Choosing sustainable footwear is crucial for the planet, however it’s also essential for making sure that you’re investing your money wisely. Choosing quality footwear that withstands the test of time instead of cheap mass-produced options will save you a large amount of money in the long run, whilst preventing unnecessary damage to the environment.
If you’re looking for sustainable footwear, we’re pleased to say that LOWA ticks the boxes. Don’t just take our word for it. These are just a few of the reasons that buying our footwear is a sustainable choice for consumers:
Unrivalled Durability
Durability is a defining characteristic of all LOWA boots. That’s because LOWA have perfected their production processes in order to create durable footwear that is designed to perform in the toughest of outdoor environments. This includes using an exclusive spray-on glueing process to fix the leather, as well as the use of a protective rubber rand that has become a hallmark of LOWA boots. This is a rubber strip that runs around the edges of the boot between the outsole and the upper material to protect the edges of the leather from moisture and damage. In addition to this, the soles of the boot are pre-treated before being cemented onto the footwear with a pneumatic press. Strict quality control procedures ensure that all LOWA boots are finished to the same high level of performance and durability.
High Quality, Pollution Free Materials
It’s not just the production methods that make LOWA boots the durable and consequently sustainable footwear that they are. LOWA’s choice of leather is also key to its commitment to sustainability. LOWA uses only specially selected cowhides from Europe that are free of pollutants. After the leather is selected, it is differentiated into either split leather, full-grain leather, nubuck or suede. The type of leather required will depend on the type of boot that is being made. For example, nubuck leather offers the ideal flexibility for trekking boots, whilst full-grain leather is incredibly hard wearing, which is why we rely on it to make our military boots. Selecting high quality, pollution free leather and treating it correctly is essential for creating boots that are hard wearing yet flexible and comfortable.
Can Be Repaired Instead Of Discarded
As part of LOWA’s commitment to sustainability as well as exceptional customer care, we place a huge emphasis on ensuring our boots can be repaired rather than discarded. In fact, we re-sole or refurbish an average of 17,000 shoes per year. Due to our choice of materials and established production processes, it’s very rare that LOWA boots are in need of repair, unless not cared for correctly, for example in the instance of hydrolysis occurring. However, if you’ve owned your LOWA boots for a long period of time, they may need to be resoled or have certain components replaced.
LOWA boots can be easily repaired. This means that in most cases, you will be able to repair your LOWA boots rather than invest in a new pair. Not only does this reduce the use of materials and production emissions, but also helps our customers to save money. We recommend a range of repair companies that are skilled in repairing LOWA boots. Repairs may include replacing the sole unit or rubber rand, or giving the boot a full re-tread that offers renewed grip and can increase the life expectancy of the boots. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more guidance on which repairs company to take your LOWA boots to.
You can enhance the lifespan of your LOWA boots, and make the most of their durable qualities by caring for the leather correctly. Find out how to do this in our simple step-by step guide on how to clean and care for leather boots.
LOWA’s Corporate Responsibility
Environmental protection and social commitment are central to the company philosophy at LOWA. Always considering social impact, LOWA is engaged in a range of social projects, including the donation of more than 1000 shoes annually to organisations that are in need. Our commitment to environmental protection is equally as significant. That’s why we’re engaged in a range of environmental projects, such as planting 500 trees per year for a Bavarian reforestation project. We are also proud members of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) that helps fund crucial nature-preservation projects. On our sites themselves, approximately 25% of our annual power needs are covered by solar power, whilst green hydroelectric power is used to satisfy the remaining demand. These are just a few of the key steps LOWA is taking to make its impact as environmentally friendly as possible, and why you can be confident that our boots are a sustainable choice.
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To hear more about LOWA’s wider corporate responsibility ethos, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more details.
