We are committed to enhancing our social and environmental responsibility. We aim to align our actions with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals whenever possible. Above all, we prioritize transparency and accountability for our progress. While we recognize that we are far from perfect, we are steadfast in our belief that each day we are better than the last. With every improvement, we aim to make a difference and inspire vital change within the fashion industry.
supply chain accountability
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- Better Wage Certifications
- Health Certifications
- Audits on working conditions?
- Women-owned factories
product innovation
While we’ve built our brand on style and comfort, we recognize the growing importance of product responsibility. Between the design and manufacturing stages, sustainability enters the chat. Our team engages in sustainable production conversations to identify where to best integrate conscious materials into our products.
That’s where the materials come into play. Although always on trend, we know that our shoes are only as good as the footprint they leave on this planet. That’s why we’re working diligently with trusted partners to bring the most sustainable materials to your stylish selects.
leather
Leather accounts for nearly 67% of our total materials at Dolce Vita. In 2024, we achieved Leather Working Group (LWG) certification and committed to sourcing responsibly-made leather exclusively from LWG-certified tanneries. This certification ensures that our suppliers meet strict environmental and ethical standards throughout the supply chain, from raw hide to finished leather. Additionally, we use recycled leather whenever possible to reduce waste and minimize our carbon footprint. In 2023, our uppers (think the top part of the shoe) comprised 57% recycled leather from materials such as:
Conventional Leather 11%
LWG Certified Leather 56%
Recycled Leather 4%
leather alternative
Our leather alternatives are water-based and completely free from harmful chemicals like DMFA. These animal-friendly materials not only offer a sustainable alternative, but make our production process cleaner and safer for everyone involved. By eliminating DMFA, we avoid serious health risks associated with chemical exposure for our workers. Additionally, this approach helps preserve the natural water resources around the tanneries, contributing to a healthier planet. In 2023, 71% of our shoes utilized this leather alternative.
latex foam
At the core of every Dolce Vita shoe lies our latex foam, crafted for comfort. For years, we’ve ensured that this foam has an optimal density for support and a superior rebound for flexibility. Recently we’ve expanded this commitment to include sustainability. Comfort with a conscience, if you will. Each shoe’s latex foam now incorporates 25% recycled latex, sourced from pre-consumer materials like latex gloves and mattresses.
rubber
Our rubber materials are meticulously chosen to balance performance with environmental responsibility. 43% of our shoes feature outsoles crafted from 50-60% recycled synthetic rubber, sourced from post-consumer products like defective soles, unsold footwear, and even waste from yoga mats. Additionally, 17% of our shoes utilize recycled thermoplastic rubber from post-consumer materials such as destroyed footwear, plastic bottles, old film and even wheels. Both recycled rubber options promote a circular economy by repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
cotton
When it comes to our linings, we’ve taken significant strides to incorporate recycled fibers wherever possible. We utilize recycled cotton and recycled linen in all of our linings. Our recycled cotton comprises 50-65% recycled cotton from pre-consumer yarns, leftover cotton fabrics, defective threads, and unsold garments and textiles. Our recycled linen comprises 51% recycled cotton and 49% linen.
