Rens Shoes Are Likely Vegan

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Rens Brand Overview

"We transform post-industrial plastic and used coffee grounds into feature-rich products that are made to go the distance. From materials to methods, we will never stop seeking new ways to minimize your footprint and maximize your movement." - Rens team

About Rens

"The world's first sneaker made from coffee and recycled plastic launched to the world in the summer of 2019. Now, thousands of people from every corner of the planet are sharing in that original vision: sustainability doesn't have to be boring." - Rens team

Are Rens waterproof?

Yes! Each pair of Rens contains a breathable, waterproof nano-layer driven by their AquaScreen Tech™. According to the brand, "This keeps your feet stay dry for your sneaker’s entire lifecycle."

What materials are used to make Rens?

Rens uses a variety of natural and recycled materials to make their shoes:
-Uppers made from recycled plastic and coffee
-Completely recycled waterproof membrane
-Fully recycled polyester sock liner on a removable insole
-BPA-free midsole
-All-natural rubber outsole
-Recycled plastic bottles for the laces

Are their shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

While it's difficult to say definitively whether or not a shoe is sustainable, Rens certainly make an effort for their shoes to be by incorporating so many recycled materials (each pair of Rens is made from 6 recycled plastic bottles and 150 grams of coffee waste), as well as using natural rubber for their outsoles.

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

Although Rens does not share data on their emissions, they are considered a carbon-neutral company because they have joined up with ClimatePartner to offset all climate emissions in every step of their process - from production and packaging, to shipping to their various warehouses, and even end-of-life.

Does Rens use ‘green’ shipping methods?

It's unclear from their website if Rens uses net-zero or negative emissions shipping partners, either domestically or internationally (although they are partnered with ClimatePartner to offset any transportation emissions). We’ve asked them for clarification, and are currently awaiting reply. It's worth noting that Rens does utilize a network of warehouses to reduce shipping inefficiencies. According to the brand, "By utilizing warehouse hubs that are close to customers, we can ship slow and deliver fast. Better for the environment and a better customer experience for you, overall."

Do they use eco-friendly packaging?

According to Rens, "Every order ships in a 100% recycled cardboard box that pulls double duty as both our shipping container and shoe box for all single orders."

Are Rens shoes recyclable?

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

How should I dispose of my old Rens?

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.

Where can I buy Rens shoes?

Rens shoes can be purchased from their website, and can be shipped worldwide. We've asked them if they have plans to work with retailers, and are currently awaiting reply.

Do Rens ever go on sale?

We haven’t noticed any sales for Rens shoes when visiting their site and perusing their social channels, although there are " VIP discount events" available for newsletter subscribers.

Where are their shoes made?

There’s no information available on the Rens website with regard to where their shoes are made. We’ve reached out to their team for details, and are awaiting reply.

Are Rens made with fair labour?

On their website, Rens does not make mention of where their shoes are made - as such, it's difficult for us as an outside, non-certifying 3rd party to verify whether or not they ensure their factory enforces all international and local labour laws, regulations and fair working standards to provide a safe and fair working environment for their workers. We've reached out to them for clarification, and are awaiting reply.

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

Rens incorporates some elements of a circular economy, such as: using some natural materials; using mainly recycled materials; avoiding discount-level pricing; using recycled packaging; and partnering with an emissions-offsetting organization.

Is Rens a charitable company?

Yes! Rens donates 100% of the revenue from some pairs of shoes to various charitable causes. For example, Rens donates 100% of the revenue from their "Ocean Blue" model to humanitarian aid in Ukraine via UNICEF, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Medical Corps & UNHCR.

Rens Product Range

Rens makes men's and women's modern, casual shoes with an athletic style. Some of their styles are laceless slip-on shoes, while others are of the lace-up variety. They come in a wide variety of colours, some of which are associated with charitable causes. Their shoes sell at a mid-range price point.