Biocircular footwear brand launches
03/06/2025
Solk’s first product, Fade 101, is said to be fully ‘biocircular’ from its inception to its end-of-life, which for Solk means they are ‘compost-capable’. “If someone doesn’t return their shoes and they end up in landfill, or even buried by the family dog, we want to be sure they will still break down safely and be ultimately harmless as well,” said David Solk.
The minimalist unisex trainers are made from materials chosen for their recyclability as well as their and ability to break down in a compost. The leather upper is said to have undergone a special tanning process by a German tannery that makes it compost-capable and is chrome and heavy metal free. The outsole is made from natural rubber. All other components are either plant-based (laces and webbings are made from manmade cellulosics), or partially biobased (the glue), or better yet 100% biobased (the knitted-to-shape lining). Down to the lace tips and midsole foam, all components have been tested and screened to decompose.
As the workings of biodegradability are complex, Solk said it had developed its own proprietary composting system for its ‘made to fade’ products.
The Fade 101 is available in two colourways, ivory and sand.
Image courtesy of Solk
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