Vivobarefoot Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Bring Barefoot SAN-dals to U.S.
Global Leader in Barefoot Technology to Offer Traditional Handmade Bushman Sandals, Bring Awareness to Original Human Movement; Funds to Support Namibian Community
LOS ANGELES, May 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivobarefoot, a leading global producer of barefoot shoes, announced today the launch of its Kickstarter campaign for the handmade original bushman SAN-dals. The 30-day campaign is set to raise $100,000 to produce a limited edition of SAN-dals in Namibia, in an effort to help revive the ancient bushman craft, support the local community and bring traditional bushman sandals to the U.S. and global consumers. Kickstarter pledge levels range from $15 to $7,200, with all profits to be reinvested back into the local Namibian community to maintain the village, purchase staple foods, and create a famine fund for drought years.
Vivobarefoot was launched as a stand-alone brand in 2012 by seventh generation shoemakers Galahad and Asher Clark on the premise of making shoes that allow feet to do their natural thing—the way they've done for tens of thousands of years. Since its launch, the UK-based Vivobarefoot has become a pioneer in the barefoot shoe movement. In its efforts to continuously deliver the best-possible products, Vivobarefoot traveled deep into the Kalahari Desert—home to the remaining San people—to spend time with one of the oldest cultures on Earth and some of the last persistence hunters.
Looking to bring their wisdom back to modern feet and help revive the ancient art of sandal making, Vivobarefoot partnered with Ju/'Hoansi community in Namibia to create handmade bushman SAN-dals, which will be produced in the community and sold in limited quantity via the Kickstarter campaign. Made with ethically-sourced eland skin, one of the thickest and most durable leathers in Africa, the SAN-dals are extremely durable and were originally designed to protect from the burning hot sand and sharp thorns. The edges are hand-sewn and sealed with natural beeswax and the embossed animal footprint on the sole gives the shoe extra grip, abrasion resistance, and unique personality to each pair.
"The human foot has all the technology needed to survive and thrive," said Galahad Clark, Founder and MD of Vivobarefoot. "Vivobarefoot embraces the ancient wisdom that humans are meant to move barefoot, while applying modern technology to create innovative and truly revolutionary footwear. With the design and barefoot technology behind the SAN-dals complete, we're turning to the Kickstarter community to help create a sustainable grassroots enterprise where the profits will be invested directly back into the local community in Namibia."
A small number of sandals have been made as part of the first batch and are now being worn by locals in the Nyea Nyea conservation area of North West Namibia. SAN-dal preorders start at $150, offering early backers the opportunity to be one of the first to own the original handmade sandals. Other price levels include embellished sandals, jewelry and more. The $5,000 level of investment, for instance, offers a six-day adventure in the wildest parts of Namibia—a chance to walk in the ancient footsteps of the San in the original home of the SAN-dal and learn their distinct survival skills.
The finished product will begin shipping in June 2016.
To learn more and to back the project, visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vivobarefoot/1153247188?token=395108c4
About Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot make the best barefoot shoes in the world: launched in 2012* as a standalone brand, and based in London, England.
Vivobarefoot is on a mission to change the footwear industry based on one simple insight—shoes should let your feet do their natural thing. The shoes feature a patented, ultra-thin, puncture-resistant sole in every shoe that protects the foot and allows maximum sensory feedback. Designed using ancient wisdom with modern technology Vivobarefoot is a complete shoe collection for off road, exercise and everyday wear, as well as a line for kids.
Created by two cousins from a long line of cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark are on a quest to make the perfect shoe—perfect for feet.
Vivobarefoot footwear is produced sustainably using recycled, locally sourced materials in independently monitored factories. For more information on Vivobarefoot, visit http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us.
*Vivobarefoot started life in 2004 as a sub-brand "Terra Plana using Vivobarefoot technology."
SOURCE Vivobarefoot
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