As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fashion, brands that prioritize sustainability without sacrificing quality continue to gain attention. Among these brands, Indosole has established itself as one of the pioneers in eco-friendly footwear. Founded in Bali, Indonesia, the company has built its reputation by transforming discarded vehicle tires into durable sandal soles while combining them with responsibly sourced natural materials. Since its launch in 2009, Indosole has remained committed to reducing landfill waste, promoting ethical manufacturing, and creating stylish footwear for environmentally conscious consumers.
This review explores Indosole's product quality, sustainability initiatives, design philosophy, pricing, advantages, disadvantages, and whether its footwear is worth purchasing in 2026.
Indosole was inspired by a simple yet innovative idea. During a visit to Bali, founder Kyle Parsons discovered handmade sandals crafted from recycled tires. Recognizing the enormous global problem of discarded tires—which can remain in landfills for centuries—he developed a vision to transform waste into high-quality footwear.
Today, Indosole operates as a certified B Corporation and a member of 1% for the Planet, reflecting its commitment to responsible environmental and social practices. The company continues investing in circular manufacturing while supporting Indonesian artisans and ethical production methods.
Indosole primarily specializes in:
Flip Flops
Slides
Cross Sandals
Platform Sandals
Lifestyle Footwear
Accessories
Their collections are designed for both men and women, offering minimalist aesthetics suitable for everyday wear, beach vacations, casual travel, and outdoor lifestyles.
Rather than releasing countless fashion collections each year, Indosole focuses on timeless designs intended to remain useful for many seasons.
What truly differentiates Indosole from many footwear brands is its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Each sandal incorporates a carefully engineered sole consisting of approximately:
40% recycled tire rubber
30% natural rubber
30% new materials
This proprietary manufacturing process, known as SETT (Sole Engineered Tire Technology), delivers durability while significantly reducing landfill waste. The company reports diverting thousands of discarded tires from landfills while continuously expanding its recycling initiatives to include additional waste materials.
Beyond recycled tires, Indosole also emphasizes:
Natural rubber
Low-impact dyes
Vegan materials
Environmentally responsible packaging
Ethical labor practices
Rather than treating sustainability as a marketing slogan, transparency remains a central part of the company's identity.
Indosole footwear follows a minimalist design philosophy inspired by Bali's relaxed lifestyle.
Popular design features include:
Neutral earth-tone colors
Modern silhouettes
Lightweight construction
Comfortable footbeds
Versatile styling
These sandals pair well with:
Shorts
Linen pants
Swimwear
Summer dresses
Casual everyday clothing
Their understated appearance makes them suitable for both urban environments and tropical destinations.
Comfort is one of Indosole's strongest selling points.
Several features contribute to the wearing experience:
The contoured footbed provides natural arch support, improving comfort during extended walking.
Natural rubber delivers noticeable softness while maintaining flexibility.
Despite incorporating recycled tire material, the sandals remain surprisingly lightweight.
Because of their materials, Indosole sandals perform well around:
Beaches
Pools
Rainy conditions
Outdoor adventures
Many customers appreciate that the sandals dry quickly and resist bacterial buildup.
Durability has always been one of Indosole's strongest advantages.
The recycled tire outsole offers:
Excellent grip
Long-lasting traction
Strong abrasion resistance
Reliable performance on multiple surfaces
Unlike inexpensive foam sandals that flatten after months of use, Indosole footwear is designed to maintain structural integrity over years of regular wear.
The stitching, straps, and finishing generally reflect careful craftsmanship produced by experienced Indonesian artisans.
Modern consumers increasingly value ethical supply chains.
Indosole supports responsible manufacturing by emphasizing:
Fair labor practices
Local artisan partnerships
Transparent production
Responsible sourcing
Reduced environmental impact
As a certified B Corporation, the company undergoes independent assessments of its social and environmental performance rather than relying solely on self-reported sustainability claims.
One of Indosole's greatest achievements is transforming a difficult waste stream into functional products.
Discarded tires present significant environmental challenges because they:
Decompose extremely slowly
Occupy valuable landfill space
Release pollutants when burned
Create mosquito breeding grounds in some regions
By repurposing these tires into footwear, Indosole contributes to a more circular economy while reducing demand for virgin materials.
Indosole products generally fall within the premium sandal category.
Although prices exceed those of mass-market flip-flops, buyers receive:
Sustainable materials
Better durability
Ethical production
Comfortable construction
Premium craftsmanship
Considering their lifespan, many consumers may find the higher initial investment worthwhile.
Excellent sustainability mission
Innovative recycled tire technology
Stylish minimalist designs
Comfortable ergonomic footbeds
Durable outsole
Vegan-friendly materials
Certified B Corporation
Ethical manufacturing
Water-resistant construction
Suitable for travel and everyday use
Indosole is an excellent choice for:
Eco-conscious shoppers
Travelers
Beach enthusiasts
Outdoor lifestyle lovers
Minimalist fashion fans
Consumers seeking durable casual sandals
Buyers interested in ethical brands
Those looking for inexpensive seasonal footwear may prefer budget alternatives, while environmentally conscious consumers will likely appreciate the long-term value.
Beyond product quality, Indosole has developed a reputation for communicating its sustainability efforts transparently. The company openly explains its materials, manufacturing processes, and partnerships, allowing customers to understand how each purchase contributes to reducing waste and supporting responsible production.
Indosole successfully combines sustainability, functionality, and modern design into footwear that stands apart from conventional sandals. Its innovative use of recycled tire rubber, commitment to ethical manufacturing, and focus on long-lasting construction demonstrate that environmentally responsible products can also be comfortable and stylish.
While the premium pricing may not suit every budget, the quality of materials, durability, and positive environmental impact help justify the investment. For consumers seeking footwear that aligns with both practical needs and sustainable values, Indosole remains one of the strongest options available in 2026.
Pros: Outstanding sustainability, durable construction, excellent comfort, ethical production, stylish minimalist design.
If your goal is to purchase sandals that are comfortable, responsibly manufactured, and built to last while helping reduce environmental waste, Indosole is highly recommended.
Waste tire sit in stockyards, illegal dumping sites, and even rivers. In tropical countries tires can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which lead to nasty diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Due to their structure, tires take thousands of years to decompose. So technically the first tire ever made is still out there somewhere.
In developing countries tires are used as a cheap alternative for fuel. This along with tires that catch fire due to lighting storms, result in toxic oils and fumes that are harmful for human health. We need to act fast.
As they're almost impossible to decompose, they're being burned as a cheap alternative to fuel.
Using our SETT Sole Engineered Tire Technology, we turn these recycled tires into powder.
Made from 40% Recycled Tire, 30% Natural Rubber and 30% New Material.