AVRE

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Brand Overview

Founded by sisters Julie and Connie, AVRE is focused on creating sustainable shoes that empower women. By using eco-friendly and innovative animal-free materials, and donating 10% of their proceeds to causes that directly support their dual missions, the brand is claiming to break the age-old cycle of using fashion as a vehicle to exploit animals, workers, customers and the planet.

About AVRE

“To us, it’s not about being perfect. We promise to continue to strive for the ultimate goal of a zero-waste future without compromising design and comfort.” - AVRE team

Are their shoes intentionally vegan?

As they don't specifically mention the exclusion of animal-derived materials on their website, AVRE appears to be a brand that makes vegan shoes "accidentally", rather than intentionally.

What materials are used to make AVRE shoes?

The brand uses recycled P.E.T. (polyethylene terephthalate) for their upper material, algal foam for their insoles, and do not use glue. We have asked about the composition of their soles, and are currently awaiting reply.

Are AVRE shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

AVRE shoes appear to be quite eco-friendly, perhaps among the most eco-friendly shoes we've seen in fact. They claim that "groundbreaking materials and practices are the driving force behind AVRE." In keeping with that, their signature upper material is composed of repurposed plastic bottles, also known as PET, and the 3D knit-to-shape technology used to make their shoes drastically reduces waste by creating precise sizes and eliminating the creation of scraps. They also claim that their algae foam insoles "help to remove harmful algae to reverse the effects of water pollution and rising global temperatures by restoring healthy ecosystems and generating clean water," and that with one insole, they are cleaning 45 litres of water and 28 cubic meters of air.

Does AVRE use green shipping methods?

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

Does AVRE use eco-friendly packaging?

Yes; the brand uses recycled packaging, paper and tags to ship their shoes. They also design their shoeboxes to be resealable, to create an easy and convenient return process.

Are their shoes recyclable or compostable?

It’s unclear from the information available on their website if their shoes are recyclable or compostable. We have asked for clarification from the AVRE team, and are currently awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out AVRE shoes?

We have asked their team if they currently have, or are developing, a shoe recycling program, and are awaiting reply. In the meantime, we recommend 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 AVRE shoes?

For the time being it looks like AVRE shoes can only be purchased from their website, or from their social channels. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do AVRE shoes ever go on sale?

Yes! The brand will email you a 10% discount code if you subscribe to their newsletter when visiting their website.

How do I clean my AVRE shoes?

Their shoes are "designed to be durable and low-maintenance." AVRE recommends simply throwing them in the washing machine to clean them.

Are AVRE shoes ethically made?

AVRE makes their shoes in Dong Guan, China. Being that their shoes are made in China, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify as to whether or not AVRE ensures its factory enforces all international and local labour laws to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. Having said that, AVRE claims that their shoes are "ethically made and produced fairly," and that they "stand behind all and any values surrounding ethics and fair work to ensure that all employees are paid fairly, include over-time pay if needed, and offer health insurance.” They are also currently in the process of receiving relevant certifications.

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

The brand appears to incorporate several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as using innovative technology to reduce production waste; using eco-friendly materials; using eco-friendly shipping materials; and claiming to employ fair labour.

Is AVRE a charitable company?

Yes! In keeping with their brand mission to make sustainable footwear for the empowered woman, 10% of their proceeds are donated to Oceana and Girls In Tech.

AVRE Product Range

Using an innovative knit-to-shape 3D technology that drastically reduces waste by creating precise sizes, AVRE makes on-trend women's casual and athletic shoes in a variety of colours. Their current product line includes: