Corda is Likely a Fully Vegan Brand

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Brand Highlights

According to Corda, their sandals are handmade by underprivileged people in Ethiopia, providing life changing opportunities with every pair. Here are some things that stand out to us about this brand, and their adventurer-friendly rope sandals:

About Corda

Corda's ethos is, “Buy a pair, create a job.” In keeping with that, they're an organization that prides itself on hiring local Ethiopians who need a little extra help, like single mothers or those with medical disabilities, of those suffering from epilepsy or effects from Polio, and creating an opportunity for them to get themselves out of poverty by providing job training, life skills and self-confidence.

What materials are used to make Corda rope sandals?

Corda uses plastic-based rope, rubber soles and glue to make their sandals. With regard to the glue, Corda has informed us that, "The best we can tell yes, they are animal free. We purchase the glue locally as Ethiopia has a large footwear industry. The glues we have researched with information available typically do not have animal derived components." It's also worth noting, that when visiting their website, you may notice a line that says, "Corda Leather and Plastic Products Production PLC” - this is simply required to be part of the name in Ethiopia (their sandals do not contain leather, but do contain plastics).

Are Corda sandals eco-friendly/sustainable?

Based on their composition, Corda rope sandals don't appear to be overly eco-friendly. One area in which Corda could improve the eco-friendliness of their sandals, would be to use natural rubber for the soles, as it is far more eco-friendly than synthetic rubber. With regard to the overall eco-friendliness of their sandals however, Corda states that, "According to the Nike Materials Sustainability Index, producing our rope uses less resources than any other material."

Does Corda use green shipping methods?

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

Does Corda use eco-friendly packaging?

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

Are Corda rope sandals recyclable or compostable?

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

How should I dispose of my worn out Corda sandals?

We have asked the Corda 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 Corda sandals?

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

Do Corda sandals ever go on sale?

We haven't noticed any sales on the Corda website or on their social channels to make note of here. However, they currently offer a 10% discount code if you subscribe to their newsletter.

Are Corda rope sandals ethically made?

Corda does not have any fair labour certification, and as an outside, non-certifying party, it's difficult for us to verify as to whether or not Corda ensures its workers are paid and treated fairly, in a safe and healthy work environment. Corda does claim, however, that they work with a local partner that makes sure their employees are paid a living wage, work reasonable hours, can get time off, and have access to small loans they may need for their families. Their brand ethos also seems to be based in creating opportunities for those who are disadvantaged. For example, according to their team, they "first try to hire young adults leaving orphanages to give them the opportunity they need to sustain themselves. We also hire people who need a little extra help, like single mothers or those with medical disabilities, like epilepsy or effects from Polio. We ensure they have the flexibility and accommodations to care for their medical needs."

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

Corda appears to incorporate several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as offering a small and timeless product line; building their products to last; and investing in the well-being of its workers. One area in which they could potentially improve, is by using natural materials versus synthetic ones.

Is Corda a charitable company?

When Corda's co-Founder Dustin went to a village in Northern Ethiopia dedicated to helping orphans, he realized that there often were no opportunities to leave the program for many of the adults turning 18, as there simply were no jobs. He wanted to do something about it. As a result, Corda takes a unique and admirable approach to charitable initiatives - they'd rather teach a man to fish than give him one, so to speak. Their brand ethos states that, "Giving people life-sustaining, confidence-boosting, independence-generating jobs can do more to improve the life of a person in poverty than a donation. Making rope sandals creates the opportunity people need to lift themselves out of poverty by providing job training, life skills and self-confidence to ensure they will stay out of poverty in the future."

Corda Product Range

Corda makes unisex rope sandals with a laid back, bohemian style. They currently come in brown or green, with a small variety of different styles to choose from.