Why is this priced differently?
During compound development to reduce sole biodegradation time, one batch produced a softer outsole than our internal abrasion threshold. Comfort and grip remained strong. Wear life is reduced relative to production standard.
Rather than landfill usable product, we are releasing it transparently.
200 years is a design decision. So is two.
The footwear industry designs products that can persist for more than 200 years in landfill. Orba’s objective is to reduce sole biodegradation time from approximately 6 - 10 years toward around two years under soil conditions. When you compress degradation timelines, engineering tolerances narrow. Development variation becomes more likely as boundaries shift.
How do we reduce the world’s shoe waste footprint?
Orba materials.
Our proprietary rubber sole is USDA-certified 95%+ bio-based. It replaces petrochemicals with plant-based oils and agricultural waste-stream materials.Objective: Durable in use. Temporary in soil.
More sustainable approach.
Other shoe companies will let you feel blamed for chucking their plastic and synthetic rubber shoes in a landfill.
Now you can decide if you want something better.
The industry optimised rubber for resistance. We are redesigning rubber to cooperate with time.
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“Orba Shoes took the over-production of synthetic shoes—20 billion pairs a year—as a personal challenge.”
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30 day home try on.
Try the plant-based comfort for yourself today.
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Fast shipping & free returns.
Not happy with fit or feel? Free exchanges or your money back.
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Pay with Afterpay.
Pay in 4 easy instalments with Afterpay.
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Help always on hand.
hello@orbashoes.eco
0800 67 22 32