In the world of fashion, more and more brands are stepping up to adopt sustainable and eco-conscious practices. One rising star in this space is Saye Shoes, a Barcelona-based company specializing in vintage-inspired vegan sneakers and clothing.
Founded in 2018 by Marta Llaquet, Elizabeth Sabin, and Damian Augustyniak, Saye (formerly called WADO) started with a successful Kickstarter campaign that funded their initial production run of 7,000 pairs of shoes. Despite the founders having no prior fashion experience, their collective backgrounds in business, marketing and entrepreneurship allowed them to create a brand built on style, sustainability and social impact.
Saye‘s mission is clear – to provide customers with eco-friendly shoes and apparel that will remain wardrobe staples for years to come, while also supporting ethical manufacturing and fighting deforestation. For every pair of shoes sold, Saye plants two trees, making a direct positive impact on the environment.
With nearly 150,000 followers on Instagram and features in major publications like Vogue, Time, and Glamour, it‘s safe to say that Saye Shoes is making waves in the sustainable fashion world. But do their sneakers live up to the hype? Read on for my honest Saye Shoes review, covering everything from best-selling styles to materials, quality, customer feedback, and more.
Eco-Friendly Materials & Ethical Manufacturing
One of the key things that sets Saye apart from traditional sneaker brands is their commitment to using sustainable, bio-based materials in all of their shoes and clothing. All of their sneakers are 100% vegan, made from innovative materials like recycled plastic, organic cotton, cactus, corn and mango-based leathers.
The recycled plastic used in the shoes comes from discarded bottles and ocean plastic, while the cactus and corn leathers are made using waste from food production that would normally end up in landfills. Even the dyes used are non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Beyond the materials, Saye also ensures ethical conditions for the skilled artisans who make their products. Their workshop in Portugal is certified by the European Commission on social responsibility, providing fair wages, safe working environments, and opportunities for growth to the local community.
Saye also operates on an on-demand manufacturing model, meaning they only produce what is ordered to minimize waste from overproduction. All products are shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging. From start to finish, sustainability is embedded into every aspect of Saye‘s workflow.
Top Sneaker Styles to Shop
Now that we‘ve covered how Saye Shoes are made, let‘s dive into some of their most popular sneaker styles. Each pair is consciously crafted with both the planet and your wardrobe in mind. These versatile designs easily mesh with a variety of outfits, from jeans and tees to skirts and dresses.
Modelo ‘89 Vegan
The Modelo ‘89 Vegan is Saye‘s signature style, a retro-inspired low-top that pays homage to classic sneaker silhouettes. Made from 100% vegan corn leather and organic cotton lining, these sneakers come in a range of colors including classic white, olive green, and earthy terracotta.
The outsoles are made from 45% natural rubber and 30% from recycled materials for a durable yet eco-friendly foundation. With a removable insole made from recycled PU foam, these shoes provide both comfort and support. At $192 a pair, you‘re investing in a timeless, sustainably-made sneaker you can feel good about wearing.
Modelo ‘89 Vegan Mango & Cactus
For a unique twist on the Modelo ‘89, check out the limited-edition Mango and Cactus versions. These sneakers maintain the same retro style but swap the corn leather for leathers made from repurposed mango and cactus waste.
The cactus leather has a soft, buttery texture and comes in a beautiful sage green, while the mango leather has a slightly textured finish in a rich caramel brown. Both make for eye-catching additions to any sneaker collection and retail for $200.
Modelo ‘89 Vegan Hi
Love the vintage look of high tops? Saye‘s got you with the Modelo ‘89 Vegan Hi. Featuring the same vegan corn leather and organic cotton as the low version but with the added ankle support of a high top silhouette.
The Hi comes in classic white, olive green, and a deep burgundy called Garnet. Subtle color blocking on the soles and laces add fashionable flair. At $188, these sneakers offer an elevated twist on Saye‘s classic design.
Sizing, Fit & Feel
Now that we‘ve covered the top styles, let‘s talk sizing and fit. Saye Shoes run true to size for most customers, although some recommend sizing up a half size if you have wider feet or plan to wear thick socks. The brand offers sizes EU 36-48 (US women‘s 5 to men‘s 14).
In terms of comfort, Saye sneakers deliver. The insoles are cushioned with soft recycled foam to provide all-day support, and the vegan leathers are supple and flexible, molding to your feet over time.
While vegan leather can sometimes feel stiff, most Saye reviews rave about how comfortable the shoes are right out of the box. Many people can walk miles in them with no break-in period and minimal rubbing or blistering.
Keep in mind that the sneakers are not fully waterproof, so you‘ll want to avoid wearing them in heavy rain or snow. Saye recommends spot cleaning the shoes with a damp cloth rather than throwing them in the washing machine.
Customer Reviews & Feedback
So what are actual Saye Shoes customers saying about the brand? With a 4.3 star rating on Trustpilot and hundreds of glowing reviews, it‘s clear that Saye has earned a cult following of eco-conscious sneakerheads.
Many reviews praise the high-quality construction and attention to detail of the shoes, noting that they look and feel more expensive than the price would suggest. Customers also appreciate the sustainable materials and brand ethics, feeling good about supporting a company that gives back.
Negative reviews are few and far between, but some people mention issues with slower-than-expected shipping times and difficulties reaching customer service. However, Saye representatives appear to respond to each complaint with solutions or apologies.
A few customers note that lighter colored shoes can show dirt and scuffs easily, but that they clean up well with a quick wipe. Others wish for more half sizes for a custom fit. But overall, the vast majority of Saye Shoes reviews are positive, with customers eager to purchase more styles and colors.
Prices & Where to Buy
Saye Shoes typically range in price from $176 to $200 per pair, placing them in the mid-tier range for sneakers. While not cheap, the prices reflect the high-quality, sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices.
You can buy Saye Shoes directly from their website at sayebrand.com. The brand offers worldwide shipping, with free shipping on orders over $110. Customers in the US can expect their orders to arrive within 3-5 business days.
Saye often runs promotions for 10-20% off your first order when you sign up for their email list. They also have occasional seasonal sales, so be on the lookout for additional savings a few times per year.
Shipping, Returns & Customer Service
Saye Shoes offers free shipping within Europe on orders over €60 (about $70 USD) and free worldwide shipping on orders over $110. Shipping times vary by location but typically take 2-3 business days within Europe and 3-5 business days for international orders.
If you need to return or exchange your shoes, Saye offers a generous 45-day return policy for unworn items in their original packaging. You can initiate a return or exchange on their website for a pre-paid shipping label.
Exchanges for a different size or style are always free, and refunds are subject to a small shipping fee deducted from the refund total. Refunds are processed within 14 days of Saye receiving the returned items.
In terms of customer service, you can reach the Saye team via email at [email protected], with a typical response time of 1-2 business days. The team is friendly and quick to resolve any issues or answer questions about the products, shipping, or returns.
Pros & Cons
To summarize, here are the main pros and cons of Saye Shoes based on my research and experience:
Pros:
- Eco-friendly, sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices
- Stylish, vintage-inspired sneaker designs with a modern twist
- High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
- Comfortable fit with minimal break-in period
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Gives back by planting 2 trees for every pair sold
- Offers worldwide shipping
- Generous 45-day return policy
- Frequent promotions and discounts
Cons:
- Pricier than some other sneaker brands
- Limited half sizes available
- Light colors can show dirt easily
- Some shipping delays and inconsistent customer service experiences
- Not fully waterproof
The Verdict: Are Saye Shoes Worth It?
After thoroughly researching and testing Saye Shoes for this review, I can confidently say that yes, these eco-friendly sneakers are worth the investment for anyone looking to add a sustainable statement piece to their wardrobe.
The quality and craftsmanship of the shoes are outstanding, and the fact that they‘re made from recycled and bio-based materials is a huge plus. Saye‘s commitment to ethical manufacturing and reforestation initiatives also sets them apart from greenwashing brands that fail to practice what they preach.
While the $175-$200 price point may be a splurge for some, I believe the cost per wear of these timeless sneakers makes them a smart buy. The Modelo ‘89 design is versatile enough to pair with everything from jeans to dresses, and the construction is durable enough to last for years.
I also appreciate the little details Saye includes, like the metal lace tips and embossed logos, which make the shoes feel extra special and luxe. The comfortable, cushioned insoles are also a dream for all-day wear.
My only complaint is that I wish the lighter colors were slightly more stain-resistant for easier cleaning. But overall, I‘m very impressed with my Saye Shoes and will be adding a few more colors to my collection ASAP.
If you‘re on the fence, I recommend starting with a classic pair like the Modelo ‘89 Vegan in white or green. Saye has a great return policy, so you can always exchange them if the fit isn‘t perfect. But I have a feeling you‘ll fall in love with these gorgeous, sustainable sneakers just like I and countless other customers have.
