Vans has announced the next evolution in their story, the Eco Theory collection, marking one of the first steps in a journey to more sustainable footwear.
The brand is rebuilding some of their most-loved shoes from the ground up. The Vans Eco Theory collection has the classic look fans of the brand have come to expect, but made with responsibly sourced materials from sources that follow proven ethical and sustainable practices that minimize harm and have positive benefits within the natural and social ecosystems in which they operate. The collection utilizes organic cotton, a new ECO Vans natural rubber, jute laces, cork-lined footbeds and water-based inks and glues to reimagine three of our most iconic Surf Classics silhouettes: the Authentic, Slip-On, and Style 36 Decon SF.
“Sustainability has to be at the forefront of Vans for the future,” says Vans Professional Surfer Dane Gudauskas. “It’s a fantastic moment to own the space and contribute to a more sustainable way of producing.”
The drop starts with its first ever shoe, the Authentic. The Eco Theory Authentic SF, available in black Checkerboard/marshmallow Checkerboard and natural/double light gum, is a more sustainable version of an all-time favorite. The 100% cotton upper is made with cotton fibers that are organically grown according to recognized farm level certification standards that aim to support healthy soils, habitats and workers.
The Authentic SF’s shoelaces are made from natural jute fiber, and the UltraCush footbed features a natural cork topsheet. The outsole is made from an all-new ECO rubber compound from responsibly sourced natural rubber instead of petroleum-derived rubber. The ECO rubber is obtained from sources that follow proven ethical and sustainable practices that minimize harm and have positive benefits within the natural and social ecosystems in which they operate. This new natural rubber compound was developed and engineered to maintain the grip and durability for which Vans is known. The whole package is held together with water-based glues and colored with water-based inks.
Accompanying the Eco Theory Authentic SF are the Eco Theory Slip-On SF in Checkerboard/marshmallow and the Eco Theory Style 36 Decon SF in natural/double Light Gum, touting the same sustainable construction, UltraCush drop-in sockliners and durable outsoles with waffle pattern.
Like the Authentic SF, The Eco Theory Slip-On SF combines a deconstructed low profile with the added comfort of a collapsible heel. The Style 36 Decon SF is a modern take on the original Vans Sidestripe shoe, now with a deconstructed upper and added toe cap.
The Vans Surf Eco Theory collection is now available at authorized retailers and Vans.com/Surf. To learn more about Vans’ sustainability initiatives, visit vans.com/sustainability.
