Review: Zebra Oasis Shoes— 100% Recyclable
Sustainable lifestyle products are all the rage. From GoPro Camera packaging to Apple computers, everyone wants to label their products “sustainable” and/or “recyclable”. Unfortunately, not all products are as recyclable as we would hope. Shoes often end up in landfills or being burned because they lack the ability to be separated into their respective recyclable parts.
Zebra Oasis shoes are a sustainable-lifestyle brand introducing a shoe that can be separated by pulling one-thread for 100% recycling. Using their patented R-ring (a.k.a. Reboot Ring) inside the shoes, the top and bottom of the Zebra Oasis shoes can be separated and easily broken down to achieve 100% recycling:
The soles are made of 100% recyclable TPU foam which is created using gas-assisted technology to eliminate harmful chemical pollution and reducing existing C02. And if you are like me and are thinking, “What in the world is TPU foam?!” then let me answer that. TPU is Thermoplastic polyurethane which is typically known to be food-safe and even trusted to be used in baby playmats. To be clear, I am not a polymer scientist and shouldn’t be relied upon for safety details in TPU foam. The upper, fabric part of the shoe is made of breathable Hemp, Bamboo, Wool, and Cotton. They are machine washable, fold-able, and are made with no dyes.
So how do the Zebra Oasis shoes feel and hold up to abuse? After wearing the Zebra Oasis shoes for a month, I really started to like how supportive and flexible they are. My other concern was how hot my feet would get. I run a little hot, meaning I am usually warmer than most people…some say high blood pressure, some say I’m born that way. Either way I hate shoes that make my feet sweat. The Zebra Oasis shoes are extra-breathable, I can comfortable wear them all day.
As a video editor, I don’t do a lot of walking when working other than running to a machine room or unplugging cables. The Zebra Oasis shoes walk the line of being as comfortable as slippers but maintaining the structure of a shoe. I love that feeling. I like to wear shoes, I don’t really like to go barefoot — the Zebra Oasis shoes help me feel comfortable yet supported.
I received the “Bleached Hemp” color Zebra Oasis shoes, which would not my typical color choice. I ruin white shoes. I would probably have ordered the darker grey color, because I ride my shoes hard and get them dirty. Nonetheless, the Zebra Oasis shoes are machine washable in water up to 104°F then left flat to dry. They should not be machine dried, ironed, or bleached.
I have an average width foot measuring about 9.5 or 10 in US length size. I was sent a US 11 which fits perfectly width-wise but is obviously a little long. However, the shoes fit really well, it has me rethinking wearing skateboard shoes all the time.
In the end, I love the new Zebra Oasis shoes. They are breathable, comfortable, and effortless to wear all day. If you are looking for shoes to wear outdoors and while doing extreme activities these won’t be for you. But once you get back to your tent, hotel room, or dry adventure — the Zebra Oasis shoes are a great choice. And as an added bonus once you are done with the Zebra Oasis shoes, pull the R-ring thread underneath the sole to separate the top from the bottom and they can be fully recycled.
Find out more at: https://outdoormaster.com/products/zebraoasis-hemp-shoes?ref=qHo0ESBWPHjB9&utm_medium=inhouse&utm_source=affiliate . The Zebra Oasis shoes will be priced around $100.
