Swedish footwear brand Vagabond have given one of their iconic, classic men’s sneaker, Paul, a “nature” flavour by making it entirely from vegetable-based materials including a wooden upper.

Vagabond’s Paul sneaker now comes in a recyclable cherry wood Ligneah material. In the manufacturing process, thin sheets of wood are attached to a cotton base, using a technique where resistance and durability is assured. To make the wood material soft and “leather-like”, the surface is then micro laser etched.

The recyclable wood material is the latest in the footwear brand’s “quest to minimize impact on nature even further”.

Vagabond with its line of design classics for men and women is a footwear brand that has always been consciously aware of the impact of fashion on the environment, and in more recent years have been experimenting with sustainable materials like the recyclable cherry wood.

Marie Nilsson Peterzén, co-founder and creative director of Vagabond, says: “Much is made of the importance of sustainability in fashion. It’s a responsibility that starts with the sourcing of materials and ends with creating a mindful attitude to consumption for our customers.

“To all of us working at Vagabond Shoemakers, sustainability is hardly something new. By working with just a few selected suppliers we’ve managed to build long-term relationships with our manufacturers, and this allows us to gain insight into working conditions at the production level.

“When developing shoe models, we strive to create designs that generate the minimum waste. Our ambition has always been to make shoes that last — for our customers to cherish and want to take care of. After all, with proper shoe care they can endure the test of time.”

Vagabond shoes are available online

Rosalind Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She is a writer who specialises in sustainable life & style, music, entertainments and wellbeing. Rosalind also works as a spiritual life coach and intuitive advisor helping people to become who they truly are and manifest their heart & soul’s desires into their lives: www.rosalindmedea.com