ZebraOasis Hemp Shoes

Have you ever wondered what happened to your old shoes after you’ve disposed of them? Well, I will pop mine into a clothes bank to see if someone else can’t use from them, and while that may extend their lives for a while, the sad fact is of the 22 billion shoes manufactured in 2021, the vast majority of them will either end up in landfill or burnt. Even though some will be made of natural materials, they cannot be recycled because they are glued together.

So ZebraOasis came up with the unique solution of a glueless shoe that you can disassemble when used and completely recycle because of the biodegradable material they are constructed with. ZebraOasis invented the R-ring, which you pull when the shoes are worn out, and this separates the parts of the shoe for recycling. Watch how it’s done:

Now these are not water shoes but are perfect for after-water activities and so easy and light to carry. The uppers are made of hemp fibre, which grows faster than cotton and requires 50% less water. They are constructed using an ‘R-knit’ weave that produces a very lightweight and breathable upper, which is also very soft and flexible. Another advantage is when they are dirty, pop them in the washing machine – there are no glues and plastics to worry about.

The shoes adapt to your foot shape with no need for breaking them in and fold up like a piece of clothing for carrying, and at just 540 grams a pair, makes them even easier to transport.

The insoles are made of Merino wool, anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, and 100% biodegradable. The shoes use no dyes, minimising waste and pollution in the water supply; combined with a 100% recyclable TPU foam sole – it is the ultimate carbon-neutral green shoe.

The shoes are so comfortable that you can wear them all day long – pretty much akin to an outdoors slipper. They are smart looking, eco-friendly and comfortable to wear – what more can we say? Except, give them a try – you will not regret it. The shoes have been three years in the making and enter production in June, but if you want to know more and help with their financials, then have a look at their Kickstarter page where you can purchase a pair for US$99 plus postage at: www.kickstarter.com/projects/zebraoasis/zebraoasis.