Materials

Linen

The linen used on VIBAe shoes comes from France. Linen is one of the most sustainable and oldest fabrics known to man, dating back to 8000 BC. Linen is derived from the flax plant and uses fewer resources than cotton or polyester (such as water, energy, pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers.)

Linen is known to be durable, breathable, and soft, and that’s what we want you to experience wearing the ZUMA Linens.

Wool

Burel wool is a traditional Portuguese fabric made from 100% pure sheep wool. Degradable and renewable, year after year, the sheep produces wool that is sheared for its good. Naturally elastic and comfortable, it is used as a natural thermal insulator, so the ROMA wool slippers are guaranteed to keep your feet comfortable and warm. 

The wool comes from the Manteigas mountains and has been handcrafted in a historic family-run factory using the same machines and traditional equipment since 1925.

Leather and suede

All VIBAe leather and suede shoes are made of premium vegetable-tanned leather or suede. Vegetable tanning is a thousand-year-old method of tanning animal skins and hides. We only use skins and hides, which are by-products of the food industry. Only natural components, like wood, bark, fruits, and leaves, are used in tanning. The tanned leather is chromium-free and known for its distinct look.            

By purchasing VIBAe ZUMA, HELSINKI, and ROMA footwear, you support responsible leather manufacturing through the Leather Working Group (LWG).

VIBAe has created a collection of lifestyle shoes that are ideal for people with sensitive skin or skin problems and are good for the environment.

The Metal-free, Eco-friendly Leather & Suede used on the PORTO and JTREE are biodegradable according to the ISO 20200:2004 standards and 100% compostable, suitable for the production of fertilizers.

Carbon Step™ footbed

The soul of VIBAe footwear is the removable antimicrobial Carbon Step™ insole. The contoured 11/14/7 formula (11mm of heel cushion, 14mm of arch support, and 7mm in the forefoot) provides the ultimate comfort and will naturally compress to follow your foot profile into a neutral position.

We at VIBAe are constantly looking for more sustainable materials. Together with Aalto University in Helsinki, we are working on a more ecological and sustainable option for our Carbon Step™ footbed.

Natural rubber

VIBAe outsoles are made of natural rubber to provide extra grip and flexibility. Natural rubber is made by extracting liquid sap, called latex, from rubber trees. Over 2 500 types of trees produce this sap, and the use of natural rubber dates back to 1600 BC.

How VIBAe shoes are made

VIBAe shoes are designed with love in Finland and California and they are proudly handmade in a family-run factory in Portugal. 

We support local businesses by purchasing all the materials from local vendors and suppliers to manufacture our shoes.