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Where most companies might see a pile of old tires, well, as a pile of old tires, Splaff sees raw materials ready to be recycled and repurposed into their product line. The result? Sustainable goods that not only look good, but are eco-friendly, too.
Splaff Flopps has been around since 1997, their early days devoted to a mission to create a comfortable pair of sandals developed from recycled materials. Since then, the line has grown to hit other needs, in the form of belts, bags, wallets, guitar straps, and wrist bands.
As veterans in the recycled goods field, designers Cliff Drill and Craig Wallace have continued to develop quality, hand-crafted products that hail out of Baja, California.
We here at Ecoki have had the ultimate pleasure of taking their products for a whirl, and truth be told, the integrity that they strive for in their products distinctly recognizable. This is what we think:
Footwear: The Lazy Boy Natural Flip Flop
– Women’s, Natural
The Lazy Boy is the original, their classic cut that was first developed those years ago. The sole is created from recycled car tires, with straps from leftover bicycle inner tubes. And for the foot bed? You’ve the pleasure of 100% recycled rubber and foam encased in an all natural hemp fabric cushioning every step.
Their website says that they are tested by surfers, so they aimed for sandals that were strong and comfortable, as well as waterproof, slip resistant, and odorless.
These claims, we’ve so far discovered, are more than accurate, but we’ve also discovered a few things that make the Lazy Boy stand out from your average flip flops.
Ease of drivability: Some flip flops offer little give in bending for the brake and the gas in the car, or they’re awkward to maneuver as you try to switch between the pedals. Splaff’s straps hug your foot, making the sandal move easily with each shift.
Durability: The recycled materials and industrious hemp combine to create a durable piece of footwear. They are heavier than most flip flops, providing a shoe that is sure not to fall apart after a single summery season. And because of their design, we’re pretty sure that, if they slipped off, they wouldn’t get swept away while wading in the water.
Aesthetics: They look cool. They look really cool. In fact, the second we slipped them on, we felt a lot cooler.
So, perhaps we’ve tested them in the chillier weather, and we don’t live near the ocean. However if the Splaff folks want to send me out to Baja to test them out with a surfing lesson, I’ll happily comply.
Comes in Men’s (sizes 6-13) or Women’s (sizes 5-10), Black ($46) or Natural ($50).
Also available in two open-two styles, the Gladiator and Hipster.
Their Messenger Bag is not unlike their Flopps in its eco-friendly functionality. With plenty of room for a couple binders and a laptop, this is the perfect school solution; or opt to stuff it with your essentials to use as an everyday addition to your body.
It’s constructed from 14oz. hemp canvas and recycled inner tubes, but its durability doesn’t end there. It is also lined with regrind vinyl to keep it moisture-free, no matter where and when you use it. And it can fit an awful lot.
The bag comes adorned with a front zipper pocket, perfect to stash your quick access items, like sunglasses, cell phone, and wallet, while keeping them safe from slipping out when you’re on the run. Two clips keep the large front flap closed, with tons of room to fit all your needs. There’s also a second zipper pocket under the top flap for even more secure storage, and a centre divider on the inside to keep your stuff organized.
But while you’re staying hip, you’re staying sustainable, too, with a durable, earth-friendly and practical bag. The bag measures 14 inches in height, 14 inches across, and 6 inches wide, and comes attached to a 44-inch adjustable strap made from your last inner tube.
They’ve also recently attached a couple strap for your yoga mat on the bottom, but if lugging around a yoga mat isn’t your thing, no problem: they’re a small adornment that offer no hindrence or takes away from your, well, really cool bag.
Available in brown, black or olive green. $70
Belt: Splaff Belt
The Splaff Belt is made of 100% recycled bicycle inner tubes, but it doesn’t look like you just took apart your tires then wrapped it around your waist. Instead, the belt, lined with a natural hemp fabric, is a perfect addition to your wardrobe. We love our thick belt, dotted with grommets, perfectly moldable without the stiffness that some belts leave. The grommets add some extra flair, and the contrasted stitching provides that a little extra soething. It’s waste for your waist. Ingenious.
It’s available in two styles and widths: a thin 1.25″ or thicker 1.75”, in a plain or grommeted style, with a silver or brass buckle (the brass isn’t available for the grommeted belt).
Available in thin, thick, grommets or not, and brass or silver buckle. $24 and $28.
We have to say that we absolutely love Splaff’s goods, and we’re pretty convinced you will, too. (And if they want to take us up on our surfing lesson request, we’ll be sure to let you know).
You can buy these great eco friendly goods at Amazon.com
Check out their goods at www.splaff.com
Want to learn how to surf? This or this or this will give you some tips.
Images courtesy of splaff.com
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