MATERIALS THAT MATTER
Our Approach to Materials
We’re picky—in a good way.
Every material in our shoes has to feel great, last long, and tread as lightly as possible on the planet.
For all our leather shoes, instead of chrome-tanned leather (which contains heavy metals), we use vegetable-tanned leather that's safer for workers and better for the planet. Bonus: it ages beautifully.
Our ZUMA LINEN style features breathable French linen, a natural material with deep roots in craftsmanship.
All VIBAe shoes feature natural rubber outsoles for a strong grip.
We're always innovating and working to make our shoes even more sustainable without compromising quality.
Comfort and conscience? Yes, please.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather and Suede
Most leather and suede is tanned using chrome and heavy metals. Not ours. We use traditional, natural tannins from bark, wood, fruit, and leaves.
WHY IT'S BETTER
✓ Ages beautifully (hello, patina!)
✓ Breathes naturally, gentle on skin
✓ No toxic chemicals for workers
✓ Moulds to fit your feet perfectly
BIO Leather and Suede
We also use BIO leather and suede, which are metal free, compostable materials developed through years of innovation in Portugal. They are tanned without chromium or heavy metals, making them safer for people and the planet.
WHY IT'S SPECIAL
✓ Non-allergenic and ideal for sensitive skin
✓ Produced with a cleaner, more sustainable process
✓ Soft and comfortable like traditional leather
✓ Made for years of wear and designed to return to the earth
French Linen
ZUMA Linen is made with flax linen from France, where they’ve perfected the art of growing it for centuries.
WHAT MAKES IT GREAT
✓ Grows with little water and few pesticides
✓ Natural antimicrobial properties resist odors better than cotton or synthetics
✓ Regulates temperature like a champ, keeping feet cooler in hot weather
✓ Incredibly durable
✓ Machine washable (yes, really!)
Natural Rubber Outsoles
All of our outsoles are made from natural rubber, tapped from trees without cutting them down.
WHY WE USE IT
✓ Breaks down naturally over time
✓ Excellent grip, even on slick surfaces
✓ Time-tested (since 1600 BC!)
TAKING CARE OF YOUR VIBAe SHOES
We design shoes to last. And with just a little love, they’ll stay in great shape for years. Here’s how to care for each material.
Brush off dust and dirt every now and then with a soft brush or cloth. To keep the leather soft and happy, use a balm or conditioner occasionally.
Suede prefers to stay dry. Apply a suede-specific water and stain repellent spray regularly to protect your shoes from moisture and stains. If it does get wet, let it dry naturally and freshen it up with a suede brush. For stains, spot clean gently. No scrubbing.
Yes, you can wash them. Just remove the insoles, place your ZUMAs in a delicates bag, and wash cold at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Shake off any excess water and let them air dry, out of direct sunlight. Never put them in the dryer.
You can use a fabric spray to protect against UV, stains, and water. The color of the linen may fade over time, but the good news is you can re-dye them.
Let them breathe between wears. If needed, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking them and please, NO washing machine. Store in a cool, dry place and they will stay soft and cozy.