Why this price?
Why two pairs?
Following years of prototype development, and ultimately successful testing, our first black production batch produced some bio-rubber soles that were softer than specification.
Comfort, style and grip remain excellent. Wear varies, sometimes as low as half of the production standard. So we’re throwing in an extra pair.
*All prices in NZD. International customers charged at exchange rate.
200 years is a design decision. So is two.
The footwear industry uses materials that can persist for more than 200 years after they’re worn out.
Orba’s materials development programme addresses this. The previous outsole compounds could break down in ten. This new compound breaks down in around two. Under common, but specific, conditions, where moisture, temperature, microbes, and oxygen allow degradation to occur.
Importantly, prototypes and earlier models achieved our aim of “No compromise to style, comfort and durability”.
But, as we shortened the degradation timeline, manufacturing tolerances shrunk, and so some of these world’s first black soles have fallen short of our wear (abrasion resistance) target.
Engineering materials that don’t last forever.
Orba materials.
Orba’s outsole replaces petrochemical and synthetic inputs with natural rubber (from latex), plant-based oils and agricultural waste-stream materials.
This compound is the first (and only) bio-based sole rubber to be USDA-certified, at 95%+ bio-based.
It designed to perform normally in use while breaking down faster, as quickly as two years, in suitable soil conditions.
This development batch was the first black bio-rubber to be produced at scale as part of that materials programme.
A more responsible approach.
Most footwear is designed using with petrochemical, synthetic and plastic materials, with no consideration for its “after-life”, say 200 years after they’re worn out.
Orba takes a different approach. We design materials using natural inputs, with no-trace in their “after-life”, and no compromise to style, comfort and durability in use.
Our B Corp certification reflects that commitment.
Learn how our materials programme works.
This is not our final material standard. But it is a useful product. Rather than waste it, we are releasing it transparently. At the right price.
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“Orba Shoes took the over-production of synthetic shoes, 20 billion pairs a year, as a personal challenge.”
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Designed for lighter wear
Best suited for everyday use, not long-term heavy wear.
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Priced accordingly
A reduced price to reflect the material performance.
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Pay with Afterpay.
Pay in 4 easy instalments with Afterpay.
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Help always on hand.
hello@orbashoes.eco
0800 67 22 32