ReBoots

The message of the project

REBoots is a product born from the fortunate coincidence of an environmentally conscious shoe manufactory owner meeting a designer seeking new directions after the pandemic. The fashion industry is at a turning point, needing to redefine itself in the wake of global challenges that extend beyond health issues. Merely slowing down fashion is insufficient; what’s necessary is a process that reinterprets old values, re-evaluates human labour, and appreciates our endangered environment. These considerations guided the development of our product range. Addressing the accumulation of used tires, a significant environmental issue in Europe, our project seeks to find innovative recycling solutions. Only about 20% of tire waste is currently recycled, leaving much room for improvement.

The idea behind the project

The core idea of REBoots stems from a forgotten initiative focused on repurposing factory-scrapped tires. Our supplier uses a unique method to produce usable surfaces from waste, specifically shoe soles. Unlike other technologies that completely destroy the tire before separating its components, this process peels off the rubber part of the tread. The resulting strip of rubber is then used to punch out the shape of the sole. The first sample was a classic, beautifully crafted shoe made of cowhide with a sole of unused tire rubber, still showing small rubber hairs. Building on this idea, we sought recycled or eco-friendly materials for the shoe uppers as well. For instance, recycled PET bottles, which contribute significantly to environmental pollution, are transformed into polyester-based textiles that are safe for human skin and used in our collection. Some shoes also meet vegan standards, catering to customers who prefer products free from animal origin.

What next?

REBoots’ motto is a 100,000 km wear life guarantee on the sole, courtesy of the tires. Our products are 100% made in Hungary, produced in a small manufactory with local labour under appropriate working conditions. Our goal is to maintain these standards while striving to further reduce the ecological footprint of our products. We are continually exploring new recycling opportunities that can complement our shoe sole solution. Additionally, we are preparing a collection that utilises tire treads already used on the road. Our target market is environmentally conscious customers who value quality, clean design, and products made under humane working conditions. On our future sales platform, we aim to make our process transparent and to number individual pieces, adding value. Our sample range includes men's ankle boots in cowhide, unisex sneakers and slippers made of vegan leather and recycled textiles, and women’s sandals made of similar materials. We plan to expand and shape the collection according to the principles of slow fashion.