OESH Shoes are Likely Vegan

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OESH Brand Overview

"Can shoes be transformational? OESHers say yes! Since 2011 we’ve designed and made shoes not according to fad but according to honest, peer-reviewed medical research. Every decision at OESH, beginning with our flat springy sole, is made with long-term health and wellness in mind." - OESH team

About OESH

Founded in 2011 by Dr. Casey Kerrigan, a Harvard M.D., OESH makes shoes according to peer-reviewed medical research, which are designed to "enhance innate strength, movement, and function, promoting total body health and wellness." With a dual focus on sustainability, OESH also takes the time to evaluate prospective materials based on the carbon emissions created when they are developed and assembled into a final product.

What materials are used to make OESH shoes?

The soles of OESH shoes, which are the real essence of OESH footwear, are made of a non-marking, carbon-free, proprietary engineered elastomer, with no heavy metals, and no toxic adhesives (as it's a unit sole, meaning there is no separate midsole or outsole). Some of their shoes use fully recyclable Sorona fibre (in their knitted uppers). The brand claims to be working with researchers at the University of Virginia and with the Virginia Coalition of Hemp Growers to develop a U.S.-grown hemp yarn for their locally-made 3D printed shoes to replace the U.S.-grown cotton that they're currently using.

Are OESH shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

From an environmentally-friendly materials standpoint, OESH shoes & sandals are at least somewhat eco-friendly, as they do incorporate many natural and/or recycled materials into their designs. They also focus on durability, which is a key factor in sustainability, as well as the avoidance of heavy metals and toxic chemicals. According to the brand, they've also partnered with raw materials giant Huntsman, to complete a study that showed that their 3D printed soles can be shredded at the end of the shoe’s life cycle and reused to make new soles, multiple times, with no drop in performance properties. The brand also claims that thanks to their newest three-dimensional knitting process, they have been able to develop manufacturing processes that require no fabric trimming, resulting in zero waste of material (which is a big component of sustainability).

Does production of their shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

OESH's main approach to sustainability comes from a carbon emissions-reduction standpoint, by way of using fewer components in their shoes, which means less emissions-generating processing. According to the brand, "When we made our very first pair of shoes in 2011, we recognized that the best way to reduce both carbon emissions and waste is to simplify the manufacturing process and keep components and materials to a minimum. That’s because 97% of the carbon footprint of a typical pair of shoes comes from the multi-stage manufacturing process (68%) and processing the materials that are used (29%)." That said, OESH does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in these areas.

Do they use green shipping methods?

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

Does OESH use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if OESH 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.

Are OESH shoes recyclable?

According to the brand, they completed a study showing that their 3D printed soles can be shredded at the end of the shoe’s life cycle and reused to make new soles with no drop in performance properties. The brand also states that all of their soles either readily decompose in a landfill (their molded shoes) or are 100% recyclable (their 3D printed shoes).

How should I dispose of my worn out OESH shoes?

We’ve asked the OESH 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 OESH shoes?

OESH shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped internationally. OESH claims that this distribution system allows them to present their customers the lowest possible price for a pair of OESH, without any "brick & mortar markup."

Do their shoes ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for OESH shoes when visiting their site and perusing their social channels. However, their website says that signing up for their newsletter lets you know about "exclusive offers."

Where are OESH shoes and sandals made?

At least some OESH shoes are made in the United States, although the brand mentions that some models are made "overseas." We've reached out to the OESH team for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Are OESH shoes made with fair labour?

At least partially (although not certified as such) - some OESH shoes are made in the United States, which would means those labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the United States, which also include strong health and safety regulations. Since we have no details surrounding where their remaining shoes are made, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not they ensure their 'overseas' factory enforces all international and local labour laws, regulations and fair working standards, to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. We've reached out to them for clarification, and are awaiting reply.

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

OESH incorporates some elements of a circular economy, such as: using materials that are free of heavy metals and harmful toxins; avoiding fashion trends; avoiding discount-level pricing; making (at least some) of their products in a country with strong labour laws; having zero-waste manufacturing processes; having fewer components in their footwear; and using recyclable and decomposable materials.

Is OESH a charitable company?

We’ve asked the OESH 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.

OESH Product Range

OESH makes primarily women's (although they have larger sizes available, as well as a small line for men) medically-focused footwear. Their style can be described functional yet sporty, and casual yet presentable. Many of their models have a knit mesh-look to their uppers, and most of their models have a wide-foot/barefoot look to them.