Sustainability

It’s a complicated subject but we are dedicated to researching, developing and using materials, and implementing procedures, which can help us be more sustainable.

Every recent product page on the website has a Sustainability tab with equal importance to the Product Detail tab. In a way this reminds us, not of what we have done, but what more there is to do!

For an overview of what we are doing in this area, we invite you to watch a short video providing this overview of our sustainability efforts.

Here's also an overview of our sustainability efforts across all components of our shoes and boots. Quality often comes at a higher price, and Freet stands as a leader in performance barefoot shoes for good reason.

Waterproofing

Starting April 2024, we will eliminate PFCs (Perfluorinated Compounds) from our products. Our Rudolf DWR (Durable Water Repellent) solutions offer both high performance and reduced environmental impact. This allows us to create a high level of water repellency to our materials without the use of harmful fluorines which stay in the environment for ever.

Packaging

We use cardboard boxes and recycled plastics for packaging materials, recycled and recyclable.

Uppers

BottleYarn: made from 60-80% recycled PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) bottles, which is breathable & easy to clean.

CoffeeYarn: comprising 60-70% recycled coffee grounds plus binding polyester, known for breathability, durability, and antimicrobial properties, albeit requiring slightly more cleaning effort

Microfibre: with 30-40% recycled content, continually enhancing its technology. This is in development and will be introduced in early 2025.

Leather: our leather undergoes audits by the Leather Working Group to ensure supplier welfare and sustainable processing, achieving gold-level certification. Leather is a natural and durable product.

Re-cycled leather: our recycled leather combines leather waste to create a natural material with excellent performance and durability.

Laces

Our laces are now improved with 60-70% recycled PET.

Lining & Insoles

We incorporate recycled materials in both linings and foams for our latest AirMax insoles.

Midsole

Efforts are underway to increase the recycled content in our SoftFlex, MidFlex, and FirmFlex midsoles.

Outsole

Our outsoles are primarily composed of natural latex rubber (60%) and synthetics, providing a balance of durability and grip.

Certification

We ensure independent and personal verification of our supply chain, prioritizing thorough checks rather than relying solely on assurances.

Shoe Aid

Freet redirects any lower quality, excess, or non-retail return stock to support homeless and disadvantaged individuals through Shoe Aid. We are committed to minimizing waste by never discarding usable shoes