Native Shoes is Likely a Vegan Brand

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Brand Overview

Founded in 2009 and based in Vancouver, Canada, Native Shoes makes shoes, boots, and sandals mainly with injection-molded EVA (although they have several other models, notably their winter boots, that use a variety of other materials). As a brand, they are focused on partnerships with local indigenous communities to create opportunities for indigenous youth, and work with partners across the globe to either donate their shoes, or turn them in to various products (such as playground materials and insulation) at the end of their lives. Their shoes are made in China and Vietnam.

About Native Shoes

"Our purpose is our north star in all that we do. We have set ambitious SBTi-approved science-based targets to reduce our climate impact, and we’re working with incredible partners across our community to create a positive impact for people and planet. The Native Shoes Remix™ Project - our flagship recycling initiative - takes your well-loved soles and gives them new life in projects across the community." - Native Shoes team

Are they waterproof?

Some models are waterproof, some are water-resistant (less protection that being waterproof), and some aren't either (although technically they may be, as many models are made from injection-molded EVA, which is waterproof) as they may have a porous design. Fortunately, it's easy enough to tell which shoes are waterproof or water-resistant, as it will say within the product's description on their website.

Is Native Shoes an ethically/intentionally vegan brand?

Native Shoes is an ethically vegan brand, as opposed to one that uses non-animal derived materials for cost reasons, for convenience, or for some other reason. According to the brand, "Animal Free has been an integral part of our DNA since day one. 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."

What materials are used to make Native Shoes?

Most Native Shoes are made using injection-molded EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). Other models of Native Shoes use a wide variety of materials, such as: stretch knit fabric (with 50% Recycled PET Yarn); water and stain-resistant spray protection; waterproof membrane; recycled polyester insulation; microfleece; Glacierguard™ reflective liner; Susterra corn-based PU (polyurthane); Algae-infused TPR (thermoplastic rubber); Satin PU; Sugarlite™ EVA; and others. Each shoe listed on their website will give a general overview of the materials used to make it.

Are Native Shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

Native Shoes makes a lot of shoes, most of which use virgin plastic - which is obviously not great for the environment for a host of reasons. However, all of their shoes are REACH, CPSIA, and Prop 65 compliant. They are also BPA and phthalate-free, and don’t contain hazardous materials such as formaldehyde or formamide. This means that they are at least not directly toxic to people and animals. Native Shoes also makes an effort to include innovative and eco-friendly materials into their designs, such as incorporating algal blooms into their soles, and using corn and sugar-based plastics (which still do contain virgin fossil fuel-based plastics, as the technology used to make these innovative materials is still new, and requires some virgin plastic as a binding material).

Does production of Native Shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that Native Shoes has, and what they do to remediate it. Native Shoes does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in these areas. The brand does however state, "We have set ambitious SBTi-approved science-based targets to reduce our climate impact."

Does Native Shoes use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Native Shoes uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Native Shoes use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if Native Shoes uses recycled, recyclable, compostable, or other forms of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. We’ve asked them for details regarding the materials they use for packaging, and are currently awaiting reply.

Are Native Shoes recyclable?

Yes - according to the brand, "The unique composition of Native Shoes can be reground into versatile material that is useful in the creation of seating, playground flooring, insulation and more."

How should I dispose of my worn out Native Shoes?

Native Shoes says to get in touch with their customer service team to initiate the recycling process. From there, they are either recycled via their global partners, or "donated to a good cause."

Where can I buy them?

Native Shoes can be purchased from their website (which ships worldwide), or in-person from one of their hundreds of retail partners in Canada and the United States.

Do they ever go on sale?

When visiting their website, we've noticed that Native Shoes lists some items on sale, up to 40% off. They will also email you a 10% discount code if you subscribe to their newsletter when visiting their website.

Where are Native Shoes made?

Native Shoes are made in China and Vietnam.

Are Native Shoes ethically made?

Being that their shoes are made in China and Vietnam, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not Native Shoes ensures its factory enforces all international and local labour laws, regulations and fair working standards to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. According to the brand, "We pride ourselves in our factory conditions and have stringent ethical practices in place, including the prohibition of forced labor, regulation of wages, and monitoring of working hours. We have great relationships with our teams on the ground and make several trips a year to develop new products and ensure proper conditions are being maintained."

Does Native Shoes promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Native Shoes gets mixed reviews from us with regard to their promotion/inclusion of circular economy, principles. In the positive column, they incorporate many recycled and innovative plant-based materials into their designs, are free of harmful chemicals, and have a recycling program. On the other side of the coin however, they use a lot of virgin plastic, they produce their shoes in countries far from where they are based, and employ labour from countries with dubious working conditions.

Is Native Shoes a charitable company?

Native Shoes's social efforts appear to be more in line with reconciliation within the indigenous community near their home of Vancouver, Canada, rather than through outright charity (we at Get it Vegan feel that reconciliation efforts are likely to be an even more impactful approach to social good than charitable efforts). According to them, "We have forged partnerships with a number of incredible Indigenous-led organizations working to create positive impact, reconciliation and youth opportunities here in Vancouver and further afield."

Native Shoes Product Range

Native Shoes makes casual men's, women's and children's shoes, boots and sandals. Their overall aesthetic is modern and playful, with some models featuring bold colours (such as marbled soles). Their classic shoes are made from injection-molded EVA, and have a funky, porous, 'Swiss cheese' look to them.