How We Make Our Shoes

At Simple, we try to make the best decisions around materials, processes, and labor today so we can keep our planet breathing and happy for tomorrow. 

We don’t have all the answers but we believe there are ways to do things that make our shoes’ footprint a little smaller and make you feel even better about wearing them. 

BUILT TO LAST 
The best thing you can do for the planet is buy less, and the way we help you do that is by providing shoes that really last. There are fewer things that make us happier than receiving a message from you saying “I’ve had my Simple Shoes for over 20 years.”

We sift through every material, component and compound available to footwear manufacturers so our shoes are only made with honest ingredients that support the longevity of our planet and keep you comfortable every step of the way. 

WHAT’S IN OUR SHOES
Most shoe technology is just hype, but there are things that truly benefit the wearer and produce a comfortable, earth-friendly shoe. 

When you put on an OS or a Retro 91, they feel comfy. Our Ubersquish insole provides a sustainable solution that softens your foot's impact and delivers long-term cushioning. It also just makes ‘em a nicer place for your feet to spend their day. 

In these two shoes (and others), we only use water-based glues. Our outsoles are part recycled rubber and toluene free. Our laces are free of any harmful dyes and we only source suede from eco-friendly tanneries.  

We only have one home. One Earth. And we feel like it’s a pretty good idea to build things that help make it a better place to live. 

WHO MAKES OUR SHOES 
Since our beginnings in the early 90's, our shoes have always been responsibly sourced and manufactured in Asia – specifically China and Vietnam. 

Our shoemakers follow a code of ethics focused on workers' rights and abide by fair trade rules. Many of our shoe craftsmen have been with us for years. They’re true members of the Simple family. Their celebrations are our celebrations. 

We select our manufacturers not just on the quality of their craftsmanship, but also by the level of dignity, respect and trust through which they show their workers. 

Our goal is always to have Simple shoemakers deliver quality products that make us proud and your feet happy. 

THE S1
The S1 is our latest shoe. It’s a classic canvas sneaker, reimagined from the ground up through the Simple lens. 

The upper uses organic cotton which is grown in high-rain areas and takes less irrigation to grow. The insoles are made from algae-based Bloom™ foam and its rubber outsoles are built to last. 

On the outside it’s your classic canvas sneaker. A shoe designed to be a staple in your rotation and wearable with nearly everything. 

On the inside we’ve done the work to ensure it’s not only easy on the eyes, but also easy on the planet. 

We hope you enjoy wearing it as much as we enjoyed making it. We know our planet does.