Why Sustainable Sneakers Matter

Interview With The Founder Of Avre Footwear

Did you know, sneakers account for 1.4% of the global greenhouse gas emissions? This is largely due to how massive the industry is, the materials used, and the demanding manufacturing process.

The good news is, there are companies like Avre—a women-owned brand innovating the market by creating environmentally conscious sneakers that are made from recycled plastic fibers instead of producing new. I had the opportunity to chat with Julie, one of the founders, and learn more about their innovative process in creating beautiful and environmentally friendly shoes.

To begin, I would love to hear the story and learn about your inspiration for starting Avre? 

Avre was founded by two sisters with the core value to create a community where women support and empower one another. Avre was a natural extension of all the years my family and I have been in the footwear industry.  My family has been committed to this industry for over 35 years.  

My sister and I wanted to take the knowledge and passion we have for footwear and create a brand committed to inspiring women from all walks of life. To live a sustainable and empowered lifestyle.

We wanted to take the knowledge and passion we have for footwear and create a brand committed to inspiring women from all walks of life. To live a sustainable and empowered lifestyle.

“My sister and I wanted to take the knowledge and passion we have for footwear and create a brand committed to inspiring women from all walks of life. To live a sustainable and empowered lifestyle. ”

Avre is not an average brand.  We saw a change in the industry, and being two sisters we realized we needed to evolve and do our part. To help better our planet while creating an inclusive community, supporting women, while making an impact to make a better environment, and planet for younger generations.    

Tell me about why you saw shoes as an opportunity to innovate the sustainability space?

Shoes were the perfect opportunity for us to make our mark on the sustainable space because this is what we know.  We have been in the industry for 35+ years and saw the landscape/industry-changing.  Consumer buying patterns were changing where they take the time to be more aware and knowledgeable about what they are buying. 

Also becoming older and a mom, with global warming becoming a bigger factor, we wanted to evolve with our customers, and provide shoes where we could better the environment. While still looking stylish and fashionable and comfortable.  We are grateful for what we are able to create and we want to share it with the world.

How do you define sustainability? 

Sustainability is a way of life. It’s a proactive way of living and knowing that the choices we make as consumers can affect the world in a positive way.  We are aware and more responsible of our decisions and how they impact future generations. It’s being proactive, mindful, and making conscious decisions in how we go about our daily life that will help the environment.

“It’s being proactive, mindful, and making conscious decisions in how we go about our daily life that will help the environment.”

I am fascinated to learn about the process of creating your shoes. Where do you source the plastic to begin the process? 


Sourcing the best materials for our sustainable shoes is our top priority.  We designed with our signature recycle threads to help protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.

We have partnered with Repreve, an industry leader in using recycled, sustainable fibers. It starts with taking recycled plastics, then transforming them into renewable materials that are made into Avre shoes. The plastics are washed and chopped into tiny flakes. Then the flakes are melted down and broken into chips. These chips are then reformulated into a yarn, which is spun into a knit to make the shoes. 

After the shoes are created, they are tested and verified with Unifi—one of the largest well known sustainable verification companies. 

What challenges have you faced in creating sustainable footwear?

Our biggest challenge is to make 100% recyclable shoes which is our end goal.  The biggest challenge is other material components/ decorative pieces are not all up to the same standard. Our goal is to work together with these companies to get us to that goal.   

What plans do you have for continuing to spread the word of sustainable fashion and the future of Avre?

 Avre is not only about shoes.  Our goal is to build and create an inclusive community that is engaged and educated around sustainability.  We will eventually spread this idea into other areas of life.

It was such a pleasure to learn more about this amazing brand. Knowing that we can make a difference in this world by simply choosing where we spend our money, it allows us to feel more in control on how we make an impact.

That said, use code coincide20 for 20% of your purchase of Avre sneakers!