Workers Playtime is a Fully Vegan Brand

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Workers Playtime Brand Highlights

"We believe everyone has to take responsibility for their choices and actions, but there's no reason fun, aesthetics and ethics can't be combined for individual fulfillment and for social change - as Emma Goldman nearly said, 'if I can't dance to it, it's not my revolution'." - Workers Playtime team

About Workers Playtime

"Everything that is used or bought has an effect - on people, animals and the environment - on where it has come from, what it is made from, who has made it. Being selective about what you buy not only gives you very real control on a day-to-day basis about what you support and on what you have an impact, it also shows companies, governments and one another what you consider to be important.” - Workers Playtime team

Are Workers Playtime shoes and boots waterproof?

Within the shoe's description on their website, Workers Playtime will provide details as to the level of water-resistance and proofing of that model. Most models are water-resistant, and we haven't noticed any that are fully waterproof.

What materials are used to make their shoes and boots?

On their website, Workers Playtime offers little in the way of information on what their footwear is made of, other than most models having "Microfibre uppers" listed within their description. They do have a model, "Jord," that uses the following materials:
Upper material is made from a GRS certified 50% recycled cotton and 50% recycled polyester fabric, which is fluorine-free, water-resistant, and has a GOTS-certified organic cotton fleece lining.

Are Workers Playtime boots and shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

It's difficult to assess the environmental impact of Workers Playtime footwear, as we don't know the exact composition of most of their shoes and boots, and cannot find any relevant data on their website (other than "Microfibre uppers" within most product descriptions). Generally speaking, however, vegan leathers are less harmful to the environment that animal-derived leathers - this is backed up by data from inside the fashion industry as well as outside. For the data, please see Collective Fashion Justice’s CIRCUMFAUNA initiative.
They do have a model, "Jord," which uses GRS-certified recycled polyester and GOTS-certified organic cotton however, which makes them very low-impact environmentally.
The brand does have this to say with regard to the environmental impact of their footwear: "We don't like the phrase 'environmentally-friendly' as it can be misleading. All production has an effect on the planet and the local environment. Wherever possible we will look to utilise materials and processes that are 'low-impact' or better than other alternatives - from the production to the packaging. Scale is relevant - until we are able to produce everything exactly the way we would like it, we will have to make compromises, but we know what we want to do and how we would like to do it and we have a plan!"

Does production of their footwear create a lot of harmful emissions?

From a carbon footprint standpoint, it's difficult to asses the impact that Workers Playtime has, and what they do to remediate it. Workers Playtime 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’ / 'low-impact' shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Workers Playtime 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/low-impact packaging?

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

Are their boots and 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 old Workers Playtime shoes?

We’ve asked the Workers Playtime 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 by a local cobbler, 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.

Which stores can I buy their shoes & boots from?

Workers Playtime shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do Workers Playtime shoes ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for their shoes or boots when visiting their site and perusing their social channels. However, the brand does say that, "We may from time to time offer promotional discount codes which may be applied to purchases made though this Website."

Where are Workers Playtime shoes made?

Their shoes and boots are made in Europe (Portugal, Spain, and England). Within each shoe or boot's description on their website it will list where that model is made.

Are their shoes made with fair labour?

Yes! Workers Playtime shoes and boots are made in Spain, Portugal, and England, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, as well as those of the United Kingdom, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

Is Workers Playtime a charitable company?

Yes! The brand has a "Mutual Aid" range, which they've created to raise money for good causes. For example, on their Instagram page, they were recently promoting a fundraiser for The Hoppy Acre animal rescue and refuge.

Does Workers Playtime promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Workers Playtime incorporates some elements of a circular economy, such as: making their shoes by hand; making unisex footwear; incorporating recycled and organic materials into some models; not offering items at fast-fashion level pricing; not following seasonal trends; making timeless styles; supporting environmental conservation efforts; and employing fair labour.

Is Workers Playtime an ethically vegan brand?

Workers Playtime is an intentionally and ethically vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. According to the brand, "We will never use any animal ingredients in anything we produce. We don't need animal products to live a happy and fulfilling life, and animals feel pain and emotional distress - something that any pet-owner or animal-lover knows. On a global level, animal-free alternatives cause less damage to the environment then their traditional animal-based counterparts, and modern alternatives to leather and suede are also very durable and can be water-resistant too, so there really is no need."

Workers Playtime Footwear Range

Workers Playtime makes unisex shoes and boots with an industrial and punk look, and sell them at a mid-range price point. Most of their models are monochromatic, leather-look, and combat-style (like a vegan "Doc Martens," but with a little more edge), although they do offer patent Derby shoes, and other dressy models within the brand's industrial aesthetic. Their current range includes: