Puraai is a Fully Vegan Brand

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Puraai Brand Overview

"Eco-friendly sneakers made by recycled materials, ecological processes and expert artisans. Puraai is a connection between young design, artisanal knowledge and social responsibility." - Puraai team

About Puraai

"Pura”, in fact, in Japanese means “plastic” and “ai” means “love”, because if used, recycled and reused properly, plastic can be an incredibly versatile material, to create any object respecting our beloved environment." - Puraai team

What materials are used to make Puraai's shoes?

Puraai uses a variety of organic, recycled, and bio-based plastics to make their shoes. The composition is typically as follows: 50% certified recycled rubber outsole; 100% GOTS certified organic cotton laces; recycled mesh lining; recycled vegan microfibre & an organic cotton reinforcement for the uppers; and the insole is 31% bio-based PU (polyurethane) with natural cork on top.

Are Puraai shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

While it's difficult to accurately assess a shoe's true level of sustainability, Puraai shoes can certainly be considered "eco-friendly". This is due their composition (which includes organic cotton, recycled rubber, and bio-based PU), as well as the fact that those materials are produced locally.

Does production of their shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that Puraai has, and what they do to remediate it. The brand does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in these areas. However, it's worth noting that they produce their materials close to where their entire shoe production takes place, which is also near company headquarters in Italy - this lack of travel for the components greatly decreases their carbon footprint.

Does Puraai use ‘green’ shipping methods?

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

Does Puraai use eco-friendly packaging?

We've reached out to their team to get further details on this, and are awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out Puraai shoes?

We’ve asked their team if they currently have, or are developing, a shoe recycling program, and are awaiting reply. In the meantime, Get it Vegan recommends either trying to have them repaired, donating them to someone in need, or taking them to a clothing recycling depot (if available in your city), which can strip them down to their recyclable components.

Where can I buy Puraai shoes?

Puraai shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply

Do their shoes ever go on sale?

When we last visited their site, we noticed sales in the area of 20-50%. We're not sure if it's a seasonal clearance, but most models were offered at a discount.

Where are Puraai shoes made?

According to the brand, "All materials are produced near our factories and the entire production process is carried out in Italy."

Are they made with fair labour?

Yes! Puraai shoes, and their components, are made in Italy, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

Does Puraai promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Puraai incorporates several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as: employing fair labour; using organic materials; using recycled materials; using bio-based plastics; making their shoes by hand; and having their entire supply chain in close proximity.

Is Puraai a charitable company?

We’ve asked their team about any charitable initiatives they're involved with (if any), and are currently awaiting reply, as there is no such information available on their website.

Are Puraai shoes recyclable?

We've reached out to the Puraai team to get further details on this, and are awaiting reply.

Puraai Product Range

Sold at an upper-mid range price point, Puraai makes unisex low and high-top sneakers that are a reinterpretation of 70’s vintage style, with a modern twist. Their designs feature a gum sole that come in cream or tan/gum colour, and have a bumpy, retro texture.