Everything you
want to know.
Transparency is our DNA. Here you will find answers regarding sustainability, fairness, delivery, and our shoes.
From the cultivation of raw materials to returns — we answer every question openly and honestly.
Fairness & Sustainability
Our materials, certifications, and the "why" behind every shoe.
Yes, the shoe is made exclusively from natural materials, with the exception of the metal eyelets and (for some models) the lace tips – we are already looking for alternatives for both small parts. Otherwise, the following applies: organic cotton, natural rubber – that's it. For example, we use latex milk as a natural "glue" and latex foam for cushioning.
The eyelets are currently sourced from an Oeko-Tex source in China; we are in the process of implementing an even more sustainable alternative made of natural material here.
Complete compostability is our stated goal. We want to close the loop. To this end, we aim to implement a deposit system in the future where Ethletic customers can return their shoes to us and be sure that we will compost the sneakers professionally. Even now, the shoe – excluding the metal eyelets – would decompose; it just takes time.
We use only natural, renewable raw materials for our products.
The organic cotton is Fairtrade and GOTS certified. No dangerous pesticides or insecticides are used in its cultivation. Mixed cultivation ensures that there are no harmful effects on people or nature. In organic farming, it is also prohibited to use genetically modified seeds – and water consumption is reduced by around 90 percent.
Natural rubber comes from sustainably managed plantations according to FSC guidelines. A rubber tree that provides latex sap for about 20 years is replaced by a sapling after its useful life, while the hard wood is used in furniture production, for example.
Our rubber is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and is grown and harvested under fair and sustainable conditions in Sri Lanka. This sustainability seal for rubber was actually initiated by the Ethletic pioneers themselves. You can find more information about our rubber on our supply chain page. By the way, rubber is light brown in its natural form – as can be seen, for example, on the sole of the Goto model.
Our entire supply and production chain meets the criteria of Fair Trade. The Fairtrade minimum price helps cotton farmers cover the costs of sustainable production. This means farmers do not have to go into debt to pre-finance overpriced seeds and can instead plan ahead and invest.
Thanks to the Fairtrade premium, social projects and educational facilities can be financed – which is fundamental in the fight against exploitative child labor.
We produce fairly, in every stage of sneaker production. Currently, about 50 permanent factory workers are employed at the production site in Sialkot. They are paid even when production is not taking place – a fixed monthly income is guaranteed.
Our workers receive a wage that is about 20 percent above the state minimum wage in Pakistan. In addition, the Welfare Society receives a premium of 1 US dollar for every pair of Ethletic shoes sold – for healthcare, insurance, and schooling.
Fair working conditions are not tied to a specific location. Ethletic stands by its decision to produce in Pakistan – nothing to hide!
Another aspect is the reduction of emissions: our raw materials do not grow in Europe. The cotton is grown by a Fairtrade smallholder cooperative in Muzaffargarh near Multan – only a few hundred kilometers away from the Ethletic manufacturing site. More on this on our About Us page.
Yes, 100 percent. Neither beeswax for waterproofing, nor a wool lining, nor a glue made from animal meal are an option for us. That is why our products are all "PETA-approved vegan." Furthermore, FSC and Fairtrade-certified agriculture prevents habitats from being destroyed by overexploitation and monoculture.
Shipping & Returns
Delivery times, shipping costs, and everything related to returns.
We currently deliver to many EU countries, Switzerland, and the UK through our online shop.
Germany: €4.90
EU: €10.70
Switzerland: €17.40 (For goods valued between €22 and €150, shipments are duty-free, but not exempt from import sales tax.)
UK: €12.70
If the value of the goods after a return falls below the free shipping threshold, shipping costs will be retroactively charged and deducted from the refund.
Goods can be returned within 30 days of receipt. The costs for returns are borne by the customer.
If you are located outside the EU, please fill out the CN 23 customs form to ensure customs clearance.
Please note the following for returns:
- Please make sure to include the completed return form.
- Do not stick anything to or write on the shoebox – please wrap it in paper (newspaper is best).
- Please only return shoes that have been tested indoors only and are free of signs of wear.
- For the sake of the environment, please refrain from unnecessary returns.
Brands Logistics GmbH
Am Ring 11
19376 Ruhner Berge OT Zachow
We recommend sending returns via insured shipping. Refunds may take up to 2 weeks after receipt of the goods.
We rely heavily on manual labor in our production; unfortunately, mistakes can rarely happen. Please take a few photos of the defects and send them to our customer service at ethletic@brands-fashion.com. We strive to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible.
Shoe Details
Sizes, materials, care, and everything that makes the shoe.
Yes, our shoes are free of harmful substances according to EU standards. We have all models tested annually by a laboratory. Ethletic sneakers are "Reach-compliant," meaning they meet the EU REACH regulation. Furthermore, the organic cotton we use is produced according to the strict guidelines of GOTS – this standard goes far beyond legal requirements for harmful substances.
Ethletic is constantly evolving as a brand. Children's shoes are not yet part of our range, but we know there is a demand for them.
Our sneakers are not (yet) waterproof, which is mainly because we consistently use natural materials. You can see a simple trick for making your sneakers water-repellent in this video.
We advise ordering your normal size – except for the Fair Dancer, which runs a bit small, all models are true to size. The Fair Trainer is a little more spacious in the forefoot area. If you are between two sizes here, we recommend choosing the smaller size.
No, we only offer full shoe sizes. If you are between two sizes, it is best to choose the smaller one first (exception: Fair Dancer – always round up here).
With the necessary care: Yes! We recommend washing sneakers by hand. If you wash shoes in a machine, definitely choose a 30-degree delicate cycle. It makes sense to remove the laces before washing. You can find further washing tips on our care page.
Basically, we distinguish between "Classic" and "Collection" models. Classic sneakers are constantly reproduced and are rarely sold out – if they are, they are usually back in stock within a few weeks.
For collection models, we have a smaller number produced from the start. However, if a model proves to be a bestseller, we react and reorder – delivery time from Pakistan: about six weeks. This is the price we have to pay for more sustainable "slow fashion."
We generally offer our unisex models in sizes 36 to 47. Adding even more "fringe sizes" is currently not possible for us – very few pairs of these sizes are sold, and the effort would not be manageable for a small company like Ethletic.
No, this is not possible. Many interested customers ask because they want to wear orthotic insoles in the shoes. From customer feedback, we know that many get along well by buying a shoe one size larger to accommodate their insoles.
The Fair Flip is a summer shoe – but it is not a true pool slide, as it is made of organic cotton. As a swimming pool or sauna shoe, it is therefore only suitable to a limited extent. On the other hand, it is comfortable, durable, and the ideal companion for hot days.
Collaborations
Working with bloggers, artists, and the community.
You can get a first impression of how we envision a collaboration on our cooperation page. Please send us an email at ethletic@brands-fashion.com with as much information as possible so we can clarify the details.
We are happy to help.
Write to us directly – we will reply as soon as possible.
ethletic@brands-fashion.com