Sustainability

JOIN US ON OUR PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY

We are committed to reducing our impact and making more responsible choices. At Heel Tread, our journey to a better future has already begun, one thoughtfully made pair of socks at a time. We believe in a brighter, greener future and we are actively working toward it. At Heel Tread, that means making responsible choices in how we design, produce, and deliver every pair of socks.

We are committed to supporting the global ambition to limit global warming to 1.5°C, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Our sustainability decisions aim to reduce emissions, waste, and environmental impact across our value chain.

95% of our packaging is made from recycled paper, and we're phasing out the last plastic components used to protect products during shipping. Our goal is to reach 100% recyclable or compostable packaging.

We don't use organic cotton yet, and we'd rather be upfront about it. Our socks are made in small runs, with highly detailed, multi-colour designs, and certified organic yarn doesn't yet give us the colour range or small-batch viability we need. For now we focus on making socks that last, because the most sustainable pair is the one you don't need to replace, and on cutting impact where we already can, like packaging. We keep testing more sustainable yarns for future collections.

We test all our socks for durability-assessing factors like wash cycles, fibre retention, and overall wear — because at Heel Tread we believe that high-quality, long-lasting products lead to less waste. Durability is something we take pride in and so we provide clear care instructions on our labels with each product, to help customers extend the life of their socks and reduce their environmental impact.

Our entire supplychain is anchored in Portugal, from our offices to our factoriesand warehouse. This local approachdrastically reduces our carbon footprintby eliminating the need for planes,boats, and long-distance travel. It’s how we actively minimizeour environmental impact.

We're taking a practical, transparent approach to achieving our sustainability goals. Here's what's happening behind the scenes:

01. We're actively sourcing alternatives to eliminate remaining plastic in our packaging and are testing new our packaging and are testing new paper-based solutions that balance protection and recyclability.

02. For materials, we're working closely with suppliers to evaluate fibres based on environmental impact, durability, and traceability-choosing the best fit for each design, not just defaulting to labels.

03. We've started gathering operational and supplier data in preparation for our full emissions audit and are in for our full emissions audit and are in conversation with third-party experts to guide the to guide the process and ensure it meets recognized standards.

04. To improve product longevity, we're expanding durability testing to better understand how our socks hold up over time and how design choices affect wear and tear. We also provide clear care instructions on our labels, to help customers get the most out of every pair.

05. We're in the process of identifying the right tree-planting partner and working on backend systems to integrate this initiative into the customer experience-from product pages to checkout and confirmation emails.

Wheelies are the cutest possible combination of the will to help and the need to reuse. Handmade by one of our talented factory team members in Portugal, each one is crafted using leftover fabric, about one sock's worth, to give new life to our production odds and ends.

Since 2019, we've been making around 200 Wheelies a year, each one with its own charm and story. But they're more than just adorable, they make a difference. 100% of proceeds from sales go directly to Save the Children, a global non-profit committed for over a century to helping those in need. A Small Plush. A Big Impact.

Our team’s well-being is our priority. We foster a happy, flexible, and hybrid work environment where everyone can thrive. We're an open book, so if you're curious about our culture, feel free to ask our team directly. Email us at info@heeltread.com, and one of our team members will get back to you.

Our commitment to sustainability is also social and cultural. As a proudly Portuguese company, we support our national market with a 100% local team. We complement this local expertise with a global mindset by wel- coming international interns each year, a fusion that enriches our culture and provides invaluable global insights.

We're proud to support organizations that promote cultural, social, and environmental wellbeing. Each year, Heel Tread donates products and resources to a variety of causes, including:

Riding for men's health and well-being

Empowering vulnerable families

Protecting children's rights around the world

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