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VYN: sneakers crafted to last

Last updated: Apr 14, 2023

Summary

VYN was founded in 2019 by Swiss designers Catherine Meuter and Stefan Mathys. They designed and engineered the vulnerable parts of sneakers in a new way so that customers can change them themselves, extending sneakers' lifetimes. The sneakers have unique personal style features. This unique eco-innovation is paired with timeless design, quality materials and craftsmanship with the idea that customers can love their VYNs for longer.

Problem

Sneakers have high socioeconomic and environmental impacts, both in terms of their manufacturing and product disposal at end-of-use. For example, 24 billion pairs of shoes are produced every year and over 90% end up in landfills after a short linear use cycle. In addition, production costs for sneakers are increasing, and consumers are being asked to pay more, while accepting lower quality and even less longevity in their sneakers. Sneakers are made of over 40 components and are largely unrepairable, as these parts cannot be easily removed or replaced.

Solution

VYN changes this: through their circular system of wear, care, repair and customer engagement, sneakers' lifetimes are extended, drastically reducing waste. The most vulnerable parts of a sneaker are the outsole heel and the heel counter which can be both replaced in less than a minute, in only five steps. In addition, taking better care of the sneakers also enables customers to wear them for longer in just four simple steps.

Outcome

VYN sneakers allow customers to enjoy more durable, affordable and personalised shoes. Moreover, the VYN Sneakers are hand-crafted by Italian artisans to guarantee the highest quality and fair labour practices, and to keep the company's CO2 footprint low.