PEARL iZUMi is Likely a Vegan Brand

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PEARL IZUMi Brand Highlights

Headquartered in Lousville, CO, USA, PEARL iZUMi has been a leading innovator in the cycling clothing and accessory industry for over 60 years. In fact, they introduced a bio-suede chamois all the way back in 1983. Their main focus on sustainability centres around creating high-quality products (which is proven by the fact that they offer a lifetime warranty on their products).

About PEARL iZUMi

"We innovate so you ride happier, more comfortably, drier, faster, warmer, and safer. Innovation not for innovation’s sake, but for the goal of making each product better than the last. The Japanese call this approach Kaizen: daily improvements, always evolving and progressing, to create revolutionary outcomes over time." - PEARL iZUMi team

Are PEARL iZUMi cycling shoes & cleats waterproof?

PEARL iZUMi shoes may not be be waterproof, but they do sell waterproof shoe covers.

Is PEARL iZUMi an ethically vegan brand?

It doesn't seem that way, as they don't promote veganism anywhere on their website, or within their marketing materials. They appear to be a brand that uses synthetic materials versus animal-derived ones for cost or quality reasons.

What materials are used to make PEARL iZUMi cycling shoes?

On their website, PEARL iZUMi will give a specific breakdown of the materials used to make each shoe, within that product's description. In general, they use such materials as: nylon composite; rubber (outsole); synthetic leather and mesh panels (uppers); Steel; EVA; polyester; polyurethane; elastane; and polyamide.

Are their shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

PEARL iZUMI's main approach to sustainability is to use high-quality and long-lasting materials, which reduces the need for further production (their goods are also backed by a lifetime warranty). The brand does not currently use any tools or programs that can quantify and share the eco-friendliness of their products, other than sharing general breakdowns of the materials used in each shoe. And while virgin man-made synthetics are generally considered worse for the environment than recycled synthetics, or natural materials, they are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than animal-derived leathers. This is backed up by data from inside the fashion industry as well as outside of it. For the data, please see Collective Fashion Justice’s CIRCUMFAUNA initiative.

Does production of PEARL iZUMi shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that PEARL iZUMi has across its operations. However, whatever that impact is, they're making an effort to remediate it. For example, by 2025 the brand is trying to be net-positive from a carbon emissions-perspective, as they transition to 100% renewable electricity sources, and seek to purchase carbon credits to offset their natural gas usage.

Does PEARL iZUMi use ‘green’ shipping methods?

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

Do they use eco-friendly packaging?

Not yet - but the brand is working towards removing virgin plastics and forest fibres from packaging by 2025.

How should I dispose of my worn out PEARL iZUMi 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 their shoes?

PEARL iZUMi shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. They are also available from the PEARL iZUMi amazon store, and from authorized resellers worldwide.

Do their shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - there’s a “Clearance” section of their website, and we noticed sales in the area of 40-85% when we visited.

Where are PEARL iZUMi shoes made?

There’s no information available on their website with regard to where their shoes are made. We’ve reached out to the PEARL iZUMi team for details, and are awaiting reply.

Are they made with fair labour?

On their website, PEARL iZUMi does not make mention of where their shoes are made - as such, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not they ensure their factory enforces all international and local labour laws, regulations and fair working standards to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. We've reached out to them for clarification, and are awaiting reply.

Does PEARL iZUMi promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

PEARL iZUMi incorporates some elements of a circular economy, such as using increasingly sustainable and high-quality materials, offering a lifetime warranty (which proves their focus on quality), and working towards carbon-neutral manufacturing.

Is PEARL iZUMi 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 PEARL iZUMi shoes recyclable?

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

PEARL IZUMi Product Range

PEARL iZUMi makes cycling shoes for women and men. They sell from a lower-mid tier to a lower-upper tier price point ($90 USD to $400 USD), so there are models for every budget. Their style is functional, sporty and sleek.