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Casual Brands Clae and Vuori Reunite for Limited-Edition Eco-Friendly Sneakers

Casual brands Clae and Vuori have teamed up again to launch a limited-edition sneaker crafted primarily from vegan and recycled materials.

Following their first collaboration in summer 2023 on the unisex Malone Lite sneaker, the Carlsbad, California-based activewear brand and the Los Angeles footwear label now unveil a new sustainable iteration of Clae’s Deane court shoe.

Inspired by California’s coastal lifestyle and sports like tennis and pickleball, the design embodies sustainability and circularity through eco-conscious materials and a minimalist color palette—offered in all-white and all-black. Brand logos are embossed on the tongue, while Vuori’s motto, “The Rise. The Shine,” is stamped along the side.



Both colorways share identical material specs:


  • Upper: 30% pre-consumer recycled nylon, 20% virgin nylon, and 50% polyurethane.

  • Footbed: 85% recycled polyurethane and 15% virgin polyurethane.

  • Laces: 100% GOTS-certified recycled nylon.

  • Collar and footbed lining: 30% pre-consumer recycled nylon.

  • Footbed base: 100% recycled polyurethane.

  • Outsole: 30% natural rubber.


“The Deane silhouette typically uses premium Italian leather, but for this collaboration, we opted for recycled materials. This aligns with our environmental values and ensures the shoe is fully vegan,” said Jim Bartholet, CEO of Clae.

Since its founding in 2001, Clae has pioneered recycled and next-gen bio-based materials. Last fall, the brand debuted two styles using GrapeSkin—a plant-based leather alternative made from wine industry waste like grapevines, skins, and seeds—developed by Vegea. In 2022, Clae released sneakers crafted with “apple leather” from Italian innovator Mabel Industries, derived from apple cores and peels. The brand has also partnered with Mexican material startup Desserto on cactus-based leather alternatives.



“We haven’t abandoned leather entirely, but when we use it, we source only from Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified or premium Italian tanneries. This commitment ensures sustainable and responsible practices,” Bartholet added.

On selecting the Deane for this collaboration, he explained: “Since its debut in Fall/Winter 2020, the Deane has been a standout. After extensive experimentation to find the perfect style for Vuori, we landed first on the Malone Lite and now the Deane.”


“The Deane sneaker epitomizes the minimalist versatility both brands champion. This partnership reflects our shared vision for durable, low-impact products,” Bartholet concluded.


CARBON4’s Perspective


The Clae x Vuori collaboration underscores the boundless potential of sustainable fashion. The new Deane sneaker merges timeless design with high percentages of recycled and eco-friendly materials, striking a balance between style and sustainability. The shift to vegan materials not only aligns with the brands’ green ethos but also empowers consumers to make responsible choices. As more brands embrace circular economy principles, footwear that blends aesthetics with environmental consciousness is poised to define future trends.

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