Kave is Likely a Vegan Brand

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Kave Brand Highlights

Founded in 2015 by designer Eva Klabalová, Kave uses original shoe lasts from decades ago, in a factory with equipment from the beginning of the 20th century, and recycled and dead stock rubber to make their shoes - all to show the fashion world that there is a way to make products in a sustainable way by creating an intelligent, functional and responsible design. With their approach to design, production and fulfillment, they are the embodiment of slow fashion and a circular economy.

About Kave Vegan Shoes

"Thanks to special production technology, each Kave model is completely original. Once sold out, it is never made the same. Each pair has its own unique serial number, each shoe has its own unique color combination. This is how unique products are created in limited collections and with a minimal ecological footprint." - Kave team

What materials are used to make Kave sneakers?

Kave uses 100% cotton as their upper canvas material (we've asked the Kave team if that's organic 'deadstock' cotton, and they told us that it is not organic, as it's made from materials that are left in the factories after the production from bigger brands). For the soles of their shoes, Kave uses recycled rubber and/or leftover pieces of rubber from industry. They also don't use glues - they use a vulcanization process instead.

Are Kave sneakers eco-friendly/sustainable?

Kave sneakers are considered quite environmentally-friendly, and in fact, sustainability and footwear industry reform were major motivating factors for designer Eva Klabalová to found the brand in 2015. Kave's shoes are made with recycled rubber and leftover materials from the Zlín factory, and re-even use original shoe lasts from decades past and original factory equipment to cut down on waste. Their materials are also sourced locally, which helps cut down on unnecessary and environmentally-harmful material transport. From a carbon footprint, water usage, chemical usage, and general natural resource usage standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that production of Kave sneakers has, and what they do to remediate it. Kave does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in either of these regards. Kave has also informed us that all of their production and material sourcing (including shipping materials) is done within an area of 20km.

Does Kave use green shipping methods?

Kave has informed us that, "yes we are using 'green methods' of shipping by choosing this method with Zasilkovna or for international shipping DPD."

Does Kave use eco-friendly packaging?

Kave has informed us that all of their boxes are from "100 % recycled paper produced in the same city when all sneakers are produced. Everything is done in area within 20 km."

Are Kave sneakers recyclable or biodegradable/compostable?

Kave shoes are at least somewhat recyclable, as they have a shoe recycling program in place. Given that the uppers are made of 100% cotton, that part of the shoes will decompose naturally.

How should I dispose of my worn out Kave sneakers?

Kave has a shoe recycling program, wherein you simply send them your old pair of worn out Kave sneakers, which will then be recycled into new ones, and they will send you a voucher for 15% off of a new pair.

Where can I buy Kave sneakers?

Kave sneakers can be purchased from their website, through their social channels, or at one of their several retail locations in the Czech Republic.

Do Kave shoes ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for Kave shoes when visiting their site and perusing their social channels. However, they currently offer 15% off a new pair of their sneakers when you send in an old, worn out pair of Kaves for their recycling program.

Are Kave sneakers ethically made?

Yes! Kave shoes are made in Holešov, Czech Republic, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

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

Kave embodies the essence of a circular economy/slow fashion model. For example, they produce in limited runs; employ fair labour; use 'dead stock' cotton canvas for their uppers; using recycled and 'dead stock' material for their soles; use recycled materials for shipping; make timeless styles; source their materials close to their production; use original shoe lasts; and even have a shoe recycling program!

Is Kave a charitable company?

Kave partners with various designers and companies to create unique shoe models that also support charitable causes in some cases. For example, Kave recently partnered with multimedia artist Eliška Podzimková to create a line of shoes that support children with cancer.

Kave Product Range

Kave makes unisex vegan sneakers using recycled materials that result each shoe having a speckled sole, being completely unique from one to the next, and even having its own serial number. They currently make low-top and high-top sneakers with various levels of detail, depending on the collection the shoe is part of. They also partner with designers, artists and companies to produce limited runs of sneakers, and will create sneakers in a company's or organization's colours upon request. Kave uses original shoe lasts from decades that inspire their designs, resulting in some retro and vintage sneakers in design, and in production.