Sustainability

At Wingate Studio, we believe making a better shoe means thinking about every decision that goes into it. Sustainability isn't a badge we add at the end of the process; it's considered from the very beginning. From the materials we choose and the factories we work with, to the way each shoe is constructed, we're constantly asking how we can create footwear that performs better, lasts longer and has a lower impact on the world around us.

Built with Partners We Trust

Good footwear starts with good relationships. We've spent more than 20 years developing footwear and have worked with our manufacturing partners for over 15 years. That experience allows us to challenge ideas, test new materials and continually improve the way our shoes are made.

Every pair of Wingate Studios is produced in a SEDEX Pillar 4 ethically audited factory, the highest level of SEDEX certification. We believe looking after the people who make our products is just as important as looking after the environment they live in.

Better Materials, Better Choices

Every material is chosen for a reason. All of our leather comes from Leather Working Group Gold Rated Tanneries, the highest recognised environmental standard within the leather tanning industry. We believe that premium materials, used responsibly and designed to last, are one of the most important foundations of sustainable footwear.

We've also challenged the way traditional shoes are constructed. Most footwear contains hidden plastics throughout the upper, including toe puffs, heel counters, interlinings and reinforcement materials that most people never see. Working closely with our suppliers, we've replaced as many of these plastic components as possible with lower-impact alternatives, creating a shoe that's significantly different from conventional footwear.

There is one area where we haven't yet found the right solution. The thread used to stitch the sole still contains synthetic fibres because, despite extensive testing, we haven't found a plastic-free alternative that offers the durability our shoes demand. We'd rather be honest about that than make claims we can't stand behind. As better materials become available, we'll continue working with our partners to improve every generation of Wingate footwear.

Durability is Sustainability

For us, sustainability isn't just about what a shoe is made from. It's also about how long it lasts. A well-made pair of shoes that stays on your feet for years is often a far better environmental choice than footwear designed to be replaced every season.

That's why we never compromise quality or durability simply to make a better environmental claim. Every decision is a balance between performance, comfort, longevity and responsibility.

Designed to Waste Less

We produce our footwear in carefully planned batches to reduce overproduction and unnecessary waste. Our packaging is simple, recyclable and plastic free wherever practical, using only what is needed to protect your shoes on their journey to you.

Our Journey Continues

We don't believe sustainability is something you ever finish. New materials, new technologies and better manufacturing methods are constantly emerging, and we're committed to learning, testing and improving with every collection we create.

Our goal isn't to claim perfection. It's to build better shoes, support better manufacturing and leave the places that inspire us a little better than we found them.

Because that's what Stronger Every Step means to us.