How Eucalyptus wood becomes a super-soft, sustainable sneaker

Wood that feels as soft as silk? It might sound hard to believe, but the super-soft material that we use in our new Wood Sneakers is actually created out of Eucalyptus wood. Here, we’ll explain what makes this material so unique and how it’s produced.

The Production Process: Eucalyptus wood becomes a fiber

The material for our new Wood Sneakers is made out of cellulose from the fast-growing Eucalyptus tree, which means that it’s a regenerated fiber. To help explain, we’ve put together a quick run-through of how our innovative production process works: 

This highly modern, physical manufacturing technique allows for a 99.7% closed production cycle. The solvent used in the process is environmentally friendly, and is also easily washed out of the fibers and then reused in further production processes. Yet another plus: Eucalyptus fibers are biodegradable and compostable.

Environmentally friendly and sustainable

When producing these extra-soft Eucalyptus fibers, the wood is exclusively sourced from controlled, sustainable forests. These forests grow in areas which cannot be used for agriculture, which means that their growth has no negative impact on food cultivation.  Eucalyptus trees grow very quickly, and thus have no need for additional, artificial watering. In contrast to other crops, Eucalyptus plants are grown entirely without the use of pesticides or other chemicals.

Further down the line in the Eucalyptus fiber’s production process, the fiber continues to stand out because of its resource-saving properties. The energy and water consumption to produce Eucalyptus fibers is significantly lower than that needed to produce cotton—but it yields ten times the amount of fiber!

 

A fiber with exceptional properties

Eucalyptus fibers don’t just score points for sustainability—they also offer unparalleled comfort in the form of our Wood Sneaker. Eucalyptus fibers are exceptional in managing moisture; they absorb around 50% more moisture than cotton does. The small “hairs” in the structure of the Eucalyptus fiber—also known as the ‘fibril’ structure—quickly wick moisture away from the skin. These fibers offer a cooling effect in hot temperatures, and a warming effect in cool temperatures—which means that your skin always stays at a comfortable temperature. Plus, thanks to this excellent moisture regulation, there’s no breeding ground for bacteria: this means that unpleasant odors don't stand a chance. The Eucalyptus fiber has a smooth structure, which gives the material a silk-like feel and makes it extra comfortable on the skin. Furthermore, this material is breathable, durable, long-lasting and hypoallergenic.

The positives of Eucalyptus fibers at a glance:

• Sustainable and biodegradable
• Super-soft
• Moisture-regulating
• Keeps skin at a comfortable temperature
• Anti-bacterial
• Prevents unpleasant odors
• Breathable
• Long-lasting
• Durable

 

The GIESSWEIN Wood Sneaker: The Shoe made of Wood

The unique properties of the Eucalyptus fiber, combined with decades worth of know-how from GIESSWEIN, have resulted in our new Wood Sneaker: a real comfort innovation. Thanks to our 3D Knit Technology, these super-soft wood fibers are turned into a flexible material, which fits each individual foot like a glove. The shoes’ padded Anti-Blister heel section prevents uncomfortable pressure points and blisters. Their clever Advanced-Grip-System—which is made out of extra-light EVA foam—plus the shoes’ treaded natural rubber sole offer even further comfort. A shoe made of wood doesn’t have to be bulky or hard—but don’t take it from us! Try our new Wood Sneaker for yourself and experience wood like you’ve never seen it before.