Navigating the fashion industry in a world dominated by headlines about the growing climate crisis can be tricky. A 2023 report on sustainable footwear shows that sustainability has become a priority for the general consumer and is no longer confined to a single niche. Consumers increasingly search for brands prioritizing our planet and creating socially responsible products.
One brand that recognises the detrimental impact of the footwear industry on the environment and actually is working to reduce their impact is Bared Footwear. The brand is working towards restoring nature rather than repairing the damage. This commitment is demonstrated through their meticulous sourcing of bio-based materials, empowering disadvantaged communities and actively recycling shoes to prevent them from ending up in landfills.
Shoes that tread lighter
Bared Footwear is resolute in its pursuit of sustainable solutions. Their commitment to improving the materials used in their shoes has materialized in one of their newest innovative creations: the B.plantfoam™ footbed, crafted from 72% plant-based materials (USDA-certified biobased).
With a carbon footprint of 3.85 kg CO2e, the unique B.plantfoam™ footbed cuts CO2 emissions by 70% compared to standard petroleum-based footbeds. By the end of 2023, Bared Footwear aims to have all newly manufactured shoes fitted with B.plantfoam™ footbeds.
Partnerships for the planet
Bared Footwear’s dedication to treading lighter on the planet extends beyond their products. Collaborating with Greenfleet, an Australian not-for-profit organization that plants biodiverse native forests, the footwear brand has committed $95,000 to plant thousands of native species across Australia.
The partnership also intends to promote the growth of thousands of native plants and the recovery of biodiverse forests along Australia’s and New Zealand’s eastern coasts. Biodiverse native forests collect carbon emissions to help safeguard the planet’s climate, improve soil and water quality, and provide habitat for local wildlife.
Additionally, to reduce landfill waste, Bared Footwear has recycled 16,360 shoes by encouraging people in the community to donate their old favorites. Since 2019, the brand has worked with Melbourne-based company, Save Our Soles, to repurpose pre-loved shoes and transform them into rubber mats used for retail flooring. Taking proactive steps to address their environmental impact, Bared Footwear is on track to embrace products and processes that are kinder to the earth.
Better in Bared
Anna Baird, Founder and CEO of Bared Footwear, shared that the brand will continue its path toward sustainability: “At Bared, we understand the terrible impact that the footwear industry has on our planet. We know that as a brand, the most impactful initiatives are going to be the ones that improve the material that our shoes are made from.”
Other initiatives developed include a new shoe range using Mirum™, a 100% biobased leather alternative, and a new Pliant™ outsole that is 100% biobased. “We are still on the journey to develop a shoe that is 100% biobased and will break down naturally, but we are really proud of our progress, and we are really excited to be working with some incredible new materials that are being developed all over the world,” Baird added.
Bared Footwear is more than just a brand that sells great-looking shoes. Each pair is equipped with a unique biomechanical footbed and hidden support features, ensuring both comfort and foot health. The extensive men’s and women’s range offers multiple fitting options, allowing customers to customise their shoes to suit their individual needs. Beyond these, the brand’s dedication to designing shoes that tread lighter on the planet sets them apart.
