ROOTS- Sustainable Leather Sneakers
Category: Footwear
Competitions: International
ROOTS is a sustainable footwear concept inspired by the resilience of tree roots and the timeless beauty of genuine leather. The design celebrates leather as a natural material that grows richer with age rather than becoming waste. The flowing root-inspired outsole symbolizes strength, stability, and our connection with nature, while the leaf-vein patterns on the leather upper reflect growth, healing, and craftsmanship. Made primarily from vegetable-tanned cowhide leather and complemented with natural materials including cork, hemp, organic cotton, coconut fibre, and natural rubber, ROOTS embraces the principles of slow fashion and responsible design. Every component has been carefully selected to minimize environmental impact while maximizing durability, comfort, and repairability. Unlike fast-fashion footwear that is designed to be discarded, ROOTS is intentionally designed for longevity. Replaceable laces, repairable leather panels, and a renewable outsole help extend the product's life, reducing waste and encouraging long-term ownership. At the end of its lifecycle, many components can be separated for recycling or biodegradation. Materials used are as below: * Vegetable-tanned cowhide leather * Organic cotton canvas lining * Natural rubber outsole * Cork insole * Fibre footbed * Hemp laces * Linen thread * Brass eyelets * Beeswax leather finish * Water-based natural adhesive * Cork heel support * Recycled paper packaging * Organic cotton dust bag Inspired by my journey in fashion, healthcare innovation, and sustainable design, ROOTS reflects my belief that great design should not only be beautiful but also meaningful, functional, and environmentally responsible. This project represents a future where craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability walk together 'one step at a time'.
