Question 1

What materials are used in OUR CHOICE sustainable shoes?

Accepted Answer

Our sustainable shoes are made from plastic-free, top-grain Italian vegetable-tanned leather. The leather is ISO 14001 certified, our insoles are crafted from natural fibers and latex, outsoles from 100% natural rubber, and laces from eco-cotton. Every part of our leather shoes is designed with sustainability in mind.

Question 2

Why doesn’t OUR CHOICE use recycled plastic in sustainable shoes?

Accepted Answer

We believe that sustainability means avoiding all plastics, even recycled. Using 100% plastic-free materials in our sustainable shoes reduces CO2 emissions, prevents microplastics, and aligns with our mission to protect the planet.

Question 3

Are OUR CHOICE leather shoes vegan?

Accepted Answer

Our shoes are not vegan. We use vegetable-tanned leather sourced as a byproduct of the farming industry, allowing us to produce high-quality, plastic-free leather shoes. We are continually researching sustainable alternatives to further minimize our impact.

Question 4

Why does OUR CHOICE use leather for sustainable shoes?

Accepted Answer

Leather allows us to create durable, repairable shoes that last. Unlike some vegan leathers coated with plastic, our Italian leather is 100% recyclable and enables us to design sustainable shoes that support the circular economy by reducing waste.

Question 5

Why doesn’t OUR CHOICE use recycled leather for sustainable shoes?

Accepted Answer

To ensure high quality, we avoid recycled leather due to challenges in controlling material sourcing and tanning processes. OUR CHOICE uses only certified materials for our sustainable shoes, ensuring quality and transparency.

Question 6

How do OUR CHOICE sustainable shoes save over 70kg of CO2 emissions?

Accepted Answer

By wearing a single pair of OUR CHOICE leather shoes for five years, you reduce the need to buy a new pair of fast-fashion shoes annually, saving over 70kg of CO2 emissions. This long-term approach supports sustainability.

Question 7

Does OUR CHOICE contribute to ocean cleanups?

Accepted Answer

Yes, OUR CHOICE partners with Empower for ocean cleanup efforts. Learn more about their work at empower.eco.

Question 8

How is the OUR CHOICE production process sustainable and ethical?

Accepted Answer

Our sustainable shoes are handmade in Portugal in ethical factories that comply with EU labor laws. We use a zero-waste approach with natural materials, focusing on low emissions and fair working conditions.

Question 9

Is the shipping for of my OUR CHOICE leather shoes CO2-neutral?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our logistics partners offset all CO2 emissions related to shipping.

Question 10

How does OUR CHOICE make sustainable shoes affordable?

Accepted Answer

By overseeing every stage of production, OUR CHOICE eliminates unnecessary middlemen costs. This lets us invest in high-quality, sustainable materials for our leather shoes while keeping prices accessible.

Question 11

How is OUR CHOICE and your sustainable shoes part of the circular economy?

Accepted Answer

Our products are designed for circularity, meaning that they are made to last, be repaired, and eventually recycled, reducing landfill waste. We use on-demand production with natural, recyclable materials to further reduce emissions.

Question 12

How does a circular business model benefit the environment?

Accepted Answer

Circular fashion reduces overconsumption by encouraging quality over quantity. Our sustainable shoes are designed to last five years or more, which can save 70kg of CO2 per person per year, reducing the impact of disposable fashion.

Question 13

What happens to leftover materials from the production of my sustainable shoes?

Accepted Answer

All leftover materials are recycled or reused, supporting our zero-waste commitment.

Question 14

Where are the OUR CHOICE sustainable shoes produced?

Accepted Answer

Our leather shoes are designed in Europe and made in Portugal in ethical factories with fair labor practices.

Question 15

How long can I expect my sustainable shoes to last?

Accepted Answer

Our sustainable sneakers and leather shoes are designed to last a decade or more with proper care, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and circular fashion. The estimated life requires re-soling over the years as well as sufficient use of shoe care products.

Question 16

How does the OUR CHOICE repair service work?

Accepted Answer

Our upgrading service includes re-soling, fresh insoles, waxed laces, and a polish to refresh your leather shoes. E-mail us directly to find out more: support@ourchoice.eco.

Question 17

Is the OUR CHOICE packaging also sustainable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we ship our leather shoes in reusable eco-bags. The bags can be repurposed or used when returning shoes for upgrades, helping reduce waste.

Question 18

3. How do circular sneakers reduce waste?

Accepted Answer

By designing for longevity - for example, using leather that would otherwise be discarded as a by-product of the meat industry and by offering repair services to extend the life of each pair.

Sustainable Footwear

Sneakers and dress shoes

Repairable Shoes

Frequently asked questions