Women's feet in a pair of Black Tread Labs Albion with green water in the background.

Sustainable Sandals: Tread Lightly with Tread Labs

by Mark Paigen 5 minute read

Discover Tread Labs' approach to sustainable sandals, focusing on eco-friendly materials, zero-waste production, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Basics: TL;DR ---

Recycled and Eco-Friendly Materials. Tread Labs knit sandals are made using 100% recycled polyester from pop bottles.
Zero-Waste and Glue-Free Production. Zero-waste 3D knitting and glue-free construction methods improve environmental efficiency.
Durability with Replaceable Parts. Long-lasting designs with replaceable rubber outsoles containing recycled content increase sustainability.
Commitment to Conservation. Tread Labs is an active member of The Conservation Alliance, contributing to environmental protection efforts.
Continued Sustainability Efforts. Pursuing advancements in eco-friendly materials and processes, including the introduction of sustainable leather sandals.

What You Need To Know---

Sustainable sandals are critical in reducing the footwear industry's environmental impact, offering an alternative to traditional manufacturing practices known for high resource use and emissions. These sandals are defined by their eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics, and green construction methods that minimize waste.

Tread Labs exemplifies these principles by using 100% recycled polyester from pop bottles, zero-waste 3D knitting, and glue-free production, along with durable designs featuring replaceable parts. Embracing these sustainable practices, Tread Labs not only contributes to a healthier planet but also sets a standard in eco-conscious footwear.

Shop Sustainable Sandals

Why Sustainability Matters
Defining Sustainable Sandals
Tread Labs: Embracing Eco-Friendly Innovation
Tread Labs Sustainability Features
Steps We're Taking: Tread Labs' Commitment to Sustainability

Men's feet in stream wearing Blue Tread Labs Redway Sandals.

Why Sustainability Matters

In the footwear industry, sustainability is critical. Traditional shoe manufacturing leaves a significant environmental footprint, from high water usage to carbon emissions. As we become more conscious of our planet's health, the role of sustainable footwear becomes crucial.

Sustainable sandals, tackle these issues head-on. By choosing materials that are recycled or have a minimal environmental impact, these sandals reduce waste and pollution. They utilize more ecologically-friendly manufacturing processes, ensuring that our fashion choices don't come at the cost of our planet or its inhabitants.

When you opt for sustainable footwear, you're contributing to a movement that values our environment, champions responsible manufacturing, and prioritizes the future of our planet.

Defining Sustainable Sandals

Sustainable sandals are revolutionizing the way we think about our footwear choices. They bring together a commitment to the environment and a passion for fashion. What sets these sandals apart from traditional footwear? Here’s a closer look:

Eco-friendly Materials. The heart of a sustainable sandal lies in its materials. These sandals often incorporate recycled plastics, reducing ocean and landfill waste. Recycled materials used in sandals significantly lower the environmental footprint compared to conventional materials.
Green Construction. Beyond just materials, the way sustainable sandals are made also matters. Zero-waste manufacturing processes aim to fully utilize materials, eliminating waste. Sandal construction that does not require the use of chemical glues protects both workers and the environment, ensuring a cleaner production cycle.
Built to Last. Durability is a cornerstone of sustainable footwear. Sandals designed to last longer reduce the need for frequent replacements, cutting down on overall consumption and waste. This approach benefits the environment and offers better value for consumers.
Replaceable Soles. The best sustainable sandals utilize replaceable outsoles. This feature extends the life of the sandals, allowing for easy repair instead of full replacement. It’s a practical step towards reducing waste and promoting a more circular economy in fashion.

Pair of feet in Men's Tread Labs Covelo with a hand visible tightening a tent flap.

Tread Labs: Embracing Eco-Friendly Innovation

Tread Labs is redefining sustainability in footwear with our innovative line of sandals. Each model is crafted with a commitment to environmental responsibility, featuring unique eco-friendly attributes. Our knit sandal models offer all of these features:

100% Recycled Polyester 3D Knit Uppers. All Tread Labs knit sandals boast uppers made entirely from recycled pop bottles. These recycled plastic sandals repurpose waste and exemplify sustainable fashion.
Zero-Waste Manufacturing. The innovative 3D knitting technique used for the uppers ensures zero material waste. Nothing is cut away, and no scraps are created, making this process eco-friendly and efficient.
Direct Attach Construction. All sandals are produced using a glue-free, direct attach construction method. This minimizes the release of harmful toxins and contributes to the overall durability of the sandals.
Ultra-Lightweight Polyurethane Midsoles. Combining the comfort of EVA with the longevity of polyurethane, these midsoles offer exceptional lightweight durability. This material choice enhances comfort while also extending the lifespan of the sandals.
Durable Rubber Outsoles with Recycled Content. The outsoles, made with recycled content, are durable and replaceable. This feature further extends the life of each sandal, reducing the need for frequent replacements, thus reducing the carbon footprint.

Tread Labs' approach to sustainability encompasses more than just eco-friendly materials; it's integral to our entire design and production process. Choosing Tread Labs recycled sandals means you're choosing footwear that prioritizes performance, style, and environmental health.

Image of Tread Labs Albion showing Sustainability Features: Zero-Waste 3D Knit, 100% Recycled Uppers, Durable Polyurethane, Glue-Free Construction, Rubber Outsoles with Recycled Content

Tread Labs Sustainability Features

Feature	Description
100% Recycled Uppers	Made from 100% recycled polyester, utilizing recycled pop bottles.
Zero-Waste 3D Knit	Zero-waste 3D knitting technique ensures no material is wasted during production.
Glue-Free Construction	Glue-free, direct attach construction method, minimizes harmful toxins and enhances durability.
PU Midsoles	Ultra-lightweight polyurethane, offers the comfort of EVA with the durability of polyurethane. This extends the lifespan of the sandals.
Rubber Outsoles	Durable rubber with recycled content, replaceable to further extend the life of the sandal and reduce environmental impact.

Steps We're Taking: Tread Labs' Commitment to Sustainability

Tread Labs is dedicated to making strides in sustainability, with a clear focus on impactful actions and future goals. Here are the steps we're actively taking to enhance our environmental responsibility:

The Conservation Alliance Membership

As a member of the The Conservation Alliance, Tread Labs is part of a coalition of businesses committed to protecting wild places for their habitat and recreation values. This membership signifies a direct contribution to conservation efforts, as the Alliance supports grassroots environmental organizations and their campaigns to secure protection for specific wild lands and waterways.

Innovating with Sustainable Materials

Our journey towards sustainability includes continually seeking and incorporating more eco-friendly materials. The introduction of sustainable leather sandals is a recent example. This commitment extends to exploring and adopting innovative materials that reduce environmental impact.

Beyond Zero-Waste Production

We're constantly refining our manufacturing processes to eliminate waste and optimize material usage. With these techniques, we're not only improving our environmental footprint but also setting a standard for responsible production in the footwear industry.

Enhancing Durability and Longevity

We believe that sustainable products last longer. Therefore, we're continuously working to improve the durability of our sandals. This effort reduces the need for frequent replacements, reducing cumulative environmental impact over time. It’s a step towards promoting a more sustainable consumption model in the footwear industry.

Through these actions, Tread Labs is not just making sandals; we're walking the path of sustainability, ensuring every step we take leaves a lighter footprint on our planet.