Bahé

Vegan brand Bahé made the world’s first grounded running shoes and have since expanded their range to include hiking boots and sandals.  Their unique grounding technology is present in all their styles, and allows the wearer to reconnect to the earth, so when worn on natural surfaces they are grounded / earthed as if they were barefoot.

Branching out more into barefoot-style footwear with styles that have a wide toe box and flexible, zero-drop (flat) soles,  they are the first brand to offer a range of barefoot shoes with different sole thicknesses helping wearers transition gradually and safely into more minimal footwear, or allowing the wearer to choose sole cushioning levels based on the intensity of their activity.

Founders

Alex Ward and Kishan Bharwad blended their passions for running and functional, sustainable design to create a brand of high-performance sneakers that's kinder on the environment. Alex has a background in shoe design and Kishan is a keen runner – they both share a passion for the outdoors and exercising outside, which laid the groundwork for Bahé's back-to-nature ethos. 

“Beyond just the product design, our vision is to create products that help people reconnect with nature for the good of the body and mind.”

Materials

Bahé creates shoes using plant-based and recycled materials.  Outsoles are made from natural rubber, midsoles incorporate sugarcane, and footbeds are made using corn, while the upper and lining are made from recycled polyester. The shoelaces used by the brand are made from organic cotton or recycled polyester.

Production

The founders have worked with their manufacturer for over a decade, and have an ongoing dialogue to develop and maintain sustainable practices. The company plants a tree for each pair of shoes sold.

People

All workers in Bahé's supply chain are paid a living wage, and the brand takes care to ensure that workers are treated with respect, work in safe and healthy conditions, and aren't subjected to discrimination or harassment.

Packaging

The shoes are shipped in a FSC-certified recycled box and compostable bag.

Animals

Bahé is a vegan brand.