Yatay is a Fully Vegan Brand

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Yatay Brand Overview

"For our Yatay Model 1B Sneaker, we have used Coronet technology and combined it with our knowledge as craftsmen. From this union, Yatay B was born - an innovative, bio-based material, derived from plant sources, used for the upper and incorporated in the rest of the shoe." - Yatay team

About Yatay

"Yatay is now an integral part of Golden Goose’s sustainable vision. The whole strategy (called Forward Agenda) is divided in pillars and focuses on many different topics and Yatay is now one of them to be an innovation platform and provide bio-based materials." - Yatay team

What materials are used to make Yatay's vegan sneakers?

Yatay makes their sneakers with the following materials:
• Laces: recycled cotton & recycled polyester
• Glitter: recycled glitter
• Tongue padding: partly recycled PU foam
• Collar padding: partly recycled PU foam
• Lining: bio-based YatayTMB*
• Upper: bio-based YatayTMB
• Insole structure: partly recycled PU foam
• Insole lining: bio-based YatayTMB
• Strobel insole: partly recycled PU foam
• Sole: 92% biodegradable rubber
*YatayTMB is a bio-based material derived from non-food plant sources.

Are Yatay shoes low-impact/eco-friendly/sustainable?

From an environmentally-friendly materials standpoint, Yatay's vegan sneakers could be considered quite low-impact (at least as far as leather-look footwear is concerned), as they do use mostly natural, recycled, and plant-based leather materials. These plant-based leather materials, while not perfect, are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than animal-derived leathers (due to the inclusion of various toxic chemicals used in the tanning process, among other reasons). This is backed up by data from inside the fashion industry as well as outside of it. For the data, please see Collective Fashion Justice’s CIRCUMFAUNA initiative.

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

Yatay does not currently provide data as to their CO2 emissions generation, so it's difficult to accurately asses them in this area. They are however, partnered with Treedom, a partnership that enables customers to plant trees in their "Golden Forest," and track that tree's growth and local impact.

Does Yatay use ‘green’ / ‘low-impact’ shipping methods?

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

Does Yatay use eco-friendly/low-impact packaging?

Yatay uses FSC-certified avian cardboard, which they say is designed to reduce waste. Yatay says their shoe box is completely recyclable, and is made of up to 50% recycled paper from controlled pulping and recycling mill sources supporting responsible forest management. The brand also says it uses the same cardboard packing from production until delivery, which reduces waste and CO2 emissions.

Are their sneakers recyclable?

According to Yatay, their soles are biodegradable (they are made of 92% natural rubber). As for the rest of the shoes, we've reached out to their team to get further details on this, and are awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my old Yatay sneakers?

We’ve asked the Yatay 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 Yatay sneakers from?

Yatay sneaker can be purchased from their parent company, Golden Goose's country-specific websites, and can be shipped within that country. Golden Goose has many country-specific websites, although there are some countries that they do not cover. You might be able to get them in countries outside of their reach if buying through one of their online retail partners, such as LUISA VIA ROMA. Yatay sneakers can also be purchased from Golden Goose retail locations worldwide.

Do their sneakers ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for their sneakers when visiting their site and perusing their social channels.

Where are Yatay vegan sneakers made?

Yatay's vegan sneakers are hand crafted in Italy.

Are their sneakers made with fair labour?

Yes! Yatay shoes are made in Italy, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

Is Yatay a charitable company?

We’ve asked their team about any charitable initiatives they're involved with (if any), and are currently awaiting reply, as there is no such information available on their website.

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

Yatay incorporates some elements of a circular economy, such as: making their shoes by hand; making unisex footwear; using recycled materials; using natural materials; using plant-based leather instead of synthetic or animal-derived leather; not selling their shoes at fast-fashion pricing; not following seasonal trends; making timeless styles; using very eco-friendly packaging; and employing fair labour.

Who is Yatay's parent company?

Yatay is an offshoot brand of the larger brand, Golden Goose, which is not a vegan brand.

Yatay Footwear Range

Yatay makes unisex leather-look, low-top sneakers, and sells them at a premium price point. Their one model, "Model 1B" comes in white, with three choices of colour for the side accent - white, silver glitter, or black.