BEHIND THE BRAND
Behind the Sole: What Goes Into a Refeet Shoe
At Refeet, sustainability isn't a buzzword — it's the foundation of every step we take. One of our proudest innovations is transforming used plastic bottles into the breathable, comfortable uppers of our eco-conscious sneakers. Here's a look into how we do it, and why it matters.
Published: July 15, 2025 | Estimated read time: 4 min
The Problem With Plastic
Every year, over 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. A large chunk of that comes from single-use bottles. These bottles can take hundreds of years to decompose if ever and often end up polluting ecosystems and harming marine life.
We saw waste. But we also saw potential.
Step 1: Sourcing the Bottles
We partner with certified recycling facilities that collect used PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles. These are the same types of bottles you find in water, soda, and juice drinks.
After a rigorous sorting process, the bottles are cleaned, sanitized, and stripped of labels and caps.
Step 2: Breaking It Down
The cleaned plastic is then shredded into tiny flakes. These flakes are the raw material that can be spun into usable threads. At this stage, quality control is crucial — we only use food-grade, high-quality PET for safety and comfort.
Step 3: Spinning Into Yarn
Those plastic flakes are melted and extruded into ultra-fine threads. This recycled polyester yarn is surprisingly soft, durable, and breathable — a perfect base for sneaker uppers.
Fun fact: it takes about 6 plastic bottles to make the upper of one pair of Refeet sneakers.
Step 4: Knitting the Upper
We use a 3D knitting technique to create seamless uppers that reduce fabric waste and improve flexibility. The result? A snug, sock-like fit that adapts to your foot, with the stretch and breathability you need for all-day wear.
The bonus: this method significantly cuts down on excess material and energy consumption.
Step 5: Assembling the Shoe
The knitted upper is combined with our recycled rubber soles, plant-based insoles, and water-based glues. No harsh chemicals. No shortcuts.
The result is a sneaker that feels as good as it looks — and does good for the planet too.
Why It Matters
Turning plastic bottles into sneakers helps divert waste from landfills and oceans while lowering the carbon footprint compared to traditional manufacturing. And when done right, the end product doesn't compromise on comfort, performance, or design.
This isn’t just sustainable fashion. This is fashion with purpose.
Final Thoughts
Every pair of Refeet sneakers tells a story — one of innovation, responsibility, and conscious craftsmanship. So the next time you lace up your pair, know that you’re walking in something truly meaningful.
