Thousand Fell Recyclable Sneakers

Thousand Fell is Likely a Vegan Brand

Thousand Fell is likely a fully vegan brand. Their entire brand had recently been PETA-approved vegan, which means their suppliers and manufacturers had to sign legal statement of assurance forms, stating that no animal by-products (including glues, dyes and solvents) are used in the production of any of their footwear. That certification has since lapsed.

Shop on:

Thousand Fell Brand Overview

“… Because the future is ours to build, starting with the next generation of sneakers: durable, biodegradable, and recyclable. Every day we’re closer to creating zero-waste footwear. Step forward and join us.” - Thousand Fell team

  • PETA-approved vegan
  • Based in New York, USA
  • Committed to circular economy
  • Made in Franca, Brazil
  • Small batch production
  • Timeless designs
  • Partnered with Soles4Souls
  • Student discounts
  • Upper-mid price point
  • Water-repellent
  • Can wear sock-less
  • Recyclable
  • Shoe recycling program
  • Available in Canada & the US

About Thousand Fell

"We are a young team in New York City dedicated to championing the circular economy. We believe in a brighter future and are excited to join you in building it. Each pair combines thoughtful design with modern and sustainably sourced materials, making them durable, comfortable, and recyclable. Our products are made to last–and built to recycle." - Thousand Fell team

Are Thousand Fell sneakers waterproof?

According to Thousand Fell, their protective quartz finish is water repellent (not waterproof) & stain resistant. 

What materials are used to make Thousand Fell shoes?

Within each shoe's description on the Thousand Fell website it will give a breakdown of the materials used to make that shoe. For example, their "Women’s Lace Up Stone" model lists the following materials:
• Durable and breathable recycled upper
• Stain proof and water resistant coating
• Aloe vera coated soft touch mesh liner
• Cushioned recycled rubber insole
• Structural details made from coconut, sugarcane, and palm
• Recycled PET tonal flat laces
• Rubber back heel with embossed detail

Are Thousand Fell sneakers eco-friendly/sustainable?

Although it's difficult to quantify how sustainable or eco-friendly a shoe really is, Thousand Fell shoes could be considered moderately to quite environmentally-friendly, as they are primarily made of recycled and natural materials. They even have a shoe recycling program wherein they break down and re-use the shoe's recyclable components.

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

According to Thousand Fell, by choosing recycled materials they decrease their carbon footprint by 44% per item, which they say is the equivalent of saving 345,697 driving kms (at the time of writing).

Does Thousand Fell use ‘green’ shipping methods?

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

Does Thousand Fell use eco-friendly packaging?

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

Are Thousand Fell shoes recyclable?

Thousand Fell claims to make the "First recycled sneaker." They have a recycling program wherein you can send them your old sneakers, and if they can't be refurbished and donated, they are broken down into their recyclable parts, and the parts that can't be recycled are sent to their partners to be up-cycled. The parts that are recyclable are reused in their supply chain.

Where are Thousand Fell shoes made?

Thousand Fell are made in a family owned factory in Franca, Brazil. The brand says that they have sourced as many local components as possible, including the food waste component parts.

How should I dispose of my old Thousand Fell shoes?

Thousand Fell has a shoe recycling program - here's how it works:
1. You return your Thousand Fell sneakers to them at no charge, using a prepaid shipping label.
2. If condition allows, they'll refurbish your shoes and give them to someone in need through their partnership with Soles4Soles
3. Otherwise, they'll break them down into their component parts to make recycled raw materials, which are then converted back into usable materials and reintroduced into their supply chain. Any materials they can’t use will be donated to their partners for up-cycling. 
4. Once your returned shoes are received, Thousand Fell will send you a Material Credit that can be applied to your next order.

What stores can I buy Thousand Fell shoes from?

Thousand Fell shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped within the US and Canada. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do Thousand Fell shoes ever go on sale?

Thousand Fell offers a student discount in partnership with Student Beans. The last time we visited their site, they also had a short-term "30% off select styles" sale advertised.

Are their shoes made with fair labour?

Thousand Fell has partnered with a factory in Franca, 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). According to the brand, "Our shoes are made down the road from sugar cane fields and coffee farms in Franca, Brazil under the brightest blue sky we have ever seen. They are crafted in a family owned factory with three decades of high end shoemaking experience. By working in a smaller factory we are able to keep excess inventory low and quality high." Being that their shoes are made in Brazil, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not Thousand Fell 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.

Is Thousand Fell a charitable company?

Thousand Fell has a partnership with Soles4Souls, wherein customers send in their old Thousand Fell shoes to the company, who refurbishes the pairs that are in good enough condition to do so. Those refurbished shoes are then donated to Soles4Soles, who in turn donates them to help people in impoverished areas break the cycle of poverty by providing them opportunities to sustain themselves by selling the shoes.

Does Thousand Fell promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Thousand Fell incorporates several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as: sourcing most materials close to where they produce; using recycled materials; using up-cycled materials; avoiding discount-level pricing; making timeless styles; refurbishing their shoes; and having a shoe recycling program that keeps their materials in a closed loop.

Related Brands

Vegan outfitters gender neutral trainers blue
Vegan Outfitters
Undo For Tomorrow Eco friendly Skate shoe vegan
Undo For Tomorrow
Trash Planet recycled corn leather high-top sneakers
Trash Planet
Thaely Indian Recycled Shoe Brand
Thaely
Ration.L Vegan gender neutral trainers
Ration.L
All My Eco Vegan Leather Pinatex Sneakers
All My Eco
KUMI Sneakers sustainable vegan shoes corn leather
KUMI Sneakers
elliott climate positive vegan trainer running shoes
Elliott Footwear
Beflamboyant vegan mens and womens sneakers
Beflamboyant

Thousand Fell Footwear Range

Thousand Fell makes men's and women's leather-look, low-top sneakers, and sells them at an upper-mid range price point. Their aesthetic can be described as a timeless street style, and their two models (lace-up and slip-on) are available in a variety of colour combinations.