Lapa is Likely a Vegan Brand

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Lapa Brand Overview

Based in Rio de Janeiro, Lapa is a footwear brand that sources their raw materials, makes their shoes, and only sells them, within Brazil. Although they aren't perfect from a sustainability perspective, they do make an effort to include many natural, recycled and up-cycled materials into their designs.

About Lapa Vegan Footwear

"All our shoes are made in Brazil with raw material of national origin. Each pair is produced with exclusivity and unique care, with manual work being the most used in the production process carried out by our artisans." - Lapa team

Is Lapa an ethically vegan brand?

Lapa appears to be an intentionally and ethically vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. According to the brand, "It is not a duty but an obligation - in our products we do not use any material of animal origin."

What materials are used to make Lapa footwear?

According to Lapa, all of the raw materials they use are of national origin (Brazil). Within each product's description on their website, Lapa gives a brief overview of the materials used to make that shoe, boot, slipper or sandal, which is typically some combination of natural, recycled and synthetic materials, including (but not limited to): Ecru canvas (uppers); Jute (espadrilles & anabelas; soles); recycled fabric from PET bottles (uppers); white plush (synthetic - uppers on some slippers); linen (uppers); and rubber (soles).

Are the materials used to make Lapa shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

From an environmentally-friendly materials standpoint, some of Lapa's shoes, boots & sandals are at least somewhat eco-friendly, as they do incorporate many natural and/or recycled materials into their designs. Lapa does not currently use any tools or programs that can quantify and share the eco-friendliness of their products, other than sharing vague breakdowns of the materials used in each shoe. And while the virgin man-made synthetics they use in other models are generally considered worse for the environment than recycled synthetics, or natural materials, they are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than animal-derived leathers. This is backed up by data from inside the fashion industry as well as outside of it. For the data, please see Collective Fashion Justice’s CIRCUMFAUNA initiative.

Does production of Lapa footwear create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprin standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that Lapa has, and what they do to remediate it. Lapa does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in these areas. It is worth noting, however, that Lapa claims to only source their raw materials from within Brazil, which is also where they sell and produce their shoes - this local focus can greatly cut down on carbon emissions created during material and product transport.

Does Lapa use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Lapa uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply. However, it's worth noting that Lapa only ships their products within Brazil, which can greatly cut down on carbon emissions created during product transport.

Does Lapa use eco-friendly packaging?

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

How should I dispose of my worn out Lapa shoes?

We’ve asked the Lapa 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 Lapa shoes?

Lapa shoes, boots, slippers and sandals can be purchased from their website, from their social channels, or from their stores in Brazil.

Do Lapa shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - there’s a "Bazar" section of their website, and we noticed sales in the area of 20-50% off when we visited. They also occasionally post voucher codes on the homepage of their website, and offer vouchers for referring new customers to them.

Are Lapa shoes ethically made?

Lapa's shoes are made in Brazil, so their worker's are protected by the labour laws of Brazil, which include 8 hour work days, or 44 hour work weeks (similar to Alberta, Canada). Beyond that information, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not Lapa ensures its factory enforces all international and local labour laws, regulations and fair working standards to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. Lapa does say that they "guarantee ethical and fair production at all stages," and add that their shoes are "made by artisans, mostly by hand."

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

Lapa appears to incorporate several elements of a circular economy, such as: using natural & recycled materials; sourcing raw materials locally; only selling their products locally; making their products by hand; blogging frequently about and promoting sustainability; opposing Black Friday; and claiming to employ local, fair labour.

Is Lapa a charitable company?

According to Lapa, "with each collection, we seek to leave the world a little better than we found it. Through partnerships with NGOs and other institutions, we carry out campaigns that add purpose to the purchase, helping those who need it most. Learn more about them on our social networks and on the Lapa blog." As an example of their charitable efforts, on their blog they state that (applicable to a specific collection of shoes), "for each Lapa sold on the website, we will donate a plate of food, the famous warm, to a homeless person in Rio through the NGO Corrente Pelo Bem."

Is Lapa footwear recyclable or compostable?

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

Lapa Product Range

Lapa makes a wide variety of casual shoes, boots, sandals & slippers in the female aesthetic. They're made in several different colour combinations, with a tendency towards neutral palettes, although they do have the occasional bright & bold model.