14 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
14 October 2026
AI in Fashion
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Footwear

SAOLA

France

SAOLA is a sustainable footwear brand founded in 2016 and based in Annecy, France. It makes shoes mainly from recycled plastic, cork, algae and organic cotton.

Facts
Founded2016
HeadquartersAnnecy, France
MaterialsRecycled plastic, cork, algae, organic cotton
Giving scheme3% for 3 projects
Websitesaolashoes.com
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
Footwear
Sales channels
E-commerceWholesale

What is SAOLA?

SAOLA is a French footwear label, based in Annecy with a presence in San Diego in the United States. Founded in 2016, it describes its products as sustainable sneakers and is listed as an innovator in the Solar Impulse Foundation ecosystem.

Products and positioning

The brand aims to use as many recycled or organic materials as possible. Its shoes are made mainly from recycled plastic, combined with cork, algae and organic cotton. The range covers sneakers and outdoor-inspired styles for men and women, including waterproof models.

  • Upper materials based on recycled plastic
  • Cork and algae based components
  • Waterproof sneaker models

Each pair contributes to environmental work through the 3% for 3 projects initiative, in which customers choose to support ocean, land or wildlife conservation.

Why it matters

SAOLA is part of a generation of small European footwear brands that build their identity around alternative materials and visible giving schemes, rather than around fashion trends alone. Its use of algae and recycled plastic places it among the material-led challengers in casual footwear.

Frequently asked questions

Where is SAOLA from?

SAOLA is based in Annecy, France, and also has a presence in San Diego.

What are SAOLA shoes made of?

SAOLA shoes are made mainly from recycled plastic, with cork, algae and organic cotton.

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