Why We Need Biodegradable, Plastic Free Shoes
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Traditional shoes can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, adding to long-term environmental pollution .
Over 300 million pairs of shoes are discarded annually, with most ending up in landfills
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Synthetic materials used in traditional shoes release toxic chemicals as they break down, contaminating soil and groundwater.
Research shows that chemical leachate from landfills can contain harmful substances like heavy metals and plasticizers from disposed footwear .
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Synthetic fibers in shoes contribute to microplastic pollution, which is harmful to marine life and enters the food chain .
Studies have found that microplastics are present in the oceans, with significant portions originating from synthetic clothing and footwear .
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Biodegradable shoes often use natural, renewable materials, supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices .
The use of plant-based materials can promote biodiversity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels .
We think 7 generations forward.
Green Chemistry and Zero Waste Principles
By prioritizing sustainability at every step, from material sourcing to end-of-life decomposition, NFW sets a new standard for environmentally INTELLIGENT footwear.
Click here for NFW’s ground rules.
Options are there.
Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) is a pioneering company in the field of sustainable materials and eco-intelligent products. Founded with the mission to create high-performance materials from natural sources, NFW has developed innovative technologies that transform plant-based fibers and natural polymers into durable, biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics and synthetic materials.
NFW's processes, such as welding natural fibers at the molecular level, allow them to produce materials that are not only environmentally intelligent but also meet the rigorous demands of modern manufacturing.
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Fully Plastic Free: Your Sole
Sustainability: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Price: 8/10
Comfort and Fit: 10/10
Brand Ethics: 10/10
Materials: Bison Fiber and Cork
Midsole: The first shoe to feature the ReCORK Recycled Cork midsole: flexible, lightweight, cushioning and made from recycled wine corks.
Upper: Combining Merino wool and upcycled bison fiber for the ultimate in natural warmth and temperature regulation.
Insole: Natural cork topsheet adds premium next-to-skin feel for sockless wear.
Laces: Elastic stretch for easy on and off. Tie them once and live your life.
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Nearly Plastic Free: GOBI SNEAKER PREMIUM LEATHER
Sustainability: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Price: 6/10
Comfort and Fit: 10/10
Brand Ethics: 10/10
NFW PLIANT™ GOBI OUTSOLE
Made with 100% natural materials
GOBI PREMIUM CORK INSOLE
The Everyday Cork Insole is specifically designed for Gobi Premium. It is composed of 98% natural cork, which has natural antibacterial properties.
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Fully Natural: Lapti
Sustainability: 8/10
Performance: 3/10
Price: 9/10
Comfort and Fit: 4/10
Brand Ethics: 6/10
Lapti shoes have been a traditional daily bast footwear of peasants: cheap and affordable. Lapti didn't last long, taking to the long road a peasant would put several spare pairs of lapti in his bag. Lapti are still known as a charm for blocking the evil thoughts or as a cozy home a domovoy (house spirit).
Lapti shoes are made of bast, a part of the tree bark and still popular for folk performances and concerts.
