These Indosole Recycled Rubber Tire Shoes Are More Comfortable Than You Think
Tires are a danger to our environment. Discover how Indosole turns tire waste into eco-friendly footwear.
Inspiration Behind Indosole
The day has finally arrived; tires are in fashion! Fashion has become such a burden on our environment that forward-thinking companies that are mindful of being a force for good are turning to waste to create necessary products for human comfort.
The journey of Indosole began with founder Kyle Parsons, who was inspired by a pair of sandals he discovered in Bali. This experience motivated him to find a lasting solution to the significant issue of tire waste, especially in developing regions. Indosole created SETT Sole Engineered Tire Technology, which processes recycled tires into powder. This technique breaks down tires into smaller pieces that can be used for new shoe soles. Indosole shoes are composed of 40% recycled tires, 30% natural rubber, and 30% new materials.
The Problem
Global Tire Waste Accumulation
Tires are discarded daily all over the world. Discarded tires usually are found in stockyards, illegal dumping grounds, and waterways. In tropical climates, tires even become breeding sites for mosquitoes, which lead to the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
Challenges of Decomposition
Due to their durable construction, tires take thousands of years to decompose. Consequently, the first tire ever manufactured is still present in the environment today.
Environmental Risks of Tire Burning
Due to the massive amount of tires that are impossible to decompose, in developing countries, tires are burned as a cheap fuel source. In addition to the toxic fumes that are emitted from these fires and additional fires caused by lightning strikes, the tires release toxic oil that creates serious health issues for those who live nearby.
Operations and Sustainability
Indosole's headquarters are in San Francisco. The shoes are produced in Java, Indonesia, after previously operating in Bali. The shoes are manufactured by local Indonesian artisans that handcraft the footwear. Indosole is sourced from motorbike tires in Indonesia. Having the local tires sourced nearby reduces the need for excess transport emissions.
Another benefit of how Indosole creates its products is that the manufacturing process is entirely free from toxic substances; they also avoid the use of fuel-powered machinery. Indosole is also certificatied as a B Corporation since 2014!
8 Reasons Why Indosole Footwear is Sustainable
Here are eight compelling reasons why Indosole's products are beneficial for both your feet and the planet:
Waterproof
Natural rubber
Cruelty-free
Arch support
Enviro fibre
All-terrain
Recycled tire soles
Made responsibly
Issues Integrating With the Circular Economy
Unfortunately, when we researched this company, we noticed that there are no processes in place to ensure these shoes don't end up back in the landfill.
Here are eight reasons why tire shoes, like those produced by Indosole, may struggle to fully integrate into a circular economy:
Loss of durability: Even though the shoes are made from recycled materials, the durability of the tire soles can reduce over time. The overall lifespan of the footwear may be limited. This could result in the shoes only being useful for short-term use.
Hard to Recycle: Rubber is nearly impossible to recycle as it cannot biodegrade on its own. This resorts back to the original problem with the tires. The shoes are likely to become waste once again.
High Prices: The footwear market is saturated with conventional options that may be cheaper and more readily available, making Indosoles a difficult product for people to reasonably purchase instead of the less sustainable option.
You're responsible for the shoes at the end of their life: without the system in place or incentivize to return or recycle the footwear, the shoes may end up in landfills rather than being reintegrated into the production cycle.
Our Rating
Despite the shoe's shortcomings in regard to reintegration into a circular economy, Indosole has created an amazing product that does not destroy natural resources for profit and gives waste a second life.
Their approach helps support sustainable goals and has enabled them to successfully divert over 80,000 tires from landfills!
Discover our Sustainable Marketplace
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Click here to learn more about our mission.
Key Takeaways
Indosole transforms tire waste into eco-friendly footwear that is stylish and comfortable
Indonesian artisans to handcraft the products
The tires are sourced locally in Indonesia
Indosole's production process is toxin-free and avoids the use of fuel-powered machinery.
Each shoe is made from 40% Recycled Tire, 30% Natural Rubber, and 30% New Materials
Indosole has been a certified B Corporation since 2014
Indosole has created an amazing product that does not destroy natural resources for profit and gives waste a second life.
Their approach helps support a sustainable future
Indosole has successfully diverted over 80,000 tires from landfills!
We Need Your Help
Our current economy is destroying the planet. That is why we are building a better living economy for people and the planet. But we can't do it alone! Our goal is to create a living economy where we can leave behind companies that prioritize profit over our planet by choosing companies that have sustainable or regenerative business models. With your contribution, we can continue to create an economy where people and nature thrive together. Your contribution, no matter how small, has a lasting impact.