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.