Our shoes are produced with care using premium materials, with a keen focus on responsible sourcing and production practices. We source leather exclusively from LWG Gold-rated tanneries and incorporate recycled materials into all our textiles. At Sole Purpose, every pair of children’s shoes embodies our dedication to both style and sustainability.
From the inception of a concept to the details of production, discover the creativity and dedication woven into our shoemaking process. Let us take you behind the scenes and unveil the meticulous attention to detail that goes into crafting each pair.
Before any shoe takes shape, all components undergo a rigorous sourcing process. We carefully select materials that meet our high-quality standards and align with our commitment to sustainability.
Our current materials are chosen based on their proven durability from reliable sources, ensuring they are commercially available within our price range. This ensures that every pair of shoes we create maintains the exceptional standards our customers can expect.
Sustainability is at the core of our ethos, which is why all textile materials used in our shoes, including internal linings and fur, are made from recycled polyester. By incorporating recycled materials, we reduce waste and lessen our environmental impact, one step at a time.
In our partner factory in China, skilled makers cut, stitch, and assemble all parts of the shoe. Did you know it takes more than ten different materials to bring a single pair of shoes to life? Thus, we thoroughly handle each material to ensure the utmost precision and attention to detail.
We take pride in sourcing our leather from Leather Working Group gold-certified tanneries in Bangladesh and India. While leather production involves chemicals, the Leather Working Group certification emphasises we only work with tanneries that follow responsible chemical management and wastewater practices and much more.
Leather, known for its durability, is a cornerstone of our footwear. Leather gives our shoes character, it’s beautiful, soft to touch and breathable. Compared to synthetic (sometimes referred to as ‘vegan’ options like Polyurethane), leather offers superior longevity and quality thus, a more sustainable choice. We use leather from goat, sheep, and cow, obtained from certified tanneries committed to responsible practices.
We redefine the standards of comfort and durability in eco-friendly footwear. The leather used is soft, naturally water resistant and breathable and will mould to your child’s foot the use of high-quality (tested) recycled fabrics, rubber, and other materials also enhance the resilience of our footwear. Our lasts are created following UK grading standards and should fit narrow to standard feet.
Although every pair of shoes we create embodies our commitment to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship, our team and partners continuously seek ways to enhance our processes and sustainability practices, to be the most sustainable brand out there. Our ongoing efforts include exploring bio-based alternatives, compostable options, and integrating more sustainable agents and materials that reduce water and chemical usage.
Recycled polyester is crafted from PET, or Poly Ethylene Terephthalate, which is the same material used in clear plastic bottles. The recycling process requires significantly less energy, approximately 33-53% less compared to regular polyester production. By transforming PET into recycled polyester, we give new life to existing materials and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Collected + Shredded
Plastic bottles are collected, put into bales, and sent to a recycling facility
Heated + Stretched
Made from shredded plastic bottles.
Melted + Extruded into Micro Fibres
Made from flakes
The fibres are baled, dyed, and knitted into polyester fabric.
Our footwear manufacturer, a trusted long-term partner located in Dongguan, China, undergoes rigorous annual audits by esteemed bodies such as BSCI Amfori, SEDEX (2 pillar – Smeta audit), and DISNEY. We prioritise transparency and accountability in our manufacturing process, actively collaborating with our factory to assess and enhance their environmental impact.
Currently, our partner factory is engaged in self-assessment through platforms like HIGG ( Now Worldly), examining their waste streams, Carbon Footprint and identifying areas for improvement to benefit the environment. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and environmental stewardship, we strive to ensure that every step of our manufacturing journey aligns with our commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.
We are committed to maximising our eco-friendliness within the constraints of commercial viability. We acknowledge that our shoes currently have a linear lifecycle. While they can be recycled, they will eventually face a devaluing recycling process.
To address this challenge, we focus on waste reduction at the forefront of our supply chain. By incorporating recycled materials and repurposing resources like ocean waste, post-consumer PET, synthetic rubber, and pre-consumer factory waste, we aim to reduce our reliance on virgin materials and lessen our environmental footprint.
As we continue to grow, we can dream bigger and create shoes with an increasingly positive impact, driving sustainable change and the journey to circularity within the footwear industry.