Biodegradable NY Sneakers
Many of our styles are available in both women's and men's sizing. To compare both sizing options, enter the product name in the search bar.
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Our NY Sneakers, launched in 2015, are now available in this new biodegradable version.
The uppers are one piece of fine-gauge knitted Tencel™, cut to our new sneaker silhouette with a low-cut ankle shape and laces that run low down the vamp. A contrasting knit pattern creates the stripe down each side. There's no padding and no panels stitched on — the uppers are thin and lightweight with a clean, minimalist look (if you're after a chunkier sneaker, try our Biodegradable LDN Sneakers, which are padded and knitted in a thicker gauge).
Inside, they're covered with a grey woven Tencel™ lining — very soft against your skin, breathable and moisture-wicking. These sneakers look and feel best without socks or with just sock liners — the Tencel™ lets air circulate to keep your feet cool, dry and hygienic.
They're made with a Strobel construction — the upper stitched directly to a soft textile base, with the sole bonded underneath — which keeps them light and flexible with no shank, the cushioned sole providing the structure. Underfoot, wood fibre and natural latex insoles provide cushioning and shock absorption, sitting on side-wall stitched Apinat BIO® sneaker outsoles — a biodegradable bioplastic made from renewable raw materials — with a 2.5cm sole height at both heel and toe for a flat, stable profile. The laces are Tencel™ too, a natural fibre made from sustainably grown eucalyptus, and a Tencel™ woven WVS pull tab on the heel finishes them off.
The uppers are fully washable by hand, or in a short cool machine wash inside a towel to protect them from the drum.
Ethically made in Portugal. Certified carbon neutral.
- Upper
- One-piece knitted Tencel™ uppers – soft, breathable and naturally moisture-wicking, with a low-cut ankle and contrast knit pattern stripes on each side
- Insole
- Wood fibre and natural latex insoles – naturally breathable and flexible, cushioning your feet while holding their shape over time
- Outsole
- Apinat BIO® sneaker outsole – a biodegradable bioplastic made from renewable raw materials, giving cushioning, shock absorption and traction as you walk, and breaking down at end of life instead of persisting for centuries
- Laces
- Laces in Tencel™ – a natural fibre made from sustainably grown eucalyptus, strong and soft to the touch
- Lining
- Grey woven Tencel™ linings – very soft against your feet, breathable and moisture-wicking to keep them fresh and dry
- Shank
- No shank – the cushioned midsole provides the structure and support, keeping the shoe light and flexible the way a trainer should be
- Hardware
- Hidden metal eyelets that sit behind the vegan leather for a clean finish, with metal lace tips — both 100% zamak (a durable zinc alloy)
- Construction
- Strobel construction – the upper is stitched directly to a soft textile base, with the sole bonded underneath. With no rigid board or stiffeners inside, it flexes naturally with your foot and stays light underfoot
- Water Resistance
- Not water-resistant – the knitted Tencel™ uppers are open-weave and breathable, so rain will pass straight through to your feet. Best kept for dry days and warm weather – the breathability that lets air in is the same reason water gets in.
- Type
- Sneakers
- Closure
- Lace-up
- Gender
- Men's
- Made In
- Portugal
- Weight
- 1.0 kg per pair
Remove the laces and insoles, then hand wash the uppers in cool water with a mild soap, using a soft brush or cloth for any marks. Rinse and air dry away from direct heat and sunlight – never tumble dry, as heat can damage the knit. The laces can be washed the same way.
- Width
- D width fitting – a slightly wider fit with more volume than standard
- Fit
- Order your usual size. Half size? Wider width fittings size up, narrower width fittings size down.
- Heel Height
- 2.5 cm
- Toe Height
- 2.5 cm
- Toe Shape
- Round toe
- Instep
- Contoured, removable insole that follows the shape of your foot and gives light arch support underfoot
- Break-in Time
- You should find these comfy straight out of the box.
We've made this chart to help you choose the right size. You'll need your foot length measurement to get started. Once you've found your perfect fit with us, you can typically select the same size for all other models.
Fit and comfort notes:
- Width and volume: our footwear is designed with a slightly wider D width fitting, offering more width and volume than most brands.
- Materials: we use high quality vegan leather and suede. These materials are stable and won't stretch out significantly over time, so we recommend sizing up for comfort.
- The perfect fit: you don't want the shoes to pinch your feet. You should have wiggle room for your toes and no rub points.
- Feel: in most cases you'll find our footwear is comfy straight out of the box. Depending on the style or your foot shape, it can sometimes take a few wears for the uppers to soften and mould to your feet.
| UK size | EU size | Foot length (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 | 40 | 253 |
| 7 | 41 | 260 |
| 8 | 42 | 267 |
| 9 | 43 | 273 |
| 9.5 | 44 | 280 |
| 10 | 45 | 287 |
| 11 | 46 | 293 |
| 12 | 47 | 300 |
| 13 | 48 | 307 |
How to take your foot length measurement
- Stand on a hard surface with your heel against a wall.
- Measure your foot from the heel (the wall) to the longest point of your toes.
- Use this number to find your size in the chart above.
It is helpful to measure both feet, as one foot is often slightly larger than the other. Always choose the size that accommodates your longest foot.
We provide 365 days free returns and exchanges. You can swap sizes or styles as many times as you need, and you can return for a full refund at any point.
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