Gentleberg claims that their shoes are “100% vegan.” Although they do not currently have any certification to verify it (they have informed us that, “We want to become Peta approved but this takes some time to get”), veganism is clearly built into the ethos and mission of the brand.
Brand Highlights
"The brand follows the footsteps of a vegan lifestyle; however, every man can become a solemate." - Gentleberg team
- Vegan founder
- Focuses on male aesthetic
- Biodegradable packaging
- Based in the Netherlands
- Focused product catalogue
- Made with fair labour
About Gentleberg
Founded by Matthijs Berg, Gentleberg makes their shoes with fair labour in Portugal, and ships single pair orders in a plant-based, biodegradable packaging. Although they're still fairly new on the scene, they have their eyes set on PETA-approved vegan certification, becoming charitable, and making their shoes more in line with the principles of the circular economy in the years to come.
What materials are used to make Gentleberg shoes?
Gentleberg uses the "highest quality, soft and breathable microfibers which are also water-resistant." Their shoe uppers and linings are made of either vegan nubuck, vegan leather, or vegan suede. They add that their Casual Friday Sneakers are made from recycled rubber (up to 70% recycled and 100% recyclable and vegan, according to the brand).Are Genlteberg shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?
Gentleberg shoes are at least somewhat eco-friendly, as they do incorporate recycled and recyclable materials into at least some of their designs. However, they do not currently use any tools or programs that can quantify and share the eco-friendliness of their products, other than sharing very general breakdowns of the materials used in each shoe.Does Gentleberg use green shipping methods?
It's unclear from their website if Gentleberg uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We have asked them for clarification, and they haven't informed us as to the environmental-friendliness of their shipping partners.Does Gentleberg use eco-friendly packaging?
Gentleberg has informed us that all their single pair orders are shipped in plant-based, biodegradable packaging from noissue .Are Gentleberg shoes recyclable or compostable?
It’s unclear from the information available on their website if Gentleberg’s shoes are recyclable or compostable in their entirety. They do mention on their website that the soles of their Casual Friday Sneakers are "100% recyclable." Gentleberg has also informed us that their "future collection needs to become (partly) recyclable and/or circular."How should I dispose of my worn out Gentleberg shoes?
We have asked the Gentleberg team if they currently have, or are developing, a shoe recycling program, and they have informed us that, "at the moment we do not actively advise customers on 'what to do with old pairs of shoes,' but our future collection needs to become (partly) recyclable and/or circular. As soon as that is the case, we will also actively advise on this." 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 Gentleberg shoes?
Gentleberg shoes can be purchased from their website, as well as select retailers in Germany and the Netherlands. Visit their website for more information on their retail partners.Do Gentleberg shoes ever go on sale?
We haven’t noticed any sales for Gentleberg shoes when visiting their site and perusing their social channels. Currently, their newsletter does not offer a discount code when subscribing to it.Are Gentleberg shoes ethically made?
Yes! Gentleberg shoes are handcrafted in Portugal, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.Does Gentleberg promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?
Gentleberg appears to incorporate some elements of a circular economy, such as using some recycled and recyclable materials; using plant-based biodegradable packaging; and employing fair labour.Is Gentleberg a charitable company?
We have asked the Gentleberg team about any charitable initiatives they're involved with (if any), and they've informed us that they currently do not participate in any, as they "have to focus on other things as a start-up, but in the future would love to."Related Brands
Gentleberg Product Range
Gentleberg makes a small lineup of vegan shoes, focusing on the male aesthetic. Currently, they make a Derby dress shoe, and a sneaker, each offered in 3 different colours. The brand's style can be described as modern, elegant and professional.