thies

thies is a family-owned business rooted in a heritage of craftsmanship that spans back to the 19^th century. The brand ensures fair wages through its close-knit supplier network based solely within the EU, including Germany, Austria, Spain and Portugal. Sebastian Thies, a sixth-generation shoe designer, leads the company, working collaboratively with his wife and brother. The production facilities are certified as SA 8000 and ISO 9001, ensuring social welfare, quality control, and risk management

thies is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, integrating sustainable practices across every facet of its operations to minimise its ecological footprint significantly. The company harnesses the power of innovative materials by utilising recycled and upcycled inputs such as EVA for its beach collection, reclaimed ocean plastic, recycled cotton, recycled laces, recycled wool, cork, bamboo and sugar cane. In addition, GOTS-certified cotton, non-food corn, vegetable-tanned, and LWG-certified (which one) leather are used. Furthermore, GRS-certified PET bottles are downcycled into footwear. These diverse materials are transformed into high-quality footwear that is often recyclable, although not all shoe models are. Furthermore, their shoes are eco-impregnated against dirt and water.

The brand’s focus on upcycled and recyclable fabrics reduces waste and lessens reliance on virgin resources, showcasing thies’ commitment to zero waste and resource efficiency. In addition to material innovation, thies prioritises energy efficiency throughout its manufacturing processes. The production facilities in Spain, Austria, Germany, and Portugal, as well as their office, storage facility and own store, are carefully selected for their environmental standards, ensuring they operate on renewable energy sources wherever possible. (waiting for confirmation)

Moreover, thies extends its eco-conscious approach to its packaging solutions. All packaging materials, including shoe boxes, tissue paper, and shipping cartons, are made from recycled content and are fully recyclable, supporting the brand’s zero-waste philosophy. The flyers and hangtags are FSC-certified and manufactured within Germany. Through careful planning, the brand avoids overproduction, eliminating the need for sales or discounts.

thies has also implemented climate-neutral shipping methods through its logistics collaborators, offsetting carbon emissions.

Striving for circular processes through material innovation and a streamlined, vertically-integrated production process, thies aims to create shoes designed for longevity and recyclability. The brand’s pioneering use of interchangeable parts and materials that can be recycled or upcycled reflects its commitment to reducing environmental impact. The removable footbeds and their recycled EVA or virgin EVA soles are also fully recyclable, in addition to their vegetable-tanned leather, felt and sheep-hide slippers and GOTS-certified cotton sneakers. This circular approach not only extends the life of each product but also significantly decreases the ecological footprint of their production processes. The brand has not implemented a take-back programme or a repair service.

thies is committed to maintaining a transparent and ethical supply chain that exemplifies the brand’s dedication to fairness and integrity from sourcing to sales. Each step is personally managed to ensure ethical practices are upheld. The brand collaborates closely with trusted manufacturing partners in Spain, Austria, Germany, and Portugal. These factories are not only chosen for their craftsmanship and quality but also for their commitment to upholding high labour standards, including fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions.

thies actively participates in regular audits and visits to these facilities to ensure compliance with EU standards. This hands-on approach allows thies to maintain a close relationship with its suppliers, ensuring that all parties share the same values and commitment to ethical production. By collaborating with shoe manufacturers in the distinguished Spanish city of Elche, where shoemaking has been a century-long tradition, thies directly contributes to uplifting cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship.

Furthermore, by keeping the supply chain short, local, and streamlined, thies enhances its agility and control over production processes while ensuring short distances between raw materials and assembly. Minimising the travel required between different stages of the production process, thies reduces its carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable business model.

thies is dedicated to animal welfare, producing an extensive range of footwear that carries the PETA-approved vegan certification. Their famous felt slippers are made with RWS and GOTS- certified or recycled wool, with a small collection honouring rare alpine breeds and supporting small-scale, alpine sheepherders. Their sheepskin slippers are certified organic, originating from responsibly farmed adult sheep.

thies epitomises slow fashion principles by focusing on quality, longevity, ethical production and timeless design. The brand avoids fast fashion trends such as flashy colours, instead creating timeless designs crafted from durable, certified materials that withstand the test of time and are often repairable or partially replaceable. This approach enhances the value offered to consumers and aligns with the brand’s sustainability goals, reducing waste and promoting more thoughtful footwear consumption.

thies operates with an exemplary high level of transparency, openly sharing details about its entire manufacturing processes, from the materials used and their origins to their manufacturing processes. The brand has also preserved and communicated its rich heritage by digitalising historical family documents and photos. This transparency and storytelling builds trust and loyalty among customers, who appreciate understanding the impact of their purchases on the environment and society.

Additionally, thies extends its commitment to transparency by providing consumers with detailed information about the sourcing and production of their shoes via its detailed website. This openness builds trust and strengthens relationships with customers who value ethical and sustainable practices. By aligning traditional craftsmanship with modern ethical standards, thies set a high standard for responsibility in the fashion industry, proving that beautiful footwear can be made ethically and more sustainably.