Return Shoes - ReShoes
Turning Discarded Sails into sustainable footwear
CLIENT
Return Projects
INDUSTRY
Sustainability · Fashion · Product Design
SERVICES
Product Design · Sustainable Design · Creative Direction
THE CHALLENGE
How can design give discarded materials a new purpose?
Boat sails can take decades to decompose when discarded. The challenge was to rethink this material as the foundation for a desirable, functional and more sustainable product.
OUR APPROACH
The project explored upcycling as a creative opportunity, transforming used boat sails into footwear while combining sustainability, functionality and contemporary design.
THE SOLUTION
ReShoes were developed using upcycled boat sails, recycled rubber soles made with waste materials, raw cotton shoelaces and water-resistant components. The resulting product was designed to be vegan and recyclable.
THE IMPACT
Beyond giving discarded sails a new life, the project connected each pair sold to reforestation efforts in Africa. More than 600 trees had been planted through the initiative documented in the project.
Design became part of a larger cycle: reuse materials, rethink consumption and create positive environmental impact.
Recycled rubber sole developed with waste tires, pet bottles and leftovers from other soles.
Developed by upcycling boat sails, a material that takes 60 to 80 years to decompose when discarded in the environment.
100% recyclable
and vegan
Raw cotton
shoelace
Water
resistant
13º 54' 28.035'' N
16º 18' 3086'' W
For every pair sold, we plant a tree in reforestation areas in Africa, together with the international NGO “Trees”. To date, more than 600 trees have been planted. The stamped location represents where the tree will be planted. To find out more about the project, visit the Elef Shoes website.
