Koio, a luxury footwear brand based in New York City, has recently launched its groundbreaking Mello sneaker, which is now 99% biodegradable. This development is a significant milestone not only for Koio but for the entire luxury footwear industry. The creation of the Mello took two years of extensive research and development, demonstrating Koio’s commitment to sustainability.
Handcrafted in Italy, the Mello features carbon-neutral, regenerative leathers, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The sneaker’s sole, known as Lactae Hevea, is handmade in France using a mixture of rubber-tree milk, corn, wool, and a kenaf insole. Furthermore, the Mello comes with certified organic cotton laces, adding to its sustainable attributes.
The Mello is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, offering customers three of Koio’s signature colorways: Castagna, Summit, and Onyx. Priced at $395, the Mello can only be purchased exclusively via the brand’s website, koio.co.
Johannes Quodt, co-founder of Koio, expressed his pride in the Mello, describing it as the brand’s greatest achievement in sustainable footwear to date. He believes that the release of this biodegradable sneaker serves as proof that no sustainable goal is unattainable, and hopes that the Mello will inspire other players in the industry to take significant steps towards a more sustainable future.
Koio has already shown its dedication to sustainability through its collection of carbon-neutral shoes. These shoes are made using leathers sourced from regenerative farms in the Swiss Alps. By prioritizing regenerative farming methods, Koio is able to save an impressive 43.75 pounds of carbon for each pair of shoes produced.
The brand has received an enthusiastic response from customers regarding its carbon-neutral shoes. The initial release of these shoes for Earth Day 2022 sold out within a few weeks, indicating a strong demand for planet-friendly products. Chris Wichert, co-founder of Koio, expressed excitement for customers to experience the Mello and emphasized the brand’s mission to create footwear that is not only carbon-neutral but also biodegradable.
With the introduction of the Mello, Koio has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable practices and has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the luxury footwear industry. As consumers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly options, brands like Koio play a vital role in leading the way towards a more sustainable future.
Useful links:
1. Koio’s website
2. More about regenerative farming
