SAYE is likely a fully vegan brand. In 2023 they had “PETA-approved” status, which means their suppliers and manufacturers had to sign a legal statement of assurance form, stating that no animal by-products (including glues, dyes and solvents) are used in the production of any of their shoes. As of March, 2024, their certification has lapsed, but avoiding animal-derived materials is very much built into the ethos of the brand.
SAYE Brand Overview
"Last year we made the decision of only crafting vegan sneakers since we believe that is the only way to fully embrace our sustainable and cruelty-free ethics. We plan on remaining that way in the future in order to make the world a liveable place for us all. We are determined to continue being part of the active change for a better future in which the fashion industry plays a positive role in the lives of all people involved." - SAYE team
- PETA-approved vegan
- Based in Barcelona, Spain
- Use plant leather
- Organic cotton laces
- Transparent about materials
- Free shipping worldwide
- Discounts available
- Unisex models
- Worldwide retail locations
- Charitable brand
- Partnered with We Forest
- European suppliers
- Sustainable packaging
- Transparent about impact
About SAYE
"SAYE's goal is to offer shoes and clothing that users will want to wear for years to come, while continuing to use innovative bio-based and recycled materials, produce in the most transparent way, give back to the planet, fight against deforestation, and empower forest-dependent communities." - SAYE team
Are SAYE shoes waterproof?
No, SAYE cautions that their shoes are not waterproof.Is SAYE an ethically vegan brand?
Yes! SAYE wasn't always a vegan brand, but within the last few years they made the decision of only crafting vegan sneakers, because according to the brand, "We believe that is the only way to fully embrace our sustainable and cruelty-free ethics."What materials are used to make SAYE sneakers?
SAYE uses a variety of natural, organic, synthetic, and recycled materials to make their sneakers. They give a detailed and specific breakdown of the materials used in each shoe within that shoe's description on their website. For example, their Modelo '95 uses the following materials:-Laces: Certified organic cotton
-Uppers: Corn napa (29% cotton, 71% PU, with 68% bio-based content)
-Upper colour: 27% recycled PET, 73% polyamide with 47% bio-based content
-Upper mesh: 77% PET 23% recycled PET
-Lining: 70% bamboo, 30% recycled PET
-Insole: 93% recycled PU, 7% binding agents
-Outsole: 70% recycled rubber, 30% synthetic rubber
More details can be found on their website about the materials they use.
Are SAYE shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?
SAYE sneakers are fairly eco-friendly due to the fact that they mainly use recycled and natural materials (such as recycled rubber in their soles) and plant-based 'bio leather.' Although plant leathers are much more sustainable than animal leather, they typically do not degrade outside of controlled industrial conditions due to the plastics (bio-based, recycled, or otherwise) added to them. The science used in these leathers is steadily advancing however, and over time they have been using fewer plastics and other stabilizers. Overall, SAYE sneakers 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.Does production of SAYE shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?
SAYE shares data about each shoe’s CO2 (and water usage impact) within each product's description on their website. According to that data, they use much less water, and produce much less CO2 than the industry average.Does SAYE use ‘green’ shipping methods?
It's unclear from their website if SAYE 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?
Yes! SAYE sneakers come in a recycled box and a plastic-free & biodegradable bag.Are SAYE sneakers recyclable?
We've reached out to the SAYE team to get further details on this, and are awaiting reply.How should I dispose of my old SAYE shoes?
We’ve asked their 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.What stores can I buy SAYE sneakers from?
SAYE shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. They can also be purchased from hundreds of retailers across the globe.Do SAYE shoes ever go on sale?
When we last visited the SAYE website there was a 'winter sale,' with many sneakers marked down from 20-30%. SAYE also offers 5% off when you subscribe to their newsletter, and offer a €20 voucher for a "friendship discount." They also have a student discount, in partnership with Student Beans.Where are SAYE sneakers made?
We couldn't find any information on the SAYE website with regard to where their shoes are made. We’ve reached out to their team for details, and are awaiting reply. However, they do note in a blog post that all of their suppliers are European.Are their shoes made with fair labour?
On their website, SAYE does not make mention of where their shoes are made - as such, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not they ensure their 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 SAYE promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?
SAYE incorporates several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as: being transparent about their materials; using organic materials; using recycled materials; using innovative plant-based leathers; using eco-friendly packaging; and contributing to reforestation efforts.Is SAYE a charitable company?
Yes - through a partnership with WeForest, SAYE plants two trees for every pair of shoes sold. As of writing, they can be credited with financing the planting of over 291,000 trees. SAYE also gets involved with other charitable initiatives from time to time. For example, to celebrate the company going vegan, they donated two vegan meals for children for each pair of sneakers sold, in partnership with the non-profit Food For Life.Related Brands
SAYE Product Range
SAYE makes leather-look high and low-top retro sneakers, based on the styles that were popular during certain years - basically exact vegan replicas. For example, they currently make sneakers that represent the styles from 1965, 1970, 1989, 1992, and 1995. Their shoes are sold at a mid-range price point.