RE49 is a Fully Vegan Brand

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RE49 Brand Overview

"It was 1949 when Valentino Masolini recycled fabrics and military uniforms to make shoes. It is 2021 when the great-grandson, Nicola Masolini, reuses fabrics, fabrics from umbrellas, deckchairs and sails to create shoes. Thus was born, in a small town in the Friuli countryside, RE49: the most sustainable footwear brand in the world in the circular economy."

About RE49

"To make RE49 shoes, we use different types of materials that we recover, sanitize and adapt to all models. We do not use materials of animal origin and our production method is 100% carbon neutral. Even the inserts, laces, labels and packaging are made from recycled materials. The particular Ideal seam makes our shoes more resistant and flexible." - RE49 team

Is RE49 an ethically vegan brand?

RE49 is an intentionally and ethically vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. According to the brand, "We love the planet and do everything to preserve it, we recover materials destined for disposal and we do not use materials of animal origin."

What materials are used to make their shoes?

For their designs, RE49 uses a variety of recovered and upcycled materials, from recycled tires for the soles, to denim fabric and cotton from hotel towels, to beach umbrellas, Kevlar or Dacron sails, and even apple skins. Within each shoe's description on their website, the brand will list which materials were used to make that shoe.

Are RE49 shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

All components and materials of RE49 footwear are recycled, which is traceable via blockchain technology. In fact, we've profiled hundreds of shoe companies on this website, and RE49 makes among the most environmentally friendly shoes out there, due to their exclusive use of recycled materials. According to the brand, "We are sustainable at every stage of production and we want to demonstrate it: our supply chain is transparent, which is why we can say we are the most sustainable footwear brand in the world in the circular economy."

Does production of RE49 shoes create a lot of CO2 emissions?

According to the brand, "Our production method is 100% carbon neutral with zero emissions: we take charge of our climate footprint with the aim of zeroing it in less than 5 years."

Does RE49 use ‘green’ shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if RE49 uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally. We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply.

Does RE49 use eco-friendly packaging?

Yes! According to the brand, "Even the inserts, laces, labels and packaging are made from recycled materials."

Are their shoes recyclable?

We've reached out to the RE49 team to get further details on this, and are awaiting reply.

Where can I buy RE49 shoes?

Their shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped within Italy and the rest of Europe. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do RE49 shoes ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for their shoes when visiting their site and perusing their social channels. However, they currently offer a 10% discount for subscribing to their newsletter.

Where are RE49's vegan and recycled shoes made?

Their shoes and boots are made in Gonars, Italy.

Are their shoes made with fair labour?

Yes! RE49's shoes are handmade in Italy, which means their labourers are protected by the stringent labour laws of the European Union, which also include strong health and safety regulations.

Does RE49 promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Yes, heavily. They incorporate several elements of a circular economy, such as: using materials; using up-cycled materials; employing fair labour; producing close to their headquarters; using blockchain for production transparency; producing in limited runs; making classic styles; and ensuring climate-neutral production. According to the brand, "A microchip is inserted into the tongue of each RE49 shoe which traces the ethics of our company in the production process. We are sustainable at every stage of production and we want to demonstrate it: our supply chain is transparent, which is why we can say we are the most sustainable footwear brand in the world in the circular economy."

Is RE49 a charitable company?

We’ve asked their 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.

How should I dispose of my old RE49 shoes?

We’ve asked their team if they currently have, or are developing, a shoe recycling program, and are awaiting reply. In the meantime, Get it Vegan recommends 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.

RE49 Product Range

RE49 makes and sells unisex boots and shoes at an upper-mid tier price point, for those who want to add a touch of panache. Their collection features an assortment of up-cycled materials (such as jeans, beach umbrellas, and sails), so each design is unique from one to the next. The models they make are classic shoe and boot styles, with some using much more colourful materials than others. Some of their models have more of a leather look (achieved with recycled apple skin), and others are or a canvas texture and aesthetic.