SAOLA is Likely a Vegan Brand

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SAOLA Brand Overview

"Saola’s heart beats for one central mission: to support environmental conservation. By designing damn cool shoes, operating in the most sustainable manner possible, and harnessing the power of the collective spirit...Together, we can #MAKEANIMPACT" - SAOLA team

About SAOLA

"We’re using as many recycled, organic, and bio-based materials as possible in the construction of our shoes. But there are still limitations preventing them from being truly 100% eco-friendly, which is why we’re committed to continuing to research and make improvements every season." - SAOLA team

Are SAOLA shoes waterproof?

Some SAOLA models are indeed waterproof. On their website, it will specify which models are. For ease of reference, it is the non-canvas look models that are usually waterproof.

Is SAOLA an ethically vegan brand?

SAOLA appears to be an intentionally and ethically vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons, as they donate to a number of wildlife and bio-diversity conservation organizations.

What materials are used to make their shoes?

The uppers of SAOLA shoes are made with recycled plastic bottles, otherwise known as PET, that are "Recycled Global Standard" certified. Their insoles and many of the shoes’ outsoles are made with recycled Algae Foam (resulting in 15-20% less synthetic materials being used). For their laces, SAOLA uses GOTS-certified organic cotton. And finally, they use natural cork for their insoles.

Are SAOLA shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

While it's difficult to quantify whether or not a shoe is sustainable based on its materials composition, and based on its production methods, SAOLA shoes can be considered fairly sustainable/eco-friendly as they incorporate many recycled, natural, and organic materials into their shoes.

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

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that SAOLA has, and what they do to remediate it. The brand 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, according to the brand, "Because we know that sixty to seventy percent of the environmental footprint of a pair of shoes is a result of the product’s materials, we’ve made eco-construction the central pillar of SAOLA’s shoe development."

Does SAOLA use green shipping methods?

SAOLA ships by boat from Asia, which they claim results in fewer CO2 emissions than the alternative of shipping by truck or train across Europe (which would be the alternative if they produced in Europe). According to the brand's Founder, "Some studies show that a truck from eastern countries in France for example will pollute more than a boat with thousands of containers from Asia."

Do they use eco-friendly packaging?

We've reached out to the SAOLA team to get further details on this, and are awaiting reply.

Are their shoes recyclable?

We've reached out to their team to get further details on this, and are awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out SAOLA shoes?

We’ve asked the SAOLA 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 SAOLA shoes?

SAOLA shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. They can also be purchased from their Amazon store. We've asked them if their shoes are available from other retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do their shoes ever go on sale?

Yes - there’s a “Last Pairs” section of their website, and we noticed sales in the area of 40% when we visited.

Where are SAOLA shoes made?

SAOLA shoes are made in a factory near Hanoi in Vietnam.

Are they made with fair labour?

Being that their shoes are made in Vietnam, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not SAOLA 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. However, according to the brand, "We work with factories that have social and environmental charters in place. But this year, we wanted to go even further. Of all the brands working with these factories, we are the first to have applied for BSCI certification, and are in the process of being certified."

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

SAOLA incorporates many elements of a circular economy, such as: using natural and organic materials; using recycled materials; making timeless styles; avoiding discount-level pricing; shipping by boat rather than truck; donating to conservation organizations; and pursuing fair labour certification.

Are they a charitable company?

Yes - SAOLA has joined the 1% For the Planet pledge, and donates 1% of their sales to various organizations that work towards wildlife conservation, such as Mwalua Wildlife Trust; Friends of Bonobos; Sun Bear Outreach; SEE Turtles; and Coral Guardian.

SAOLA Product Range

Sold at a mid-range price point, SAOLA makes casual men's and women's sneakers, some with a leather-look, others with a canvas look, and other still with a knit look.