LOPER was born when a bond formed between Japanese creative platform PROEF and Dutch shoe designer Roderick Pieters sometime in 2012. Similar ideas were shared about improving the shoe industry from the inside out and several years later, the handcrafted unisex footwear known as LOPER was born.
The main difference you’ll notice right off the bat is that the shoes use no glue to be assembled. Instead, they’re hand assembled with their innovative rope construction. The uppers are made of smooth, high-grade leather that breathes naturally and is smooth to the touch. It will also conform to your feet over time. A durable, molded rubber outsole houses a thick cushioned EVA midsole for comfort when walking. Each rubber sole is prepped with 44 holes, two starting points, and an integrated stopper, making assembly super easy.
By not using toxic glue, LOPER is hoping to make a difference in the industry by encouraging production responsibility for workers and for businesses. This way, workers are not exposed to harmful glue vapors during assembly. They aslo plan to reduce waste by producing on demand with a Kickstarter campaign so extra shoes aren’t made and then wasted.
They also plan to sell separate parts, like extra rope, to repair your shoes when they become worn out.
LOPER is currently selling two styles, DERBY and MACALON, via their Kickstarter campaign.
