Sustainable shoe brand Rice launches vegan sneaker

The sustainable shoe brand Rice from Spain has introduced a completely vegan sneaker. The all-black “Open21” is made of various sustainable materials such as vegan corn and apple leather, organic cotton and recycled materials, as well as real rice grains: the outsole has a rice structure that you can see.

Rice “Open21” sneaker. Image: Rice

The insole of the shoe consists of 15 percent rice waste from Spain, 30 percent recycled materials and 55 percent synthetic rubber. 5 percent rice waste, 50 percent organic TPU and 45 percent recycled materials are used to manufacture the outsole.

The shoe’s vegan ‘leather’ consists of 26 percent apple waste, 16 percent organic cotton, 38 percent PU and 20 percent polyester. The heel part consists of 47 percent corn-based organic PU, 33 percent PU and 20 percent organic cotton.

Composition of Rice sneaker
Composition of the Rice “Open21” sneaker. Image: Rice

Two recycled plastic cups were used for each shoelace.

“This creates high-end footwear that combines tradition, Spanish craftsmanship and a cool look. The sneakers are manufactured in the EU,” explains Rice in a press release.

The label was founded in Barcelona in 2012 and launched its first sole in 2017. The latest collection is made from 100 percent rice and recycled and sustainable materials.

Rice sneakers “Open21”
Rice “Open21” sneaker. Image: Rice

The vegan “Open21” sneaker in the color “All Over Black” is now available on the brand’s website (thericeco.com) and the platform for vegan, fair and ecologically produced fashion Thokk Thokk (thokkthokkmarket.com) for around 140 euros available.

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