Oka-B is Likely a Vegan Brand

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Oka-B Brand Overview

"At Oka-B, we believe in closed-loop recycling to reduce the use of virgin material and to keep old shoes from becoming environmental waste. The average pair of Oka-B sandals made this year contain 15-25% recycled material." - Oka-B team

About Oka-B

"Oka-B began as the perfect spa shoe, integrating the principles of reflexology and ergonomics for ultimate comfort. Today the line has expanded to dozens of styles and colors that bring joy to your every day. All Oka-Bs are made with love in Buford, GA." - Oka-B team

Are Oka-B sandals and flats waterproof?

In the description of each product on their page, Oka-B lists the water resistance or proofing status of that model. All of the models we checked were waterproof.

What materials are used to make Oka-B shoes and sandals?

Oka-B uses a "proprietary, vegan bio-based material with 45% soy that is grown in the USA." This proprietary material is bio-based material that contains 45% soy by weight and is BPA, latex, rubber, and phthalate-free, according to the brand. They also grind up shoes that come back to them for recycling and use the materials to create new shoes.

Are Oka-B shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

The brand's main approach to sustainable production, is to use bio-based and recycled materials.

Does production of Oka-B shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that Oka-B has, and what they do to remediate it. Oka-B does not currently provide data as to their environmental impact or remediation efforts, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in these areas. However, they produce the main material and the shoes and sandals in the USA, meaning that the materials don't have to travel far, which would cut down on CO2 emissions, especially when compared to companies who import many of their materials from afar.

Do they use green shipping methods?

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

Do they use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if Oka-B 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.

Does Oka-B promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Oka-B incorporates several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as: employing fair labour; using eco-friendly materials (bio-based plastics and recycled materials); producing their main materials close to where they produce their shoes; and having a recycling program.

Are their shoes recyclable?

Yes! In fact, Oka-B has a very robust recycling program - If you return your Oka-B shoes to their factory, they will recycle them, and give you a 15% discount on your next pair (although customers are responsible for the cost of shipping). Shoes that are free from contamination are recycled for use in new Oka-B products. Shoes with contaminants are processed and recycled for use in non-apparel goods.

How should I dispose of my worn out Oka-B shoes?

You can either send them back to Oka-B for recycling, or, Oka-B suggests contacting your local recycling facility and ask for details if you prefer to recycle them yourself (and they advise to make sure you remove any embellishments first).

Where can I buy Oka-B shoes?

Oka-B shoes can be purchased from their website, although you have to contact their customer service team to place an order outside of the United States and Canada. They also work with some boutique retailers, which can be found on their Store Locator page.

Do Oka-B shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - there’s a “Sale” section of their website, and we noticed sales in the area of 20% when we visited. They also offer teacher discounts of 10%.

Where are their shoes made?

Oka-B's footwear is made by hand in Buford, Georgia, USA. Most of their decorative embellishments are currently sourced overseas.

Are their shoes made with fair labour?

Yes! Oka-B shoes are made in Georgia, USA, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labor laws of the United States, which also include strong health and safety regulations. According to the Oka-B team, "Our female leadership team is dedicated to creating a safe and happy work environment, going above and beyond stringent US standards to create opportunity and community for our diverse 200 employees, including veterans."

Is Oka-B a charitable company?

Yes! For over 10 years, Oka-B has partnered with a non-profit organization called Soles4Souls to give over 8,000 pairs of shoes to their community. 

Oka-B Product Range

Oka-B makes playful and colourful women's ballet flats and flip-flops. They use a wide variety of colours, and some of their designs are monochromatic and minimalist, while other include decorative adornment.