Entirely vegan sneakers have been launched by Rice, a Spanish sustainability-driven footwear brand.
The all-black “Open21” is made from sustainable materials such as rice, corn, apples, organic cotton and recycled materials.
The shoe’s vegan ‘leather’ comprises 26 per cent apple waste, 16 per cent organic cotton, 38 per cent PU and 20 per cent polyester. The heel part is made of 47 per cent corn-based organic PU, 33 per cent PU and 20 per cent organic cotton.
The shoe boasts an insole made from 15 per cent rice waste from Spain, 30 per cent recycled materials, and 55 per cent synthetic rubber. The outsole is composed of 5 per cent rice waste, 50 per cent organic TPU and 45 per cent recycled materials.
“The result is high-end footwear that combines tradition, Spanish craftsmanship and a cool look. The sneakers are made in the EU,” said Rice in a press release.
For around 140 euros (US$152), the “Open21” vegan sneakers in “All Over Black” can be purchased via the brand’s website and the platform for vegan, fair and ecologically produced fashion platform Thokk Thokk.
Founded in Barcelona in 2012, the label’s mission is to reinvent the iconic handcrafted artisan footwear of the 50’s worn by Mediterranean fishermen, farm workers and even artists. It launched its first sneaker outsole “The Mama Sole” in 2017.
