Winter 2019 is poised to be the most sustainable we’ve seen in years. Big-name brands such as Waitrose have publicly ditched plastic toys from their crackers, and independent brands are thriving as they sell coveted gifts such as handmade natural soaps and one-of-a-kind clothing items. Food items are included too, of course, with everything from vegan turkey, chocolate and cheese boards on the menu for Christmas Day. With consumer behaviours and lifestyles changing, it’s no surprise that the number of vegans in the UK is set to increase by a whopping 327% in the year 2020.
This means that clothing — and footwear — purchases probably need our consideration too. with only 3% of shoes made in EU and with most composed of leather uppers or cemented with glues containing animal ingredients, finding waterproof, insulated vegan shoes built for winter can be difficult, especially if you want a pair sustainably made in EU.
That’s when we turned to Nordic shoemakers Pomar, the quintessentially Finnish brand for everyday comfort. Dedicated to designing and producing minimalist and functional footwear, Pomar have been making shoes since 1960. Founded by Toivo and Kirsti Leppänen who began making shoes for toddlers from their small cottage in Finland, delivering the finished articles by bicycle (how cute!).
The business has scaled up considerably since then but their attention to detail and personalised service has never faltered. Hands down a current favourite at the YCB HQ, the Pomar brand stocks a variety of animal-friendly options for men and women from sneakers to heeled options and winter boots for trekking through slush or snow.
Pomar’s design team listen to customer feedback and build products to meet the needs of their customers, always the perfect blend of Nordic casual and classic ‘slow-fashion’ vibes.
Their goal is always to optimise functionality, quality and comfort – something that is essential for boots protecting you from near arctic conditions of a Finnish winter.
For ultimate practicality, we love these PIHTA Women’s Vegan Winter Boots. These stylish vegan suede boots come in a rich brown shade which looks great with khakis, denim and corduroy. Sitting just above the ankle, with a chunky winter grip sole, a side zip for easy fastening and removal. A versatile boot, perfect for the dog walker who isn’t put off by bad weather or those heading to alpine slopes this ski-season. The upper material is microfiber to repel water and dirt, whilst waterproof and insulated GORE-TEX® lining keeps feet warm and dry, whilst allowing moisture to escape.
Based on winter tyres, the Pomar Nordic GRIP+ sole provides maximum slip resistance and stability in winter conditions, with a combination of advanced winter-rubber and aggressive tread – Nordic GRIP+ is designed and engineered to keep you upright. conditions.
For something with a little height, we love these HEISI Women’s Vegan Heeled Boots. These fully waterproof and breathable ankle boots blend sensibility and fashion with stylish lace-up design and practical side zip. This means you can ensure they are always the perfect fit over the midfoot. The removable comfort insole protects and pampers your feet and the Pomar TR-rubber sole stays soft, even in minus temperatures. Thanks to the exquisite craftsmanship you can stay safe when the temperature drops – whilst looking good at the same time. Available in black or bark brown.
Sometimes only a knee-high boot will do. Luckily Pomar has the KOTA Women’s Vegan Combat Boots to add to your collection. KOTA combines grip, ankle stability and winter protection with animal-friendly suede creates a comfortable military-inspired boot which we’ll be wearing with a floaty dress and camel wool coat. The lace-up style allows for extra width in the calf, whilst the zipper allows for easy fastening.
The chunky TR-rubber commando sole is ideal for muddy country paths or a slushy commute to the office. Waterproof, breathable and insulated GORE-TEX® keeps feet dry and insulated so that you can look and feel good in all weather conditions.
For the man in your life, we recommend the new JAKALA Men’s Vegan Ankle Boot in bark vegan suede. JÄKÄLÄ is retro inspired hiker updated for a modern vegan lifestyle, it’s packed with advanced winter features such as Nordic GRIP+ sole, waterproof and insulated GORE-TEX® lining, and a side-zipper. Worn with jeans or a cuffed chino, JÄKÄLÄ comfortably transitions from city streets to alpine.
For something a little more versatile is the PYRY Men’s Vegan High Top Sneaker. The sneaker silhouette, soft black vegan suede suits every wardrobe and occasion, and for that Nordic casual look we suggest PYRY be worn with chinos and a blazer or denim and woollen jacket. Although PYRY is a casual sneaker, they still boast a waterproof, insulated and breathable GORE-TEX® lining and a grippy TR-rubber sole.
All Pomar footwear is produced at their own factory in Pärnu, Estonia, including their animal-friendly shoes. When you purchase a pair of Pomar footwear you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re supporting a sustainable European shoemaker, without compromising on functionally, style and quality.
For more information or to snatch up your favourite pair of boots to wear in the snow this festive season, visit www.pomarshoes.com
