The name WODEN stands for Works of Denmark. Staying true to our Scandinavian heritage has allowed us to focus on what really matters: creating durable quality sneakers with a simplistic design and a sustainable approach. It’s not just about creating another sneaker. We care to meet and match the demands of women and kids on the go. We do that by focusing on craftsmanship, functionality and that perfect fit. WODEN is designed to last and crafted to be worn all day long.

“Ever since WODEN was just a simple idea and some raw sketches made by hand I have known that the brand would be value driven. Some saw it as an obstacle, but for me it has always been a key motivator.

My journey has had its bumps along the way and after almost two decades in the shoemaking business I know that I can always do better. Today, that approach is the essence of WODEN and I am proud to have shown that it works.”

Founder & CEO Carsten holm

Carbon-neutral fish leather

The fish leather that we use in all WODEN sneakers is a waste product from the Icelandic fishing and food industry. An industry in which only 1% of the skin is actually used, and the rest is destroyed. The fish leather, which comes primarily from salmon skins, is both hard-wearing and sustainable. This is due to the unique cross-fibre structure of the fish leather which makes it up to 9 times stronger than calf leather. The fish leather is treated and tanned in Iceland using gentle and eco-friendly methods aided by Iceland’s natural hot springs.This tanning process produces 0% carbon emissions.

Recycled polyester

WODEN sneakers’ backing consists of 50% recycled polyester from PET bottles. By using everyday waste to create new textiles for our sneakers, we minimize the use of crude oil in the production of new fibres. It also means that our textile production is less energy-consuming.

cork

All our insoles are covered with the characteristic WODEN cork. The cork that we use is harvested in Argentina and Portugal. The bark of a cork tree can be harvested gently every ten years. Since the cork trees are not felled, the bark can be harvested over several hundred years. When the cork trees begin to form new bark, they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. This contributes to a positive reduction in the planet’s CO2 levels. 

Recycled rubber

WODEN’s soles are made of 65% natural rubber, 10% recycled rubber and 25% conventionally produced rubber. The composition ensures elasticity and durability without compromising on support. We work continuously to increase the proportion of recycled rubber even more, but it must never compromise the quality of our sneakers.