25 July 2023

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The discussion about plastic or microplastics in the sea is omnipresent. An important part of this microplastic comes from the fashion industry, which includes shoes made of plastic. Plastic does not degrade and is a permanent burden. Even recycled plastic bottles do not solve the problem, as the end product cannot be recycled and remains on the planet forever unless it is thermally recycled or incinerated.


In comparison, leather does not pose a risk of microplastics:

  • Leather biodegrades.
  • There are no problems with leather in the world’s oceans.
  • A high-quality leather shoe has a much longer life than modern sneakers made of plastic. A sneaker lasts about 1 year, while a good leather shoe can easily be worn for 15 years.
  • A leather shoe can be repaired by renewing the soles and lining.
  • In addition, a high-quality leather shoe is much cheaper in comparison. A calculation over 15 years: Instead of 15 times 149 € for plastic shoes, 300 € can be invested once for a pair of leather shoes.