Saola Footwear
Shoes That Make Waste Wearable
Want a lightweight everyday shoe that feels good on your feet and makes a more thoughtful use of materials? Saola creates modern footwear designed around three things: comfort, lightness, and lower-impact materials. Its shoes use materials such as recycled plastic bottles, recycled EVA, recycled cork, organic cotton, natural rubber, and bio-based materials, turning materials that might otherwise go to waste into parts of the shoe you actually wear.
The result is footwear with a clean, contemporary look that works for everyday life, travel, and casual outdoor adventures without feeling heavy or overly technical. Saola's current footwear averages less than 14 ounces per pair, while different styles use different combinations of recycled and bio-based materials, cushioning, traction, and upper constructions.
Named for a Rare Symbol of Biodiversity
Saola was created by Guillaume Linossier, an outdoor-industry professional who wanted to build a footwear brand that connected his love of the outdoors with a more responsible approach to making shoes. He left his career in the outdoor industry in 2015 to develop the idea, eventually bringing Saola to market in 2018.
The name comes from the saola, a rare antelope-like animal found in the mountains between Vietnam and Laos and sometimes called the “Asian unicorn.” The animal became a symbol of the biodiversity Saola wanted to help protect.
From the beginning, the brand's approach was to rethink the materials used in everyday footwear. Instead of treating sustainability as an add-on, Saola built its footwear around recycled and bio-based materials while keeping the shoes lightweight, comfortable, and wearable for everyday life.
That mission continues today through the brand's material choices and its partnership with 1% for the Planet, through which Saola supports biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Why shop Saola from Abbadabba's?
- Recycled & Bio-Based Materials: Saola incorporates recycled and renewable materials throughout its footwear, including recycled PET, recycled EVA, cork, organic cotton, natural rubber, and bio-based materials.
- Lightweight by Design: Saola puts a strong emphasis on lightweight footwear, with the brand stating that its shoes average less than 14 ounces per pair.
- Comfort for Everyday Movement: Breathable uppers, flexible construction, cushioned midsoles, and supportive insoles are used across different Saola styles to create footwear designed for everyday wear.
- Modern Looks Without the ‘Eco Shoe’ Aesthetic: Saola takes familiar casual footwear and gives it clean, contemporary shapes, making the environmental story part of the construction rather than the entire visual identity.
- A Brand With Conservation at Its Core: Saola works with 1% for the Planet and supports organizations involved in protecting biodiversity and natural habitats.
The Materials Behind Saola
1. Natural Rubber Blend. Combines natural rubber with other materials to create a flexible, durable outsole.
2. Recycled Cork + Recycled PU. Repurposed materials used to create a footbed designed for comfortable support.
3. Organic Cotton. A plant-based material used in the shoe’s construction.
4. Recycled EVA. A lightweight material that helps provide cushioning and flexibility.
5. Recycled Plastic. Reused plastic incorporated into the shoe’s materials to help reduce reliance on virgin resources.
Materials and features vary by style. Check individual product details for specifics.
The Saola Difference
Saola isn't simply a footwear brand that happens to use recycled materials. The materials are part of the design brief from the beginning.
The brand looks for ways to reduce the environmental impact of a shoe while keeping the things customers actually notice when they wear it: how light it feels, how comfortable it is, how it moves, and how it looks. That means recycled plastic becomes a breathable upper, recycled foam becomes cushioning, cork becomes part of the footbed, and natural rubber contributes to traction. The sustainability story is built into the shoe rather than added after the design is finished.
That balance—modern everyday style, lightweight comfort, and alternative materials—is what gives Saola its identity.
Who Is Saola For?
The Everyday Walker
For someone who wants a lightweight shoe that can handle errands, walks, travel, and everyday plans without feeling bulky.
The Conscious Shopper
For customers who pay attention to what their footwear is made from and prefer recycled or bio-based materials where possible.
The Traveler
Lightweight construction makes Saola particularly appealing when you want footwear that doesn't take up unnecessary space or weight in your luggage.
The Casual Outdoor Person
For people who move between city streets, parks, weekend trips, and lighter outdoor activities rather than needing highly technical hiking footwear.
The Sneaker Minimalist
For someone who likes clean, understated footwear instead of highly technical-looking athletic shoes.
The Vegan-Footwear Shopper
Many current Saola styles are made without animal-derived materials, although material composition varies by style. Current Cali styles are listed as 100% vegan, while the brand has also previously offered styles using ZQ Merino wool—always check the individual style's materials.
The “I Want My Shoes to Feel Light” Shopper
If heavy footwear is something you notice immediately, Saola's emphasis on lightweight construction is one of the brand's most relevant advantages.
Fit & Comfort Tips for Saola
Start With the Shape
Different Saola styles use different upper constructions, so pay attention to how the shoe follows your foot rather than assuming every model fits the same.
Check Your Toes
Make sure your toes have enough room to move without touching the front of the shoe.
Notice the Upper
Knit and stretch constructions can feel different from more structured materials. Pay attention to how the upper holds your foot when you walk.
Check the Heel
Your heel should stay comfortably in place without excessive slipping.
Feel the Insole
Many Saola styles use removable insoles, which can be useful if you prefer a particular footbed or need to use your own inserts.
Walk in Both Shoes
Stand, walk, turn, and make sure the cushioning and flexibility feel comfortable on both feet.
Not sure about your size? Check our size chart. Already found your pair? Our care guides show you how to keep them going.
