Sylven New York Mel Apple Leather Vegan Trainers | Sand & White

Winning in three separate categories from the 2020 Global Footwear Awards (bio-fabricated materials, ethical and sustainable manufacturing, and design for women’s trainers), the Mel is Sylven’s first-ever vegan trainer and took more than 2.5 years to source and produce. Featuring their signature geometric detailing, the Mel is their take on a classic trainer reimagined with innovative plant-based and vegan materials from top to bottom.

Mel’s outsole is made from a revolutionary sustainable material called lactae hevea – a highly renewable natural rubber derived from the sap of the hevea tree. The Mel also uses a coconut husk insole that not only is naturally produced, but is also naturally antimicrobial, and incredibly comfortable. Mel’s shoelaces are recycled cotton and topped off with metal aglets to avoid virgin plastic entirely. And of course, the Mel features Sylven’s signature luxe Italian apple leather.

• Apple leather upper
• Natural sole made from lactae hevea
  
• Coconut husk insole
  
• Recycled cotton laces
  
• Metal aglets

Apple Leather

Apple Leather is a bio-based leather alternative made using organic apple waste originating in Tyrol, a town nestled at the base of the Italian Alps. Tyrol is the largest supplier of organic apples in Europe and every year is faced with a significant amount of waste. The cores and skins of the apple waste are taken and transformed into a pulp, which is then bound to a fabric for structure. The result is a ‘leather’ imitative material that structurally holds many of the same properties as a traditional animal leather while remaining completely animal-free.

Handcrafted in Italy. Vegan and cruelty-free.