakers!

“At Native Shoes, we exist to make it easy for all to Live Lightly. This purpose guides us to design products and experiences that create a lighter, healthier, happier world for us all. We believe in our mission to create a better world, and we’re taking action to ensure we make a positive impact for people and the planet”

— Native Shoes

Native Shoes was founded by Scott Hawthorn and Thomas Claypool in Vancouver, all the way back in 2009. Their goal was to provide lightweight footwear that was totally vegan and purpose-led. Both are deeply committed environmentalists with a passion for design, innovation, and systemic change. This passion is what has pushed these two co-founders to continuously offer excellence in both sustainability and design.

So, what else do we love about this vegan and eco-friendly brand? Keep reading to learn more!

Sustainability

There is so much to say about Native Shoes’ sustainable approach. Not only are their shoes animal-free, but they are also constantly on the lookout for innovative bio-based materials that can further elevate their stylish collections.

Aside from their eco-friendly materials, used in their Sugarlite, Bloom, and recycled ranges, they have recently launched a complete life cycle management program. You can now send back your Native shoes so they can be reground into materials for seating, playground flooring, insulation, and more. If not used for these purposes, they’re either donated to those in need or recycled via Native partners around the world.

So far, with the shoes that have been sent back, they’ve been able to construct 5 playgrounds across Vancouver!

“We are also working to reduce our impact through the Native Shoes Remix™ Project – our flagship recycling initiative which enables us to break down and repurpose the bouncy, lightweight materials for which our shoes are known and loved. Since 2018, these shoes have been transformed to form the bouncy base for five playgrounds for our local community across Vancouver and the lower mainland”

— Native Shoes

Ethics

Native Shoes’ founders are committed to providing animal-free shoe alternatives and are a dedicated vegan brand.

“Not a single hair nor hide on any animal, anywhere, has been used in the creation of our product. We are proud of that and have been awarded the PETA Approved Vegan certification. Animal-Free means respecting our animal and human friends equally,” they shared on their FAQ page.

Are you interested in trying out a pair of Native Shoes for yourself? Check out our favorite designs below and browse their ethical, sustainable selection today!