European outdoor gear company Vaude and Sympatex Technologies are continuing their joint effort to improve the next generation of “green functional” footwear.
For Spring ’18, Vaude is debuting an entire range of casual trekking and hiking boots with 100 percent recycled Sympatex membranes and 100 percent recycled Sympatex lining.
“With our SS 18 collection, we have made a first huge step to become the most sustainable provider of functional outdoor and bike shoes,” said Oliver Korden, Vaude head of shoes.
The Sympatex membrane is highly breathable, 100 percent wind- and waterproof and regulates the climate. Free of PTFE and PFC, the membrane consists of polyether-esther not harmful to health or ecology and is certified pursuant to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 as well as Bluesign-approved. The collection of men’s and women’s footwear also boasts Sympatex laminates from completely recycled materials combined with recycled linings.
For the first time, Vaude used a fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating to treat the footwear.
“We are delighted to be able to take another step together with Vaude, one of the most important pioneers in our industry with regard to sustainability, to further optimize the life cycle assessment for outdoor shoes—without any compromises on their function,” said Sympatex CEO Dr. Rüdiger Fox.