Natural rubber sole – Sustainable & Slip-resistant

Ein lächelnder Mann in schwarzem Polohemd hält einen grünen Schuh mit Korksohle in einem modernen Büro.

Natural crepe sole, pure nature!

Natural crepe soles are a genuine rarity nowadays, but they are very popular and highly sought after among fashion experts. They give the shoe a natural casual look and make it truly special.

Features

The 10 mm-thick natural crepe sole from BÄR is made of 100% rubber and combines unique cushioning with low wear. The sole’s flexibility allows the foot to train its natural rolling motion and stay healthy. The reflex zones are activated by sensing the texture of the ground, enabling the feet’s sensory system to respond directly to impulses and adapt walking to the surface. This makes long strolls through the city, walks, trade-fair days, and extended periods of standing at work a pleasure, without tiring the feet. The soles also provide good traction, abrasion resistance, and slip resistance—on ice, the natural crepe sole is simply unbeatable. Natural rubber is a durable, water-repellent, and breathable material. Its excellent resilience protects the foot, while the shoe provides additional support. Since the sole is made from natural materials, its characteristic color is a light honey brown or milky white. The wrinkled texture and porous feel are also characteristic features of a natural crepe sole.

Nahaufnahme eines Gummibaums mit einer Schale zur Kautschukernte im Wald

Natural rubber shoe soles

Origin and Manufacturing

In its raw form, crepe consists of a milky liquid obtained from rubber trees. A tree produces around 50–80 g of latex milk per day for five years. The soles are made from naturally white, pure latex milk sourced from rubber plantations and processing facilities. No trees are felled to obtain the latex milk from the rubber trees. The milk is extracted by making cuts in the bark, causing the milky sap to flow out and be collected. The latex milk is processed under strict hygienic standards to ensure the purity of the product. Once the liquid coagulates, it forms a viscous mass that is pressed with a roller into a thin, fine layer of rubber. The dried rubber sheets are stacked on top of one another until they reach a thickness of 10 mm and are then fused together so that they adhere securely. The soles can then be punched from the crepe sheets. Manufacturing natural crepe soles is extremely labor-intensive and complex, and requires extensive expertise. For this reason, the process is no longer widely used.

Sustainability

When selecting materials, BÄR places great importance on quality and sustainability, and the same applies to the natural crepe sole. It is biodegradable and contains no chemical substances, making it a prime example of sustainable use. Immediate reforestation and the use of the resulting crepe scraps further support its sustainability, and the natural crepe sole fits perfectly into BÄR’s sustainability concept.

Natural crepe highlights from the current collection

Fashion and style take on a very special significance during certain times of the year. The warm sunshine, blooming flowers, and mild evenings invite you to dress lightly and stylishly. And what would a perfect outfit be without the right footwear?

That’s why we’re delighted to present our brand-new summer shoe collection to you today. Inspired by the vibrant colors and airy textures of the season, we’ve designed a collection that not only offers comfort and protection for your feet but also highlights your personal style.