In Brazil, a vegan slip-on sneaker from Cariuma reportedly had a waitlist of over 20,000 people ahead of its September 8 launch. Available in polka dot, leopard, and zebra prints, the lifestyle kicks are made with a bamboo upper and an outsole made of sugarcane-based ethylene vinyl acetate.
Cariuma is known for its sustainable branding and avoiding manufacturing practices that are common in the “fast fashion” space. The brand also plants two trees in the rainforest for every pair.
“For the Cariuma team, this launch is more than just a label on one pair of shoes, but a true statement to the industry at large – that we will continue to commit ourselves to break boundaries and innovating towards a better earth,” the company says.
Sustainable footwear is forecast to grow 6.2% annually through 2026, Vegconomist reports.