Duuo Empathy Sustainable vegan high top sneakers

Duuo is a Fully Vegan Brand

Duuo has recently become a fully vegan brand (when we originally profiled them they used some recycled wool), but now they’re PETA-certified vegan, which means their suppliers and manufacturers have to sign a legal statement of assurance form, stating that no animal by-products (including glues, dyes and solvents) are used in the production of any of their products.

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Brand Highlights

Duuo is a vegan, Barcelona-based casual shoe/trainer brand that incorporates a variety of eco-friendly materials into its designs. The introduction of their "Second Life" line is indicative of the brand's efforts to become more and more sustainable as time goes on.

  • Based in Barcelona, Spain
  • Incorporates eco-friendly materials
  • Unique aesthetic
  • Strives to improve its sustainability
  • PETA-approved vegan
  • Makes kids' shoes

About Duuo

Duuo's stated mission is to make "vegan and eco" shoes to "promote sustainable mobility, protect the environment and have fair working conditions in their factories and sales outlets." They used to sell shoes that included 70% recycled wool, although that is no longer the case, as they have obtained PETA-approved status.

What materials are used to make Duuo shoes?

Duuo uses a variety of materials to make their shoes, with some being quite environmentally-friendly, and others not so much. Depending on the specific model, Duuo might include eco-friendly materials such bamboo biomass, recycled PET (polyester), and 100% natural rubber, or not-so eco-friendly materials, such as nylon, phylon, and eva. They use cotton for their laces, with no visible certification that it's organic. Duuo has informed us that their glue does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Are Duuo shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

While heavily marketed as sustainable, some models of Duuo shoes do contain an assortment of materials that aren't quite eco-friendly. Duuo does not share any verified data on their website to validate their sustainability claims, with the only evidence of them being sustainable being the inclusion of some natural and/or recycled materials. It's worth noting that they are continuing to improve their sustainability efforts; their new "Second Life" line has 90% sustainable materials, according to the brand, which include a seaqual lining, a corn bio-mass pull tag, and a recycled PU/microfibre overlay. Some of their new models however, only claim to have "15% sustainable materials".

Does Duuo use green shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Duuo uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We have asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Duuo use eco-friendly packaging?

It's unclear from their website if Duuo uses recycled, recyclable, compostable, or other forms of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging. We have asked them for details regarding the materials they use for packaging, and are currently awaiting reply.

How should I dispose of my worn out Duuo shoes?

We have asked the Duuo team if they currently have, or are developing, a shoe recycling program, and are awaiting reply. In the meantime, we recommend either trying to have them repaired, donating them to someone in need, or taking them to a clothing recycling depot (if available in your city), which can strip them down to their recyclable components.

Where can I buy Duuo shoes?

Duuo shoes can be purchased from multiple sources, including their website; Amazon; their branded stores in Spain (Viladecans & Igualada), and through their own app.

Do Duuo shoes ever go on sale?

Yes! On their website, they currently have a "40% off" section, with several models being discounted. Their newsletter does not appear to offer a discount code upon subscription.

Are Duuo shoes ethically made?

Duuo claims to "have fair working conditions in our factories and sales outlets," although they don't communicate where exactly their shoes are made. Some countries can all but guarantee fair working conditions, while others may be case by case. We have asked the Duuo team for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does Duuo promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Duuo appears to employ some elements of a circular economy, such as including recycled and natural materials, and claiming to employ fair labour. Some areas in which they could improve is by using a 'made-to-order' production system, which could cut down on production waste, and supporting their sustainability claims with data.

Are Duuo shoes recyclable or compostable?

It’s unclear from the information available on their website if Duuo’s shoes are recyclable or compostable. We have asked for clarification from the Duuo team, and are currently awaiting reply.

Is Duuo a charitable company?

We have asked the Duuo team about any charitable initiatives they're involved with (if any), and are currently awaiting reply, as there is no such information available on their website.

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Duuo Vegan Product Range

Duuo makes men's, women's and children's casual shoes and trainers in a variety of bold, funky, colourful and somewhat retro designs. Their product range currently includes the following types of shoes:

  • Platform sneakers
  • Flat sneakers
  • Wedge sneakers
  • Chunky trainers
  • Retro sneakers
  • High-top sneakers
  • "Sock effect" shoes
  • "Sock effect" boots