Indosole
The journey of Indosole began with a serendipitous incident when founder Kyle Parson found himself barefoot in Seminyak during his Bali trip in 2004, after his sandals broke. Ingeniously, Kyle fashioned a new pair of sandals using old tyres. Little did he know that this experience would ignite his passion and lead to the birth of Indosole, a brand renowned for its fusion of innovation, creativity, and commitment to environmental responsibility.
Crafted from 40% Recycled Tyre, 30% Natural Rubber, and 30% New Material, Indosoles epitomize sustainability. Leveraging innovative SETT Sole Engineered Tyre Technology, they transform recycled tyres into powder, enabling the creation of each new pair of Indosoles. This process ensures that their footwear not only delivers on quality and comfort but also contributes to environmental preservation by repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Collaborating with talented artisans in Indonesia allowed Indosole to refine their product and master the intricate art of working with tyres, a journey marked by both failures and triumphs. In 2014, Indosole became a registered B Corporation, further solidifying their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Between 2017 and 2021, Indosole experienced a surge in demand, prompting a reevaluation of their processes with a renewed focus on scalability and environmental impact. Their goal was to utilize 100% of each tyre in the creation of what they called "The Perfect Sandal". This endeavor entailed two years of intensive effort, during which they re-engineered their SETT tyre process and developed the ESSNTLS sandal line. The result is a sandal that not only meets economic feasibility but also champions environmental friendliness, with all sourcing and manufacturing taking place in Indonesia.
“Working with recycled tyre rubber presents numerous rewards in the realm of recycling. This durable material can be shredded and repurposed into a wide range of new products, making it ideal for companies like Indosole that prioritize sustainability. The necessity of working with recycled materials fosters creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of product development and inspiring the creation of remarkable items” – Indosole.
As of 2022, Indosole has expanded its distribution to over 30 countries worldwide and continues to grow in Southeast Asia. With three shops in Bali and headquarters in Canggu, they strive to inspire people to engage more deeply with environmentalism, all while making it an enjoyable experience.
In Indonesia alone, 60% of discarded tyres are collected by factories, only to be burned. Indosole has taken up the challenge of addressing this issue, recognizing that every tyre has a unique story waiting to be continued from a different perspective. By recycling these virtually indestructible tyres and transforming them into durable soles, Indosole offers some of the longest-lasting footwear options available. Their vision is to become the world's most responsible footwear company, producing high-quality, eco-friendly footwear for travel, adventure, and lifestyle.
The creation process at Indosole follows a timeline from inception to the final product. Officially launched in 2009, Indosole sandals were handcrafted with care, utilizing an organic process that involved repurposing motorbike tyres as soles, all within Bali itself. By localizing the supply chain, Indosole achieved the lowest possible carbon footprint. In 2010, Deus Ex Machina became Indosole’s first local retail partner, and over the years, they meticulously handcrafted 10,000-15,000 pairs of sandals annually. Imperfections were embraced as part of the brand’s charm.
