TYRE SOLE DRIVING LOAFER BY HUGS & CO.

Upcycled tyre tread is combined with Italian leather and British design to create the first line of environmentally conscious luxury footwear. Only a fraction of the energy used to produce new sole units is required to convert the waste tyres into usable shoe parts. The upcycled components are not a compromise though, in fact they’re an improvement for the driving loafer style. Adding incredible durability and grip whilst retaining an elegant and classic style has created the next generation of the original hybrid shoe.

Hugs & Co. are proud to introduce the TS1 model ‘the British Driving Loafer’. Bringing a level of functionality to driving loafers that upgrades them into a versatile piece of luxury footwear. Above all these shoes use up unwanted tyres and are more environmentally friendly to make than regular footwear.

The fashion initiative has been designed by brothers and co founders of Hugs & Co. footwear Benjie and Hugo Davis.

“The words upcycled and repurposed previously haven’t been associated with luxury fashion items, here at Hugs & Co. we’re taking steps to change that with the TS1 driving loafer.” – Benjie Davis

“All too often the decision to select environmentally conscious components leads to a compromise in quality, here it actually enhances the product.” – Hugo Davis

Millions of scrap tyres pile up every year. Designed not to degrade they create longterm damage to the environment. Waste tyres are often burned giving off toxic fumes. Alternatives for disposal are burying or highly costly and energy consuming methods to break them down. The TS1 repurposes this material and the simple process produces a tenth of the CO2 that new soles would to make.

The process of manufacture involves modern production techniques interspersed with artisanal expertise and is the first time environmental consciousness has been successfully introduced to the luxury footwear market.

The Driving Loafer is the perfect shoe for Hugs & Co. to begin this journey with. Not only is it one of the signature products in the Hugs & Co. collection but it is the original hybrid shoe. Traditionally footwear was made with stiff leather soles and uppers that required weeks of wearing to break in. The driving loafer closed the gap between formal and comfortable with the flexible studded sole, soft suede and moccasin construction. The TS1 is the next generation of the familiar style, upgrading the driving loafer and introducing an element of environmental responsibility that is essential in the modern world.