Thousand Fell Sneaker Review: In-Depth Look at Sustainable White Kicks

Overview of Thousand Fell’s Sustainable Practices

Thousand Fell was founded in 2018 by Chloe Songer and Stuart Ahlum with the goal of creating a fully sustainable and ethical footwear brand. The name "Thousand Fell" comes from the founders‘ belief that the voices of thousands of conscious consumers can "fell" or transform the unsustainable fast fashion industry.

Headquartered in New York City, Thousand Fell aims to minimize environmental impact across the entire shoe production process. They manufacture shoes at a family-owned factory in Brazil using renewable, recycled and organic materials sourced from nearby suppliers. The brand also operates its own recycling facility to reintegrate used shoe materials back into new shoes.

Some key details on Thousand Fell’s sustainability practices:

• Materials Used: Sugarcane, coconut husks, natural latex from rubber trees, recycled plastic bottles, recycled foam and yoga mats, organic cotton
• Recycling Program: Customers can return used shoes to be recycled; Thousand Fell pays $20 per returned pair
• Renewable Energy: Factory runs on 80% hydroelectric power
• Ethical Production: B-Corp certified, Climate Neutral certified, Fair Labor Association member

This circular production method allows Thousand Fell to greatly reduce carbon emissions and waste compared to the industry standard. The brand estimates each pair of shoes avoids over 15,000 grams of carbon emissions.

Thousand Fell Shoe Reviews

Both men’s and women’s Collections offer lace up and slip on silhouettes in white and limited colors. Here’s a closer look at a few bestselling styles.

Women‘s Lace Up Sneaker

The Women‘s White Lace Up Sneaker ($120) is beloved for its breathable, moisture-wicking design and ability to be worn sockless. The vegan leather upper material and aloe-coated insole provide comfort without odor or sweat.

Reviewers praise the perfect pairing versatility from dresses to jeans. They also note the quality craftsmanship with no signs of wear after months of regular use. Critics mainly cite the longer break-in period. Some also had issues with lace holes ripping after 8-10 months.

Men‘s Slip On Sneaker

The Men‘s White Slip On Sneaker ($120) wins fans over with its easy slip-on style and padded yoga mat insole. The wider fit and Quartz premium coating allow for sockless wear without discomfort.

Satisfied reviewers love wearing their slip-ons everywhere from the beach to bike rides without worrying about laces. Critical feedback focuses on the rise feeling too rigid and reports of some glue coming undone after 9 months.

Women‘s Slide Sandal

Joining Thousand Fell’s sandal lineup this year is the Women‘s White Slide Sandal ($100). It features the same vegan leather straps and yoga mat footbed as their sneakers for eco-friendly comfort.

So far, customers praise the stylish yet supportive minimalist design. Some note the straps run quite narrow and can cut into wide feet. A handful also disliked the traction dots on the sole wearing down easily.

How Thousand Fell Compares to Similar Sustainable Brands

Thousand Fell enters a market filled with eco-conscious shoe brands touting recycled materials and ethical production. So how do they stack up to competitors?

I compared Thousand Fell to two brands taking a similar ethical approach – Cariuma and Veja. All three boast B-Corp certification validating high sustainability standards.

However, Cariuma offers a wider range of casual and athletic shoe styles including low tops and high tops. Meanwhile, Veja extends sizing more suitable for wide-footers. For recycled material usage, Veja discloses a full breakdown per shoe components.

When it comes to price, Thousand Fell sits on the more affordable end for sustainable footwear. Their $100-$120 standard sneaker pricing competes well with Veja’s $120-$150 range. Cariuma shoes retail higher from $98-$179.

One standout area for Thousand Fell is clearly their recycling program. Both Veja and Cariuma lack initiatives to reuse returned shoes. Thousand Fell provides a financial incentive along with guaranteeing recycled materials re-enter new shoes.

Should You Buy Thousand Fell Shoes?

Thousand Fell makes impressive strides towards ethical production and reducing waste in the fashion industry. They back sustainability claims through respected third-party certifications. Customer reviews also affirm the durable, comfortable quality of their shoes.

For shoppers specifically seeking an eco-friendly replacement for their go-to white sneakers, Thousand Fell delivers. Their classic low top lace-up and slip-on silhouettes match this minimalist aesthetic well. The affordability and recycling program only sweeten the deal.

Before purchasing, I suggest considering the breathability and break-in time noted in reviews. Make sure you understand fit and sizing for your foot type too. Their sneaker silhouette works best for those with average width feet. If you prefer lots of arch support or have wide feet, you may want to explore other brands.

But with the right expectations set, Thousand Fell kicks make walking comfortably towards a sustainable future that much easier. The more voices this brand can rally towards ethical fashion, the bigger waves they can create for industry change.