Fugu claims that their “shoes and products are always 100% cruelty free and vegan.” Although they do not currently advertise any certification to verify their vegan status (we have asked them if they are currently pursuing certification, and are awaiting reply), avoiding animal-derived materials is clearly built into the ethos and mission of the brand.
Brand Highlights
"We are a very spiritually led team and are also highly influenced by the yogic principle of Ahimsa, the principle of non violence, meaning our shoes and products are always 100% cruelty free and vegan." - Fugu team
- Make split toe "ninja boots"
- Incorporate natural materials
- Unisex brand
- Barefoot shoes & boots
- Minimalist designs
- Recycled rubber soles
- Iron toed models
- Velcro or slip-on closures
About Fugu
Fugu is a brand for which there is very little information available online. We have reached out to their team for answers to some questions relating to the production ethics of the company, and their sustainability and charity efforts (if any), and are awaiting reply.
What materials are used to make Fugu shoes & boots?
According to Fugu, their shoes are made of cotton mixed with canvas and recycled rubber (nishin rubber). When we asked them if their glues are free of animal-derived ingredients, they replied, “Yes - we do ask the factory to make sure no animal products are in our glues."Are Fugu Japanese shoes & boots eco-friendly/sustainable?
Fugu shoes and boots are at least somewhat eco-friendly, as they make use of recycled rubber for their sole, and mainly use natural materials (cotton and linen). Their eco-friendliness could improve however, if they used certified organic linen and cotton, as those materials are much less harmful for the environment than their non-organic counterparts.Does Fugu use green shipping methods?
It's unclear from their website if Fugu uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We have asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.Does Fugu use eco-friendly packaging?
It's unclear from their website if Fugu 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 Fugu shoes & boots recyclable or compostable?
It’s unclear from the information available on their website if Fugu’s shoes & boots are recyclable or compostable. We have asked for clarification from the Fugu team, and are currently awaiting reply.How should I dispose of my worn out Fugu shoes?
We have asked the Fugu 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 Fugu shoes?
For the time being it looks like Fugu shoes & boots 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 Fugu shoes & boots ever go on sale?
Yes - when visiting their website, we noticed a "buy 2 - get 10%" off code. We're not sure how long this sale will last, or how often such sales occur.Are Fugu shoes & boots ethically made?
On their website, Fugu doesn't specify where their shoes are made, so it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify as to whether or not they ensure their factory adheres to all international and local labour laws to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. We have reached out to them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.Does Fugu promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?
Fugu appears to employ some elements of a circular economy, such as incorporating recycled materials, making timeless styles, and using primarily natural materials.Is Fugu a charitable company?
We have asked the Fugu 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.Related Brands
Fugu Product Range
Initially inspired by the unique and traditional style of the Tabi shoe, Fugu makes minimalist, barefoot unisex shoes and boots. Some of their models stick to a traditional Japanese design, while others blend Japanese and "western" aesthetics. Their current product range includes:
- Traditional Japanese shoes
- Ninja boots
- Iron-toed boots
- Japanese/western boots
- Ankle boots
- Slip-on sneakers