Do you ever look at a shoe and wonder how it's made and if there is a more sustainable way to approach the process? We all want footwear that lasts but don’t want our footprints on the environment!

Enter Kintsugi, a Japanese art form centered around taking something broken – like a pair of shoes ready for disposal – and turning them into something new while leaving no additional footprint.

It may sound too good to be true, but this ancient practice has quickly become one of the most modern ways to produce eco-friendly footwear.

In this blog post, our experts in handcrafted shoes here at Loungers will explore what kintsugi is, why it guarantees sustainability even after long-term use, and the best techniques for extending your shoe’s life expectancy.

Let's get the mini takeaway first before we head into more details.

Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese art of repairing broken objects. This art form emphasizes and enlivens the effect of fractures and breaks instead of hiding them, encouraging us to repair what’s broken rather than discard it. Sustainable brands offer kintsugi-inspired footwear incorporating repairability into their design process.

So you can understand a little more easily what Kintsugi is and why it’s the future of sustainable footwear, let’s start by looking at how this ancient art began.

Kintsugi - A History

Kintsugi (translated as ‘golden joinery) is an ancient Japanese art form that has been around for centuries.

Developed in the 16th century, it is a practice of repairing broken pottery with an adhesive such as lacquer along with powdered gold, silver or platinum. It’s also used in furniture and other homeware.

The philosophy behind it is that no item should ever be thrown away, but rather the breakage should be seen as part of its history and embraced through repair.

The art of repair

Its aesthetic purpose is to emphasize and enliven the effect of fractures and breaks, rather than hide them.

The philosophy behind kintsugi is one of sustainability –- encouraging us to repair what’s broken rather than discard it entirely.

This process emphasizes the beauty of imperfection, and it’s a philosophy that Kintsugi footwear embraces.

It's simply a beautiful way to celebrate imperfections and embrace our humanity.

Kintsugi has been around for centuries and is now being adopted by sustainable fashion brands in their approach to creating footwear.

Applying this wisdom to our everyday lives can be seen with modern sustainable footwear brands that offer repair services alongside their products -– a contemporary take on a timeless tradition.

“Its aesthetic purpose is to emphasize and enliven the effect of fractures and breaks, rather than hide them.”

The benefits of choosing Kintsugi-inspired footwear

Kintsugi footwear is about more than just fashion – it’s about celebrating life's imperfections and the beauty of repair.

Kintsugi-inspired footwear incorporates repairability into the design process, allowing shoes to be worn longer and repaired instead of replaced when they wear out or become damaged.

This reduces waste in the industry as well as provides customers with unique, personalized shoes that stand out from the rest.

Feel good knowing your shoes are helping reduce global waste and crucially, your premium leather slippers and shoes will live an incredible life!

It's a great way to show your commitment to sustainability while also looking stylish. Plus, with all the unique designs available, you can be sure that no two pairs of shoes will ever look alike!

Kintsugi sustainable footwear goes beyond just repairing broken items.

By investing in a pair of handcrafted shoes supporting the ethos of Kintsugi, you are not only making a fashion statement but also helping to promote the Kintsugi philosophy and creating a more sustainable world for everyone.

Show the world your commitment to lasting beauty.

How Loungers embraces Kintsugi

Loungers slippers and driving shoes are the perfect way to add a touch of style to your wardrobe without compromising on sustainability.

This is why at our core, we believe in the power of personal style to make a real change for sustainability.

We go beyond just the trends and prioritize craftsmanship over quantity - making sure that every step from design to delivery is eco-friendly.

Each of our superior crafted artisan-designed leather shoes are crafted using ethically sourced materials that minimize their impact on the environment while still providing comfortable and stylish footwear to customers around the world.

Our mission is always rooted in respect towards mother nature, giving back as much as possible while creating quality pieces you love wearing!

Founded with an ethos of sustainability and craftsmanship, each pair is hand-crafted from premium materials for superior comfort and durability.

Kintsugi footwear is more than just stylish shoes; it’s a commitment to making the world a better place.

So by choosing footwear with Kintsugi at its heart, you’re supporting sustainable fashion and helping to reduce our environmental footprint.

“Each of our superior hand-crafted leather shoes is produced using ethically sourced materials”

How can I extend the life of my handcrafted leather shoes?

Investing in quality handcrafted leather shoes can be a great decision. Not only do these premium Italian leather shoes look elegant and stylish, but if you take proper care of them, they can last for many years.

A little extra TLC goes a long way to preserve the beauty and lifespan of leather lounge shoes.

Start by regularly checking for signs of wear and tear, like scuffs, cracks or fading.

As soon as you notice your shoes are getting dirty, wash them with a pH-neutral cleaner and a cloth.

You should then pat it dry with a soft towel and use a natural cream in order to nourish the leather and keep it supple. Never use chemical cleaning agents as this could damage the leather.

Lastly, apply a conditioner that is specifically designed for premium Italian leather shoes once every 4 weeks.

Doing this will keep your shoe looking like new while also helping its longevity. Also, avoid getting them too wet if possible as it could damage the material.

For maximum longevity, make sure you store your leather shoes in a cool dry place when not in use.

With those few simple steps, you can easily extend the life of your artisan-created leather slippers and driving shoes.

What is Kintsugi and why it’s the future of sustainable shoes - To end on

In many ways, Kintsugi is ultimately about finding beauty in our brokenness. It's a philosophy that transcends the physical realm, granting us all a newfound appreciation of the importance of repair.

From cultural art forms to inspiring products from sustainable brands, we can start living and creating within the framework of repairability - where we won’t accept anything less than products and services built to last.

If you're looking for quality shoes created by artisans determined to present you with longevity and value within each step, be sure to check out our range  of premium Italian leather handcrafted shoes.

Here, you'll find materials meant for lasting power along with an eye for detail that only comes through craftsmanship and care.

Invest in your style and in your commitment to kintsugi-inspired design - discover our collection today.

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So we all know how relaxed wearing high-quality slippers, especially ones crafted by hand by skilled artisans with hundreds of years of experience. But is wearing slippers at home good for you? In my helpful article, we will uncover whether keeping your feet warm to ward off coughs and sniffles is a fact if slippers have the possibility of increasing your productivity and more! So let’s start first with the brief before we delve into details. Wearing slippers at home is generally good. It helps to prevent accidents such as slips, keeps your house cleaner, and prevents fungal infections from spreading. It can also reduce instances of colds and flu, stops foot pain from her indoor surfaces, protects your socks, and could make you more productive. Ok so now you can start researching some of the best slippers and lounge shoes to wear at home, let’s start by discovering whether it’s possible that wearing slippers can boost your productivity.

Read on to find out more.

1. Slippers can make you more productive

According to a recent study undertaken at The University of Warwick, it’s been proven that more relaxed workers are far more productive than their stressed-out counterparts! And obviously, there’s nothing quite like sliding our feet into some beautiful artisan soft leather lounge slippers! Slippers that cushion your feet in a structured moccasin style, especially those which are constructed using quintessential comfort features such as a Sorbothane Cushioning insole will guarantee you unprecedented softness and help you lose the pressures of the day. “there’s nothing quite like sliding our feet into some beautiful artisan soft leather lounge slippers!”  Wearing slippers help you to relax.

Admiring their craftsmanship and beauty will also no doubt add to your relaxed vibe and get you ready to tackle anything you’ve been putting off or even new arty projects. Wearing slippers is an instant way to relax, especially if you’ve invested your hard-won cash in some of the best lounge slippers, so give your feet a treat, relax and get to work on your to-do list. It’s the perfect time to get your tax documents organized, balance your accounts, update your resume or even start writing that novel you’ve always wanted to write.

2. Reduce colds and flu

Although most of us remember our parents urging us to ‘wrap up or we will catch a cold it's not surprising to discover it isn’t simply just folklore or an urban myth. This is especially important for your feet according to researchers at Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre. In their lengthy studies spanning over  25 years, they explain how your body goes through specific changes when your feet are cold, which reduces your body’s ability to ward off diseases and illnesses. Being cold in lots of ways, including chilly feet slows down the movement of the tiny hairs in your nose that filter out germs.  This slower movement is likely to increase your risk of developing sicknesses during chilly weather. As Professor Ron Eccles explains, “Chilling the feet causes blood vessels in the nose to constrict. It’s a protective reflex action which slows down the loss of heat from the body, to try to keep you warm,” He goes on to say “The skin goes white, the inside of your nose and throat goes white and blood flow to the nose is reduced. The white cells that fight infection are found in the blood, so then there are fewer white cells to fight the virus.” So by making sure you are wearing slippers made from not only luxurious but also cosy fabrics such as calf’s leather, you will guarantee snug feet as the temperature drops.

3. Wearing slippers reduces your chance of fungal infections

It’s not just by chance that you are often handed slippers when visiting a spa sauna or other public areas of hotels you are often handed slippers. We are all familiar with the cotton terry slippers or other types of sliders when relaxing by the pool area. Slippers provide a barrier. Slippers aren’t purely there for your comfort and to keep your feet away from any harmful debris you might come into contact with, they also act as a barrier for many fungal diseases you might otherwise be susceptible to. Public areas, especially ones with hot steamy atmospheres can create ideal conditions for fungal infections such as athlete's foot to breed and rapidly spread. This is also true of your home areas such as shower rooms and poolside areas. This another of our 7 reasons why slippers are good! “Public areas, especially ones with hot steamy atmospheres can create ideal conditions for fungal infections such as athlete's foot to breed and rapidly spread.”

4. Wearing slippers prevent accidents

Wood, tile, and linoleum floors can be extremely slippery especially if you’re only wearing socks. Most slippers have a sturdy grip on the sole. The best quality indoor slippers might also have special features such as an extra soft Vibram "HydroGrip" rubber sole which was initially created for sports, orthopedics, and rock climbing. This sole has an extremely high non-slip capacity on uneven /slippery surfaces and excellent stability.

 5.Help reduce foot pain from hard surfaces

We’ve all done that thing where we might hop around the house on a warm summer's day, barefoot. However, when we awake the next day, feet can feel painful and sore. Slippers can provide a supportive barrier between your feet and some of the hard floor surfaces you may have in your home. Wearing slippers at home is good because they can protect your feet from those harder floor surfaces and reduce instances of sore or aching feet.

6. Slippers help keep a clean house

As we discovered in one of our other helpful articles about wearing slippers outside, the soles of your outdoor shoes can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other nasties. It’s surprising to discover that along with the grit and dust we might expect, outdoor shoes also contain millions of bacteria. This bacteria has a huge chance of transferring to your indoor carpets and floors, where they will spread. By wearing the best calfskin leather Italian-designed lounge slippers with classic design elements such as piping, you can help to protect your indoor floors.

 

7. Help prolong sock life

Our hardworking socks often wear out quickly. But by making sure you wear slippers, including the artisan-designed sumptuous velvet lounge shoes, you can help to keep them free from holes and also from discoloring and signs of wear.

And finally…

So there it is! All the best reasons why wearing slippers in the house is good! Don’t forget to browse our stylish and ultra-chic range of the best lounge shoes and slippers made from soft quality fabrics such as velvet and calf leather in our store .Treat your feet to the best slippers you can buy with a pair of soft, exquisitely Italian craftsman-desi lounge slippers, made quite simply with love.

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According to industry experts Statista, in 2020, over two billion people purchased goods or services online.

Astonishingly during the same year, e-retail sales surpassed 4.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide.

With so many businesses joining online storefronts, how can you trust a brand?

In our helpful article, we will discuss what to look out for.

Let’s start with the short answer before we dive a little deeper.

Generally, brand trust is built by loyal and returning customers. Offer quality products along with value for money. Authenticity is crucial to a brand's trust level. Build trust using social media, being a brand expert, use clear communication, and creating a unique brand story.

So with the mini takeaway in mind, let’s start by discovering how important having an authentic and captivating, unique brand story.

Brand story

Every brand should tell a story. In this extremely competitive retail age, with so many new start-ups delivering goods to an internet-savvy population right across the globe, it’s important to stand out from the competition.

A trusted brand will always go that extra mile to involve its customers both new and old in its creative world

Modern customers, along with the more discerning customer ‘buy a story’ first before they buy a product.

Having an engaging back story is especially crucial if you are in the creative industries

“Modern customers ‘buy a story’ first before they buy a product.”

Brand stories build connections

A business's brand story builds connections and it builds trust.

Scientific studies outline the power of descriptive stories and the way our brains respond to them.

A brand story is the heart and soul of your brand. It is the complete picture of what you are. It is what makes you unique and sets you apart from the competition.

So how does it help your business if you have a legacy of longevity?

Read on to discover more about how experience is crucial to building trust in your brand.

Experience is crucial

• Brands with experience will always attract the custom of the best kind of buyers.

• Along with experience comes the type of customer who is loyal and more likely to return.

• Showing your industry knowledge leaves your customers in no doubt whatsoever you are ahead of the game.

• Any brand that can clearly show years of experience helps the customer trust your brand to deliver consistently high-quality products.

Years of experience

For instance here at loungers, we boast not just a few years but hundreds of years of experience.

Our family business is dedicated to quality craftsmanship. Third-generation Italian shoe-makers deliver the crucial experience necessary to build our loyal customer base.

Along with the necessary experience, and a brand story that tells your customers just how special you are, returning customers are essential.

So let’s find out a little more about how your customers need an authentic experience to connect with your brand.

Our family business is dedicated to quality craftsmanship.”

Authenticity

Brands that deliver authenticity are more likely to reap the rewards of fewer customer service issues.

According to Forbes magazine, one way of building that authenticity is reaching out on social media.

Authentic social media posts

Customers identify with a glimpse into their favorite brands day to day activities and will become loyal followers, more likely to buy if they feel engaged directly.

Savvy customers can spot an authentic post describing details of a brand's busy daily life and will more easily connect with them.

Along with social media posting, there are many other ways to show your audience how unique and authentic you are.

Here are our best tips to bring authenticity to your brand.

• Be real and honest
• Connect through stories
• Become a trusted expert
• Keep your brand consistent
• Communicate clearly with your audience
• Innovate

“Customers identify with a glimpse into their favorite brands day to day activities”

Quality

To ensure returning and a loyal customer base, the quality of your product is one of the most important considerations.

Even if your products are pocket-friendly, if they aren’t a quality offering, customers just won’t return.

Customers always come back when a product is good, even if the price is a little higher than they might usually pay.

Competition

In niche-specific businesses, using quality products to beat the competition is essential to growth.

A niche-specific business sells a limited product range or one kind of item, such as our fabulously elegant and beautiful Italian-designed lounge shoes here at Loungers.

It’s important to us that our products are of the best quality possible to build trust with our loyal customers and set us apart from any competition.

When customers trust a product, they return

A quality product creates unshakeable customer loyalty and trust that generates repeat purchases, and also recommendations to others.

When customers find a product they trust, they return, make repeat purchases.

Here at the loungers, our craftsmen are proud of the quality of our luxury indoor shoes.

We always use the finest soft calf leather linings for a luxurious feel and our unique ‘Idrogrip’ Vibram rubber soles and elegant piping. 

“A quality product

 creates unshakeable customer loyalty and trust that generates repeat purchases.”

Business Reputation

Quality and your company’s reputation are more closely linked than many businesses realize.

When your products don’t match the standard of quality that was promised, people will hear about it on social media, through review sites, on forums, and from their friends.

Quality products lead to trust, which in turn increases the reputation of your brand.

Value for money

It probably won’t come as a surprise to the wave of retail stores opening their doors to discover that value for money is important to your customers.

Value for money doesn’t mean a cheap or shoddy item, it brings in the old adage ‘ you get what you pay for’.

Customers look for value for money, which includes high-quality craftsmanship.

Value for money is a combination of cost, quality, and sustainability to meet customer requirements.

Giving your customers value for money is one way of letting them know how they can trust your brand.

High-quality craftsmanship

A high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean value for money, so it’s important your business gives value to its customers.

Ultimately, it is beneficial to view price from the customer’s perspective because it helps define value.

Value for money is a crucial basis for creating a competitive advantage.

Customers look for value for money, which includes high-quality craftsmanship.”

Adding value

This should be not only in terms of the cost but also adding value with unique and innovative design which adds to the value of your brand.

Here at loungers, we pride ourselves on our top-quality Italian leather indoor shoes, coupled with unique detail and styling.

And finally…

So if you are looking for a luxury indoor footwear brand you can trust, don't forget to check out our store.

Loungers are indoor shoes, exquisitely made of the softest Italian leather with our innovative extra soft rubber soles.

Our expert 3rd generation Italian shoemakers handcraft every pair of chic eco-friendly indoor shoes for men and women.

With our values of responsible manufacturing, modernism, and ultra high quality, every pair promises peace and relaxation.

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Also in the opera houses of Vienna, particularly the Vienna State Opera, you can find men and women playing out tunes in harmony. Our Loungers slippers are perfect for both musicians to be at their best while performing, as they combine the classic touch of velvet and are made with the comfort and care of Italy! 

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Shoes are one of the most essential items in everyone’s wardrobe. But did you know that your footwear choices can have a major impact on the environment?

With the alarming rate at which resources are being depleted and pollution plaguing our cities, it is important for us to be conscious about what we put on our feet every day.

Sustainable shoes not only help preserve nature but also provide a wide range of benefits like increased durability, breathability, comfort and style.

In this blog post, our master craftsmen here at Loungers will explore why choosing sustainable footwear is essential for saving the planet—one step at a time.

First let’s get the mini answer before we find out why you should be choosing sustainable shoe brands.

Fast fashion production is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and produces garments with a low lifespan that end up in landfills. Sustainable shoes not only help preserve nature but also provide increased durability, breathability, comfort and style. Loungers is dedicated to responsible production practices while partnering with Beyond Trees and One Tribe to save the planet.

Let’s start by exploring the impact on our planet of the fast fashion industry.

How fast fashion impacts our planet

Fast fashion is becoming a huge problem in the world today, with clothing production now being responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions according to recent reports.

As a result, many conscious shoppers are looking for new sustainable options when it comes to buying fashion.

This type of clothing production has increasingly negative environmental impacts.

From the excessive amounts of water and energy used to create garments to the hundreds of millions of tons of wasted textiles disposed annually, fast fashion is anything but sustainable. Its effects on our environment are truly staggering.

One of the main sources of concern is that fast fashion produces garments made of low-cost materials like polyester, acrylic, and nylon that often require large energy input in order to produce.

In addition, these fabrics are not biodegradable and end up in landfills where they can release unhealthy toxins into the air and water systems.

On the other hand, high-quality items such as premium Italian leather and handcrafted lounge shoes are more responsibly produced and have longer lifespans than their fast fashion counterparts.

Here at Loungers, we're dedicated to creating footwear that you love without compromising the planet.

Read on to discover more reasons why you should choose sustainability.

Why You Should Choose Sustainable footwear brands

With over-consumption and waste being two of the biggest environmental challenges we face today, it’s important to think about the clothes we buy and how they will affect our planet.

Sustainable fashion brands are a great way to reduce your impact on the environment while still having fashionable clothes that you can wear with pride.

Sustainable fashion brands are leading the way towards a healthier planet. Choose a brand that offers high-quality products made from sustainable materials and practices—not only for the environment but also for your health.

Not only do sustainable fashion brands uphold responsible production standards, but they also produce quality clothing that won't wear out quickly with time.

The best sustainable shoe brands use ethical methods, including tanning and dyeing processes that are more environmentally friendly than traditional alternatives.

This ensures that your wardrobe will last longer and you won't have to replace it frequently. Plus, you can look good and safe in the knowledge that they were made in an ethical way!

By choosing sustainable footwear brands, you’ll be helping the environment while being sure that your shoes won’t contain any toxic chemicals, making them a better choice not only for the environment but also for your health.

Why choose Loungers to protect the planet?

Our high-quality leather shoes are made by artisans from premium Italian leather.

This type of craftsman-led designs is created to last longer than other typical shoe materials, helping reduce their overall environmental footprint.

The leather used in all our lounge, driving shoes and slippers is carefully sourced from ethical, humane suppliers that practice responsible animal husbandry.

Whether you're looking for high-quality leather shoes, premium Italian leather loafers, or lounge and driving shoes, start shopping with a conscience today and make your wardrobe more sustainable!

Not only will you have stylish, quality pieces to last you for years, but you'll also be contributing to a better future.

“Our high-quality leather shoes are made by artisans from premium Italian leather.”

People over profits

Quality footwear purchased from ethical sources can be worn with pride knowing they were produced through practices that prioritize people and the planet over profits.

They also come with a guarantee of quality and durability that you can trust.

Our collection is made from premium Italian leather sourced from local tanneries in the region.

They are designed to ensure both comfort and durability, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

From classic loafers to stylish hybrid driving shoes, our collection of comfortable and stylish lounge and driving shoes will easily become your go-to footwear.

Choose sustainable clothing brands now and join the movement towards a healthier planet!

“Quality footwear purchased from ethical sources can be worn with pride knowing they were produced through practices that prioritize people and the planet over profits.”

How Loungers is saving the planet one step at a time

Beyond Trees

Loungers, in collaboration with Beyond Trees has chosen to take a stand against environmental degradation.

This exceptional organization was created by a group of friends who met at the London School of Self-Awareness.

Its aim is to promote greater awareness and mindfulness around our relationship with nature through its twofold mission: planting trees for the environment's sake and raising self-awareness among individuals on how they impact it.

For every pair of shoes purchased, they will plant one tree alongside also educating individuals on how not to harm our planet. Together we can make an impact!

One Tribe

At Loungers, we understand that our planet is worth preserving and protecting.

That's why we partner with One Tribe to help protect the rainforest and its important role in fighting climate change!

With every purchase made through us, you're doing your part for the environment by automatically saving 5 trees which helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Not only are those trees vital sources of oxygen but they also play a huge part as natural solutions when it comes to capturing and storing carbon - something no man-made invention could ever do better than nature has been perfecting over millennia!

As always, Loungers stand behind their commitment towards responsible business practices under The United Nations Framework For Climate Change’s Sustainable Goals Initiative.

Our way of helping keep Earth green now and into future generations.

Saving the planet one step at a time - The wrap

The reality is that we can no longer ignore the negative human-induced impact our lifestyles have had on our planet.

To help protect it, making an effort to choose sustainable brands and products when possible is a small but meaningful act of love for the environment.

Thankfully, with more and more sustainable footwear options becoming available in the market, shoppers can find something they can love without sacrificing their carbon footprint.

Shop our store and discover our collection of premium Italian leather handcrafted shoes today, to find a style fit for your own mindful journey into sustainability!

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