A Solana Breach company is supplying foam produced from algae for a new line of designer shoes made by Britain’s Vivobarefoot.
Bloom Holdings uses algae harvested from freshwater to make ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, which is typically made from petrochemicals.
Vivobarefoot’s new “Ultra” shoes available in June are described as “the ultimate amphibious adventure shoes.” The are the first to use the new material in full.
“This is a true revolution for the footwear industry with the first plant-based alternative to the petro-foams in ubiquitous use,” said Galahad Clark, founder of Vivobarefoot. “We are thrilled to be the first company to use Bloom in our shoes and further our mission to make the perfect shoe… perfect for feet and minimal impact on the planet.”
Bloom, which is based in Mississippi but has operations in Solana Beach, said its foam product is the first sustainable alternative to the synthetic and petrochemical foams prevalent today.
“Our goal is to deliver the most performance-driven materials in the most environmentally-responsible manner,” said Mike Van Drunen, CEO of Bloom.
Vivobarefoot is a global barefoot shoe company, offering men’s, women’s and children’s shoes for everyday wear, running and off-road adventures.
