Patagonia has had a longstanding commitment to preserving our environment through the use of eco-friendly
materials and practices. Patagonia was established in early 1970’s by world-class mountaineer Yvon Chouinard.
Even when Patagonia was a fairly small company they started to devote time and money to the increasingly apparent
environmental crisis. Patagonia commissioned an independent research company to perform an environmental impact
assessment of four major fibers, expecting to learn that oil-based polyester and nylon were the greatest energy
consumers and sources of pollution. Out of this study it was determined that cotton was actually the worst offender.
From there Patagonia set out to make all their cotton products using organic cotton and has continued to
do so since 1996.
Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment,
awarding over 31 million dollars in cash and in-kind donations to domestic and international grassroots environmental
groups making a difference in their local communities.
Patagonia incorporates its environmental ideals into its new line of vegan footwear. The soles are Vibram Ecostep
Outsoles made of 30% recycled scrap rubber. Incorporated into their design are environmentally friendly fibers such as organic
cotton, durable hemp fibers in soles, laces and uppers, and recycled polyester to wick moisture. Only latex from the milk
of hevea tree is used in the outoles or midsoles. The harvesting process is good for the tree, and the milk has a
microstructure that when cured creates thousands of tiny air bubbles for natural cushioning.
See all of our vegan shoes from Patagonia.