Artificial Leather
Vegan women's shoes are becoming increasingly popular. One of their best features is that they are made animal-free. To produce vegan shoes, a substitute material for the leather is needed. Here, artificial leather, so-called imitation leather, is often used. This is a textile fabric to which a petroleum-based plastic coating is applied. Polyurethane (PU), polyester or PVC are usually used here. PU and polyester are non-toxic plastics and can therefore be recycled. Imitation leather made of PVC is animal-free, but may contain softeners and solvents. The German Federal Environment Agency classifies these softeners as "hazardous to health", so direct skin contact should be avoided.
A positive feature of imitation leather is its durability. That is why it is also used for many "wind and weather" occasions, such as outdoor furniture or motorbike seats. On the other hand, it is precisely this indestructibility that makes the disposal of synthetic leather problematic, because the material does not rot. Like all non-recyclable plastics, it must be incinerated with the waste. If it ends up in the environment, it decomposes over the decades through sunlight and salts into smaller and smaller components known as microplastics. The world's oceans suffer most from these tiny plastic particles. Here they find their way back into the human cycle.
The dense coating is a serious disadvantage, especially with shoes made of synthetic leather. It makes the shoes little or not at all breathable, so that the feet sweat easily.
Vegan "leather" from plants
We are always on the lookout for alternative materials to find suitable vegan substitutes for real leather. "Leather" made from plants appears to be one alternative. For example, there are plant-based imitation leathers made from pineapple leaves, cork, tree bark, apple pomace or even mushrooms. Although all of these materials are biodegradable, they have only a short shelf life. What still works for a handbag is already more difficult for shoes, as they have to withstand great strain when walking. All employees involved in purchasing and design at SOFTCLOX feel personally responsible and are constantly scanning the market to find even more environmentally friendly, as well as "vegan leathers" as alternative materials. An important prerequisite remains that these meet the quality standards of durability and comfort.
Genuine leather
Leather is one of the oldest materials that we use. It is animal skins that are made durable through various tanning processes. The hides are a by-product and waste product of our food industry. Contrary to the often prevailing public opinion, no animal is killed for the production of leather. It is also worth taking a closer look at the tanning of leather. For example, 85% of today's leather is mineral tanned, i.e. with so-called chrome III salts. The chrome ensures that the leather is perceived as very soft and supple and thus of high quality. Modern tanneries work with closed water circuits from which the chrome is filtered out again and reused. This helps to protect the environment and save resources at the same time. Tanneries in Europe generally have to meet high standards here, compliance with which is also regularly checked by independent institutes.
The biggest advantage of genuine leather is its natural texture. It ensures that leather shoes are generally breathable and, supported by our wooden sole, provide an all-round pleasant foot climate. Due to body heat, the leather of the shoes adapts optimally to the shape of the foot, which plays a major role in wearing comfort. Also, (only) shoes made of genuine leather can be fashionably refined. The natural surface of genuine leather can be dyed, printed and foiled to delight our hearts over and over again. Unlike imitation leather, genuine leather needs a little more care to stay beautiful for a long time. But the care is worth it, as it prolongs the life of the shoes. Find here tips on leather care and also on how to handle our flexible wooden sole. Let your SOFTCLOX age gracefully.
Our way at SOFTCLOX
We love leather for our women's shoes and of course we don't want to harm nature and the environment. That's why SOFTCLOX sources its leather exclusively from Europe, mostly from family-run factories in Italy. For us, the origin and production method is important; therefore, we work with companies that are certified according to the Leather Working Group (LWG) standard. This is currently the most important seal for leather. These certified partner tanneries save between 30 and 35% water and between 33 and 48% energy.
SOFTCLOX also uses imitation leather. These vegan shoes, which are completely animal-free right down to the glue, are for our customers who follow a vegan lifestyle. At trade fairs and with competent partners, we are constantly looking for better alternatives to imitation leather instead of real leather, we are open to this. So far we have found complements, but no equivalent substitute material.
So it is clear to us - and this is also the result of a survey among our female customers - that the most comfortable wearing experience is simply still offered by a genuine leather shoe. The combination of high-quality leather and flexible wooden soles ensures the unique comfort of every SOFTCLOX - and that remains our ambition...
91% of our customers prefer real leather, while 9% prefer imitation leather.
(Source: SOFTCLOX customer survey July 2020)
Although more vegan models also find their way into our range, most SOFTCLOX are therefore made of genuine leather. Sandals and mules, boots and booties as well as clogs for winter and summer.
