The company collects its natural rubber using an ancient technique dating back to the Maya civilisation. It takes a single tree 20 days to produce enough sap for one sole and 8 days for the insole. "The result is a naturally carbon positive shoe sole, produced in a manner which doesn't harm the tree."

Natural rubber is gentle on the environment and on our feet. Given its higher tensile strength and resistance to tears, it makes a comfortable base for high performance exercise. Natural rubber is even used in aircraft tires where synthetic alternatives can't survive extreme changes in temperature on landing.

By using GOTs Organic Cotton, the company has committed to producing its shoes in a way that protects both the planet and workers. Soles are made from compostable natural rubber collected from FSC certified forests. Worn out soles will decompose nicely in your compost. Waes Shoes also uses leather, a natural byproduct of the meat industry, to coat its cotton instead of plastic. While leather is not ideal, plastic is worse. While there isn't a 100% biodegradable animal-free leather on the market yet, Modern Meadow is working on it.  While standard shoe thread is reinforced with PU (plastic), Waes Shoes produces its own biodegradable laces. The company also makes a plastic-free glue inspired by the ancient Egyptians and a nano quartz adhesive coating for its suede and cotton canvas shoes.