thies

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Spain 
• Austria
• Germany
• Portugal

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

thies is a family-owned business rooted in a heritage of craftsmanship that spans back to the 19^th century. Sebastian Thies, a sixth-generation shoe designer, leads the company, working collaboratively with his wife and brother.

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 a select group of trusted manufacturing partners based solely within the EU. 

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. The production facilities are also SA 8000 and ISO 9001 certified, ensuring social welfare, quality control and risk management.

thies actively participates in regular audits 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.

MATERIALS 

• EVA
• Recycled cotton 
• GOTS-certified cotton 
• Recycled wool 
• Recycled cork
• Bamboo
• Sugar cane 
• Recycled polyester 
• Suede 
• Leather 
• Rubber
• Recycled rubber 
• Recycled corn 
• Plant-based plastic 
• Vegan suede 

For the main body of their shoes, thies uses mostly natural materials, such as cotton, bamboo, wool, and leather. thies uses a plant-based plastic material for their beach sandals. They state that this innovative material is recyclable, petroleum free, and made from the cellulose of pine, spruce, and birch. thies does not clarify what their vegan suede alternative is made from. 

Where recycled polyester is used, thies states that it is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified. This verifies that the material is actually recycled, and ensures responsible social and environmental practices. 

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) is used for the soles of some of thies’ shoes, and thies states that it is recyclable. Other soles are rubber, which thies also states is recyclable, or even cork; both natural, plant-based materials. 

PACKAGING 

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. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

thies uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton for some of their shoes. Organic cotton is produced without harmful chemicals or pesticides, and requires less water to grow than conventional cotton. What’s more, as thies uses recycled polyester made from PET bottles, and a plant-based plastic alternative, they have reduced their reliance on petrochemicals. 

Recycled polyester is not the perfect sustainable material. It contributes to microplastic pollution, and may be difficult to recycle at the end of its lifespan. However, as these shoes are less likely to be washed, the potential for microplastic pollution is greatly reduced. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

thies aims to create shoes that are both designed for longevity and can be recycled. The brand’s pioneering use of interchangeable parts and materials that can be recycled or upcycled reflects its commitment to reducing environmental impact. 

thies states that the removable footbeds and their recycled EVA or virgin EVA soles are fully recyclable. Their vegetable-tanned leather, felt and sheep-hide slippers, and cotton sneakers are recyclable too. This circular approach not only extends the life of each product, but also significantly decreases the ecological footprint of their production processes.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

thies has not implemented a take-back programme or repair service. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations:

• Spain 
• Austria 
• Germany 
• Portugal

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.

thies headquarters are located in Germany. The brand offers worldwide shipping.

TRANSPORTATION 

By minimising the travel required between different stages of the production process, thies reduces its carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable business model.

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

• Wool 
• Leather

thies is dedicated to animal welfare, and has an extensive range of footwear that carries the PETA-approved vegan certification. 

Their famous felt slippers are made with Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified or recycled wool. The RWS outlines criteria for wool farms centred on animal welfare, while organic farming ensures that the sheep are fed with organic feed and have more spacious living conditions. 

thies also has a small collection honouring rare alpine breeds and supporting small-scale, alpine sheep-herders. 

thies states that their sheepskin products are made with Grade A leather from RWS certified hides that come from adult sheep raised in a species-appropriate manner. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

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 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.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Through careful planning, the brand avoids overproduction, eliminating the need for sales or discounts. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

thies provides detailed product pages, so you’ll be sure to know what materials your specific purchase was made from, and where it was produced. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

thies operates with an exemplary high level of transparency, openly sharing details about its entire manufacturing processes, from the sourcing of their materials, to the production, and the origin of 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. 

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.