Natural crepe sole – if you’re not yet familiar with this type of sole, you might be imagining a very fine, unstable texture that dissolves in water and doesn’t last two weeks. Not to mention the question of how crepe can even be used as a shoe sole?! BÄR proves that crepe is indeed suitable as a sole and also has many unique features.
The natural crepe sole is a one-of-a-kind variant that impresses on all levels, from sustainability to wear comfort and the durable material. Made from 100% vegan material with low-energy production, the natural crepe sole is a strong alternative to conventional rubber soles.
Unique features that give you a whole new walking experience:
• The natural crepe sole offers unique cushioning with low wear and long-lasting durability
• The sole proves to be extremely durable, slip-resistant, and natural rubber is even biodegradable
• Thanks to the water-repellent and breathable material, the shoes give you a secure feel all day long
• Unbeatable grip on ice! With the right traction, no path will be too icy for you
• Matches any outfit, whether paired with jeans or a suit
• Immediate reforestation and the use of crepe scraps make the material particularly sustainable
Natural crepe soles from BÄR’s new Spring/Summer collection:
The breathtaking color palette of spring is here! Soon, spring will finally return with sunshine and fresh air, and we’ll all be out and about more. To match the anticipation for spring/summer, BÄR presents the new collection with an expanded range of natural crepe soles. From February, it’s all about nature in its purest form! Here are the natural crepe highlights from the brand-new collection.
Women’s shoes with natural crepe soles
Minimalist design meets maximum comfort: The seamless forefoot of CAREY prevents pressure points and ensures a perfect fit. The natural crepe sole cushions every step optimally, delivering a barefoot-like walking experience. CAREY offers 100% Toe freedom, is suitable for insoles, and is hallux valgus-friendly.
The warm-lined lace-up ankle boot SHAY reliably supports you every day. With felt Lining and a flexible natural crepe sole, it provides cushioning and comfort with every step. The side zipper makes it easy to put on and take off, eliminating the need for lacing. SHAY also offers 100% Toe freedom, is suitable for insoles, hallux valgus-friendly, features high cushioning, and has an easy entry.
Men’s shoes with natural crepe soles
Clint is the perfect everyday companion. Minimalist, stylish, and highly versatile. The seamless forefoot prevents pressure points and ensures a buttery-soft feel, while the natural crepe sole optimally cushions every step. Thanks to 100% Toe freedom, high cushioning, hallux valgus suitability, easy entry, and the option for insoles, it offers all-around comfort and a relaxed BÄR walking experience.
Roger impresses with hand-stitched moccasin seams and a minimalist design. Simply slip in and go. The natural crepe sole ensures an exceptionally pleasant walking feel. Roger also offers 100% Toe freedom, high cushioning, easy entry, and is suitable for insoles, so comfort and style harmonize perfectly.
Convince yourself of the quality, comfort, and versatility of natural crepe soles!
The production of the sustainable product
Current environmental events such as severe storms, massive flooding, and the disappearance of ice glaciers once again prove how important it is to address the topics of environment and sustainability. BÄR wants to contribute by sourcing materials from nature and continue to embrace sustainability as a challenge. Sustainable design provides answers to all the major challenges of our time and changes people’s lifestyles. It is clear that products and services that enable this will prevail. This is where design and responsibility meet. The trend is definitely moving toward natural materials!
The term crepe does not just refer to a light papier-mâché that dissolves instantly, but to a 100% vegan material derived and processed from trees!
The latex milk is processed under high hygienic standards to ensure the purity of the product. Once the liquid coagulates, it forms a viscous mass that is pressed into a thin, fine rubber layer using a roller. The dried rubber layers are stacked on top of each other until they reach a thickness of 10 mm and are then fused together to ensure good adhesion. The crepe sheets can then be stamped into soles.
Producing natural crepe soles is extremely labor-intensive, complex, and requires enormous expertise. The rubber is sourced from the Kelani Valley Plantation in Sri Lanka. Founded in 1992, Kelani Valley Plantation PLC (KVPL) owns and manages 13,000 hectares of plantation land and produces three million kilograms of rubber annually from an area of 4,500 hectares.
Due to the authenticity of the material and its 100% natural sourcing, the natural crepe sole may show some changes over time.
• The frame around the sole may discolor
• Over time, small fringes (pilling) may form on the edges, proving the sole’s natural origin
• The natural coloring of the frame – like the crepe – will darken and develop an individual patina
• The sole may discolor over time due to normal dirt – it can be cleaned with water or Bamboo Lotion
• As a natural product, the rubber reliably adapts to the ambient temperature, so the sole may feel firmer in winter and softer in summer
