WAES FOOTWEAR RELEASES FULLY COMPOSTABLE ‘WATER’ COLLECTION

Each year, studies show that microplastics are entering our bodies from our water supply and the air that we breathe, hugely affecting our collective global health (5). Globally, 24 billion plastic- based unrecyclable pairs of shoes are made every year, and plastic from shoe sole abrasion alone is now named as the seventh largest contributor to these harmful microplastics, with approximately 109g shed per person every year.

WAES is taking a stand to reduce this epidemic of harmful micro debris by creating completely biodegradable and sustainably-designed footwear that leaves no trace at the end of life – with every element of the shoe completely compostable. Following a successful Kickstarter last season, WAES Footwear is doubling-down on sustainability with the launch of its Water Collection.

Taking inspiration from the elements that gave the brand its name [WAES is an acronym for Water, Air, Earth, Sun], the Water collection is made with the aim of preserving the world’s water supply. The colour palette pays homage to our oceans and rivers; muddy browns meet vivid blues, with colour bursts that nod to vibrant reefs. Each shoe sold restores mangrove forests with SeaTrees and contributes to Surfers Against Sewage and their efforts to keep our beaches clean.

Practically, the shoes are handmade in Portugal from the finest sustainable materials, and are gaining a reputation for comfort; their plastic-free construction results in a durable, yet uniquely flexible fit. The products longevity means WAES can encourage wearers to embrace a slow fashion ethos by buying less product, making sustainable choices and using the items they do purchase for as long as possible.

The Water collection introduces two new silhouettes: a world-first plastic-free vegan high top, a new low, and a limited edition suede. The collection has also been coated with an eco nano-quartz coating to increase product longevity.
“At WAES we have a vision for a world of beautiful footwear which stays box fresh for a long as possible, yet leaves no trace at the end of life. Normally the last thing you’d want to do is get sand on your shoes, but here we have a protection which utilises quartz at the nano scale to protect your shoes whilst still being compostable. We have considered every aspect of the process to ensure that everything remains plastic-free For FW20 we have also created a vegan shoe without plastic, a ground-breaking achievement that we hope will inspire the footwear industry to move forwards responsibly”. – WAES Co-Founder Ed Temperley.