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Swamisz

THE DESIGN

Design doesn’t come any fresher. From the classically beautiful sole shape to the licorice support-strap, from the unique toe-plug to the geometric logo top sole pattern, SWAMISZ boldly redefine flip-flop style.

The SWAMISZ design is based on an ancient Yoga shoe from India called the ‘Paduka’. The ‘Paduka’ dates back over 5000 years, and is one of the earliest forms of footwear in all of human history. ‘Paduka’ are said to be worn by the Gods. You can say they are a timeless design classic. ‘Paduka’ are traditionally worn during ceremonies by India’s Swamis; respected, enlightened masters of self- realization (holy men and women). Many Swamis walk barefoot most of the time. They often walk hundreds of kilometres on pilgrimage. Naturally, feet get sore with this much walking. Some Swamis found out about SWAMISZ. They got in touch and asked if they could have some made in orange to match their robes. Many Indian Swamis now walk a little easier in their Swami Orange SWAMISZ. They say wearing SWAMISZ is as close to walking barefoot as you can get.

By comparison, regular thongs or flip-flops are based on a 1000+ year-old Japanese wooden shoe design, the ‘Geta’.

Unlike flip-flops, SWAMISZ do not flip-flop when you walk. This enables your toes to be relaxed and free rather than holding on as you do with normal flip-flops. SWAMISZ do away with the annoying flip-flop noise too. You can even run backwards in a pair if SWAMISZ… try doing that in a pair of flip-flops. SWAMISZ are also “double pluggers” and have superior grip.

NATURAL RUBBER, SWAMISZ & THE ENVIRONMENT?

SWAMISZ are made using natural rubber. This means that the latex is produced from the rubber sap from rubber trees. To make more natural rubber your need to plants more trees, which is always a good thing as trees absorb atmospheric CO2. This helps offset CO2 released during the manufacturing process.

The rubber trees live to around 25 years and once they have reached the end of their rubber-producing life the remaining rubber sap is extracted from the wood, which is much sought-after to make high quality wooden furniture. None of the rubber tree is wasted.

SWAMISZ are produced using high-grade natural rubber made directly from the cured sap. This ensures that SWAMISZ footwear is durable and long lasting, experiencing no perishing or wearing of the sole around the plugs. The off-cuts are shaved down and recycled to make lower grade natural rubber products such as lower grade flip-flops and rubber bands. SWAMISZ are packaged in reusable cotton stencilled tote bags to eliminate throwaway packaging. SWAMISZ swing tags are 100% recycled content cardboard.

SWAMISZ PRODUCTION

Rubber trees only grow in humid and moist climates. SWAMISZ rubber is sustainably farmed in Southern India where the conditions are fabulous for growing high quality rubber. Our partners, who grow the rubber for SWAMISZ as well as manufacture and collaborate in the design process, are a family business and have skilfully farmed the rubber and produced footwear for three generations. SWAMISZ are manufactured with ethical workplace practices. Staff wages are 30%+ above minimum wage. Staff are paid overtime and receive no-interest loans from their employer so they can afford some of life’s bigger expenses such as weddings, motorbikes, housing etc. Job satisfaction and security is good. Many staff have worked in the company for their whole lives and now their adult children work in the company too.

Swamisz is an Australian company.

Embark on your pilgrimage with Swamisz!


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