OUTSOLES MADE FROM MILK? YOU BET!

November 16, 2020

HEVEA MILK: NATURAL OUTSOLES

The Hevea tree is grown naturally in South America. It offers milk (harvested much like sap from a Maple tree), which can be used to form all-natural soles used in shoe production. Flexible, durable, and extra comfy, the LACTAE HEVEA® sole is now available in SAOLA Shoes.

Want more? Keep reading.

THE ORIGINS

Born in the Amazon rainforest, Hevea is a tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. Today, the tree is also cultivated in Southeast Asia where ideal weather exists and supports about 80% independent growers.

In the beginning of the 20th century, the Hevea tree was used to make latex. Depending on its vitality, the tree can produce natural latex for 30 years!
As long as the tree is around 7-8 years old, and the circumference of the tree is at least 50 centimeters to a maximum of 1 meter it is fair game. In order to obtain Hevea's milk, it is necessary to make a slight spiral incision (1/2 cm) in the tree in order to release the "latex" (said to be natural and not synthetic).

In addition, contrary to popular belief, milk is in the form of a viscous liquid and cannot be assimilated into sap or resin. The latex actually forms the tree's shield, which is what will protect it from the various surrounding bacteria. In addition, this is why the latex contained in the LACTAE HEVEA® labeled soles do not need treatments or additives.

Extraction and molding process:

Similar to dairy products, the method of refining Hevea's milk has several steps:

Collection of milk: the daily harvest from about twenty trees is necessary for the manufacture of a single pair of soles
Pouring milk into the molds
Fluid coagulation
High temperature cooking
Release of the soles
Drying: this step is very important because it allows the moisture to remove. The evaporation of the latter by the countless micro-alveoli form small air cushions. This particularity allows the sole to become very flexible, very elastic and even more resistant while ensuring extraordinary comfort. This method finally brings unparalleled lightness. Dense 0.9 g / cm3, immerse it in water, it will not sink (the sole, not the shoe, let's be clear).

Why excellent soles?

Guaranteeing extreme comfort, we have therefore chosen to mix this technology with our algae-based soles (BLOOM FOAM).

The process of manufacturing soles has its origins in an alchemy between modern times and tradition. Today, this craftsmanship inspires many brands for the virtues they transmit. The medical profession also recommends its use. Recognized for its protective properties and extreme comfort, the LACTAE HEVEA® sole guarantees unparalleled hold and distribution of pressure.

And what does my SAOLA sole have to do with all of this?

By developing the CANNON Bananatex, our designers wanted to combine the virtues offered by our algae-based soles with those offered by Hevea's milk. Result, we obtain a unique SAOLA sole that is more and more natural!

Each small yoke is carefully chosen. Little by little we are convinced that we will obtain the best solution so that your feet feel the best possible while respecting our environment. But that won't happen without you and your feedback.

Together we can #MAKEANIMPACT.

Learn more about the shoe made from Hevea milk